Honda has unveiled the shiny new Civic Type R in a special digital world premiere in Tokyo. The new model is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in September 2022, and builds on its predecessor, under the concept of Ultimate SPORT 2.0.
This latest generation of the Japanese car maker’s hot hatch was developed with a goal to achieve pure sports performance that attains the ultimate in speed and the joy of driving, through an emotional connection to the driver.
Based on the Civic hatchback, it sports a lower and wider stance, integrated wide guards, enhanced aerodynamics, and even a new colour. In addition to Championship White, which has been an iconic Type R colour, Sonic Grey Pearl has been added to the line-up.
The interior design features red seats and floor carpets that lift the spirit of the occupants from the moment they open the door, along with “noiseless”, black-toned interior panels that enable the driver to focus on driving.
The front seats are designed with a three-dimensional polyhedral form to firmly support the body so that the driver and front passenger can feel complete confidence, even while driving on a racing circuit at the vehicle’s full potential.
The adoption of a suede-like seat surface material with a high friction coefficient reduces body slippage in high-G situations such as cornering and sudden acceleration or deceleration.
+R mode-exclusive functions have been added to the instrument cluster too, enabling the driver to instantaneously recognise necessary information during sporty driving, including on a racing circuit.
This includes the upper part of the display showing key information such as the engine rpm, rev indicator and gear position indicator, while the lower part functions as a multi-information display that can show vehicle information selected by the driver.
By adopting an illuminated rev indicator, the driver can obtain information intuitively without keeping close watch, along with providing for instantaneous visual recognition of the information.
Under the hood, the goal was to create the fastest front engine, front-wheel drive vehicle possible, with an addictive and secure feel. Honda hopes to achieve this through a thrilling driving performance and high-speed stability.
The 2.0-litre VTEC turbo engine designed exclusively for the Type R has been further refined to achieve higher output and responsiveness to the upper limit. It now has refined driveability thanks to highly-responsive handing too.
The throttle reacts immediately to driver input, and is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission and rev match control system. Aerodynamics have been further advanced to achieve well-balanced downforce both front and rear, and a reduction of drag.
The lightweight and highly rigid body contributes to the high stability of the vehicle at high speeds. In addition, through utilisation of Honda LogR (real-time information on vehicle behaviour), the new Civic Type R will create a cohesion between driver and car.
This includes the sharing of driving videos and helping the driver improve their driving skills. The 2023 Honda Civic Type R is scheduled to arrive in Australia early next year. Further details will be announced closer to launch.
