Honda has released a teaser video of a camouflaged Civic Type R prototype circling the Nürburgring ahead of its summer debut, hinting at a new record at the famous track. Recall that the 2023 Civic Type R has already broken the front-wheel drive lap record at Suzuka, proving that the new generation is faster than the outgoing model.
The footage was taken in May 2022 when spy photographers filmed the model being tested. This wasn't the first time the Civic Type R had visited the Ring, as most of its creation took place on the North Loop. The flagship of the Civic line is still in red camouflage, which hides an aggressive body kit that distinguishes it from younger models, at least with a large wing and triple exhaust pipes.
Honda hasn't provided details about the Civic Type R's powertrain, but we do know it will be the last non-electrified internal combustion engine model to be sold in Europe. Under the hood, a more powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder engine is expected, with an output of more than 306 hp. (228 kW / 310 hp) of its predecessor and 400 Nm of torque. Power will be sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, which is a rarity these days, even in the world of hot hatches.
To become the new king of front-wheel-drive hot hatchbacks, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R must beat the lap time of the 2019 Renault Megane RS Trophy-R, which lapped in 7:40.10. Recall that the previous generation Civic Type R became the record holder back in 2017, showing a time of 7.43.8.
