2023 Honda Civic Type R Makes 315 HP and 310 Lb-Ft of Torque

Honda has finally revealed just about every detail you wanted to know about 2023 Civic Type R. Here are the big ones: 315 hp at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque from 2,600 to 4,000 rpm. That gives the new top dog Civic 157.8 hp per liter, making it the most powerful production vehicle Honda has ever sold in the US

We have that see just about every angle on the new Type R now, but today we have numbers to back up the look. Technically, this is the sixth generation of the Civic Type R, but it’s only the second to be officially imported into the US and compared to the outgoing Type Rthere’s a lot of familiar stuff in this new model: the K20C1 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four from the previous Type R returns for duty, as does the six-speed manual transmission.

Honda managed to squeeze 9 more horses and 15 more lb-ft of torque out of that engine thanks to a revised turbocharger, intake airflow improvements, and a more efficient direct exhaust system. It is slightly less than the rumor of 326 hp we saw floating around this week, but it’s basically right on the money with Steve’s half-educated guess from July. Good job, DaSilva.

The engine revs at 7,000 rpm, and provides a maximum of 23.3 psi boost. It’s combined with a lighter flywheel for better response, and the six-speed manual (the only transmission available) gets more precise shift ports and an improved automatic rev-matching system. A larger radiator, larger grill vents and an air exhaust vent in the hood help manage the heat that a mighty little engine will create. A helical limited-slip differential helps put power down, while the twin-axle front suspension is tuned to keep torque steer in check.

The old Type R had a nice three-tip exhaust setup which managed to be quiet during polite driving and throaty when you hoot it, without the use of electronics or any moving parts. Tthe new Honda hot hatch uses an active exhaust valve which opens a less damped circuit during hard driving. The triple tips remain though, and I’m thankful for that – it’s become a bit of a Type R tradition.

The new 11th generation Civic is slightly larger than the previous model, and therefore the new Type R has grown slightly in almost every dimension. It is 180.9 inches long, 55.4 inches tall and 74.4 inches wide overall. The 107.7-inch wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer, and the Type R track was widened a full inch up front (to 64 inches)0.75 inch rear (now measures 63.5 inches). Like the previous model, the new Type R uses front wishbone suspension and a multilink rear setup, and the new model gets 20mm wider 265/30 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires on 19-inch matte black wheels at all four corners. Overall, the new Type R is 0.8 inches longer and 0.6 inch wider than the previous model, but the roof sits a full half inch lower.

Each body panel forward of the A-pillar is unique to the Type R, and the wider stance actually necessitated wider rear doors to help the body blend into aggressive rear fender flares. At the rear, the Type R gets a high and aggressive rear spoiler on aluminum pillars as well as a diffuser under the body.

All of these power, chassis and aero improvements add up: As Honda revealed earlier this year, the new Type R beat his own record around the Suzuka Circuit by almost a full second, setting a front-drive record in the process. Honda cheekily notes in today’s press release that the new Type R was tested at the Nürburgring, although the automaker has not revealed a lap time. Maybe we’ll learn soon?

The Civic Type R will be available in Rallye red or Crystal black pearl as standard; optional paint colors are Boost blue, Sonic gray pearl, or, of course, Championship white, a shade that has only ever been offered on Honda Type R products.

Inside, Honda has extended the Type R’s distinctive red features, wrapplication the whole floor in crimson (although the rear seats are still plain black). New lightweight front seats move the driver a bit lower, with outward vision aided by the 11th-generation Civic’s lower dash, thinner pillars and relocated wing mirrors. This is a Type R, the gear knob is brushed aluminium with a red painted shift pattern, and there is a numbered plaque on the dashboard.

The all-digital instrument panel changes configuration when you switch between four driving modes — Comfort, Sport, R+ and Individual — and the Civic Type R gets a newly improved version of Honda LogR, a built-in data logger to record lap times and input tracks. Where previous versions of Honda LogR required you to download a smartphone app, this latest version is completely standalone. Like all new Civics, the Type R features a 9-inch touchscreen in the dash, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless Qi phone charging. Honda’s Bose Centerpoint sound system is standard on the Type R.

There are two important numbers that Honda has yet to release: the 2023 Type R’s curb weight and its price. The automaker will have to release these numbers soon, because the new Type R is promised to hit the streets this fall.