Available in Europe from early 2023, the Civic Type R is already setting new benchmarks, recently breaking the front-wheel drive lap record at Suzuka Circuit in Japan. As part of its development, Honda engineers refined every aspect of the new model, including design enhancements that improve aerodynamic performance. Lightweight components and powertrain revisions have created the most responsive and powerful Type R ever.
Developed under the model concept of creating the “Ultimate Sports 2.0,” the new Type R builds on sleek and sporty silhouette of the recently revealed Civic e:HEV. To enhance the sportier look and elevate driving performance, the Type R is noticeably lower and wider in stance. The squat form is enhanced through wheel arches that flare out over lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, shod with bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
During
development, Honda engineers worked to the concept of creating the
“Ultimate Sports Design”: the ultimate expression of a high-performance,
front-engine, front-wheel-drive car. The exterior design now conveys a
sense of unity, with uncluttered details on the front and rear bumpers
as well as beautifully integrated design features such as the rear doors
and arches, which have all been exclusively developed for the Type R
and bring improved aerodynamic benefits.
The large lower grille
of the front bumper maximises airflow to the engine, and works in unison
with the new, subtle bonnet that now features a vent to again maximise
airflow around the front end.
Other design details that help
maximise aerodynamics include the large aperture vents behind the front
wheels and a new, larger rear diffuser that is integrated directly into
the under-floor - itself shaped to work in unison with the bodywork
above.
The dramatic new rear spoiler design further contributes
to downforce generation and has been angled rearward to suppress air
resistance. Supported by new aluminium die-cast mounts, the rear wing
sits lower but wider than the previous model, accentuating the sleek new
roofline and wider stance.
Paint finish choices include the
historic Championship White revered by Honda Type R enthusiasts, in
addition to a solid Rallye Red, as well as Racing Blue, Crystal Black
and Sonic Grey Pearls.
The interior of the new model is dedicated to enhancing the exhilaration of driving and sharpening concentration levels. It maintains the high level of comfort, practicality and refinement found within the all-new Civic e:HEV, elevated by emotive, performance-focused details and features, such as the iconic classic Type R red trim.
The immersive cockpit is designed to support intense driving experiences: the driver sits lower than before, with greater visibility over the lower bonnet, blind spots minimised, and reflective elements reduced. The lightweight front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery offer exceptional support for the driver’s postural structure to provide comfort and manoeuvrability on the track and during long drives.
Drivers
can seamlessly switch between performance settings, with pre-set modes
for the engine, steering, suspension and engine sound. In addition to
Comfort, Sport and +R modes, a new ‘Individual Mode’ has been introduced
to enable customisation of the driving experience.
The powerful
Honda LogR data logger returns in a heavily updated format for this
generation of the Type R, and now combines performance data collected by
in-car sensors with a smartphone app to help drivers monitor and record
a variety of metrics in real-time. Key features include a stopwatch to
record lap times, tyre friction circles that displays the maximum tyre
force the vehicle can achieve, 3D vehicle motion display, and an
innovative scoring function that helps drivers improve their skills on
the track and much more to engage with drivers and encourage safe,
accurate and incrementally faster laps on track.
The
Civic Type R is renowned for its powerful, highly responsive and high
revving engines. The new model builds on the award-winning basis of its
predecessor by evolving the 17YM Type-R’s famed engine even further to
deliver the fastest, most addictive yet secure and rewarding drive in
the model’s history.
Changes are incremental with the revised
turbocharger now featuring a compact housing to improve the overall unit
efficiency. The turbine itself has had both its blade count and shape
optimized to boost power and improve airflow through the turbo. This has
resulted in the strongest VTEC turbocharged engine in the Type R’s
engine.
A revised, high-efficiency exhaust system works in
conjunction with the above to improve the power-to-weight ratio, torque
and top speed of the previous generation Type R and make the 2023 Civic Type R one of the most powerful per litre cars in its class.
Helping
drivers feel connected to their car is an optimised version of the
six-speed manual transmission that helped the previous generation
enamour fans around the world. A revised rev-match system with auto blip
ensures perfectly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the
gears, helping balance the car on corner entry. The high-strength
gearbox has gained a high-rigidity lever and optimized shift gate
pattern for a reassured and hyper-precise gear change.
The
upgraded Brembo braking system retains the two-piece discs from the
previous generation for improved feel and longevity. The new car
features enhanced temperature control and air-cooling through an
upgraded radiator, ensuring sustained, optimal performance during heavy
use. A new triple-exhaust design with enhanced sound modulation enhances
the aural sensation, further strengthening the driver’s connection with
the car.
The all-new Honda Civic Type R will go on sale on next
year, with first deliveries to customers beginning in Europe from early
2023.
