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New generation Honda Civic Type R TCR revealed ahead of 2023 debut
Honda alongside homologation partner JAS Motorsport have revealed the latest generation Civic Type R TCR based recently released FL5 model.
Following on from the previous model’s success in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series courtesy of Wall Racing driver Tony D’Alberto this season, the FL5 iteration is a complete change by JAS Motorsport not an update.
Most notable is the FL5’s aggressive outside appearance, which is emphasised by the wider guards and aerodynamic kit permitted under global TCR regulations. Underneath, it is all change as well with a new chassis, upgraded braking capability, improved transmission and a race-refined version of the four-cylinder, two-litre turbocharged engine also featured in the road going model.
An endurance version will become available to customers in due course for those planning to contest the many long distance events on offer to TCR entrants worldwide.
The development and release of the Honda Civic FL5 Type R TCR demonstrates the Japanese manufacturer’s commitment to the global touring car and customer racing program through its long-standing partner JAS Motorsport.
Factory driver Nestor Girolami gave the new FL5 its maiden test at the Circuit Tazio Nuvolari in Italy on December 5, with the development process now well underway ahead of a planned customer roll out starting in April 2023.
Honda is one of the most successful manufacturers in TCR history having secured 398 race victories and 74 major titles since it debuted with the FK2 in 2015. Since 2017, the FK8 has led Honda’s TCR charge, with its success being rewarded by being named TCR ‘Car of the Year’ in 2019 and 2020.
Of course, the model has strong history in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series having been part of the inaugural grid in 2019 where D’Alberto ended the season second and factory ace Girolami completed a clean-sweep at Sandown.
This season proved a success for Honda as D’Alberto achieved two wins at Queensland Raceway on his way to winning the title, while Wall Racing teammate Fabian Coulthard and privateer Zac Soutar also secured victories for the marque during the season.
The new model will race in the inaugural TCR World Tour next year, which will feature two rounds in Australia including at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International.