Honda Civic Type-R: Paris: Honda Civic Type-R

As well as wheeling out the production version of the new Civic Type-R at Paris, Honda also showed a motorsport derivative that complies with forthcoming changes to FIA rallying regs and is eligible for circuit work.

Honda tasked JAS Motorsport, an Italian-based company that has successfully prepared a variety of Hondas for European championships since 1998, to create a racing kit for the new car so it can compete in FIA R3 (up to 2-litre) rally series in 2008.

With a few mods the kit is also suitable for 2007's Group A regs. The kit costs approximately €50,000 (not including the car) but does give you 240bhp.

The kit includes a new 6-speed sequential gearbox, competition brakes, shock absorbers, suspension components, roll cage, reinforced driveshafts and a state-of-the-art limited slip differential. You also get lightweight carbon-fibre door panels, dasboard trims and floor panels.

JAS Motorsport is also considering making parts available for road cars.