Autoblog

SEMA 2009: Mugen-fettled Accord, Fit aren't the big Honda story from SEMA

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Honda

Mugen Honda Fit and Accord - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to announcing its plans to reinvigorate its participation in grassroots racing, Honda revealed two Mugen-accessorized models -- a 2010 Accord Sedan and Fit -- each outfitted with a range of parts available at dealers, but not a standalone model, ala Mugen Civic. While the 18-inch chrome wheels, front grille, spoilers, floor mats and machined aluminum oil filler cap are attractive additions to Honda's growing HFP line, needless to say, they leave us a bit cold when it comes the automaker's commitment to the aftermarket and, more to the point, performance.

Uninspiring SEMA efforts aside, the real news came last night during a meeting with Honda execs, where we were able to glean a few more details about Honda's future performance plans, how the CR-Z -- and more to the point, hybrids -- fit in and something to look out for next year.

Honda PR man Chuck Schifsky, told us that the Big H plans to use hybrids as a performance booster in the future, saying, "The CR-Z isn't the last step. It's the beginning." Although the real start of Honda's performance-marketed hybrids began with the last generation Accord Hybrid, Schifsky admits that its introduction was "ahead of its time," one of many reasons the electric-assisted sedan never quite caught on with consumers.

More interestingly, several Honda heads told us to expect something big in the world of motorsports next year -- likely in Japan. What that means is open to interpretation, but with Honda pulling its NSX out of SuperGT for 2010 (due to the front-engine, rear-drive chassis requirements), something interesting could be on the way. NSX revival? Lexus LFA fighter? Consider our interest extremely piqued...

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Mugen Accessorized Honda Accord and Fit

SEMA 2009: Mugen-fettled Accord, Fit aren't the big Honda story from SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Honda uses vintage iron to announce return to grassroots racing

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Classics, Performance, Honda

1974 "Tokyo Joe" Honda Civic 1200 Racecar - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda is using SEMA to show off their 2010 vehicles and the accessories available for each. It's also using the show to signal its return to grassroots racing, displaying several vintage racers and production cars alongside their descendants. Although we're covering the entire Mugen-accessorized 2010 lineup elsewhere, we didn't want to miss a chance to talk about three little cars at the back of the booth that had us drooling.

A mint 1971 N600, with its original, yellowed window sticker shows how far we've all come. At $1,395 the N600 cost just about a-buck-a-pound and its 598 cc air-cooled two-cylinder put out just 36 hp, but that was enough to get it to 80 MPH and still return 40 MPG. The N600 was also the car that introduced Americans to Honda automobiles, and firmly established Honda's reputation for frugality and fun.

Next to the N600 sat "Tokyo Joe," the 1974 Bolus & Snopes Civic 1200 racecar that scored six SCCA GT5 championships between 1985 and 1990. It was campaigned by American Honda employee Bob Boileau and once held the title of "World's Fastest Civic" when it was clocked at 146.698 MPH on the Talladega Superspeedway back in 1976. It also looked like it might move the frugal/fun ratio for Hondas a little to the other side of the equation.

Balancing both nicely was the spotless 1984 Mugen CRX prototype. Using a host of parts developed by Mugen, the car showed the performance possibilities inherent in the CRX platform. The Mugen sported a body kit designed for high speed stability, engine mods, a thoroughly reworked suspension, and meatier (but still just) 13-inch tires. A real throwback to the early days of Honda road and racing machines.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Vintage Honda Racers

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Honda uses vintage iron to announce return to grassroots racing

SEMA 2009: Honda uses vintage iron to announce return to grassroots racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mugen reportedly considering tuning Honda CR-Z

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Honda

Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the idea of a performance-tuned hybrid may have seemed nonsensical only a couple of years ago, as the earth-friendly vehicles become more mainstream, the sub-segment will undoubtedly grow to attract a fair share of our attention. Case in point: reports from overseas indicate that Mugen is seriously toying with the idea of creating a high-performance version of the upcoming Honda CR-Z.

The Honda tuner par excellence shares a close, even familial relationship with the factory, and it reportedly sees the electric motor in the hybrid drive as a sort of replacement for a turbocharger, offering a bit of low-end boost to small gasoline engines that are down on torque. The result could redefine the Japanese hot hatch as we know it.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z concept

[Source: Autocar]

Mugen reportedly considering tuning Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mugen Honda Civic Type-R confirmed for Euro consumption

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Honda

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

Earlier this summer, we caught whiffs of rumormill pandering that Mugen was planning to launch a high-performance version of Honda's Civic Type-R. Those rumors are now facts as the well-known tuning firm has just announced that the Ultimate Civic Type-R is headed to a European country near you for a pocketbook-stretching £38,599 (that's $64,000 at current exchange rates, not that it matters).

