Honda Civic Type R FL5

The first Civic Type R of the Reiwa era has arrived as the Honda Civic's 50th-anniversary celebration's gone full circle with the ultimate Civic unleashed to the world, a must-have for speedo boys worldwide.

2023 Honda Civic Type R

2023 Honda Civic Type R interior

The all-new Honda Civic Type R, priced at 4,997,300 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, is by no means the first Civic Type R of the Reiwa era but by amazement, this is the last ICE-powered Civic Type R in history as the company behind this is shifting towards the age of electrification. Looks like Honda's on the roll to call the FL5 Civic Type R the ultimate Type R ever built and it's ready to deliver the endgame speedo boys deserved on the road and track. Best of all, the Civic Type R is now built in Japan for the first time since the FD2, a delight for speedo boys who love JDM sportscars and daydream about them every single time while getting high.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the all-new Type R features new bodywork, a new carbon fiber rear wing, and the same triple exhaust from the previous FK8. From every angle, it's no longer as obvious as the previous FK8 model. It's as subtle as doing a subtle attempt at the big score. On the inside, the aluminum center panel, sports seats, Type R steering wheel, aluminum shift knob, specially-made speedo, and a serial number plaque made the new Type R a racer's delight while accompanying up to five people inside.

On track days, the FL5 Civic Type R features a built-in LogR vehicle app that monitors and records performance data on a closed road and track.

Under the hood, the FL5 Civic Type R runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT. Aside from that, Honda has spent its manpower to give the FL5 Civic Type R a much-needed improvement in the dynamics department. From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it's no wonder the FL5 Civic Type R smashed the Suzuka Circuit FF lap record, faster than the previous model. Let's hope it reaches the Nurburgring and smashes the Renaultsport Megane Trophy-R's lap record to become the new king of FF hot hatches in the Nurburgring. You can count on it.

Because this is the Reiwa era Type R, the FL5 features an updated Honda SENSING system featuring a Forward Collision Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist System, improved Adaptive Cruise Control, and Adaptive Driving Beam, among many others.

With its sensible design and improved performance, the first Civic Type R of the Reiwa era is no doubt the ultimate Civic Type R ever built. As Honda shifts its focus to the era of electrification, there's no doubt that the FL5 Civic Type R will be the biggest sendoff in the twilight of the internal combustion era and for speedo boys, they're ready to risk their lives to drive the FL5 like there's no tomorrow because, in the age of the new normal, there will never be something as cool as the Civic Type R. Enjoy it while you can.

Available colors: Championship White, Flame Red, Racing Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, and Sonic Grey Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.