2023 Honda Civic Type R - horsepower leaked
Honda's rival to the Ford Focus ST will be available to buy in Europe in 2023; now its horsepower has been exposed...
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Following its highly-anticipated unveiling in Japan less than two weeks ago, an accidental leak looks to have exposed the power and torque outputs of Honda's incoming Civic Type R.
Japanese media has reported that it will have 330hp and 420Nm of torque, which is 10hp and 20Nm more than the old model. Not a major jump in numbers, but given the old car was a super-hatch in the literal sense, it's impressive that engineers have squeezed out more performance from the car's engine.
Along with having more performance than ever, the new Honda Civic Type R has also had a subtle makeover.
Over the years, the Type R has become a cult classic due to its immense power and outlandish bodywork. But as it enters its sixth generation, Honda has taken the approach of toning down its design while maintaining the car's sporty DNA.
Don't worry, it will still turn heads thanks to its muscular arches, aggressive grill and the massive rear wing.
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This is expected to be Honda's last pure petrol-powered hot hatchback as it looks to rival the much-loved Ford Focus ST. It's a clash of the hot-hatchback titans, considering Honda has brought enhanced aerodynamics and mechanical upgrades to the party.
The new model, which will be on sale in 2023, fittingly coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Civic Type R and the Civic's 50th birthday.
But before we burst the party poppers, let's look at what we know so far...
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The car continues with its front-wheel drive layout and Honda has 'evolved' the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine we've seen in previous models.
We haven't been privy to the official performance stats of the new model, but the previous car packed a punch with a 0-62mph time of just 5.8 seconds.
You can bet that with the new refined performance package, it will be more powerful than its predecessors. So much so, that prior to its reveal, it set a new-lap record for front wheel drive cars at the famous Suzuka circuit.
It beat the previous record holder (Type R GT Limited Edition) by a whopping 0.873 seconds.
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Honda has stuck to the minimalistic interior we are used to with Civics, with the cabin feeling nice and spacious.
There's a 10.2-inch touchscreen, bespoke digital dashboard, a red Type R trim and sports seats.
And we can't forget to mention the plush Type R plaque on the dashboard. Classy.
By George Boulton