HONDA Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has officially launched its high-performance icon—the 6th Generation Civic Type R. According to Honda the latest model is by far the most powerful in Type R’s 30-year history. None other than HCPI president Masahiko Nakamura presented their latest halo model embodying the brand’s challenging spirit with the latest innovations.
“We welcome 2023 with the launch of the All-New Civic Type R. Throughout several generations, Honda’s halo model was celebrated worldwide as a symbol of extreme performance and desirability. It embodies Honda’s DNA, demonstrating the brand’s strong determination to craft machines that attain the ultimate speed and the joy of driving,” said Nakamura.
Nakamura further explained that the Civic Type R profoundly represents Honda’s challenging spirit. Since the 5th generation first set foot in the Philippines in 2017, it has redefined the meaning of motorsports, given that it is globally recognized as one of the fastest front-wheel-drive sports cars.
A more mature design approach
The designed input is from the aerodynamic development members of the HRC Sakura Super GT race team. The latest generation model is more aerodynamically efficient, generating significantly more downforce and improving high-speed stability. Based on the Civic Hatchback has a new bumper that reduces side wake, functional front fender air outlets, and side sill garnishes that enhance efficiency, contributing to a lower overall coefficient of drag.
In contrast, the latest model is 0.8 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider, and 0.5 inches lower. A-pillars have been pulled rearward by 1.96 inches to improve visibility. The sports hatch now has a more elongated hood, and a more aggressive front bumper design featuring a sporty honeycomb grille mesh, complementing the intricate honeycomb trim inside the cabin. The rear doors are wider, and a reshaped rear bumper reveals its updated signature three-round exhaust outlets. The rear spoiler has been redesigned with aluminum stanchions and a new rear diffuser.
Moreover, there are redesigned LED headlamps and taillamps, and Matte Black finished 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/30 high-performance tires, a tailgate spoiler, its tri-tip tailpipe diffuser, and the Type R badges found both on the front grille and tailgate along with the red Honda logo. Changes to the exterior and interior are about driver performance and engagement with thinner pillars. Outer mirrors relocated to the doors, and a lower hood. Further, blind spots have been minimized, and reflective elements reduced.
Immersive and techy cabin
According to Honda, the cabin design supports intense driving experiences, which enhances the exhilaration of driving with emotive, performance-focused details. Interior ergonomics were developed based on two core principles, including “instantaneous recognition” and “intuitive operation,” combining easy-to-understand information with natural-feeling controls providing the ultimate pleasure for the driver.
Sharing similar elements with the standard Civic, there are exclusive essentials such as an aluminum shift knob, a serialized Type R plate on the dashboard, black and red motif interior. The red color dominates the racing-inspired Type R bucket seats treated in Alcantara, including carpeting and other finishes in the cabin. Those new lightweight, heavily bolstered front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery offer exceptional support and comfort on the track and during long drives.
For in-car entertainment, a nine-inch touchscreen supports various multimedia functions such as Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Crisp audio sound is courtesy of a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Other features include a 10.2-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, automatic air-conditioning, smart entry with a smart key card and one push start system, and a wireless charging pad.
Honda LogR Performance Datalogger
Exclusive to the All-New Civic Type R is a new enhanced version of the Honda LogR Performance Datalogger. It combines its onboard computer and sensors with a unique built-in vehicle app to aid drivers monitor and recording various performance parameters in real time. Key features are as follows:
Performance Monitor– provides vehicle information to the driver, such as 3D Display, Tire Friction Circle, cornering G-forces, the status of oil and coolant temperatures, oil pressure, and more.
Auto Score-Shows how the car behaves and helps you improve your driving skills. Autoscore measure your driving performance using key driving parameters.
Data Log-analyzes driving data to help you understand your driving habits. It also scores your track performance and provides lap time and Heat Map.
Type R power
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC VTEC, Turbocharged In-line 4 Cylinder engine generating 315 hp and 420 N-m of maximum torque—the most powerful model in Type R’s 30-year history. This potent mill is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox with an improved Rev Match Control System for more precise and smoother shifting. There are even four driving modes—Comfort, Sport, +R, and a new individual mode customizable by the driver.
Honda Sensing
Meanwhile, the standard Honda Sensing® suite of driver-assistive and safety technologies has been thoroughly reengineered for the 2023 Civic Type R. The system uses a single camera mounted behind the windshield and a high-speed processor and sonar sensors. The new single-camera system features a field of view that is twice as wide (100 degrees vs. 50 degrees) and can see farther down the road. Given the new mechanism, the system now has better recognition than the previous version.
Honda SENSING features include Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Auto-High Beam (AHB). Other standard safety features are a multi-view rear camera, walk-away auto lock, driver attention monitor, airbags (front, side, side curtain, knee), rear seat reminder, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor, security alarm, and an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold (ABH).
The All-new Civic Type R retails at P3.880 million and is available in the iconic racing-heritage color Championship White and Racing Blue Pearl. According to HCPI, only 39 units are up for grabs.
Image credits: Honda Philippines , Randy S. Peregrino
