Honda Integra Type R

With 43 corners, more than a dozen of them blind, the new 6.2km track shows no mercy. But it has allowed Honda to totally re-define one of its hottest models, the Integra Type R. The company insisted that the models we drove there were the pre-launch cars, and minor modifications will be made for production, but we can't imagine what possible improvements could be made - the Integra is that good! The cult coupe has been upgraded in every department and features a more refined, all-new 2.0-litre i-VTEC unit to replace its peaky 1.8-litre engine.

This motor pumps out 217bhp at 8,000rpm and 206Nm of torque at 7,000rpm without the help of forced induction from a turbo or supercharger. The in-line four-cylinder engine gets the power down fast and furiously, with the second cam bringing in another surge at 6,000rpm. Although acceleration times could not be measured on the day of our drive, Honda claims the car takes only 14.3 seconds to cover a quarter of a mile. This is nearly a second faster than the outgoing model.

On the Takasu test track, the improvements to the coupe really shine. A couple of gearchanges make you realise that the company has something special here: the new six-speed manual box is perfectly weighted and has a wonderfully short throw.

The chassis' torsional rigidity is up 116 per cent, which results in cornering limits being lifted to new heights. Driven back-to-back with the old model, the most impressive feature of the new R is improved rear grip. The tail will not go walkabout in bends, unless you really provoke it. And then there's the steering. Surgically sharp, the variable assistance rack and pinion system displays a precise and neutral feel. With 2.6 rotations lock-to-lock, turn in at just about any speed and the car will go exactly where you point it, with less understeer than before.

Another bonus is the performance of the huge Brembo brakes, which are effective and fade-free, even on the track. But in spite of the anchors' specially developed lightweight calipers, the car's improved body and crash rigidity, larger engine and gearbox mean it's heavier than the model that it is replacing. However, the Integra's increased power, balance and ease of control offset the weight gain.

Inside, the Type R features all the trimmings we've come to expect. The Recaro racing seats, Momo wheel plus aluminium pedals and gearshift all define the coupe's racing interior.

The new Integra Type R is light years ahead of its predecessor in terms of hardware, refinement, chassis rigidity and handling.

Unfortunately, with the technically similar Civic Type R on its way, Honda isn't bringing what's arguably the world's fastest front-wheel-drive coupe to the UK for a while. But it's not ruling it out...

At a glance

* New Honda Integra Type R is on sale in Japan now

* Six-speed manual gearbox