2023 Civic Type R in detail at Tokyo Auto Salon

Hello! This is your new Civic Type R

Recently MotorTrend had a chance to visit the Tokyo Auto Salon and saw the new Civic Type R up close and personal. While still strictly a prototype, this one is essentially "production-ready." As we know, the car is much more svelte in appearance, but that doesn't mean it loses all aggression. 

Familiar Touches, but an All New Approach

Triple tail-pipes are a familiar arrangement, but gone are the massive fake vents in the bumpers. Instead, strakes are built into the bumper, just aft of the rear wheel arch. A diffuser is visible but really amounts to a styling touch. That wing, however, is not a design touch. It's through and through functional.  

Less Grill, More Airflow

For the new Civic Type R, bigger grilles take place of the large number of grilled in the FK8. The upper grille opening here helps feed the turbo's intercooler. That'll help track day enthusiast keep their cool, literally. Also, in terms of camo, this Honda wears the most unique version yet. With the "R" logo intermixed with the silhouette of the new Type R. 

New Rear Wing Compliments Speedback Profile

The FK8's hatchback/liftback profile was terminated at a wild-style rear wing. This time around, the wing stands are just wingstands, and the curved wick of the new wing follows a bodyline that is more speedback in profile. We have a feeling this will be changed out with a much bigger, direct bolt-on wing. 

Brakes are Stout, but We Notice Something Odd

Interestingly, we spot the front brakes as being a lower spec than the outgoing FK8, seeing as they are solid rotors and not the floating type of the 2022 model. Still, it's worth noting this car is very much just a prototype. There's probably no running gear, and the interior can't even be seen. Just a show car here, folks. 

Honda Hid The Underside. AWD Coming?

Because it is a prototype, Honda obscured a lot of important parts of the car. While most competitors have gone the route of AWD, honda has remained steadfast in driving the front wheels only. While still incredibly capable, perhaps Honda may offer an RWD option on the new car? We're not sure but speculation is fun. 

Less Extreme, but Only In The Looks Department

As mentioned, having only front-wheel drive isn't a performance deficit to the Civic Type R. And we're going to guess the performance of this car will exceed the outgoing CTR in all categories. More boost? More suspension tech? More driven wheels? We'll find out soon enough. 

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