WATCH: New Honda Civic Type R sets Suzuka lap record 

The next-generation 2022 Honda Civic Type R has set a new front-wheel drive lap record at the Suzuka circuit in Japan ahead of its launch later this year.
 
Recording a 2:23.120 hot lap, the upcoming Civic Type R shaved nearly a second off the 2:23.993 time posted by the previous record holder that that also happened to be a Honda Civic Type R (FK8), although that was the more hard-core Limited Edition model.

After Honda posted a video of the fast lap of the 5.8km circuit, some commentators have noted the Type R had a rolling start, although a similar tactic was used by the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R.
 
During the fast lap, the Civic Type R hit speeds of up to 231km/h, with the fast Honda showing impressive high-speed stability.
 
It's also worth pointing out that the Civic Type R driven had a six-speed manual and not the rumoured two-pedal version that may be introduced.

Sadly, no more new information has been released with the video.
 
When it arrives, the new Civic Type R is expected to have a mildly tuned version of the outgoing Type R’s 2.0-litre turbo-four (228kW/400Nm) that will be combined with the aforementioned six-speed manual and a limited-slip differential to boost traction.

 
With a bit more power, expect a 0-100km/h sprint of around 5.5 seconds and a 275km/h top speed.
 
Stay tuned, as more teasers of the Civic Type R are expected in the build-up to its launch.

Deliveries Down Under should commence before the end of 2022 or early 2023 at the latest.

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