Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and coming to New York next month, was the 2017 Honda Civic Type R we will finally get in North America for the first time.

Calling it one of the most anticipated models in its history, the production version of the UK built 2017 Civic Type R will have a surprisingly powerful for a front-wheel drive car 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

The engine will come only with a 6-speed manual transmission and computer driven rev matching capability that blips the throttle automatically during shifting. A lightweight flywheel and lower gear ratios will contribute to its free revving character and blistering acceleration.

But with 300 plus horsepower and only front-wheel drive you might be wondering about torque steer. Honda says they’ve got that nailed with a wide range of mods that start with a beefed up dual-axis front suspension using aluminum lower control arms and steering knuckles.

A limited slip differential will help get that power to the ground as will be an adaptive suspension fully adjustable with three chamber dampers. A re-tuned and adaptive dual-pinion electric power steering system also has a variable gear ratio.

Beefier brakes come from Brembo with 13.8-inch cross-drilled rotors and 4 piston calipers at the front and solid 12-inch rotors at the rear. Wrapped around them are huge 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels with super sticky 245/30R 20 Continental ContiSportContact 6 tires.

Bringing the Type R into modern times will be its three drive modes Comfort, Sport and +R. Modes will control the adaptive suspension, steering feel and how the engine and rev matching behaves. With a tighter body than before, the new Type R promises to be the sharpest handling ever.

The visual upgrades on the new Civic Type R are self evident, but inside you get heavily bolstered sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift boot, an aluminum shift knob, and aluminum pedals. Ahead of the driver is a unique Type R instrument cluster Type R serial number plate on the console.

When the 2017 Civic Type R arrives in the States later this spring it will come only in a single trim grade based on the Touring. This means fully decked with top-end touchscreen infotainment and navigation system with all the bells and whistles.

Exact pricing was not stated but Honda did say the 2017 Civic Type R will start in the mid-$30,000’s which comes close to would-be competitors like the Ford Focus RS and Subaru WRX STi, though those do offer all-wheel drive.

The 2017 Honda Civic Type R will make its North American debut at the New York Auto Show in April.