The Honda Civic Type R remains one of the most popular performance oriented Civic variant. It features a lightened and stiffened body, specially tuned engine and upgraded brakes and chassis and some cosmetic add-ons to give it a special sporting distinction and to separate it from regular Civic models.
Related: Honda Civic Type R Sets FWD Record at Bathurst
The latest generation FK8 Civic Type R hot hatchback is already quite famous for its performance reputation. Yet, that hasn’t stopped Honda’s Product Engineering department in the UK from coming up with a surprisingly utilitarian Civic Type R, dubbed as ‘Project P’.
First unveiled last year, the Project P is based on a pre-production Type R and misses the C-pillars and half of its roof chopped off & replaced by a roll bar. The rear seats and boot have been completely removed, making room for the open bed. It can seat only 2 passengers. Although the Type R’s aggressive-looking body kit has been retained, along with the massive rear wing.
Recently an image of Project P surfaced the internet spotted in a parking lot under natural lighting. Though the images released by Honda last year were all studio shots.
The powertrain, transmission and gearbox remain unchanged. Honda estimates that the Type R pickup takes less than 6 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100km/h, and can reach a top speed in excess of 265km/h. Even the special driving modes of the road-going Honda Civic Type R have been retained, and Honda claims that the Project P is both comfortable and capable of being raced on the track.
Related: Life-size LEGO Honda Civic Type R Makes Its Debut
As expected, Honda has no plans of putting this Civic Type R into production, but according to Alyn James, the project lead, they could try to “take the record for the fastest front-wheel drive pickup truck” at the Nurburgring.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com