2023 Honda Civic Type R revealed, confirmed for Australia
With more turbo power and a six-speed manual gearbox, the new Honda Civic Type R is the fastest – and will likely be the last with a pure petrol engine.
0It Honda Civic Type R 2023 has been revealed at last, ahead of an Australian launch scheduled for early next year.
Known to fans and insiders alike as the ‘FL5’, the Civic Type R only comes 25 years after the original – and may be the last to be exclusively petrol-powered, as Honda’s global models shift to hybrid and, eventually, electric power.
The arrival of the Australian showroom will begin early next year. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, though a sticker near $65,000 or $70,000 a drive – from $54,990 plus the old model’s on-road costs – is expected.
Powering the new ‘FL5’ Type R is an extension of the upcoming ‘FK8’ model 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder enginewhat Honda promises is “even more powerful and responsive” than its 228kW/400Nm predecessor – although the specific output hasn’t been disclosed.
Power is continuously sent to the front wheels via a six speed manual transmission with round matching; there are no automatic options, or an all-wheel-drive system to increase off-the-line traction.
Honda didn’t mention a 0-100km/h sprint time, though the power boost will likely cut it by a tenth or two from its predecessor’s time, which independent testing says lasts between 5.5 to 6.0 seconds.
Making higher output possible is “the revised turbocharger now features a compact housing to increase the overall efficiency of the unit,” while “the turbine itself has an optimized number and shape of blades to increase power and improve airflow through the turbo.
Under the skin, the Civic Type R 2023 benefits from a new, stiffer platform under the latest Civic hatchback. In the standard model, it offers a 19 percent increase in torsional rigidity.
Filling the arch are 19-inch black alloy wheels – an inch smaller than the outgoing Type R – wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires.
An adaptive damper with three modes (including the +R setting) is expected as standard, while a set of Brembo brakes is installed, with disc brakes carried over to the old FK8 Type R. There is also a LogR data logging system, which monitors lap times, g-force and other vehicle parameters.
Perhaps the most striking change for the new FL5 Type R is styling, which swaps the FK8’s extroverted corners and folds for smoother surfaces, one sharp shoulder line, and sleeker front and rear LED lights.
However, the traditional Type R cues remain: the red Honda badge, Type R badges front and rear, a more aggressive bumper, sporty side skirts, and a high rear wing above the tailgate.
The wide intake hood and trio of exhaust tips remain – the latter being fed by a sports exhaust system – while wider wheel arches are now integrated into the body, rather than affixed to the previous generation model.
Five colors will be available in the US: Championship White, Rallye Red, Boost Blue, Crystal Black Pearl and Sonic Gray Pearl.
Inside, upgrades for the Type R include a set of front sports seats, signature red suede upholstery, aluminum gear selector balls, red seat belts, Alcantara steering wheel and center armrests, and red contrast stitching throughout.
The 9.0-inch center touchscreen and the newly added 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster get Type R-specific visuals, while next to the gearshift is the driving mode selector with the +R shortcut key.
It’s unclear whether the new Civic Type R will have five seats, or just four, like its predecessor.
It Honda Civic Type R 2023 scheduled in Australian showrooms in early 2023. Pricing and local details will be confirmed closer to launch.
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