Want to see the new Honda Ridgeline? Take a look at this Baja race truck

Forthcoming automaker products are usually kept under lock and key, and they aren't often shown off beyond radical concepts that rarely resemble reality. Honda's taking things in a different direction with its upcoming Ridgeline pickup.

Instead of releasing a slew of vague teaser images, Honda has given us a few hints using an off-road racing truck based off the production Ridgeline.

Not only is Honda bringing back the Ridgeline, it's also returning to off-road truck racing, and the brand chose SEMA as the place to unveil its all-new Ridgeline Baja Race Truck. The racing variant uses a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine to produce 550 horsepower, which the truck will use as it blasts across the desert in this year's Baja 1000 off-road endurance race.

It's not difficult to see where Honda's going with the new Ridgeline. The front end carries a headlight and grille configuration similar to the three-row Pilot crossover.

Honda says that design cues can be picked up in the hood, roof, bed and silhouette. If the side profile is to be taken at its word, expect the new Ridgeline to come in extended-cab form, as well. It should be noted, however, that the Ridgeline Baja Race Truck's lack of taillights and tailgate would not likely transfer over to production.

Honda's production Ridgeline will arrive some time in the 2017 model year, and the automaker stated that its truck will be unveiled "in the first half of 2016." Considering the original Ridgeline debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it's not beyond logic to suggest that we might see it there again this January.