2023 Honda Civic Type R S Takes Front-Drive Crown at the 'Ring

• A lightweight European-only spec of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R has set the record for the fastest front-wheel-drive production car at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

• Honda says the special CTR—called the Type R S—circled the 12.94-mile course in 7:44.881, beating the 2019 Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy-R's time of 7:45.399.

• The record-setting Civic Type R S wore a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 track tires, which on European models have to be ordered directly through Michelin.

CLARIFICATION 4/21/2023: The Honda Civic Type R that set the front-drive record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife is a lightweight model called the Type R S that will only be sold in left-hand-drive European markets. Regular versions of the Euro-spec CTR feature a 325-hp 2.0-liter turbo four, whereas U.S. models are rated at 315 horses.

The new Honda Civic Type R is a front-wheel-drive beast. We've known this for awhile now, and now the rest of the world is reminded of its greatness as Honda announces it's the fastest front-drive production car to lap the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The track-focused hatchback circled the 12.94-mile track in 7:44.881. That time beats the previous FWD record of 7:45.399, which was set by a 2019 Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy-R. However, the record-setting CTR isn't the same one sold in America, it's actually a lighter version called the Type R S, which will only be sold in left-hand-drive European markets.

The Civic Type R S that lapped the 'Ring wore Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s. While those race-focused tires are available as a $1780 dealer-installed option to U.S. customers, Honda says in Europe they must be ordered directly from Michelin.