The 315 horsepower 2023 Honda Civic Type R will be the brand’s most powerful production vehicle ever sold in the United States when it debuts later this year. That’s a nine horsepower jump from the last generation Type R, thanks to a redesigned turbo, rethought intake airflow, and a better breathing exhaust. 

The new Civic makes its sauce with the same basic turbocharged 2.0 liter that debuted on these shores in 2017 in the last-generation FK8 Type R. The FK8 was the first Civic Type R Honda sent to the U.S. after years of clamoring from the Gran Turismo generation. What arrived was a massively cool and capable hot hatch, but it was a long way from the bantamweight naturally aspirated hatchback Honda fanbois fell in love with. It also drew some heat for bristling with wings and scoops, eschewing the understated styling that had defined the original. 

The new Type R has swung back hard toward understated looks, its massive rear wing notwithstanding. Gone are the winglets and bumper add-ons that made the last version look like some sort of threatening tropical insect. There’s still no mistaking the Type R for a Civic Si, thanks to a wider, more aggressive body kit, but the whole presentation is much more subdued. Unlike the last generation, you wouldn’t feel sheepish about pulling up to the pickup line or your office parking deck in this Type R. 

There’s still some time before the new Type R is officially released, but if it’s half as good as it looks like it’s going to be, we can’t wait to get our hands on one.