TOKYO: Honda has today released its first teaser image of the all-new Civic Type R, ahead of its world premiere at 10am (Malaysian time) on July 21.
The global unveil will also showcase the car ahead of its arrival in Europe in early 2023.
Today also marks a day of celebration for Honda, as it is the 50th anniversary of the Honda Civic series, which first went on sale July 12, 1972.
This year represents the 25 years of the Civic wearing the crimson Type R badge.
In getting the car ready, Honda has subjected it to various tests including testing it at Germany's Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The all-new 2023 Civic Type R is already showcasing its trackworthy credentials, having recently set a new track record for a front-wheel drive car at the legendary Suzuka Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix.
In the last revelation in June, the Civic Type R remained in camouflage, but one could see the car was fitted with Brembo brake calipers and retained the 3-exhaust system and huge rear wing.
The front-wheel drive hot hatch will also be more aerodynamic and will have improved cooling to cope with a more powerful engine to make for "the most powerful, best performing Civic Type R ever."
Honda is expected to tweak the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine to squeeze out over 306hp/316hp (dependent on region-specific emissions rules) that was present in the outgoing FK8 model.
Also the fact the new Civic Type R is running around on the Nurburgring suggest it wants to set a record that would be another selling point to crow about once the car goes into series production.
For that, it would have to beat the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R Nürburgring Pack, which scored 7 minutes and 40.1 seconds in a lap in 2019.
