After a seeming eternity of design studies, concepts and teasers, the new Honda Civic Type R will finally, finally launch in production form at the Geneva show in early March.

And it'll launch with a top speed of 269kph, Honda has today confirmed. That v-max, the Japanese firm reckons, is unrivalled in the world of front-wheel drive hot hatches. 269kph is, to mix our measurement systems as only the Brits can, 75 metres a second. That's rapid.

Such pace comes courtesy of a 2.0-litre VTEC turbo four-cylinder - making this the first Type R to feature forced induction - with a power output of 'at least 285bhp'. Honda's yet to confirm precise output, but latest reports suggest the Civic Type R could even be nudging 300bhp. All through the front wheels, remember.

Along with these frustratingly teasy teaser shots, Honda has released a few other juicy tidbits on the British-built hot hatch. We're told the combination of an 'almost completely flat' underbody and rear diffuser help 'suck' the car to the road, while the Civic's rear spoiler will generate Actual Downforce as well as offering a useful shelf upon which to stack magazines or place trinkets.

The Brembo front brakes are 350mm drilled discs grabbed by four-piston calipers, lurking below new 19-inch alloys.

Honda says it has already taken orders for 'over 100' Civic Type Rs in the UK alone, not that anyone knows exactly how much it'll cost yet. We'll find out in Geneva...