As promised, Honda provided more information about the 2023 Civic Type R. We still haven’t filled out all the data boxes, but at least we can confirm that the new Type R is indeed the most powerful one ever from the factory. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 315 horsepower (235 kilowatts) and 310 pound-feet (420 Newton-meters) of torque.
For the record, that’s a 9 hp and 15 lb-ft increase over the previous-generation Type R and K20C1 engines, which are largely unchanged in the new model. It’s not a big jump, but Honda emphasizes the tuning it made to make the car more streetable. Higher peak torque is available at a relatively low 2,600 rpm through 4,000 revolutions. The updated turbocharger features optimized turbine blades that create greater pressure with wider range and higher efficiency. The driven mill exhales through a mostly straight exhaust, featuring active valves that allow more gas (and noise) to exit the system.
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What does this mean for performance? Unfortunately, that’s something Honda still doesn’t want to talk about, even though we know the new Type R holds the front-wheel drive production record at Suzuka. It changed the lap in 2 minutes 23.1 seconds, beating the Civic Type R’s time of 2 minutes 23.9 seconds. Like the power boost, it doesn’t sound like much. But trimming lap times by almost a second on the Suzuka takes more than 9 extra hp.
Honda tells us that the new Type R is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor. The wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer, and the track in front is one inch wider. At the rear it is 0.75 inches wider, and the suspension is completely reset compared to the old model. This car uses Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, an important upgrade from the usual Continentals used from the factory. And although the wheel diameter drops to 19 inches, the tires are a little wider up front.
At this point, we want to tell you how much the new Type R weighs, as that is an important specification for a performance vehicle. Unfortunately, that also still a state secret with Honda. The previous-generation Type R weighed just under 3,100 pounds in Limited Edition trim, the version that holds Suzuka’s record. Recently leaked information claimed that the new R weighs 3,153 pounds, but the leak also claims 326 horsepower. Perhaps this could be a statistic for a Japanese market vehicle, but we suspect the official weight will be in this 3,100 to 3,200 pound range.
Of course, the hot hatch made its visual debut in July, sporting a mature exterior and a handsome interior. Red and black are the only color combinations for the cockpit, and all gear the Civic Type Rs with a six-speed manual transmission. Drivers get customizable R+ driving modes as well as Individual Mode, and the upgraded Honda LogR datalogger monitors and stores real-time performance metrics. Five colors were available at launch, including Championship White, Rallye Red, Crystal Black Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Boost Blue.
Price is another bit of information that Honda is not ready to reveal yet. That will approach the official launch of the Type R, which is slated for later this fall.
