Honda has revealed its latest internal combustion sports compact, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the model, which until now has only been sold with a hybrid engine. We talk about 2023 Honda Civic Type R which is already available for a high price, from €54,850.
Based largely on its predecessor, it is equipped with the most powerful 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo engine ever, with 329 PS (242 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque, when the previous one remained at 320 CV and 400 Nm of torque. An improvement that allows the new 2023 Honda Civic Type R to accelerate 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and reach 275 km/h top speed.
A six-speed manual transmission sends all that power to the front axle via a mechanical limited-slip differential. The gear change has been revised to be able to transition faster between gears and debuts a rev matching system and auto throttle function for ideal downshifting, helping to balance the car on entry in curves.
The fact that it is a front-wheel drive is the biggest difference with the majority of compacts on the market in that power range. Models like the Volkswagen Golf R (320 CV, which reaches 333 CV in the Golf R 20th anniversary), the Audi S3 Sportback (310 CV) or the BMW M135i (306 CV) all have all-wheel drive.
The sixth Civic Type R since the sport-oriented model launched in 1997 is based on the 2023 Civic, though it’s lower and wider than the Civic e:HEV we tested (it just retains front doors and tailgate). The wheel arches are different, under which there are some Michelin Pilot Sport 4S with measures 265/30 ZR19. Curiously, the previous model had 20-inch wheels. In addition, the bumper and rear spoiler, with aluminum supports, provide more aggressiveness and downforce.
Inside it looks like it still has the brushed metal gear stick, but most everything else is new. The design of the horizontal dashboard and the 10.2-inch infotainment touch screen stand out, in addition to the leather-wrapped steering wheel or the digital instrument panel with different designs. The final touch is provided by the plates TypeR numbered: one behind the gear lever, and another more prominent above the glove box.
The driver can switch between various modes for the engine, steering, suspension and engine sound. In addition to the predefined Comfort, SportY +R, Now it also has the new mode Individual, to offer a personalized driving experience. Whoever puts him in the circuit can track his progress using the data logger HLogR wavea telemetry that shows real-time data on the behavior of the vehicle, backed by a digital stopwatch.
The lightweight seats of type buquet They are red and have been upholstered in a suede-like fabric to prevent your body from slipping during turns. Interesting, since the new Honda Civid Type R retains the Brembo braking system, with two-piece discs but with improved feel and longer life under intense use. The climate control unit has also been improved thanks to a new radiator and the triple exhaust design optimized sound modulation for a better acoustic sensation, reinforcing the connection between driver and car.
Source: Honda
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