Kenichi Nagahiro, Honda's s top powertrain engineer announced that the company is working on a diesel-powered Civic Type-R.

"As long as it is in keeping with the Type-R brand we will do it. But high revving has to be part of it and that's what we're working on."

Rumors say that the Type R D will be powered by the most powerful version of next year's new 2.2-litre diesel, which will be launched in the new Accord. It's likely to have at least 180bhp and 320lb ft of torque.