More Power, Upgraded Handling, Improved Tech, and Better Aesthetics Inside and Out Make for the Ultimate Type R

How does one improve on the already legendary 10th Gen FK8 Civic Type R? Not easily, but Honda never chooses the easy way forward with the Type R. Always striving to push the envelope, Honda carefully developed the 11th Generation Civic Type R to make sure there were measurable performance improvements in all areas while molding the car around the more modern and clean aesthetics of the 11th Gen Civic. The result is an undeniably epic new Type R...one that hugely benefits from the 11th Generation Civic platform (especially the refined interior and tech) and leaves nothing on the table in terms of driving excitement and raw performance.

With 315 horsepower on tap, the 2023 Civic Type R is the most powerful production vehicle Honda has ever sold in the U.S. MSRP has moved up a decent amount to $42,895 (plus $1,095 destination), which is probably reflective of the rumored more limited production of this generation Type R due to it being exclusively built in Japan and ongoing supply chain issues as well.

"Type R is very important for Honda as the pinnacle of our factory performance and an irreplaceable brand that enables enthusiasts to experience Honda's racing spirit, and seek the ultimate in speed and driving pleasure," said Hideki Kakinuma, global Civic Type R development leader. "The all-new Civic Type R will continue that legacy, leveraging Honda's racetrack-proven engineering to deliver extreme performance and passion-both on the road and on the racetrack."

We love that Honda is committed to producing vehicles that are exciting to drive and build an emotional connection with the owner. If you're lucky enough to get a 2023 FL5 Honda Civic Type R, here's some of the things you'll enjoy over the previous generation FK8 Type R:

• More mature and simplified styling, yet still very sporty and race-inspiring.
• Much improved interior, instrument display, and infotainment system. The 10th Gen touchscreen scored lower marks with auto reviewers than it should have. Honda has now attempted to fully address these critiques.
• Updated 2.0-liter, 315 hp (@ 6500 RPM) turbocharged engine with broader power curves, improved response, and peak torque of 310 lb-ft available from 2600-4000 RPM. Turbocharger boost now peaks at 23.3 PSI. A redesigned turbocharger, increased air intake flow rate, and a new more efficient exhaust system that features a straight through design and an active exhaust valve all contribute to this. As before, power is transmitted through a helical limited-slip differential for best traction and performance.
• A larger grille opening, bigger radiator and a new large-diameter fan improve engine cooling, ensuring sustained, optimal performance during extreme driving (overheating was a problem with the 10th Gen FK8 Type R).
• Six-speed manual transmission is further improved for an even more intimate and rewarding connection with the driver. A lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system ensures perfectly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears, helping maintain stability on corner entry.
• More rigid body structure that supports both improved dynamics and refinement. The wheelbase has been extended 1.4-inches for a smoother ride and greater stability.
• Front and rear tracks are also significantly wider (+1.0 inches in the front and +0.75 inches in the rear). Together with a retuned dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension, these changes improve straight-line stability and steering feel.
• Type R's two-piece front brake rotors reduce unsprung weight. Brake cooling is also improved, and a retuned brake booster enhances feel and controllability.
• More muscular body is 0.8-inches longer, 0.5-inches lower and 0.6-inches wider with broad fenders flared out over wider tracks, and lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in wider (+20mm) bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The new wheels use a special "reverse rim" design that improves the stability of the tire contact patch under load. Notice that Honda chose 19-inch wheels instead of 20! This is a welcome change for performance and ride quality compared to the FK8 Type R. Also, The new tire specs are 265mm width now (30 profile), which should give a decent amount of added traction!
• All body panels forward of the A-pillars are new and unique to the Type R, including a new more aggressive front bumper design. Its lower stance is accentuated by wider rear doors exclusive to Type R and a reshaped rear bumper that reveals its updated signature three round exhaust outlets. A redesigned rear spoiler with aluminum stanchions and a new rear diffuser intensify downforce and reduce drag.
• The front grille and air intakes, exterior mirrors, window trim and rear diffuser and spoiler are gloss black.
• Drivers can seamlessly switch between four pre-set performance settings, selecting different modes for the engine, steering, suspension and engine sound. In addition to Comfort, Sport and R+ Mode, a new 'Individual Model' mode enables customization of the driving experience.
• An upgraded Electric Power Steering (EPS) system with a stiffer torsion bar and improved software control resolution enhances steering feel and controllability.
• All-new and driver-focused body-stabilizing sport seats with built in head restraints and more prominent shoulder and lower thigh side-supports.
• Exclusive new digital instrument cluster features clean, easy-to-read graphics and an extensive selection of displays. The design features a large tachometer and gear-position display, plus a multi-information display.
• A second new meter design is exclusive to Type R's +R mode and allows the driver to obtain necessary information instantly, with the engine RPM, and gear position placed at the top. A racing-inspired illuminated rev indicator located above the gauge cluster gives the driver a quick indication of engine rpm during performance driving.
• 9-inch HD color touchscreen and Bose® premium audio and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. New Qi-compatible wireless charging too.
• A 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system is standard on the new Type R. The new system was custom-engineered precisely for the interior of the 11th Generation Civic so drivers and passengers.
• Honda LogR® no longer requires a smartphone app, so drivers can use the on-board system or connect to their smartphone for added capability and data sharing. Key features include a stopwatch to record lap times, a tire friction circle in 3D motion that displays the maximum tire force the vehicle can achieve, and an innovative scoring function that helps drivers improve their skills on the track. Users can share their lap times and other data with other Type R owners.
• Includes all the safety updates made to the 11th Generation Civic, including the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver assistive technologies, improved with a new single-camera system. Features new front airbags designed to reduce brain and neck injuries.
• LED lighting is used extensively, and LED headlights and tail lights come standard now.
• Weighs 3,188 lbs., only about a 60 lbs. more compared to the previous 2021 Type R. This is great considering all the new features, safety, etc.

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R will be available in five striking colors: historic Championship White - a Type R exclusive finish revered by Honda enthusiasts, Rallye Red, Boost Blue, Crystal Black Pearl and Sonic Grey Pearl.

EPA MPG ratings come in at 22 / 28 / 24 (City / Highway / Combined), which is roughly the same as the FK8 Type R, and overall very respectable for a car of this performance caliber.

Given all the amazing specs mentioned above, there is no doubt this new Civic Type R will be a hit and surpass expectations of those fortunate enough to own one!

---