2023 Honda Civic Type R Breaks Another Track Record

Honda announced Wednesday evening that the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, first introduced in Japan in 1997, now holds lap records at two legendary racetracks, Suzuka and Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The new Type R set a new track record for a front-wheel drive car on the 20.8-kilometer (12.92-mile) German circuit, posting a record lap of 7 minutes 44.881 seconds. It accomplished this feat wearing Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect tires, which are available through Honda dealers. For the record, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S rubber is standard on the little devil.

The new record follows a previous one set last year, when the 2023 Honda Civic Type R set a new lap record for a front-wheel drive car at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. There, it lapped the 5.8-kilometer (3.6-mile) track in 2 minutes 23.120 seconds, 0.873 seconds faster than its predecessor, the 2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition.

Of course, the 2023 model is not just a record breaker at the track; it’s also the fastest, most powerful Honda vehicle ever offered in the United States.

A message to Civic Type R fans

For those involved with developing the car, the new Nürburgring Nordschleife record is a true achievement. In fact, Hideki Kakinuma, Civic Type R Development Leader, released a statement to all Type R aficionados. It reads as follows:

“To our Civic Type R fans all over the world: Under the concept of ‘Ultimate SPORT 2.0,’ we developed the all-new Civic Type R with the spirit of ‘going beyond our past achievements’ and strived for the ultimate FWD sports car by refining the ‘essential value’ and ’emotional appeal’ unique only to our Type R models. 

“Since the start of sales in Japan in September 2022, we have received numerous customer feedback from all around the world filled with amazement and joy, far exceeding our expectations. However, we still had one more mission to fulfill, which was to claim the title as the world’s fastest front-wheel-drive car with a record Nürburgring lap time.

“Six years after the lap record was set by the previous-generation Civic Type R (FK8), we reached this new dimension as a result of all of the passions we poured in and all the advancements we made for this Type R model. Finally, our wish to share this title with all Type R fans all around the world came true. 

“We sincerely hope that all current and prospective owners of the Type R will enjoy and love their vehicle with the pride we share with you.”

A truly hot, hot hatch

As you no doubt know, the 2023 Civic Type R is the flagship model of the 11th generation Civic. Boasting a 315-horsepower, 2.9-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, it delivers all the thrills a boy racer could want, including a lightweight flywheel, limited slip differential, adaptive damping suspension, selectable drive modes and automatic rev-matching.

Exterior mods are noticeable but not over the top, with a more aggressive front bumper design and a reshaped rear bumper with three iconic round exhaust outlets, a larger grille opening, a bigger radiator and a new large-diameter fan, fender flares, fatter tires and red badges.

A redesigned rear spoiler with aluminum stanchions and a new rear diffuser intensify downforce and reduce drag. Inside, you’ll find brushed aluminum accents, a red interior and the sort of sports seats that truly hold you in place while ripping around VIR.

All this goodness starts at $43,990, including destination fee, but good luck finding one at that price. Still, some things in life are worth the price, especially for a new front-wheel drive ’Ring master.

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• Source: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/04/2023-honda-civic-type-r-breaks-another-track-record/