Autoblog

Rumormill: Mugen planning two-seat RR-based Civic Type-R hatchback?

Chris Paukert — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Honda, UK, Rumormill, Specialty

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]

Rumormill: Mugen planning two-seat RR-based Civic Type-R hatchback? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Honda CR-Z Type-R coming to Tokyo Motor Show

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda, Rumormill

Click above for an un-photoshopped gallery of the Honda CR-Z Concept

At the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda took the wraps off the CR-Z concept, a three-door hybrid that Honda billed as a performance vehicle for the environmentally conscious enthusiast. In the meantime, Honda has confirmed that the CR-Z is headed for production and slated to arrive on European and Japanese shores in 2010, with U.S. sales likely to begin sometime in 2011.

Back in February of 2008, Honda's UK manager for product planning, Mark Turner, said development of the CR-Z was underway at Honda's R&D facility in Germany and that a strictly gasoline-powered version could make it to market if there was suitable demand. Fast-forward to today, and a new report claims Honda could be developing a CR-Z Type-R rumored to launch in Japan sometime next year.

At this point, Honda refuses to confirm or deny the existence of a Type-R version of the CR-Z, and there's plenty of speculation about what could power the new hot hatch. Honda could take a play from the Accord Hybrid and boost the stock CR-Z's gasoline-electric drivetrain, or, if Turner's mention of a gasoline-only model is to be believed, fit the CR-Z Type-R with a revised version of Honda's K20 inline-four.

Either way, expect the production version of the Honda CR-Z to debut at this year's Tokyo Motor Show and keep your fingers crossed that a Type-R variant gets some space on the stage.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept

[Source: GTChannel]

Rumormill: Honda CR-Z Type-R coming to Tokyo Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our friends abroad won't be getting a Honda Accord Type-R

Michael Harley — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:35:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Acura, Honda, UK

Click image for a gallery of the new Euro Accord

With the all-new European Honda Accord set to debut next month in Geneva, word is that buyers will be disappointed to hear there are apparently no plans to launch a high-performance Type-R version of the new chassis. Honda does not feel the all-new model fits the Type-R brand, adding that the new European Accord is designed to propel the company into competing with the likes of BMW and Audi. Honda does have plans to release Accords with modified suspension and body kits, but with standard engines, much like Audi does with its S-line models.

The United States will see the all-new Euro Accord re-badged as the 2009 Acura TSX, first arriving at the New York Auto Show next month.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Accord - Euro spec

[Source: Autocar]

Our friends abroad won't be getting a Honda Accord Type-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

UPDATE: New images added to the gallery.

click above for more high-res images of the Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R

Honda is bringing a trifecta of tricked-out, Modulo-fettled concepts to the Tokyo Auto Salon, and this Civic Type-R takes the track-ready nature of the base model to the next level.

The concept is fitted with 19-inch Modulo wheels wrapped in 225/35 R19 R-compound tires and a revised suspension, along with a new front fascia, rear bumper, side skirts and wing. The checkered livery speaks to its track-friendly nature, but the inside of the Civic Type-R is what gains the most attention. Honda replaced several interior panels with carbon fiber components and fitted custom Recaro seats, a new dash display and an F1-inspired steering wheel with integrated shift lights. It's function following form with a perfect blend of track-ready gear and street-legal mods. We likey.

[Source: Honda, Carview]

Gallery: Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R

Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Honda goes mental with Hondamentalism

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Honda

Every automaker has its own subset of dedicated enthusiasts, with varying levels of obsessive behavior. Honda is no different. Take away the misinformed ricers, and Honda's racing heritage stands alone in a sea of commuter-infused mediocrity.

In order to recognize the Big H's engineering prowess and its motorsports legacy, Honda has launched a new ad campaign in the UK that focuses on the automaker's obsessive compulsive attention to detail. Dubbed Hondamentalism, the idea is to forge a link between its racing successes and its consumer vehicles - hardly a new concept - but the way it's presented deserves a look. The new spot, posted after the jump, will give you a feel for the campaign as a whole, albeit in a somewhat melodramatic, Aphex Twin-influenced creative.

You can get your head into the campaign by heading over to the Hondamentalism website, and you can check out a brief run down on what the Red H is all about here.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading VIDEO: Honda goes mental with Hondamentalism

VIDEO: Honda goes mental with Hondamentalism originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Civic Type-R not living up to its moniker?

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:07:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Honda

The buff books across the pond have gotten their hands on the new Civic Type-R and for the first time, we're not particularly disappointed that we won't be getting Honda's hottest hatch.

