This marks the intersection of two important milestones in Honda’s motobike history. First, it was the 30th anniversary of the “R” moniker, which first appeared on the NSX-R in 1992, a Japan race-oriented variant only for the market of NSX supercar. Second, it’s the 50th anniversary of humility civichas established itself as a household name with a reputation for reliability, energy savingand user-friendly in general.
Put the two together and you get CHEAP Honda Civic, just released in the sixth generation. It’s not uncommon for the NSX and Civic to outsell the same company, but dig a little deeper into the Civic and you’ll see repeats that aren’t your grocery store. Generations with double wishbone suspension, variable valve timing, and extra-low rubber hoses deliberately designed for maximum visibility have proven what, on the surface, is a reasonable competition with Toyota Corolla or Chevy Cavalier.
Honda has kept the specifications of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R a secret. The only hint of what lies beneath the new skin is the assertion that this is the most powerful Honda-branded vehicle ever offered. in the US and it was the most powerful Type R ever produced. That means its four 2.0-liter turbochargers will produce more power than the 306hp the last CTR had and, technically, even more than the 316hp the previous generation produced. in Japan and Europe.
It demonstrated this strength on Honda’s home ground, setting a lap record for a front-wheel drive vehicle at Suzuka Circuit. A record, incidentally, that it struggled before Limited Edition Civic Type CHEAP.
In addition to undisclosed power, Honda says 2023 Civic CHEAP will come with an improved six-speed manual transmission and a rev control system. It will also sit longer, lower and wider than before, with wider tires.
That’s all Honda is willing to reveal in terms of hardware for now. But what we can see for ourselves is that the 2023 Civic Type R puts on a sexy new outfit that is both edgy and purposeful. Gone are the fake vents and busy lines of its predecessor, the distractions that made an excellent driver’s car into something. Slender lines are complemented by an integrated pneumatic system to create a tight, visually appealing package.
The design is clearly based on the regular Civic released in 2021, but we think the Type R has a nicer new look than the base models or even the 2022 Civic Si. Part of that could be the CTR’s scarier front bumper with larger intakes, or its aerodynamically functional air vents and fenders. Maybe it’s the rear diffuser or the very light passenger car-style spoiler. Or it could stem from a broader overall stance that includes a redesigned rear door to match the perimeter.
Of course these elements visually enhance any vehicle. But CTR will look better than Si is not a foregone conclusion, considering the previous generation was busy in terms of visuals. Now, we can say unequivocally that the Civic Type R is a car that we are very proud to look back on when we come out of its parking lot.
Cabin-wise, the Civic Type R returns to its form-factor finish in the traditional bright red that adorned previous R models. The slim aluminum gear lever also returns, a hallmark of Honda’s most race-oriented products. Honda says the seat material uses a high coefficient of friction to better hold the occupant in when cornering at high speed. The R-type license plate is located on the dashboard, indicating limited production.
New to the 2023 model is a dedicated newsreader for drive + R mode. It uses a graphical rev display and rev indicator to provide quick information when the vehicle is in. is in a hurry. And the gear lever position is indicated at the top so the driver doesn’t have to look far down.
Honda’s LogR app also generates a return, pulling data directly from the vehicle’s computer. It records driver input and lap times to help drivers improve on the track.
The 2023 Civic Type R will be the second Type R sold in the US. The previous iteration is a great weapon. With all the experience Honda has gained from decades of infusing racing experience into humble road cars, we have no reason to doubt this car will continue the tradition.
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