Behold the Prelude HRC and Civic Type R HRC Concepts. Honda’s official line is the duo are showcases for an upcoming HRC Performance Parts catalogue – dealer-installed upgrades to enhance driving dynamics. But as we all know, and in this case hope, those deliberately coy lines have a habit of becoming blurred between motor show debut and production car.

The Prelude HRC Concept certainly looks the part. Significantly widened arches, aggressive front and rear aero, and a prominent rear wing give it the unmistakable presence of a full-fat Type R. Honda claims the concept has been developed using “HRC technologies and the expertise of its racing drivers” – which sounds promising.

Frustratingly, Honda is remaining tight-lipped on anything to do with the powertrain, save for stating the Prelude HRC retains the standard car's hybrid system. That means a 2.0-litre four-cylinder mated to Honda's two-motor hybrid system, producing 200bhp and 232lb-ft of torque, fed through a continuously variable transmission.

Given the Civic and Prelude share a platform, there should be no barriers to fitting the Type R’s 325bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four and six-speed manual. The question is more one of intent – and the need to comply with ever-tightening emissions standards. The likelihood is any Prelude Type R will see the wick turned up on the hybrid system, which would then be adopted by a future Civic Type R.

It’s also unclear whether HRC's involvement extends to uprated suspension packages, chassis bracing and brake upgrades, or whether the concept is merely testing the water about addressing criticism of the Prelude’s divisive styling. The presence of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S wrapped around new alloy wheels hopefully points to the former.

The Civic Type R HRC Concept, meanwhile, follows a similar template. Despite being disguised by a camouflage wrap, the new front arch vents, more prominent side skirts, enlarged rear wing end plates, and an extended rear diffuser can easily be made out. Think of it as Honda’s equivalent to fitting a Manthey Kit on a 911 GT3.

No claims have been made regarding downforce, nor have any mechanical changes been disclosed. Honda has simply stated “the parts are designed exclusively to enhance the driving performance of the vehicle by leveraging the technologies and expertise amassed through racing activities.”

For UK buyers, the Civic Type R question is academic anyway – Honda withdrew the model from British showrooms, making any HRC variant a non-starter. Dreams of an FL5 equivalent to the FK8 Limited Edition - which cut 47kg from the kerb weight, offered retuned suspension and came equipped with Cup 2 tyres - will sadly remain that. 

What would feel like a missed opportunity is not bringing the HRC Prelude to the UK – no matter what powers it.