The fWD honda that rivals the supercars. record-breaking Nurburgring time lap of 7 minutes, 44.881 seconds.
Overview:
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R has adopted a more subdued design compared to its boldly styled predecessor, but this hasn’t compromised its appeal as a more exciting driving experience. It’s only available as a hatchback and is built upon the foundation of the more refined 11th-generation Civic.
The new-generation Civic Type R keeps the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine as its predecessor but has been fine-tuned to produce an upgraded output of 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. To accommodate this power boost, the front-wheel-drive Type R now features an improved six-speed manual transmission, and Honda has enhanced the brake cooling system to better handle the rigors of track driving.
They manufacture the new CTR in Japan, with its power train sourced from Ohio, and it promises an enjoyable driving experience in various settings.
The new CTR boasts a larger chassis while sitting on smaller 19-inch wheels shod with wider Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The front and rear tracks have been widened, and brake cooling has been enhanced.
The CTR’s engine now generates an additional nine horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque, thanks to an upgraded 315-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and six-speed manual transmission.
Notably, the Type R’s onboard data logger no longer causes a smartphone app, as its lap recording and performance data can now be accessed through the car’s 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Performance:
The new Civic Type R is equipped with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as its predecessor, but a redesigned turbocharger coupled with a more efficient exhaust system has resulted in an increased power output of 315 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque available between 2600 and 4000 rpm.
Other improvements complement these enhancements, such as a larger radiator and enhanced brake cooling. Honda has also raised the rpm threshold at which the active exhaust valve opens, heightening the symphonic character of the car’s four-cylinder engine. A lighter flywheel, combined with a revised rev-matching system, is expected to further enhance the driving experience when using the new CTR’s six-speed manual transmission.
The front-wheel-drive Honda Civic Type R utilizes an innovative dual-axis strut front suspension that effectively minimizes torque steer, contributing to a more controlled and balanced driving experience.
While the new model may not be as visually extreme as its predecessor, it still boasts notable features such as a prominent rear wing and various aerodynamic enhancements, along with 19-inch wheels wrapped in grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance tires.
During testing, the Civic Type R demonstrated impressive performance by accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds and completing the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds at a speed of 106 mph. Furthermore, it excelled in handling, achieving 1.02 g’s on our skidpad.
Despite the subtle increase in horsepower, the new Civic Type R does not sacrifice fuel economy, according to the EPA. It delivers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This matches the all-wheel-drive Golf R’s EPA rating when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, but the Golf R outperforms it by 2 mpg on the highway with the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Interior:
While the new Civic Type R sports a more understated interior design compared to its predecessor, it still showcases several sporty visual elements. These include red accents, faux carbon-fiber trim, and a set of comfortable and supportive front seats.
Just be mindful of the ambient temperature before grabbing the aluminum shift knob to avoid any unexpected heat. Positioned above the new digital cluster are shift light indicators designed to help you avoid hitting the redline between gear shifts. Passenger and cargo space in the Civic Type R remains consistent with the regular Civic hatchback, making it a versatile dual-purpose car.
The 2023 Civic Type R features Honda’s latest infotainment system, which is controlled through a 9.0-inch touchscreen mounted on the dashboard. It comes standard with popular features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging.
As of now, the 2023 Civic Type R has not undergone crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, it is expected to come equipped with a range of standard driver-assistance technologies.
Source: Cars and Driver (https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/civic-type-r)
