Fans of the Honda Civic Type R can rejoice; the newest hot hatch will be the most powerful Type R ever. In addition to leaning on the tasteful redesign of the Civic line, the latest Type R will make more horsepower than its predecessor from 2021. Here is what we know about the 2023 Honda Civic Type R and its new lease on automotive life. 

How much HP does the 2023 Honda Civic Type R have?

Honda recently announced that the upcoming 2023 Honda Civic Type R will produce more horsepower than the previous Type R. Although Honda hasn’t yet released the actual horsepower figures, that claim does give us an idea of what kind of power the upcoming Type R will produce. Given the horsepower figures of the previous hatchback, the new car’s 315 horsepower makes it a serious contender.

However, recent pictures suggest that the Japanese market Type R will produce around 325 horsepower. MotorTrend maintains that it is likely the North American market variant will fall around the 315 horsepower projection. Honda stated that the power would be courtesy of a reimagined version of the previous turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine. 

How powerful is the 2021 Honda Civic Type R?

The 2021 Honda Civic Type R produces 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine. While the new car will utilize a similar platform to create the extra power, the vehicles will be very different. 

What is different with the Type R?

The new Civic Type R is entirely different from its already sharp predecessor inside and out. The most noticeable difference is the redesign, using what Honda calls a “new lightweight and highly rigid body.” It’s more than form; Honda claims the redesign will provide more responsive and sharper handling characteristics. Although the new hot hatch doesn’t gain any cylinders, it does get a reimagined six-speed manual transmission with an integrated rev-matching system.

Furthermore, the new Civic Type R will incorporate revised aero, meaning a different downforce profile and a reduction in overall drag. Also, the new car will feature a redesigned cockpit with performance-minded details like shift lights and high-friction seats.   

Will the 2023 Honda Civic Type R be more powerful than the Volkswagen Golf R?

It is unlikely that the upcoming Honda Civic Type R will make more power than the Volkswagen Golf R. Furthermore, MotorTrend is under the impression that the Volkswagen Golf R will remain the king of hot-hatch-hill for 2023. 

Is the Type R worth it?

This upcoming Honda Civic Type R will be more powerful than the previous iterations and arguably much better looking. If that isn’t enough to grab your attention, the updated interior and refreshed transmission should do the trick. Still, if you’re not sold on the new Type R, this car will arrive for the 30th anniversary of the Type R and the 50th year of the venerable Civic badge. 

Well done, Honda; the new Civic Type R doesn’t look a day over 25. All jesting aside, the upcoming Type R will be a hot hatch to watch. Scroll down to the following article to read more about hot hatches and fast cars!

Updated with the latest information on 9/8/2022