Honda Civic Type R-GT Concept Debuts as Honda’s New Super GT Challenger

Apart from the slew of aftermarket-tuned models, the Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) 2023 also saw some automakers debuting their facelifted models, resto-mods of their old models, as well as OEM aftermarket gears for their ongoing models. 

While folks like Nissan and Subaru liked to tease their fans with upcoming models to be showcased at the show, other marques like Honda, opted to play a rather silent game ahead of the grand unveiling of their new concepts or models.

For TAS 2023, Honda has unveiled its latest Super GT racecar, the all-new Honda Civic Type R-GT Concept. This new Honda concept racer is poised to replace the NSX-GT Type S in the 2024 edition of the Super GT series – one of the world’s most prestigious touring car series.

Under the stewardship of the marque’s racing arm Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), the Civic Type R-GT concept is still under development to prepare it for the first track tests, scheduled in Summer 2023. 

Donning the HRC’s signature tri-colour of red, blue, and white, the concept boasts some major differences compared to its road-legal twin. Instead of a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, the Type R-GT sports a rear-wheel-drive (RWD), which is a more popular option in many GT-spec cars. HRC has yet to disclose the rest of the mechanical spec of this concept, as the car is still under development.

In terms of design, the Civic Type R-GT concept still sports some design elements carry-over from the FL5 model it underpins, namely both its headlights and taillights, the raking hatchback roofline, as well as its overall silhouette. The standard carbon rear wing however, is now being replaced with a huge GT-style swan-neck spoiler.

Apart from that, the Civic Type R-GT boasts a much, much lower and wider stance, thanks to the wide body kit it harnesses. Said body kit features a plethora of carbon fibre parts, including the juxtaposed front splitters, side skirts, as well as the massive rear diffuser with its tailpipes now moved to the sides. The flared wheel arches and fenders are not for style only, as they are needed to house the car’s super wide racing slicks.

The final, track-ready version of the Civic Type R-GT will be ready for the 2024 season of the Super GT series, set to participate in the GT500 category. Honda is expected to be the sole marque to feature a new car model for the GT500 series, as its fellow close-knit rivals Nissan and Toyota will most likely carry over with their previous models, namely the Nissan Z and Toyota Supra, respectively.

The 2023 season of Japan’s Super GT series will feature a total of eight races taking place in six different venues, starting on April 15, 2023 at the Okayama International Circuit. As the new Civic Type R-GT will only make its track debut later in 2024, Honda will probably retain the NSX-GT for this year’s edition.