There's no other way to describe the Honda Civic Type R than absolutely bonkers.
Just look at those crazy aerodynamics that seem more like shark fins, the ridiculous spoiler that's so wide you could sleep on it, and those massive, bucket-shaped sport seats.
All this on a five-door hatchback. But this isn't any standard family car - it's a boyhood fantasy that escaped from a sketchbook and became sentient.
The Type R packs a 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged engine throwing out 169mph and doing 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds.
Honda proudly boasts it's the fastest front-wheel drive car ever to tackle the Nürburgring.
So it's fitting Honda lent me this crazy machine to drive to watch the British Touring Car Championships at Thruxton in Hampshire.
Here, the Type R felt completely at home.
It was no longer surrounded by the dreary family saloons and anonymous hatchbacks that lined the M3 on my way there.
Here it looked at ease in a world where hot hatches with huge growly engines are king.
I saw a small boy point at the car in awe on our way in - and that's what makes this car special.
As well as it's eye catching looks, the Type R is surprisingly practical for what it is - the boot, glove box and door bins are decent sizes.
There's not bad head room in the back and visibility is decent despite the enormous spoiler.
It's a true driver's car. The six-speed gear box, agile handling and rapid braking give the car a solid, planted feeling on the road.
If you need it, the acceleration is rapid and the Type R will do huge speeds still in low gears.
The interior is nice as well. The scratchy plastic found in some hatchbacks is instead replaced in the Type R by a mixture of comfy suede and leather.
The red sports seats are an attractive addition and the Honda Connect Infotainment system is logical and easy to use.
Downsides - it isn't exactly cheap at £31,525 for the standard Type R and an extra £2,000 for the GT version. However, this is similar to its nearest rivals - slightly less than a Ford Focus RS and a bit more than a Seat Leon Cupra.
What you get with the RS and Cupra is a fun drive - but not the complete insanity of the Type R.
If you're the modest type, let's be honest, this garish car isn't for you. It takes a certain confidence to own this car and plenty of people would say it looks a bit yobbish.
But, truth be told, I loved the Type R. It's an authentic driving experience and the funnest car I've driven in a long time.
Which brings me back to the British Touring Car Championship.
Both the race day and the Type R served as a reminder of the simple joy of driving - and there are few pleasures like it.
