2023 Honda Civic Type R Pace Car Review, Specs and Features

The start of this year’s Indy Car competition has brought a lot of novelties from different manufacturers and Honda is no exception. After the exciting high-performance CR-V Hybrid, we also saw the new 2023 Honda Civic Type R Pace Car, heavily based on the standard Type R. The modifications are minimal, which was pretty much expected, considering that the base Type R is already a track-ready car.

Most of the changes were made in terms of brake upgrades, while we also saw some tweaks in terms of styling. On the other hand, the powertrain department remains the same, based on the well-known, turbocharger K20 engine.

2023 Honda Civic Type R Pace Car

2023 Honda Civic Type R Pace Car Design

As we’ve just mentioned, most of the features are pretty much as in the standard Type R. This particularly refers to the suspension and chassis setup, where things are pretty much the same. The most important modification is the one that refers to the brakes, a so-called Honda Performance Development brake package. Some of the key features are competition rotors, racing pads, and stainless steel brake lines.

When it comes to styling, there is a pretty familiar exterior, upgraded with unique graphics and a combination of Honda’s traditional, white and red finish. Also, there are a few upgrades in terms of lighting, such as a light bar under the Honda logo on the rear end, and a new lighting group in the lower front grille at the front.

On the inside, the key upgrade is the addition of four-point racing harnesses.

2023 Honda Civic Type R Pace Car specs

2023 Honda Civic Type R Pace Car Engine

As we’ve just mentioned, despite some pretty nice upgrades, the overall design is pretty much the same as in the base Type R. This also refers to the engine department. Of course, we are talking about a turbocharged version of the famous K20 engine, which puts out a max output of 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and comes coupled exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.

With all that power sent to the front wheels, the Civic Type R isn’t easy to handle if you’re chasing some exceptional acceleration times. In ideal conditions, this hatchback can hit 60 in about 5 seconds, which is notably slower when compared to the Golf R. Still, the Type R is a much more complete race car, which offers exceptional results on the track, thanks to the fantastic combination of capable engine and excellent chassis setup. Of course, it’s hard not to mention the super-slick 6-speed manual transmission, one of the best of this kind in the world.

2023 Honda Civic Type R Pace Car featured

2023 Honda Civic Type R Key Features

Compared to the 2023 Honda Civic Type R Pace Car, the standard Type R version comes only with different brakes and a little bit different lighting groups. Other than that, we are talking about the same features, all those features that make this hatchback the most capable front-wheel-drive car in the world. Of course, there is the engine, with the same max output and same manual transmission, as well as a limited-slip front differential. The suspension setup is excellent and works perfectly in a combination with Honda’s amazing chassis.

The beauty of this hot hatch is that, at the same time, it remains a highly usable car that works great as an everyday driver. The adjustable suspension offers a pretty comfortable mode, while the practical hatchback body style ensures plenty of passenger and cargo space. Furthermore, the cabin comes equipped with a full load of modern features, including tech goodies like a 9-inch infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster and more.

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R starts at around 44.500 dollars.

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