In 2019, track officials instituted new rules, extending a full Nordschleife lap from 12.800 mi (20.600 km) to 12.944 mi (20.832-kilometer). The previous-generation Type R completed the lap under the old regulations, while the 2023 variant did it under the new ones. The FK8 Civic finished the slightly shorter lap in a similar time of 7 minutes and 44.8 seconds.
The 2023 Type R lapped the 'Ring wearing Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect tires, which the automaker says are available through its dealers. The Civic's standard rubber is Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires.
"Six years after the lap record was set by the previous-generation Civic Type R, 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," said Hideki Kakinuma, the model's development leader.
While Honda thoroughly massaged the car's design, it only made modest changes to the powertrain. The K20C1 engine makes 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, up 9 hp and 15 lb-ft from the previous-generation Type R. A six-speed manual sits between the engine and wheels.
2023 Honda Civic Type R
The new Type R also holds the record for the fastest lap around the challenging Suzuka circuit in Japan, lapping the track in 2 minutes and 23.120 seconds. It beat the FK8, which needed 2 minutes and 23.993 seconds to complete the 3.6-mile course.
Source: Honda
