What's the news?
There's a new entry on the list of vehicles that you never realised you wanted but now desperately do - a Honda Civic Type R pickup.
Yup, this unholy melding of an El Camino and a hot hatch is a real thing, and you can really drive it, although for the moment, there's only the one.
Code-named 'Project P' it has been built by a team of engineers from Honda's factory in Swindon, in the UK, where the standard Civic Type R is built. It's on display today at the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) test day, at the Millbrook proving grounds.
The team of engineers, also the brains behind the Honda-related Synchro Motorsport squad, used a standard Civic Type R pre-production car, and then chopped the back off, modifying the bodywork from the b-pillar rearwards. There are swooping 'flying buttress' lines that slightly disguise the pickup bed, and the massive rear wing of the Type R hatchback has been kept, and plonked atop the tailgate, although it's mounted on a hinge so that you can still get full access to the load area.
Hilariously, Honda reckons that project P will accelerate from 0-100km/h in under six seconds, and reach a top speed of 266km/h. It even keeps the Civic Type R's adjustable damper setup.
Alyn James, project lead, commented: "We have a special projects division at the factory in Swindon and this project was a fantastic opportunity for the team to show just what their creative minds could do. The passion that our engineers have for Honda is shown in our latest creation and we are even considering taking it to the Nurburgring to see if we can take the record for the fastest front wheel drive pickup truck!"
Phil Webb, head of car at Honda UK, added: "This Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept by the special team at our Swindon-based plant demonstrates the passion and commitment of the team there - going above and beyond outside working hours to deliver the final product. There are no plans to put this in to production but we will be using it to transport our lawn and garden products as and when required!"