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2023 Honda Civic Type R Drops Its Boyish Ways; It's Now Mature and More Potent Than Ever

After what feels like a decade of teasing, Honda has finally revealed the 2023 Honda Civic Type-R. We still don’t know much about the anticipated hot hatch, but according to the Japanese automaker, this variant will be more potent than it’s ever been.
2023 Honda Civic Type R 18 photos
Photo: Honda
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It’s hard to forget the previous Civic Type R. It was the epitome of Japanese automotive aggression. Its punchy engine, intimidating exterior, and unforgettable big spoiler still evoke nightmares for its contenders.

But there’s something different about the 2023 Civic Type R. It ditched all of its boyish looks. Instead, it now comes with a menacingly mature outfit fit for red-carpet treatment.

While this might come as a bummer to Type R enthusiasts, Honda insists that the new design best fits its new unique character for a more three-dimensional expression. It adds, “While highlighting a low and wide body frame to the maximum extent, we strive to achieve a ground-hugging, solid and sturdy racing car-like presence.

There are notable changes on the exterior. The Type R might have gotten rid of its tattoos, but it still embraces some aggressive racing features, such as its distinctive big wing. It also sports some action-packed features such as flared fenders, lightweight smaller wheels, and wearing 265/30 ZR 19 tires instead of the previous 245/30 R 20 ones, meaning bigger sidewalls and a 2% increase in overall diameter.

2023 Honda Civic Type R
Photo: YouTube Screenshot/Honda
For aerodynamics, it comes with a huge meshed grill on the front, further complimented by side vents and sill spoilers.

Even though its horsepower and chassis enhancements remain a mystery, for now, Honda says, “ We created the best-ever front-wheel-drive sports model that strikes a chord with the customer’s instincts.

So, what can we expect under the hood? Well, we know that the 11th generation of the Type R comes with an enhancement of the previous model’s 2-liter turbo I4 engine, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission with a rev-matching feature. And, of course, it will be faster thanks to an updated steering and suspension system.

The previous Honda Civic Type R made 306 hp (310 ps) for the North American market and 316 hp (320 ps) for the European spec, but the new variant should churn out more ponies from its upgraded heart plant. We anticipate anywhere between 317 hp and 320 hp.
2023 Honda Civic Type R
Photo: YouTube Screenshot/Honda
Like the new Civic, we expect the 2023 Type R will come with a host of interior and in-deck tech enhancements. Honda hasn’t revealed how much their new racer will cost, but we are confident it will be above the starting price of the 2021 model at $38,000.

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R is definitely worth following, even with all the current mystery surrounding its performance specs. We recommend watching the video below for a glimpse of what to expect when it finally comes out later in the year.

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About the author: Humphrey Bwayo
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Humphrey is a car enthusiast whose love and passion for automobiles extended into collecting, writing, driving, and working on cars. He got his passion for cars from his Dad, who spent thousands of hours working on his old junky 1970 E20 Toyota Corolla. Years later, he would end up doing the same with a series of lemons he’s owned throughout his adult life.
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