You could think of the automotive community in the same way you would a medieval kingdom. There’s a class structure or hierarchy, and in this analogical medieval kingdom, the Civic Type R badge signifies royalty. A noble lineage founded by the 1977 models passed on to the EK Civic, now continued by the 2023 Civic Type R.
Analogies aside, the latest addition to the Civic family is likely what you could describe as the Civic’s golden child. Although officially debuted mere hours ago, the 2023 Civic Type R has already made a name for itself after trumping its predecessor’s time at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, as well as setting the front-wheel drive production car record.
Unfortunately, Honda hasn’t revealed pricing or provided in-depth specs for the new Type R, but there’s just enough to sink your teeth into for now. First, let’s get to the heart of the 12th generation Honda Civic Type R. It features the turbocharged 2.0-Litre 17YM engine from the 11th gen Civic, but Honda claims that it’s also the most powerful Type R ever created, so expect a bump in power and torque.
Mated to the enhanced power pant is a six-speed manual transmission with auto-rev matching software to enhance drivability. Make no mistake, whether it’s on city roads or on a track, the new Civic will take anything you throw at it with almost unparalleled athleticism. The apparent chassis code has been designated as the FL5 and is more rigid and lighter than the FK8 chassis. The FL5 Civic is lower-slung and wider aiding to its impressive agility and “scalpel-like” responsiveness.
The 2023 Civic Type R features a slew of aerodynamic design elements such as aggressive fender flares (which house wheels supposedly wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sports 4S), a brawny front bumper housing a honeycomb grille, wider rear doors that flow into shapely rear quarters curtailed by a rounder rear end compared to the FK8.
A notable feature on the rear is the aluminium alloy spoiler, which is one of the main contributors to the FL5’s superb downforce. Also on the rear is the new three-tip exhaust similar to the Fk8 but more in line with the setup found on the GR Corolla. Curtailing the exhaust tips is a redesigned rear diffuser and rear bumper. The car sits of a set of multi-spoke wheels similar in design to the wheels found on the Fk8 Type R LE Limited Edition.
A lot of effort has been funnelled into the presentation of the interior. The 2023 Civic Type R receives the iconic red seats but are a slightly different shade of red said to enrich the experience of being inside the car.
As far as digital displays go, the new Type R has a digital dash and one touchscreen infotainment display which feeds performance-oriented information to the driver when the car is thrown into +R mode.
Pricing and more detailed specs can be expected closer to launch in the fourth quarter of 2022.
