When we last saw the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, the Japanese auto giant offered what equated to a small sample platter to the masses of fans and loyalists. We got to see the revamped exterior styling that made the new Type R stand out in the crowd, but the company chose not to reveal what kind of power numbers this new model is capable of. Thankfully, Honda has finally delivered the main course and detailed this missing category and some surprises too.
No Hybrid But 315 hp Turbo Four Is Still A Potent Type R Trump Card
An early batch of rumors suggested that the Type R would embrace some form of hybrid powerplant to help it get a few more miles per gallon, but Honda’s announcement today confirmed that it would not be the case, and instead. the 2023 model will be powered by a reworked version of the previous generation’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Honda claims that the engine benefits from a reworked turbocharger which helps the Type R gain nine more hp for a revised total of 315 hp while torque creeps up ten lb-ft for an even 310 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the turbo itself, the intake and the exhaust system have also been reworked, with Honda reps claiming that the exhaust system delivers a louder note thanks to an active exhaust valve.
All of that enhanced performance requires a beefed-up amount of cooling, and that’s achieved with the help of the larger front grille, radiator, and bigger fan. These three improvements shed a light on Honda’s commitment to providing maximum track day cooling for all Type Rs, with the 2023 model being engineered from the start to accommodate this goal versus the outgoing model, which tried to resolve this only after a mid-cycle update. A six-speed manual will be the only transmission moving forward once again but it now benefits from a lighter flywheel, a high rigidity shift lever, and an improved shift map with mapping that Honda claims will provide an “optimized shift pattern.” We look forward to finding out for ourselves in the future whether that’s indeed the case or not, especially out on our favorite back roads.Â
Lastly, the chassis has also been upgraded, with the new model gaining marginal increases in width and track, while the front and rear suspension has been tweaked with a revised tune for sharper handling.Â
Enhanced Type R Luxury Doesn’t Blunt Performance Intent
Slip inside the 2023 Type R, and you’ll immediately notice that this type R version boasts a higher amount of luxury and technology. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard and are all bundled into a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The vibrant red sport seats are still here but are a smidge lighter and now feature suede effect fabric for enhanced grip during demanding driving. Honda is also hoping that you like the color red since the seats and the carpet cannot be equipped with any other hue.Â
However, this is a Type R, and Honda made sure not to skimp on that side of the equation for this update. Drivers now have access to a new drive mode control feature that allows owners to tailor the car to their tastes via an all-new Individual Mode. The digital instrument cluster also incorporates multiple view modes and Honda’s LogR Performance Data Logger technology has been improved for quicker and more accurate responses.Â
When Can We Buy One?Â
Honda’s release today helped clarify alot of unanswered questions, but the one item that we still don’t know much about is pricing, with the company preferring to reveal that particular detail in fall when the first Type R models begin to make their way to dealer showrooms. The Type R will be assembled for the most part at the company’s plant in Yorii, Japan, but the engine will be the major outlier, with that particular component being assembled at the Anna Engine Assembly plant in Ohio.
The Type R is already shaping up to be a potent performance entry, but the environment and the pool of competition that it will face have rapidly changed, especially with the departure of the Veloster N and the recent appearance of the Toyota Corolla GR. Will it have what it takes to still make an impact with enthusiasts? Only time will tell on that question.  Â
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.