The Honda Civic Type R has ditched its ‘backwards-facing baseball cap’ looks for a sharper, more sophisticated new exterior.
Heck, even the garish rear spoiler of old has been jettisoned in favour of a more precision, razor-sharp approach.
And while Honda is still remaining tight-lipped about the performance of the updated new Type R, we do know that it has been eating track records for breakfast.
Honda says the shouty Civic has set a new front-wheel drive lap record at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, so we know it’s plenty quick.
The manufacturer has also revealed how the idea behind the Civic was to create the ‘Ultimate Sports 2.0’ - which means you can still expect a turbocharged 2.0 litre engine, as you got in the old Type R.
That former Type R - the ‘FK8’ if you’re a Honda nerd - had power of 316 bhp and could shift from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds.
We know that the regular Honda Civic - recently relaunched as an ‘e:HEV’ hybrid - upon which the Type R is based is lighter than it was previously. We also know that the Type R has enjoyed some tweaks to its turbo and exhaust system.
So you can bet your bottom dollar that this latest iteration will be the most powerful, and rapid, Civic Type R ever to hit the road.
A Honda spokesperson explains:
“The new Type R has been engineered to deliver the most exhilarating Civic Type R experience to date, building on a long tradition of performance cars inspired by the spirit of racing.”
You can expect lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, a super low-slung stance, and an exterior that’s ‘uncluttered’ in comparison with its predecessor. Those changes to the shell also improve aerodynamics.
A spokesperson for the manufacturer adds:
“The large lower grille of the front bumper maximises airflow to the engine, and works in unison with the new, subtle bonnet that now features a vent to again maximise airflow around the front end. Other design details that help maximise aerodynamics include the large aperture vents behind the front wheels and a new, larger rear diffuser that is integrated directly into the under-floor - itself shaped to work in unison with the bodywork above.”
The rear wing sits lower but wider than the previous model.
Step inside the cabin and the interior is ‘dedicated to enhancing the exhilaration of driving and sharpening concentration levels’.
You sit lower behind the wheel than before, but with better visibility over the bonnet. There are Comfort, Sport and +R modes, and also a new ‘Individual Mode’ which lets you customise responses to your exact needs.
The Honda ‘LogR’ data logger remains in place, but has been heavily updated to combine performance data collected by the car’s sensors with a smartphone app, to help drivers keep tabs on their performance in real time.
Another important element to note here - and which will please fans - is that the six-speed manual gearbox will also be one of the Type R’s big selling points.
Honda tells us:
“A revised rev-match system with auto blip ensures perfectly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears, helping balance the car on corner entry. The high-strength gearbox has gained a high-rigidity lever and optimised shift gate pattern for a reassured and hyper-precise gear change.”
The distinctive triple-exhaust design is also retained - phew.
The all-new Honda Civic Type R will go on sale next year, with first deliveries to customers beginning in Europe from early 2023.
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