Although both reviews we've read (links are at the bottom of the post) say that the new vehicle has made marginal improvements over its forbears, both Car and AutoCar seem to be less than impressed.

Power output has been increased by exactly one pony, but even with the revised VTEC engagement point and smoothed-out power band, the added heft took the thrill out of a previously thrilling vehicle. Additionally, the steering input was much more responsive when compared to the outgoing model, yet Honda decided to nix the Civic's independent rear suspension in favor of a torsion beam rear-end. One step forward, one step back.

Traditionally, Honda's R-badged offerings were made for a select group of enthusiasts, willing to sacrifice some amenities (A/C, sound deadening material, etc.) for a potent driving experience. Unfortunately, that ethos seems to be lost on this newest Type-R and, for the first time, we're wary of the future of Honda's performance division.

Car
AutoCar

Tip props to Rocket Punch.

New Civic Type-R not living up to its moniker? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the rumormill: Honda readying S2000 Type-R?

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Japan, Honda

It's well known that the S2000 is nearing the end of its life cycle. The high revving drop top has provided enthusiasts of all stripes a perfect platform for track duty and the daily slog, but something has always been missing: a Type-R variant.

The Temple of VTEC had a copy of Best Car magazine translated from its native Japanese tongue to reveal plans that were originally developed in 2004 (and had been leaked in the past) which give details about a hardcore version of Honda's popular two-door convertible.

Follow the jump for all the details.

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Continue reading Enter the rumormill: Honda readying S2000 Type-R?

Enter the rumormill: Honda readying S2000 Type-R? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen-massaged Fit Spec.D

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Japan, Hatchback, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

Back in 2004, Mugen rolled out their Fit Dynamite concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon, complete with a K20A swapped out of the JDM Integra Type-R.

This year, the tuners at Mugen decided to keep the exterior styling of the Dynamite concept, but fit it with a more manageable and, ultimately more cost-effective, supercharged 1.5-liter inline four. The tangerine five-door produces 143 HP at 5,800 RPM and 137 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 RPM, by way of a Roots-type blower.

Winding Road expects that the complete setup should be available later this year.

Make the jump for a couple more pics.

[Source: Winding Road, Mugen]

Continue reading Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen-massaged Fit Spec.D

Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen-massaged Fit Spec.D originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civic Type-R ready for gravel assault

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Honda

JAS Motorsport is in the process of working over its Honda-sanctioned Civic Type-R for lucky, privateer rally teams. Details on the Group-A machine are scarce, but the company insists that the modifications made to the Civic will meet the FIA's standards through 2007.

JAS gives its customers the option of purchasing individual parts, incorporated kits or a full turnkey vehicle, manufactured by the company.

More pictures of the exterior, interior and engine bay are posted after the jump, and you can read up on a few more details by following this link over to the Temple of VTEC.

[Source: Temple of VTEC via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Civic Type-R ready for gravel assault

Civic Type-R ready for gravel assault originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Civic Type-R sedan pacing Japanese F1 GP

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Japan, Honda

Click to enlarge

UPDATE: Press release, hi-res photo gallery added

The 'R' in Type-R stands for 'racing,' so the deciders for Formula 1 thought it best to name the Civic Type-R Prototype as the official vehicle for this week's Japan Grand Prix. The four-door prototype has been given the go ahead for production and will likely hit dealers in its home country in late 2007. The overall shape bears significant resemblance to the current Civic sold stateside, however a revised front and rear fascia give the JDM Civic a bit more flow, when compared to its angular sibling abroad. Motivation will come in the form of a 2-liter, inline-four, producing upwards of 220 HP and sending power through a six-speed manual.

The race, to be held at the world-famous Suzuka Circuit in the Mie Prefecture, is the second to last race of the season and may prove to be one of the most entertaining races of the year. With a course rife with passing opportunities and the two leaders, Schumacher and Alonso, running neck-and-neck in points, we've already planned our Sunday around the race and even if you're not into F1, this may be the race to see.

(Photo gallery, press release after the jump)

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda Civic Type-R sedan pacing Japanese F1 GP

Honda Civic Type-R sedan pacing Japanese F1 GP originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Honda Civic Type-R in Paris

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda

We're going to spare you the weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth that seems to take place every time a new Type-R is released and the U.S. is left off the shipping invoice. It's safe to say that we're getting used to the disappointment, but when we compare the newly designed Euro-Civic to our own two- and four-door offerings, it feels like the knife gets twisted a little deeper into our gut.

