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The 2023 Civic Type-R is already setting lap records—could possibly be the best hot hatch in the segment. U.S debut scheduled for July 1.

It has to be pointed out that cars these days are becoming so good in terms of performance and features that it’d be difficult to differentiate between them if you were to hide the logos. While the Germans do offer brand appeal, it’s cars like the Civic and its eastern adversaries that boast excellent value for money.

Honda’s been hyping the 2023 Civic Type-R for quite some time. From multiple online videos to the recent tease from the Japanese marque themselves, the car in question is, without doubt, a serious contender in the hot hatch segment.

While not much is available to discuss, certain bits have surfaced in the past few months. We have various YouTubers having a close-up of the 2023 Civic Type-R, albeit in camo. Also, Honda has been teasing us with prototypes and various track videos from around the world. In one of the videos, the new 2023 Type-R can be seen setting a lap record at the Suzuka circuit for the fastest front-wheel-drive car.

So what are we to expect from the new 2023 Civic Type-R? Numerous online reports suggest the new high-performance Honda will be more of an evolution of the existing model than a complete revolution.

Right off the bat, Honda is planning to continue offering the familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine in the new 2023 Type-R. Power is expected to be slightly more than the existing unit’s 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is not yet confirmed by Honda themselves, but the Japanese spec model seems to be 90% production-ready. Even if Honda were to fiddle around with the engine, it wouldn’t be far from its Japanese counterpart, which is rumored to be around 320 horsepower.

Much like its predecessor, the engine should whir into life with throaty vocals that are sure to catch people’s attention. The exhaust, although wasn’t praised for its drama, will surely be tuned to complement the immersive driving experience that Type-Rs are known for.

The 2023 Civic Type-R should come equipped with a 6-speed manual (confirmed by Honda) as standard, along with the option of a dual-clutch automatic. Chassis-wise, the 2023 Type-R should be equipped with stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential, and 4-piston Brembo brakes up front. Also, wider section Michelin Pilot Sport performance tires are expected to come wrapped around 20-inch alloy wheels.

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The interior game is expected to remain relatively unchanged. Apart from the occasional Type-R treatment, the new high-performance Civic should have interiors very similar to its normal sibling. Quite possibly, the 9.0-inch infotainment unit would carry over the functionalities from the regular model. The system in the Civic Si boasts all the latest connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while offering crisp graphics.

In terms of amenities, the 2023 Civic Type-R should come with a myriad of convenience features. Power seats, surround-view camera guidance, wireless charging, and a host of advanced driver assistance systems could possibly find a spot in the upcoming 2023 Type-R’s feature list. As for the seating, expect the usual Type-R specific sport seats with added lateral support to find their way into the new model. Additional visual cues, expected, include red accents, seat belts, and faux carbon-fiber trim.

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The Honda Civic in its normal guise is quite a looker. Although not everyone’s cup of tea, Honda's new design ethos is definitely attention-grabbing and, dare we say, better than its previous attempt. The sharp lines of the Civic Si are expected to continue in the high-performance version as well. Much of the other details were hard to figure out, considering the prototype car was in camo.

The triple exhaust tips are quite large and perfectly suit the character of the car. Also, visually, the car looks very mature, barring the rear wing, of course. The rear spoiler is there to enhance the sporty dynamics, although the actual effects of it are still uncertain. We reckon Honda has engineered extensive aerodynamic improvements over its predecessor. But it feels less video-game-like, and there is a sense of cohesiveness. Although, we’ll reserve our final judgment once Honda officially reveals the 2023 Type-R.

From the recently teased images, though, one could make out the red accents in the brake calipers, black performance rims, and wider track, helping with better stance and visual appeal. The 2023 Civic Type-R could arrive in the U.S. by the end of the year; we'll know more information and specs soon. The upcoming performance Honda is scheduled for its U.S debut on July 1 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. As for pricing, expect the 2023 Honda Civic Type-R to cost near the $40,000 mark.

A relatively naive bloke in every aspect other than cars. Ever since he was a toddler, cars fascinated him so much that he only ate when there's a magazine beside him. Although comprehension was a bit far-fetched, pictures were the focal point. Fast forward a few years, he graduated with a degree in automobile engineering and now pens down on all things motoring.