Even before its official reveal, the new Honda Civic Type R is already setting records. The compact five-door model went around the challenging Suzuka circuit in Japan in 2 minutes and 23.120 seconds. For the sake of comparison, the previous-gen model in the hardcore Limited Edition needed 2 minutes and 23.993 seconds to get the job done. It's not a massive improvement, but shaving off nearly one second is still a notable achievement.
In both instances, the feisty hatchback lapped the 3.6-mile (5.8-kilometer) configuration of the race track. Much like its predecessor and previous record-holder Renault Megane RS Trophy-R, the upcoming Civic Type R had a rolling start. It should be noted we're strictly talking about a record for a front-wheel-drive car, one that hit 143.5 mph (231 km/h) at one point during the hot lap.
5 Photos
Curiously, Honda blacked out the instrument cluster, presumably to keep prying eyes from unlocking some juicy details about the car. Much like the Civic Si, the new Type R will be a manual-only affair and should use an evolution of the 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Chances are the engineers have managed to unlock a few more ponies from the turbo four-pot compared to the FK8 model and its 316-hp punch.
Speaking of horsepower, it's worth noting the previous CTR made 316 hp only in Europe and Japan thanks to higher-octane fuel while other regions had to settle with 10 fewer horses. The new one is expected to be Honda's last ICE-only car on the Old Continent as rumors about going hybrid are likely unfounded.
When the Civic Type R does arrive later this year, Honda will have to worry about a new rival as Toyota is finally launching the long-rumored GR Corolla. Those who would rather have all-wheel drive can already get the VW Golf R with more power than the previous generation by packing 315 hp. The next-generation BMW M2 and Nissan Z are also due for a release in 2022, which is shaping up to be a great year for enthusiasts.
The adjacent footage was recorded at the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix venue on March 14, but Honda decided to wait until now to show the revamped CTR in action.
See The Teasers:
⠀Honda Civic Type R Teased In Video As It Laps Suzuka2023 Honda Civic Type R Looks Sharp In Latest Teaser Photos
Source: Honda
By: Adrian Padeanu++++ Got a tip for us? Email:tips@motor1.com
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