Honda Reveals Its New Civic Type R Pace Car

Honda has unveiled the latest addition to their series of IndyCar Pace Cars, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, which will lead the NTT INDYCAR SERIES field to the green flag for the upcoming Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. With 315 horsepower, the 2023 Civic Type R is the most powerful Honda production vehicle ever sold in the U.S. The Civic Type R Pace Car is the most powerful model in the Type R's 30-year history and will benefit from additional improvements made to the Honda Civic Type R production for 2023. These include an all-new immersive cockpit experience and a sleek, muscular new design.

"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.

Honda’s improvements to the Civic Type R's chassis were achieved through rigorous testing at racetracks in Japan, North America, and Europe. A standard helical-type limited-slip differential effectively puts the engine's power to the pavement. A standard helical-type limited-slip differential effectively puts the engine's power to the pavement. A standard helical-type limited-slip differential effectively puts the engine's power to the pavement. A lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system further improve the Type R's smooth and precise six-speed manual transmission. Final modifications to the Civic Type R for Pace Car duties include a Honda Performance Development brake package, competition rotors, racing pads, stainless steel brake lines, and four-point racing harnesses.

Since its introduction in 2017, the Civic Type R has gathered near-universal acclaim for its unique blend of potent dynamic performance and day-to-day driving civility. The Civic Type R was named to Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars list for 2023. The Type R has also garnered an enviable reputation on the racing circuit, with professional racers utilizing the Civic Type R to compete in the SRO Touring Car America and other racing series around the world.

"Type R is the ultimate expression of Honda's racing DNA, and we're thrilled to showcase its incredible capabilities on the racetrack," said Art St. Cyr, President of HPD and Vice President of Auto Operations for American Honda. "From our production vehicles to our racing programs, Honda remains committed to delivering the best possible performance experience for our customers, whether they're on the street or on the track."

Honda Performance Development (HPD) has three ready-to-race Civic models for touring car competition. The affordable and reliable Civic Si TCA race car is one of the three, followed by the Civic Type R TC racer that puts legendary Type R performance on the track. The final model is the no-compromise, championship-winning Civic Type R TCR race car. All competition Civics, along with a full line of performance parts, are available from HPD through the company's Honda Racing Line program. HPD's unparalleled trackside support at every level is a unique benefit that no other manufacturer can offer.

The new Civic Type R Pace Car is an exciting addition to the IndyCar Pace Car series, demonstrating Honda's commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles that showcase its racing spirit. The combination of the Type R's potent dynamic performance and sleek new design will undoubtedly make an impression on the track, as well as the road.

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