For those of you who are blessed with slightly thicker skin and won't start sobbing uncontrollably at the unfair world in which we live, Honda was kind enough to produce a little montage of their new Civic Type-R as it sat on its stand in Paris. The video provides some drool-worthy shots of all the little details that adorn their newest FF-fun box.

The Type-R, for those of you who haven't already pored over the specs, will come equipped with a 2-liter, 200 hp inline-4 that will consume the sprint to 60 in about six and half seconds. The iVTEC powerplant will putter around like any other Honda until about 5,800 RPM, when the second cam lobe brings the engine to boil and proceeds to runs the tach to its 8k redline. A six-speed manual sends power to the seven-spoke, 18" alloys, wrapped in 225/40 rubber of unspecified origin. The interior benefits from Alcantara wrapped racing buckets, a three-spoke wheel, the love-it or hate-it, two-tier dash and a 'Start' button that allows the lucky owner to channel the part of the brain that controls racing ambitions.

In the meantime, we'll wallow in self-pity, occasionally asking why the Honda-Gods are angry with us, again.

VIDEO: Honda Civic Type-R in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JDM Speculation: Worthy of seppuku?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Japan, Acura, Honda

Few publications around the world provide highly-improbable speculation better than the magazines that come out of Japan (AutoBild holds down the fort in Germany). While most of the information is easily dismissed as rumor mongering and baseless conjecture, a few gems often reside in the rough.

So with that said, our friend 'S' and the peeps over at the Temple of VTEC let loose some scans from the oh-so-Japanese entitled, HolidayAuto magazine. The details and stories foretell the future of Honda's lineup, albeit with information that is, at best, dubious.

Follow the jump to see all the scans and read deets translated by the original author's girlfriend. Enjoy with a grain of salt.

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Continue reading JDM Speculation: Worthy of seppuku?

JDM Speculation: Worthy of seppuku? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda launches countdown on Red H minisite

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Honda

We're not entirely sure what to make of this, but since Honda's red 'H' is normally reserved for vehicles that receive Type-R treatment, we're mildly excited. The launch of the site that will presumably occur midnight EST on Thursday may fall in conjunction with Honda's unveiling of the Civic Type-R in Paris, but the rev-happy sounds hint at something more suited for a racetrack.

Theories and thoughts on what Honda's up to are welcome in 'Comments.'

Honda launches countdown on Red H minisite originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro Civic three-door breaks cover before British auto show

John Neff — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 07:55:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

Pics of the European Honda Civic three-door hatch have been snapped well ahead of the car's official debut at the British Motor Show in July. As AutoExpress points out, the removal of the two small rear doors gives the three-door hatch a much simpler shape than its big bro. Look closely and you'll notice this Civic has a glass roof that almost spans the length of the car. The transparent roof is similar to the Astra's Panoramic Roof that has garnered a good amount of attention as of late.

Three engines will be available for the Civic three-door at launch, which include an 83-bhp 1.4L and 140-bhp 1.8L VTEC, both of which are petrol-powered. The obligatory diesel unit is Honda's 140-bhp 2.2L i-CTDi turbodiesel. All three engines will come standard with a 6-speed manual for a mate.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Euro Civic three-door breaks cover before British auto show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jun 2006 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. to get Honda Civic Type-R?

Erin Mays — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Acura, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

We might not get another Acura RSX, but as it turns out, that might not be such a bad thing. AutoWeek spotted the Honda Civic Type-R testing in Germany recently (pictured), and had a deep thought: the publication is ~~predicting~~ hoping that the Type-R, the tippy-top model in the Civic lineup, may be making its way to this side of The Pond.

Here's why: in an effort to take aim at BMW, Acura is moving upscale, leaving a Type-R -sized hole where the RSX used to operate. The production Type-R, powered by a 220 hp 2.0L four-cylinder, is set to premiere at the London Motor Show.

Similar statements have been made about the Civic Si as the RSX's replacement, but we're hoping AutoWeek is right and we're not left out of the loop on the Type-R yet again.

[Source: AutoWeek]

U.S. to get Honda Civic Type-R? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Motor Show: Honda Civic Type R Concept world debut

John Neff — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Geneva Motor Show

The Euro Civic Type-R has officially been let of out its cage, and its non-turbocharged (that's refreshing) 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine generates about 197 horsepower of front-tire shredding fun. Alberto says it looks even better in person, and even though the Type R being shown in Geneva is technically a concept we expect the production version to be very similar.

Live shots, press shots and Honda's rather uninspired press release after the jump.

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: Honda Civic Type R Concept world debut

Geneva Motor Show: Honda Civic Type R Concept world debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2006 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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