Honda Civic Type R 2023: A New Record on the Nürburgring

The Nürburgring, commonly known as "the Ring" or the "Green Hell," is one of the most famous circuits in the world. Renowned for its complex layout and highly technical nature, the track has become a trophy for automakers. Every time a new performance model enters the market, it must prove that it can tame the more than 20-kilometer-long course.

In order to uphold this tradition, Honda has decided to send the new Civic Type R to prove itself on the legendary German circuit. The Japanese sports car has taken all the honors by beating the record set by the Renault Megane RS in 2019, officially making it the fastest front-wheel-drive production car in the world on the Nürburgring.

In peak form

The track is typically divided into two parts: the south section (Südschleife) measuring 7.747 kilometers and the north section (Nordschleife), which is the portion used by automakers to set records, spanning 22.810 kilometers. The new Honda Civic Type R was able to complete a lap in just 7:44.881. However, it's important to note that the car used to break the record was not entirely stock. Indeed, a few modifications were made to the Civic Type R, notably to reduce weight. Nonetheless, the mechanics of the powerhouse remain unchanged, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces over 315 horsepower.

Certain features such as the multimedia system, air conditioning, and several other minor elements that are not necessary for the car's proper functioning were simply removed. However, this is not considered cheating, as Honda made these improvements with the intention of creating the Civic Type R S, a version similar to the special edition Civic Type R offered for the previous generation.

A rule change

The previous generation Honda Civic Type R completed a lap of the Nordschleife in 7:43.8, which is technically faster than the new-generation model. However, it should be noted that the regulations have since been modified to include a small additional section, increasing the total length of the Nordschleife to 12.93 miles instead of 12.8 miles. According to some estimates, it would take over 5 additional seconds for a car to cover this extra distance. Thus, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R officially becomes the fastest front-wheel-drive production car on the Nordschleife.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier