We were giddy when Honda unveiled the all-new Civic Si based on the eleventh-gen Civic hatchback. Moreover, we were mildly concerned about its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-banger having five less horsepower than the previous Civic Si. But with the much-awaited arrival of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, the automaker laid to rest our anxieties of a severely watered-down and subdued version of a track-ready compact vehicle.

It starts with more power under the hood ? enough to become the most potent Honda production vehicle sold in the United States ? and a collection of specifically-engineered parts to make it go faster, corner harder, and brake stronger than any Type R before it.

?Type R is very important for Honda as the pinnacle of our factory performance and an irreplaceable brand that enables enthusiasts to experience Honda?s racing spirit and seek the ultimate in speed and driving pleasure,? said Hideki Kakinuma, Global Civic Type R Development Leader.
2023 Honda Civic Type R: Brief History

The 2023 Civic Type R is only the second Type R to enter the U.S. market officially. Honda christened the Type R name to the first-gen NSX supercar in 1992. The Integra Type R followed in 1995 before the first Civic Type R came into existence in 1997 with the sixth-gen JDM Civic SiR. Diehard fans may recall the NSX R GT. Only five were built in 2005, and each one was painted Championship White.

The 2023 Type R is the sixth-gen variant of Honda?s iconic sport compac...