The long-awaited Honda Civic Type R had its North American debut yesterday at AutoCon Los Angeles 2017.

2017 Honda Civic Type R lower rear 3/4 view

2017 Honda Civic Type R

It's finally here. The fastest Honda Civic to ever reach the US is powered by a direct injection 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 306 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm.

2017 Honda Civic Type R front 3/4 view

After making its world debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, at least a few automotive aficionados on the West Coast have gotten a good look at Honda's latest pocket rocket. That's because the first Civic Type R to ever reach these shores finally made its North American debut at 4:00 pm pacific daylight time yesterday afternoon at the Los Angeles Convention Center during AutoCon Los Angeles 2017.

2017 Honda Civic Type R lower side view

Those closer to the East Coast will have to wait another two-and-a half weeks to see it in person, when it will make its debut at the 2017 New York Auto Show on April 12th.

That's not much time at all, however, when you look back on how long it's taken the Japanese manufacturer to bring it over here. Consider this: it's been nearly twenty-six years since the first Civic to wear the Honda Red H badge was introduced to the Japanese domestic market (JDM) in August of 1997.

2017 Honda Civic Type R upper front 3/4 view

All right, technically speaking, we have been able to buy a vehicle with the Red H badge, although it came over here as the 1995-1998 Acura Integra Type R, so the badge carried the Acura logo rather than the Honda "H."

2017 Honda Civic Type R fender and lower fascia detail

2017 Honda Civic Type R prices and availability

Based on the 10th generation Civic, the Type R will only be available as a hatchback with the single transmission choice being a six-speed manual. Keeping things simple, only one trim level, Touring, will be offered.

According to Honda, "The first Type R-badged Honda will go on sale nationwide in late spring with an MSRP in the mid-$30,000 range." Oorah!

2017 Honda Civic Type R rear fascia detail

2017 Geneva Motor Show images courtesy of newspressUSA