What's the news?
As the doors open to the world's media in Paris for the motor show, Honda is quick out of the blocks with images of a Civic Type R 'prototype' released this morning.
Based on the new five-door body shape (making its European debut here in Paris), the Civic Type R retains the current model's outrageous aerodynamic body kit concept in the pursuit of a Nürburgring lap time and the red-trimmed detailing, along with copious amounts of carbon fibre. There are piano black 20-inch rims and a brushed aluminium effect wrap for the show.
There's not a lot else to report on, as Honda won't be revealing any mechanical details at this stage. It's safe to assume it'll use a mechanical limited slip differential on the front axle and an uprated version of the current turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, however.
Anything else?
Honda has confirmed that the new Civic Type R will go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2017 and it will be made in its Swindon factory over in the UK.
Meanwhile, read our review of the current Honda Civic Type R