2023 Honda Civic Type R: Everything We Know About The 11th Gen Super Hot Hatch

These are independent illustrations based on prototype Honda Civic Type R models we’ve spied and information we’ve obtained that were drawn by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes and are not related to nor endorsed by Honda

Honda’s plans to offer a wild Type-R version of its acclaimed 11th generation Civic will have enthusiasts in eager anticipation. It’ll also be the last hurrah for the 2.0-litre turbo four before the Japanese automaker’s electrification strategy ramps up, potentially spelling the end of the Type-R as we all know it.

Fortunately, camouflaged prototypes spotted in Europe suggest the Type-R flame is still burning brighter than ever. And in our never-ending pursuit of providing the latest intel, we’ve gone a step further to digitally uncover its design and look at everything else we know to date.

See: Everything We Know About The New 2023 BMW M2 Coupe

Illustrations copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes

Aesthetically Rapid

The previous Civic Type-R had a polarizing Fast & Furious aesthetic that arguably wasn’t to everyone’s tastes. Reassuringly, the new car dials back the craziness for a more mature yet muscular appearance. Even so, frontal styling is still appropriately aggressive with obligatory mesh grille inserts, lower lip splitters, hood vents and large lower intakes.

You’ll notice the Type-R is again a hatch-only affair, with a giant spoiler featuring a two-piece design, possibly with some level of adjustability. Viewing the car in profile reveals a broader stance, with pumped front and rear fenders dramatically cutting inwards in a DTM-like fashion. The rear includes a dominant lower diffuser panel and a triple exhaust arrangement that features two smaller pipes flanking a larger one in the middle.

Seen here in prototype form testing, the new 2022 Civic Type R will maintain the boy-racer rear wing

Power To Perform

Conjecture surrounding a potent plug-in hybrid setup has gone by the wayside of late, as Honda has confirmed the Type-R will retain the previous six-speed manual and front-wheel-drive layout with a pure turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.

Read: The FD2 Honda Civic Type R Sedan Is One Of The Best Cars I’ve Driven

That doesn’t mean we won’t see improvements, as the tweaked 2.0-litre VTEC turbo-four is expected to pump over 310 hp (231 kW) and 309 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque to the front wheels, making it one of the most potent Type Rs to date. Handling will benefit from a stiffer chassis with additional strengthening, a front axle limited-slip differential, powerful brakes and large wheels with some seriously sticky Michelin rubber.

The new 2022 Civic Type R will have a sported up version of the regular 11th gen model’s dash pictured above from the sedan. As you can see, it has a more streamlined and cleaner design than the 10th gen’s interior below from the 2021 Type R

Cockpit Quality

The Type-R will build upon the Civic’s slick new cabin with a dollop of performance flair. Expect the usual plethora of Type R badges, contrasting stitching, flat-bottom steering wheel, figure-hugging red bucket seats and seatbelts.

Standard equipment includes a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, Bose premium sound, 9-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Qi-compatible charging. A suite of active driving aids under the ‘Honda Sensing’ banner include adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, road sign recognition and lane-keeping assist.

Our artists rendition of the 2022 Honda Civic Type R 11th gen above (illustrations copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes) and the current, 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition 10th gen below

Fast Rivals & Reveal

Honda’s revamped hot-hatch will compete against the likes of Hyundai’s new Elantra N, Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport, and in Europe, the Renault Megane RS. All-wheel-drive alternatives include the Subaru WRX, Mercedes-AMG A 35, Audi S3 and BMW M135i.

Expect more details to come to light over the coming months, with an official reveal slated for the first half of 2022. What do you think of the 2023 Honda Civic Type-R’s muscular new look? Share your views in the comments below.