Honda has unveiled the latest in its collection of INDYCAR pace cars, the new 2023 Civic Type R. Featuring a special livery and a selection of choice upgrades, the car will lead the pack at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida this weekend.
The Japanese carmaker has provided the INDYCAR series with pace cars since 2006, and the Civic Type R will feature a selection of choice modifications for the role. These include a Honda Performance Development brake package with competition rotors, racing pads, and stainless steel brake lines.
The car will also get four-point racing harnesses and an exclusive pace car lighting system. It will also get a red and white Honda graphics package that features the automaker’s branding, in addition to the racing series’ branding. Otherwise, the car is unchanged.
Read: Honda Civic Type R-GT Concept Previews 2024 Super GT Racer
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R is powered by the automaker’s K20C1 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine, which makes 315 hp (235 kW/319 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque—nine horses and 15 lb-ft more than the last-generation Civic Type R made.
“Type R is very important for Honda as the pinnacle of our factory performance and an irreplaceable brand that enables enthusiasts to experience Honda’s racing spirit, and seek the ultimate in speed and driving pleasure,” said Hideki Kakinuma, global Civic Type R development leader. “The all-new Civic Type R will continue that legacy, leveraging Honda’s racetrack-proven engineering to deliver extreme performance and passion—both on the road and on the racetrack.”
In addition to the Civic Type R at the front of the pack, Honda will also have a very special CR-V Hybrid on display at the opening round of the 2023 INDYCAR season. The one-off crossover is powered by Honda’s next-gen hybrid powertrain and is based on an INDYCAR rear-end, and an NSX GT-3 Evo22 front end.
The show car, and the special Civic Type R will both be in action in Florida this weekend, at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which runs from March 3 to March 5.
