Honda Civic Type R revealed

You've seen our prototype drive. You've seen an Italian make it go fast. You've seen the teaser sketch. Now there's this - the official Honda Civic Type R concept, released today at the Geneva motor show.

But unlike some of the more far-fetched concepts you'll see at this year's Swiss exhibition, Honda says this design study ‘strongly hints' at the production version, which it's promising in 2015.

You want specs? You can't handle the specs. The new Type R will be the first model in Europe to feature the company's brand-spanking VTEC turbo engine. It'll come as a 2.0-litre, direct injection, four-cylinder unit that'll make at least 280bhp and be Euro 6 compliant. Blimey.

So, what about that Veneno-lite styling? Honda says it offers real performance benefits, which it's actually tested - the front and rear spoilers adds downforce, the vertical side wings and vents in the front bumper help to reduce drag and control airflow around the front tyres, and the front grilles have been enlarged for better cooling. The front and rear wings have also been pulled out to accommodate bigger wheels.

Then there's the company's bravest announcement yet. That the production version it previews will lap the Nordschleife faster than any front-wheel drive car in the history of EVER. Faster, even, than the Seat Leon Cupra's sub-eight-minute effort we announced yesterday.

We're looking forward to this one...