Included for that whopper of a bottom line is a horsepower boost to 237 from the stocker's 198 along with a welcome 10-percent torque improvement across the rev range. New pistons, camshafts, intake manifold, and a stainless exhaust system are responsible for the added ponies while a completely revised suspension system with limited-slip differential take care of the handling mods.

Rounding out the package are a bespoke bodykit with a monster wing out back and forged alloy wheels capping four-piston mono-block racing brake calipers. Want one? Better get all your ducks in a row in short order - Mugen is only planning on building 20 Ultimate Civic Type-R hatchbacks. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: Mugen Honda Civic Type-R

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Mugen Honda Civic Type-R confirmed for Euro consumption

Mugen Honda Civic Type-R confirmed for Euro consumption originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unlikely State Of Tune: Mugen takes on the Honda Stream

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:07:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Minivan/Van, Honda

You wanted something sporty, but due to additions to the family, a minivan is as athletic as its going to get. But if that minivan is the 2010 Honda Stream, you can still satisfy your sporty urges thanks to Mugen. The practically in-house tuner has developed a full line of interior, exterior, aero, performance, handling and cosmetic parts for the people mover -- from typical Mugen mods like spoilers and wheels to a performance air filter and TypeT touring brake pads. If you add the sport suspension to your minivan, well, maybe you really do need to get a different car.

Gallery: 2010 Mugen Honda Stream

[Source: Mugen]

Unlikely State Of Tune: Mugen takes on the Honda Stream originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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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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Honda Insight hits Japan, Mugen accessories follow

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Hybrid, Green, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the Mugen-accessorized 2010 Honda Insight

It might seem like an odd pairing at first, but we're sure Honda's Mugen accessorized Insight hybrid will find a few buyers in its home market of Japan. Included in the exterior body kit are a sports grille and lip spoiler up front, a set of ground effects for each side, a reworked from fascia and huge wing out back along with optional window visors. Inside, a full set of sports mats is available along with a drilled aluminum set of pedals.

There isn't much to speak of underhood besides a high performance oil filter (seriously?) and lubricants, but there is a sport silencer kit complete with a triangular tip. The best bits, though, are definitely in the handling department, with two sets of alloy wheels in either 15- or 16-inch sizes joining a sports suspension package that includes a new set of springs and dampers that reduce ride height by 20 millimeters. So far, there's been no indication that any of these accessories will make it Stateside, but there's always eBay.

Gallery: Mugen Honda Insight

[Source: Mugen]

Honda Insight hits Japan, Mugen accessories follow originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Mugen kits the Honda Fit Sport

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Budget, Hatchback, Honda

Click above for high-res gallery of the Honda Fit Sport by Mugen

The 2009 Honda Fit Sport will soon be able to shop at the Mugen outlet store thanks to a host of Mugen accessories that were announced today at SEMA. They include a front grille and spoiler, side skirts and rear spoiler, new wheels, and inside you can have Mugen-branded mats and rearview mirrors. We'll take that Mugen shifter and install it in any car, thank you very much. If you want to buy the whole car you see above, just ask for the "Exciting Fit". Really. And while you wait for delivery, go ahead and get excited by the high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Mugen Honda Fit

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Mugen kits the Honda Fit Sport

SEMA 2008: Mugen kits the Honda Fit Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mugen JDM Honda Odyssey puts the "get" in grocery getter

Chris Tutor — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Minivan/Van, Japan, Honda

Click above for high-res gallery of the Mugen JDM Honda Odyssey

Thousands of soccer moms would probably argue that Honda's Odyssey is the greatest vehicle ever built. Well, the rest of us know that the Toyota Sienna is an equal, but both are still relatively boring.

Mugen has been making pedestrian Hondas more exciting for 35 years and its most recent project is the new JDM Honda Odyssey, which is a different vehicle entirely than the Odyssey sold in the U.S. Nevertheless, it could possibly be the most exciting-looking minivan ever created, "looking" being the key word there. For the JDM Odyssey, Mugen leaves its 203-hp four-cylinder alone and focuses mostly on the minivan's appearance. A new grille, new front and rear fascias, sporty-looking rear wing, side ground effects a line of custom wheels make up the Mugenized Odyssey. A sport exhaust and brake kit with slotted rotors are as close to performance upgrades as you're going to get. Nevertheless, it's still cooler than any minivan we have over here. Including the Odyssey and Sienna.

