Tests at Suzuka for the 2023 Honda Civic Type R
The new generation of Honda Civic Type R, scheduled for next year, continues its performance tests on the Suzuka circuit. The camouflage is thinner and thinner and reveals a little more details about the aerodynamic and aesthetic qualities of the car.
Everyone is looking forward to the new generation of the Honda Civic Type R. Although it has only been on the Canadian market since 2017, its international reputation immediately raised it to the stage of legend in the automotive world. Type R fever quickly spread across the country. With the change of generation for 2022 of the Civic, it is normal that a new opus also arrives for the Type R, and the wait will not be very long.
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Thin camouflage
A team of photographers joined the Type R engineers and pilots at the Suzuka circuit in Japan for a photoshoot. According to the standard, the closer we get to the unveiling date, the more the stripping intensifies to arrive at the current stage where only a decorative skin remains to roughly camouflage the shape of the body panels. At this level, however, we can see the main aerodynamic elements of the Type R.
Less eccentricity
Starting at the front, we notice that the Honda logo gives way to the letter R in the center of the grille. Unfortunately, we cannot confirm that this attribute will be rolled over for production or if it is just a sticker. The bumper of this new generation is also considerably wiser, less eccentric than on the 2017 version.
As with the Si, we maintain a strong affiliation with the traditional range of the Civic. So we go from one extreme to the other. The whole thing will however be a little more dynamic and distinctive, but this time no one will be shocked to perceive the Type R as a bad caricature.
Always 3 jars
Profile, we maintain the hatchback configuration. Like the current version, there is an opening behind the front fender to promote air flow. Same story for the rear spoiler which remains imposing and characteristic of the Type R.
Finally, at the rear, there is no variation in the configuration of the lights, and we renew the 3 pots of central exhaust. In order to vary the pleasures instead of the two outer pots being the biggest, for the new version, it is the one in the center that takes precedence over the other two.
We stay in the 300 horses
Technically, rumors are still rife. Some argue, or hope, an unlikely form of hybridization. The most plausible orientation is rather in the direction of maintaining the current 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. It produces 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft.
Honda might rework it a bit to fetch a few more horsepower, but the difference will be minor, if not imperceptible in driving. The manual gearbox will still be standard, as will the Civic Type R’s being straight-pull.
2023
Honda has not yet confirmed a date, but the new generation of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R will be presented during 2022 as a 2023 model. At the moment, the Type R’s base price is slightly above it at $ 48,000. We do not expect a sharp increase in pricing for 2023.