New Honda Civic Type R-GT Completes First Test

Honda has completed the first test with its upcoming GT500 car, the Civic Type R-GT, ahead of a planned race debut in Super GT next year.

The manufacturer is introducing a new car to the top class of Japan’s main sports car series, replacing the Honda NS-X GT which has raced since 2014 over three generations.

The Civic Type R-GT, which was unveiled as a concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January, underwent two days of track running at Okayama this week.

Two-time GT500 champion Naoki Yamamoto and reigning Super Formula champion Tomoki Nojiri, who drives for Honda in Super GT, took turns behind the wheel in hot and sunny conditions.

The car is powered by a turbocharged 2-liter direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine developed by Honda Racing Corporation.

HRC President Koji Watanabe said: “We are very pleased to be able to start the first track testing of the Civic Type R-GT, which is a race machine incorporating the aerodynamics, engine and other technologies, and the expertise that HRC has amassed by taking on challenges in a number of races inside and outside of Japan.

“Starting with the 2024 season, we will be competing in the GT500 class of SUPER GT, one of the most prestigious auto racing series in Japan.

“With our constant desire for victory, we will strive to win the championship from the very first year, so please keep your expectations high for the permeance the Civic Type R-GT will demonstrate in the coming years.”

Honda is the latest GT500 entrant to introduce a new car after Nissan launched the Z GT500 last year and Toyota introduced the GR Supra to replace the Lexus LC 500 in 2020.

The first GT500-spec NSX that made its debut nine years ago was based on a concept car, before being replaced by a version derived from the new production model.

That second-generation Honda NSX-GT competed from 2017 until the end of 2021 when it underwent an update to the current vehicle which includes Type S branding.