Gallery: Mugen JDM Honda Odyssey

[Source: Nihon Car]

Mugen JDM Honda Odyssey puts the "get" in grocery getter originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:26:00 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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2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen Type-RR Experimental Spec

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:27:00 EST

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

Click the image above for a high-res gallery.

One of the other concepts that graced Mugen's stand in Japan at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon was the Civic Type-RR, which in addition to the obvious replacement of the entire front clip with carbon fiber pieces, also includes a K20A engine that's been bored out to 2157 cc to create a more tractable powerband and an even higher redline. 260 horsepower and 173 lb.-ft. of torque is sent to the six-speed gearbox and down to the front wheels through a LSD. Naturally, the brakes and suspension have been upgraded to handle the extra grunt, while carbon fiber was used inside to beef up the structure. Mugen also added a system dubbed I-TCMS, or Intellligent Tire Condition Monitoring, which keeps tabs on the tire's air pressure and temperature. The dash mounted instrument cluster might be a big impediment to forward visibility, but we're sure it's nothing compared to the price.

[Sources: LeBlogAuto, Nihon Car]

Gallery: Mugen Honda Civic Type-RR Experimental Spec

2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen Type-RR Experimental Spec originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Honda Fit F154SC concept by Mugen

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:02:00 EST

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

Click the image above for a gallery of live pics and a few high-res press shots.

The Honda Fit has established itself as a viable platform for tuners in Japan and with the apparently minimal amount of love being heaped upon the new Civic Type-R, aftermarket firms are focusing more attention on the Civic's younger brother.

Mugen's close ties to Honda have yielded yet another concept that takes the Fit to the next level. Typical for the Fit and Mugen, the F154SC has a supercharger slapped onto the L15A that boosts the power of the 1.5-liter four to 150 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. Everything that could have been modified has, including a full coilover suspension, exhaust, intake and upgraded brakes, along with the prerequisite body modifications that widen the track and feed more air into the engine bay.

Autoblog Chinese grabbed some shots of the F154SC on the show floor and we've added a few press pics to the gallery, thanks to our friends at LeBlogAuto.

Gallery: Mugen Honda Fit F154SC

2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Honda Fit F154SC concept by Mugen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mugen modifies Honda Accord, creates the Inspire

John Neff — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:53:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, Japan, Honda

click above for more high-res images of the Mugen Inspire

When it's time for Bruce Wayne to hang up the bat costume and settle down with a wife and kids, he'll need a car with more rear-seat leg room than the Tumbler. We suggest he take the Mugen Inspire for a test drive (with Morgan Freeman riding shotgun for good measure). With all the style and panache that the Dark Knight's daily driver should have, it's also got two more doors and some LATCH anchors for a baby seat. In typical Mugen fashion, the standard Honda Accord has been gussied up with a number of aero add-ons, including a new grille, front spoiler, side sills, rear apron and a rear spoiler from which a 100 or so bats could hang. Yes, the look is way over the top, but it's fun in the way it comically exaggerates the Accord's ho-hum design. The Inspire also gets a sports exhaust to free a few more horsepower through better breathing, as well as upgraded brakes, a lowered sports suspension and new aluminum wheels. It's faster than a stock Accord for sure, but probably not by much. But hey, with the wife and little ones in tow, Mr. Wayne shouldn't be speeding anyhow.

[Source: Mugen]

Gallery: Mugen Inspire

Mugen modifies Honda Accord, creates the Inspire originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Mugen Edition Honda Civic Si vandalized on dealer lot

Merritt Johnson — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Honda

I have a soft spot for special edition Hondas. Unfortunately, so do a lot of people. They are more coveted by thieves than your Pay Pal password. An Acura Integra Type R or Honda Civic Si usually does a disappearing act when parked on dimly lit street. Apparently not even the latest generation Honda Civic Si is immune from the Honda curse. One car dealership has learned what every modified Honda owner knows; do not park your limited edition 2008 Mugen Honda Civic Si in an open lot. Thus, the 1,000 allotted Mugen Civic Si's slated for the United States are now down to 999. Before it could even reach the hands of an eager enthusiast, one Mugen Si was raided in the night while parked on a dealership lot. The thieves smashed a window, took the wheels, seats, badges, and shift knob, among other misc. items. The car was found by dealership employees perched on two jackstands and the front rotors. Sights like this really break my heart. I hope karma comes back and bites those who did the crime. View the gallery to check out the damage. Thanks for the tip Joe!

