New Car Smell

Camouflaged 2023 Honda Civic Type R Pays Homage to the OG’s with Secret Easter Eggs

Uncovered: The Newest Generation 2023 Honda Civic Type R

Revealed on Twitter by Honda-Acura guru @hondaprojason, here’s the first look at the soon-to-be-released 2023 Honda Civic Type R (possibly chassis code FL5?). We’re diggin’ the red, white and camouflaged all-over-print, sneakily hiding some race car secrets. Take a closer look: Large, front-mount intercooler? Check. Huge AF, raised rear wing? Check. Triple pipe, center-mounted exhaust? This whip has it all.

We’re drooling over Honda’s brand new prototype of the hot hatch, making it’s first public debut in North America at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Folks in attendance of Honda’s Indy 200 caught a glimpse of this masterpiece doing some laps.

Type R’s Were Built for Tuners

Honda (and Acura) Type R’s from years past always pushed the boundaries of Honda excellence. This latest generation in a way, is the pinnacle of their racing past. Tuners starting with this platform will love:

  • Aggressive, wide stance both front and rear. You’ll probably roll these wide ass fenders anyway, and under this sheetmetal 10″ wheels shouldn’t be an issue.
  • Large aero for cooling the important bits: hood-mounted vents and several front-bumper openings. Plenty of space for a nice front lip, too.
  • Oversized rear wing, giving us throwback Mugen vibes.
  • Smaller 19″ wheels on this prototype, possibly lighter than the FK8’s 20″ rollers
  • Massive Brembo Brakes on all corners. For most folks on the street, simply upgrading the pads and fluid will be enough.
Image via buerklehonda.com | 2023 Honda Civic Type R Hot Laps

We can’t wait to start modifying this beast, as it’s likely carrying over a version of the the FK8’s stellar 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder. Expect to see north of 300hp to the ground, with owners of the last generation picking up 47 hp and 72 lb-ft of torque with a Hondata Flash. From the factory, expect a low 13 sec 1/4 mile pass. With a larger downpipe and exhaust, tune, and some seat-time, 12’s are all but guaranteed.

Image via Honda Pro Jason | 2023 Honda Civic Type R Prototype

Can You Spot the OG Type R’s With Honda’s Easter Eggs?

Oh, and we can’t get over this camo print. Honda has been getting quite sneaky with their easter eggs as of late, with this specific wrap featuring the iconic “Type-R” font plastered in red. Squint, zoom in, or hold your phone right up to your face…. Other Civic Type-R legends are revealed! In white, you can spy the silhouette of the EK9, EP3, FD2 and of course the FK8. We’re going to need this print on a hoodie, ASAP!

Image via Car And Driver | 2023 Honda Civic Type R Prototype – Easter Egg Camoflauge

As much as we love this all-over print, we can’t wait to see the whole car in it’s all-new, fresh clear-coat dripping goodness. Check back on July 20th for the full unveiling from Honda!