2023 Honda Civic Type R checks in with 315 hp, improved cooling, and gearbox changes

Honda revealed Wednesday that the 2023 Honda Civic Type R will have a maximum output of 315 hp.

Honda also detailed what upgrades led to the power increase and what tweaks were made to the next-generation Type R's transmission and suspension.

Increased Power, Enhanced Cooling

To begin, the Civic Type R's 2.0-liter turbo four has been modified to produce 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The power increase over the current Type R's 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque is the result of three updates: a redesigned turbocharger, increased intake air flow, and a new, more efficient exhaust system.

The turbocharger has been optimized for the shape, size, and number of turbine wheel blades, Honda explains. Coupled with the redesign of the intake path, the turbo is able to generate pressure more efficiently over a wider area.

The 2023 Type R's larger grille opening features a new, larger radiator and larger diameter fan designed to improve engine cooling while ensuring sustained performance.

An active valve in the center pipe of the new exhaust system opens at a higher RPM than before, but Honda does not note at what RPM that magic door opens.

A lighter flywheel and a newly optimized shift pattern for the six-speed manual transmission round out the upgrades. Honda also included a rev-matching system in the 2023 Type R, similar to that found in the 2022 Civic Si.

Tuned suspension, upgraded brakes

Based on the 11th generation Civic, the new Type R is longer and wider than before: the 107.7-inch wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than the previous generation Type R and the track is 1. The track is 1.0 inch wider in the front and 0.75 inch wider in the rear.

To accommodate the longer, wider Type R, Honda engineers retuned the front strut suspension and rear multi-link suspension to improve straight-line stability. Honda states that steering feel has been improved.

Pulling the Type R down from speed are two-piece Brembo brake rotors in the front, connected to brake boosters that Honda says have been retuned to improve feel and control.

Honda has not revealed pricing for the 2023 Civic Type R, which will go on sale this fall, but it will be built at its Yorii plant in Japan.