Rumormill: Mugen planning two-seat RR-based Civic Type-R hatchback?
Mugen Honda Civic Type-RR (JDM) - Click above for image gallery
Honda's space-egg Civic Type-R hasn't exactly managed to build the same sort of enthusiast following as its predecessor, but that hasn't stopped U.S. motorheads from fawning over its edgy three-door shape, or from carping about how we don't get one in the States. While that isn't set to change, there may soon be a new model that's really worth crying over, as EVO is reporting that renowned tuner Mugen is fixing to build an even hotter Type-R variant.
According to the UK publication, the Mugen-spec Type-R will build on the success of the Mugen RR sedan (shown), taking some of its key bits (upgraded suspension, perhaps the bigger Brembo brakes, 18-inch wheels). It will likely also inherit that car's lightweight Recaro buckets and ditch the rear seats altogether for weight savings.
EVO notes that the current Mugen RR sedan's 2.0-liter engine makes 237 bhp (versus 198 bhp from the factory), with 160 pound-feet of torque ¬– a 10% increase over a stock Type-R. The mooted three-door liftback would likely receive similar power.
In the UK's typically price-inflated market, EVO reckons the Mugen CTR will probably cost more than £35,000 – a gobsmacking $58,000.
Gallery: Honda Civic Mugen RR (JDM)
Gallery: Honda Civic Type R hatchback (EU)
[Source: EVO]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
b0nesc 2:34PM (6/12/2009)
Uhh...no. I know that price is converted from pounds, bu no way will that price fly in the US. I could get a decently used 2009 M3 for that price, and a few other performance cars.
Reply
VW GTi 2:55PM (6/12/2009)
I think the price will be closer to $30,000.
Redeemed 3:04PM (6/12/2009)
I always get a laugh out of the "I could get a used M3 for that price" comments.
These people have no clue what awaits once that beloved used M3 requires a few service appointments at the dealer.
Grab your credit card with the highest limit; it's not for the faint of heart.
Dustin 3:10PM (6/12/2009)
It doesn't have to fly in the U.S. - This article is about the UK market. And the JDM Mugen Civic RR was ridiculously priced as well, but it sold out in 10 minutes.
b0nesc 4:19PM (6/12/2009)
Redeemed
I always get a laugh out of the "I could get a used M3 for that price" comments.
These people have no clue what awaits once that beloved used M3 requires a few service appointments at the dealer.
Actually I do know. I am speaking about a 2008 M3, yes there are used ones on the market, they go for about $50K, and they come with a 50k mile/4 year warranty which covers all service intervals. I won't run up 50K miles in 4 years.
Seems you are the one who doesn't know anything.
Redeemed 4:29PM (6/12/2009)
I didn't think I had to spell out that cars have warranty periods. Obviously, I refer to wear items or out of warranty items.
Ever pay to replace a M3 clutch? That great used M3 won't look so hot after shelling out that kind of cash.
Carlos 4:49PM (6/12/2009)
It may handle brilliantly but for 30k it is just an over priced Civic.
BoxerFanatic 2:37PM (6/12/2009)
FWD = not care, regardless of $$$$$$$$
All that sport development, and they can't put it on a car that drives the right way for true performance.
They can build this, but they can't build a coupe version of the S2000, or give it a second generation, not even under the acura division?
C'mon Honda...
Reply
chconline 2:46PM (6/12/2009)
The Civic Type-R performs very well on the track regardless of what wheels it drives. It's quite an engineering statement, and there's quite a discussion about this at TOV a couple months ago.
Franz 4:04PM (6/12/2009)
@ chconline
A lot of people like to bad mouth anything FWD (and particularly anything Honda) without actually having a clue about how they drive: Look at the Chevy Cobalt's performance in last year's Lightning Lap? Besides, all Honda Type Rs... especially the latest FD2 model, have been very good handling machines that are very neutral and exhibit none of the usual FWD shortcomings. The FD2 lapped the Suzuka Circuit faster than an NSX Type S, and that was certainly no slouch.
BoxerFanatic 12:50AM (6/13/2009)
I have no problems with honda, other than cancelling good platforms like S2000 and NSX before giving them revisions.
And I have owned and driven FWD cars.
Physics is physics, and a transverse engine and offset transaxle cannot have the driveline symmetry and suspension angles that a longitudinal driveline can.
A front drive car cannot exhibit the weight-distribution effects on traction that a RWD car can, let alone a mid-engined rear drive car.
There is a reason that Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Aston Martin, Corvette, and MANY others, as well as almost all purpose built race cars, are rear wheel drive, regardless of the engine placement, front, mid, or rear. Most performance cars do not combine torque application and steering together.
A front wheel drive car can be made fast despite itself. but "despite" is a tenuous thing in a performance car. It is better to have an inherently superior canvas to paint on from the beginning, not having to overcome inherent drawbacks to performance, "despite" it's inherent FWD drawbacks.
tankd0g 12:53PM (6/13/2009)
The RWD BMWs get pretty consistently spanked by the FWD competition in BTCC...
Franz 2:39PM (6/13/2009)
The RealTime Acuras have had their fair share of dominance over RWD machines in the SPEED World Challenge Touring Car class as well.
996700 3:27PM (6/13/2009)
Agreed..^
dukeisduke 2:43PM (6/12/2009)
It's funny that the JDM car looks more like the one we get in the U.S., rather than the one the Europeans get.
Reply
ronEbear 2:47PM (6/12/2009)
We get the exact car in Canada, although it`s an Acura.
ronEbear 2:48PM (6/12/2009)
Just the 4 door. I wish we got the three door.
ronEbear 2:54PM (6/12/2009)
Drizzled in maple syrup and baby seal blood.
P.V. 3:01PM (6/12/2009)
Isn't the current Si same as the current overseas Type R (not RR)?
The Si is good enough for me, anyway.
Reply
Weaksauce 3:27PM (6/12/2009)
NO.
It's a different block, with different internals, head, frame, dampers, interior.
You couldn't get the same results out of the Si Engine that you could with the RR.
In American terms, I'd say it's lke comparing the K20A to the F20C.
Just the head work alone on the F20 is enough to set it apart.