Track Testing Commences for Honda Civic Type R-GT Ahead of 2024 Racing Premiere

During the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, Honda Racing surprised the automotive world by introducing a concept version of the Civic Type R, intended to be the successor to the NSX GT in Japan's renowned Autobacs Super GT racing series. The excitement surrounding this new model was further fueled when HRC announced its plans for extensive testing before its anticipated debut.

The unveiling of the Civic Type R GT took place at the Okayama International Circuit, where Honda intended to conduct its inaugural shakedown test in preparation for the highly anticipated 2024 Super GT racing season.

Although the Civic Type R GT exhibits some visual similarities to both the FL5 road car and the earlier concept version revealed in January, it is expected to be significantly distinct beneath the surface. The front grille boasts noticeably larger openings compared to its conceptual counterpart, and intriguingly, the rear door handles have been omitted from the design, suggesting a focus on aerodynamics and weight reduction.

As for the powerhouse, Honda has disclosed that the Civic Type R GT will be equipped with a 2.0-liter direct injection four-cylinder turbo engine, akin to the one found in the road car. However, there are speculations that HRC has custom-tuned this engine for racing purposes, making it a bespoke race engine, possibly unrelated to the K20C1 engine used in the FL5.

Further details regarding the car's specific technical specifications and performance capabilities remain undisclosed by HRC at this time. However, if the Class One regulations of the Super GT racing series remain unaltered for the 2024 season, it is anticipated that the Civic Type R GT might participate in the competition with a rear-wheel-drive configuration.

In a bid to ensure that the Civic Type R GT is fully prepared for its debut in the Super GT series, HRC has planned an intensive two-day testing session at the Okayama International Circuit, scheduled to take place from July 25 to 26, 2023. This comprehensive testing program will allow Honda's engineering team to fine-tune and optimize the car's performance, handling, and overall race-readiness.

Automotive enthusiasts and racing fans alike eagerly await the debut of the Civic Type R GT in the Autobacs Super GT racing series. With Honda Racing's rich history of motorsport success and continuous pursuit of engineering excellence, the prospect of witnessing the Civic Type R GT in action on the racetrack is undeniably thrilling. Only time will reveal the full extent of this car's capabilities and its potential to dominate the demanding world of Super GT racing.