Honda's Civic Si Prototype injects some sport into the Civic lineup

This isn't the production version of the Civic Si, but it's pretty darn close.

This is Honda's all new Civic Si, hopefully meant to do battle with the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

I say hopefully because Honda didn't release any numbers.

We know it's packing a higher-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo I4, but exact output figures don't exist yet.

It will be available in both coupe and sedan variants, just like the last Civic Si.

This prototype is kitted out with Honda's aftermarket wing, splitters and wheels.

Hopefully that sweet center exhaust pipe will stick around for even the unmodified Si.

The new Si promises a whole bunch of tech never before seen on this trim level.

Available equipment reportedly includes adaptive dampers, a limited-slip differential, summer tires and active steering.

The Civic Si will go on sale in 2017, likely as a 2018 model.

I imagine it will hit dealers ahead of the Civic Type-R, but given the staggered debuts, it's anybody's guess, really.

One thing's for certain -- it looks good in red.

It looks real good in red.

Inside, there's even more red!

The Civic Si will pack sport seats with embroidered Si logos and red stitching.

That stitching continues down to the shift boot.

Like other Si models, don't count on an automatic transmission showing up.

With this much red, how will the Type-R set itself apart?

We'll find out soon enough!