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The 2023 Honda Civic Type R Will Finally Deliver 315 HP in North America

2023 Honda Civic Type R
Photo: Honda
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Daniel Rufiange
The automaker also confirmed other details about its sports car.

Earlier this week, an image showing a screenshot of a Japanese brochure of the Type R showed that the new model will offer 326 hp. Predictably, folks went wild at the leak of this info, as at the model's unveiling in late July, Honda had not confirmed this important information about the model.

In fact, as Honda often does, it goes with an incomplete presentation and comes back with more information. It's a good thing in a marketing context, but it's also annoying because it can be confusing.

Fortunately, the company came back quickly this week to provide more information about its model, including the official output for the versions that will be offered in North America: it will be 315 hp and 310 ft-lb of torque, for gains of 9 horses and 15 ft-lb of torque.

The company also revealed more images, including of the interior.

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As for power, Honda says the gains are attributable to a redesigned turbocharger, intake and exhaust system. The turbo, for example, has redesigned turbine blades that allow it to generate pressure over a wider range. The exhaust has an active exhaust valve that opens at higher rpm, producing a louder sound.

At the front, the larger grille will allow the engine to breathe better. The radiator and fan are also larger. Improved cooling for track use was one of the main goals of the designers of this model.

The 6-speed manual transmission, the only one offered, is improved with new settings. It still benefits from downshift synchronization.

Other chassis data deserves our attention. The front track is widened by 1.0 inch, while the rear is 0.75 inch wider. The wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer. The dual-axis strut front suspension, which is very effective at eliminating the torque effect typical of overpowered front-wheel-drive models, has also been adjusted for this new generation.

The car sits on new 19-inch wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires. The braking system and its cooling have also been improved. Honda says that in every way (steering, suspension, driving feel, braking, etc.), the 2023 Civic Type R will provide even more thrills.

The design, too, contributes to better performance. The new spoiler and rear diffuser were designed in collaboration with members of the HRD Sakura Super GT racing team.

2023 Honda Civic Type R, interior
2023 Honda Civic Type R, interior
Photo: Honda

On board, the occupants will sit closer to the ground, but visibility will be better due to the overall design of the car and the presence of thinner A-pillars. The usual equipment is present with a nine-inch touchscreen for the multimedia system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps (wireless connection), wireless charging for cellular devices, as well as a premium audio system from Bose.

One thing remains missing, but that's more common across the industry while waiting for a model: the price.

We'll talk more about the Type R when we have that information, and we'll wait for the moment when we can drive it.

Daniel Rufiange
Daniel Rufiange
Automotive expert
  • Over 17 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 75 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 250 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists