In between all of the mad concepts and production model debuts an interesting tit-bit of information has emerged from within Honda. At today's Frankfurt Motor Show Press Conference, Manabu Nishimae, President, Honda Motor Europe, revealed the first details of the new Civic Type R. Unlike previous versions of the Type R, which used high-revving naturally aspirated V-TEC engines the new model will be powered by a direct injection turbocharged 2.0-litre unit, which will deliver "at least" 280hp.
The reason for the excess power - the last Type R had 225hp - is that Honda has publically stated it wants the Renault Mégane's Nurburgring lap record. Despite being two years away from a public debut testing at the 'Ring has already begun and, according to Nishimae-san, "we have already set a time approaching the lap record."
Anything else?
As if to prove this Honda strapped some cameras in beside Honda's WTCC driver Gabriele Tarquini, and the video premiered during Honda's press conference in Frankfurt.