[Source: EPhatch.com via 8thcivic.com]

Gallery: 2008 Mugen Edition Honda Civic Si

2008 Mugen Edition Honda Civic Si vandalized on dealer lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mugen lays hands upon 2008 Honda Fit/Jazz

John Neff — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

click above image to view more pics of the Mugen Honda Fit

There's usually less than a week between the time a new vehicle is introduced by Honda and Mugen debuts its own hotted up version. Such is the case with the 2008 Honda Fit, also known as the Jazz in other markets, including Japan. The 2008 Fit was revealed by Honda last Thursday, and not four days later do we have the Mugen version. The splash page on Mugen's website is of course in Japanese, so we found out the details elsewhere and can tell you that Mugen will be offering two body kits for the Fit. The RS body kit (shown above) will be aggressive, or at least more so than the L/G Aero kit, and both will include new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a roof spoiler and chrome exhaust tip. Other accessories like alloy wheels, aluminum pedals, different gauges, a sports exhaust, stiffer suspension and the like will also be available. No word on any force fed assistance for the Fit's little 1.5L powerplant, but we'll keep you posted if we hear anything.

[Source: Mugen via Carscoop]

Gallery: Mugen 2008 Honda Fit/Jazz

Mugen lays hands upon 2008 Honda Fit/Jazz originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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0-300 in 10 minutes: Honda Civic Mugen RR a sellout in Japan

Alex Nunez — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:54:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Japan, Honda

Click image for photo gallery

The Honda Civic Mugen RR (based on the new JDM Honda Civic Type R) is limited to a total production run of 300 cars. Japanese track fiends with ¥4.7million to spend on a spiffy, street-legal time attack weapon are its target audience -- and a receptive one at that. On September 14th at 9:00 AM local time in Japan, reservations for Mugen's ultimate Type R officially began being taken. By 9:10 AM, according to the Japanese enthusiast site, Carview, the 300th reservation was placed. However you want to parse the numbers (we're sure additional reservations were taken, in case some prospective buyers bail out), one thing's certain: all 300 cars are spoken for well in advance of the expected January delivery date.

Those lucky enough to secure the Mugen RR receive a lighter, more powerful and track-tuned Civic Type R that in the right hands is capable of lapping Japan's Tsukuba circuit in 1:06:38. At least that's what the folks at Mugen were able to wring out of it. We're sure some of the car's buyers will be looking to top that number as soon as they have a chance. With this thing, life is a driving game, and Time Attack mode is always on.

[Source: Carview]

Gallery: Honda Civic Mugen RR (JDM)

0-300 in 10 minutes: Honda Civic Mugen RR a sellout in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eye Candy: Honda releases more pics of the Civic Mugen Si

Alex Nunez — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Honda

click above image for a new high-res gallery of the Civic Mugen Si

The Honda Civic Mugen Si is the first real factory Mugen vehicle to be offered in the United States. When Honda pulled the wraps off the production car last month, all we saw were a few static studio images. That's been remedied, as the automaker has unleashed a mess 'o new shots, showing the trick, tuned Civic Si carving up a track. Limited to 1,000 units, the Mugen Si gets a more aggressive suspension tune, the body kit shown, and lighter wheels. Power is the same as the standard Civic Si, but we have a feeling the Mugen will hustle around the track in less time. It goes on sale this fall. All the new photos have been added to the gallery below. Enjoy.

[Source: Honda]

Gallery: 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si

Eye Candy: Honda releases more pics of the Civic Mugen Si originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Civic MUGEN Si on sale this fall

Alex Nunez — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Honda

Click image for photo gallery

Ahhh, Autumn. We love it so. The leaves change, football is in full swing, the air gets brisk, and Honda comes clean with a MUGEN for us Yanks. That's right, kids: Americans will finally be able to buy a Mugen-prepared Honda Civic this fall. Following up on the Honda Civic MUGEN Si show car that was displayed at SEMA last year, Honda has announced that the production version will go on sale in October. The Civic MUGEN Si is powered by the same 197-horsepower four-cylinder as the standard-issue Si, but the MUGEN is the beneficiary of a track-tuned suspension, lighter wheels, and a new sport exhaust. It also gets the requisite aero kit with an updated grille, skirting and new spoilers fore and aft. Inside, look for a new shift knob and a plaque. Only 1,000 Civic MUGEN Si sedans will be built for the 2008 model year (sorry, no coupes), and all will be finished in the Fiji Blue Pearl you see here. Full pricing details weren't announced, but Honda did say that the car will go for less than $30,000. Until enthusiasts here in the States are offered a Type R, this is gonna be the Civic to have. Sure, it's no Civic MUGEN RR, but it's a start.

[Source: Honda]

Gallery: 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si

Continue reading Honda Civic MUGEN Si on sale this fall

Honda Civic MUGEN Si on sale this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:34:00 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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