Bad boy camparo

The Honda Civic's rear view features a giant wing and three tailpipes — the middle pipe used as a sound resonator.

With heavy mascara and lots of body aero, the Honda Civic Type R cuts a distinctive figure.

The Honda Civic Type R's turbocharged, 2.0-liter four produces an astonishing 306 horsepower.

On road the Honda Civic Type R is stiff, but not punishing. By reworking the front suspension, Honda has also engineered out any torque steer that might result from 295 torques running through its front wheels.

The Honda Civic Type R's seats are both flashy — and the most comfortable in its competitive set.

The Honda Civic Type R's interior is the segment's most versatile — and also features the best shifter with notchy, short throws.

The Honda Civic Type R is the King of Bling with rear wing, heavy-body mascara and plenty of body venting.

The Honda Civic Type R's gauge cluster puts the tachometer front and center. The rather cheap-looking steering wheel controls don't match the car's excellent overall engineering.

The Ford Focus RS strikes an aggressive pose with 350 horsepower, a Mustang GT350-like front aero blades and a bumper across its mouth like Rocky Balboa getting in the ring.

The Ford Focus RS looks good everywhere from downtown Detroit to Waterford Racetrack.

For 2018 the Ford Focus RS's SYNC system gets Apple CarPlay/Android Auto app upgrade for better navigation options.

The Ford Focus RS' heavily-bolstered seats are excellent for the track — but they can be hard and uncomfortable in extended driving.

A base Ford Focus? Nope, the Focus RS' crouched stance, blue Brembos and tall aerofoil distinguish it from other Foci.

The Ford Focus RS is wicked quick — but also practical with its five-door hatchback.

Shared with the Ford Mustang, the Ford Focus RS' 2.3-liter turbo-engine puts out a staggering 350 horses and 350 pound-feet of torque.

The Ford Focus RS gauge cluster and steering controls are nicely crafted and right where you want them.

The Subaru WRX STI huge rear wing made it the King of Wing until the Honda Type R came along.

On track the Subaru WRX STI is a hoot with good traction and plenty of pull. Its dated chassis, however, could benefit from an upgrade to the latest Impreza architecture.

The 305 hp Subaru WRX STI's AWD system gives it excellent traction off the line, equaling the 350-hp Ford Focus RS in acceleration times. It lacks the RS' full torque-vectoring capabilities, however.

The Subaru WRX STI's interior offers plenty of storage and smartphone app infotainment capabilty. Its shifter feels a bit mushy next to the Honda Type R, however.