Blimey, what's that?
That is 'THE CREATURE.'
Creature?
Yes, 'THE CREATURE.' A terrible concoction of living and dead parts, reanimated and... No, sorry, I'm reading the notes from Young Frankenstein. Actually, this is a Honda Civic Type R pickup truck.
Hang on; a pickup truck?
Yes, you can see where I was getting confused. It's a one-off creation, which Honda is showing off at the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) test day, at the Millbrook proving grounds. Known as 'Project P,' it's the creation of a team of Honda engineers from the factory in Swindon.
An actual pickup truck, though?
Yes, really. They've taken a pre-production Type R, lopped the back off, and heavily modified it from the B-post back. There's a proper load bed in there, partially hidden by swooping bits of bodywork and out there, perched on the tailgate, is the same massive rear wing that you'd find on the hatchback Type R.
A pickup with a rear wing?
Yes, don't worry though - it's hinged so that you can still access the pickup bed.
Fast, then?
Oh yes. It keeps the same 320hp engine as the standard car, so 0-62mph should be done with in less than six seconds, and it'll run on to a top speed of 165mph, apparently.
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 Nürburgring to see if we can take the record for the fastest front-wheel-drive pickup truck!"
Phil Webb, head of cars 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!"
A pickup truck, though?
Yes, we understand. Here, have a cup of tea and a lie-down...
Neil Briscoe - 24 May 2018