Autoblog

Mugen Civic Type R hatchback restores former glory [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Videos, Hatchback, Honda

Mugen Honda Civic Type-R hatch - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda's Euro-market Civic Type R hatchback has been called out for being a successor that hasn't exactly succeeded. Seems a bit of the thrill is gone from the new car compared to the old one. Enter tuning firm Mugen, whose modifications to the Type R hatch should make it even better than it once was.

Not much is known about the changes in store. However, based on changes made for Mugen's Japan-spec Civic Type RR 4-door sedan, these pictures, and the fact that this car might take on the Renault R26.R, you can expect much: upgraded suspension and 18-inch wheels, giant front splitter and rear wing, huge exhaust, and a powerplant putting out 237 bhp and 160 lb-ft.

If the pictures don't lie, however, it looks like the bigger Brembo brakes might not appear, and the back seats will remain in place. You can check out the details for yourself in the high-res gallery below. Thanks to Ryan for the video

Gallery: Mugen Civic Type R Hatch

[Source: 4 Wheels News]

Continue reading Mugen Civic Type R hatchback restores former glory [w/VIDEO]

Mugen Civic Type R hatchback restores former glory [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MUGEN accessorizes your wall

Alex Nunez — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Honda, Lifestyle

Click image to enlarge

So you settled for the USDM, factory-built Honda Civic MUGEN Si because: a.) you don't live in Japan and b.) even if you did, you probably wouldn't have gotten your filthy mitts on a limited-edition MUGEN RR anyway. However, if you're still looking to get yourself something related to the RR, you're in luck. MUGEN has found another way to ~~vacuum up fanboy dollars~~ appeal to its enthusiast customers by offering up original artwork. First up in "The Art of MUGEN Power" series is "The Art, MUGEN RR", a 300-piece limited-edition print that shows the car in cutaway form. ¥39,000 ($368) puts one on your wall. Want a numbered plate for the frame? Tack on another ¥2,100 ($19.80). It's art a la carte, courtesy of MUGEN. The company website has all the details (in Japanese, natch -- the English pages are perpetually "under the construction").

[Source: MUGEN Power]

MUGEN accessorizes your wall originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Japan gets Honda Civic Mugen RR

Alex Nunez — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:51:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Japan, Honda

Click image for gallery

It was rumored yesterday, and it's real today. Come September 13, Japanese enthusiasts will be able to order up the hottest Civic Type R yet. The already-impressive R gets the full once-over from Mugen, and the result is the Honda Civic Mugen RR. Designed to be perhaps the ultimate front-engined/front-wheel-drive performance car, the Mugen RR sheds an additional 10kg (22 lbs) off the standard Civic Type R's weight, coming in at 2733 lbs. In addition to the weight loss, the freer-breathing Mugen RR picks up 15 horsepower over the regular Type R. It's rated at 240 horses at 8,000 rpm and 160 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm.

Complementing the added power and and decreased weight are a new bodykit, upgraded brakes all around, a retuned suspension, new wheels and tires, and logo-emblazoned Recaro sport buckets. Availability is limited to 300 cars, all in the Milan Red finish shown, and the pricing in Japan has been set at ¥4,777,500 ($38,750 USD).

Mugen's official website has a video of the car lapping Japan's Tsukuba circuit in 1:06:68, which is worth a look if you're interested in seeing it in action.

[Source: MUGEN via Carview]

Gallery: Honda Civic Mugen RR (JDM)

Officially Official: Japan gets Honda Civic Mugen RR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda launches the Civic Type R sedan in Japan

Alex Nunez — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 02:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Japan, Honda

Click image to view 62 desktop-sized pics of the Honda Civic Type R sedan

Come Friday, March 30, the new Civic Type R will go on sale in Japan. Based on the current Civic 4-door, the Type R is powered by a screaming, normally aspirated 2.0-liter four cylinder (K20A) that eclipses 100 hp/liter, producing around 225 ponies at 8,000 rpm and 159 lb-ft of torque at 6,100 rpm.. A six-speed manual transmission feeds power to the front wheels -- 18-inch units shod with a set of Bridgestone Potenzas. Four-piston Brembos are visible between the spokes and provide the car's stopping power. Body rigidity is said to be 50% better than that of the previous Integra Type R (Acura RSX), and the car weighs in at 1,250 kg (2755 lbs) with no A/C installed. The creature comfort adds another 20 kg (44 lbs).

More info after the jump.

[Source: Honda]

Gallery: Honda Civic Type R sedan (JDM)

Continue reading Honda launches the Civic Type R sedan in Japan

Honda launches the Civic Type R sedan in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 02:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Valentino Rossi can't get bikes off his brain

Alex Nunez — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Honda

Back when he was riding for Honda, 7-time world champion motorcycle racer Valentino Rossi did this amusing little TV spot for the Honda Civic. In it, Rossi can't shake his riding habits whenever his black Civic Type R stops at intersections, drawing attention from bystanders along the way. Neat little commercial. Too bad Yamaha (his current ride) doesn't sell cars, too...

[Source: YouTube]

VIDEO: Valentino Rossi can't get bikes off his brain originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Civic 3-Door Type S for Europe

Alex Nunez — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 11:19:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Honda

The Civic 3-Door that we previewed earlier is now official, thanks to Honda UK. Sharply styled, the Civic 3-Door Type S gets 140 horsepower underhood courtesy of either a 1.8L i-VTEC four or a 2.2L diesel. Both engines come with a six-speed manual as standard equipment. Buyers of the gasoline-engined car will be able to select the i-SHIFT automated manual gearbox as an option.

The interior features Honda's Dual Link dash, and alacantra seating, aluminum pedals, and a leather-wrapped wheel communicate the car's sporty nature. Interior carrying capacity is identical to that of the Civic 5-door when the fold-flat rear seats are down.

All Type S models get 17" wheels and Vehicle Stability Assist as well. The Type S GT adds a panoramic glass roof and a host of convenience options, including dual-zone A/C and cruise control.

In March 2007, the UK will see the Civic Type S joined by the 200HP Civic Type R.

The Civic Type S 3-door goes on sale in January 2007. It makes its global debut at July's British International Motor Show.

Dear Honda, America wants the Civic Type R. In white, please. Love, Autoblog.

Update: More photos (interior and exterior) added after the jump, courtesy of Autoblog Spanish.

(Press release, pics after the jump)

[Source: Honda UK]

Continue reading Honda Civic 3-Door Type S for Europe

Honda Civic 3-Door Type S for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jun 2006 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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