Honda’s prototype pickup is expected to top out at over 165mph

Honda UK engineers may have created the world’s fastest front-wheel drive pickup—not that OEMs are lining up to claim the title, but hey fast is fun at any level.

The automaker turned plenty of heads recently when it unveiled the Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept at the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders Test Day in Bedford, England.

The 306-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four is paired with a six-speed manual that will reportedly get the little truck to over 165 mph. It’s zero to 62 mph time (not a typo; it’s England, remember) is estimated at under six seconds. Not that you’ll ever need to go to Costco that fast, but that’s impressive.

“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,” said Honda UK project lead Alyn James. “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!”

Honda’s Civic Type R sedan claimed the title of world’s fastest front-wheel-drive production car last year at Nurburgring. That same engine powers the Civic Type R Pickup, so it stands to reason that the prototype can easily become the world’s fastest front-wheel-drive pickup.

Finished in Rallye Red, the concept retains the iconic rear wing associated with both the FK2 and FK8 Civic Type R, which is movable to allow direct and unfettered access to the rear of the truck. The truck also has the same suspension and transmission as the Civic Type R car.

While there are no plans for production, Honda engineers still have worthwhile plans for the truck.

“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,” said Phil Webb, head of car at Honda UK. “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!”