NEW HONDA CIVIC TYPE R REGAINS

Production Vehicle Fwd Lap Record At N Rburgring

Lap time of 7 min 44:881 sec, set on 2019 enforced longer circuit layout, beats current record for production FWD models.

Launched to international acclaim last year, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R continues to garner awards and accolades – the latest being the retaking of the production vehicle frontwheel drive (FWD) lap record at the infamous 12.92-mile (20.8km) Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.

On 24 March, 2023, members from the Civic Type R’s development team completed a 7 minute 44:881 second lap around the daunting German circuit – nicknamed ‘The Green Hell’ –making it the fastest production specification FWD vehicle. This time was set on the revised, now longer (20.8km), track layout as defined by circuit management in 2019.

The Type R is propelled by a potent 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the most recent version of which cranks out 329PS and 420Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 275 km/h when combined with a new six-speed manual gearbox.

The redesigned, more streamlined exterior of the 2023 Civic Type R also played a role in the record time, with sophisticated aerodynamic solutions like the angle of the high level rear wing and intricate underfloor components working together to produce real downforce.

Additionally, the multilink rear suspension and 35mm longer wheelbase than the preceding Type R are combined with a noticeably wider rear track to offer enhanced cornering stability over its predecessor. This feature was developed through continuous testing on the Autobahn and the Nürburgring.

“The Civic Type R was developed under the concept of ‘Ultimate Sport 2.0’, aiming to be the ultimate FWD sports model, instilling confidence and excitement with drivers that resonates in the heart,” explains Hideki Kakinuma, Civic Type R Large Project Leader. “Since the launch of the Civic TYPE R in 2022, we have received numerous positive response globally, far exceeding our expectations, but there was one more mission that we had to challenge - to be the fastest FWD model on the Nürburgring.

“Six years after the previous generation, we have reached a new dimension in the evolution of the Type R and the passion we put into it. To those who are already an owner of our latest Civic Type R and to those who are expected owners, we truly hope that you will love and enjoy the Civic Type R.”