Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Honda's slate for Tokyo Auto Salon includes S2000 revival, many Mugens]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/hondas-slate-for-tokyo-auto-salon-includes-s2000-revival-many/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/hondas-slate-for-tokyo-auto-salon-includes-s2000-revival-many/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/hondas-slate-for-tokyo-auto-salon-includes-s2000-revival-many/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Honda S2000 Modulo Climax

Honda has pulled back the covers on what we can expect to see at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, including what looks to be an S2000 refresh some four years after the convertible left production. The S2000 Modulo Climax is an "exhibition model" based on the old roadster, but features updated front and rear fascias as well as an interior trimmed out in black and burgundy. Beyond that, details are scarce as hen's teeth.

Honda will also show off a number of vehicles based on the N-One mini, including the N-One Modulo Style, Mugen Racing N-One Concept and an N-One worked up by the Japan Nailist Association. That last creation features plenty of rhinestone decoration. (We wish we were joking.) Mugen will also display a tarted-up CR-V Design Study as well as the CR-Z Mugen RZ: a 300-unit specialty vehicle.

Meanwhile, the manufacturer's motorcycle arm will show off the Goldwing F6B, previously seen at EICMA 2012 as well as the CB1300 Super Four Special Edition and the NC700X. The automaker will also pepper its stand with a few of its racing machines for the public to enjoy. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Honda's slate for Tokyo Auto Salon includes S2000 revival, many Mugens

Honda's slate for Tokyo Auto Salon includes S2000 revival, many Mugens originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 tokyo auto saloncr-vcr-z gthondahonda s2000 modulo climaxmugenn-ones2000tokyo auto salonThu, 27 Dec 2012 11:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411883/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/27/hondas-slate-for-tokyo-auto-salon-includes-s2000-revival-many/20411883/article-detail.xml 20411883 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/01-honda-s2000-modulo-climax-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/01-honda-s2000-modulo-climax-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mugen tunes new Honda N-One kei car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/mugen-tunes-new-honda-n-one-kei-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/mugen-tunes-new-honda-n-one-kei-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/mugen-tunes-new-honda-n-one-kei-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Honda Mugen N-ONE

The world's most adorable new car has already been given a once-over by the performance minds at Mugen. Honda has pulled back the covers on the new Mugen body kit for the N-One. The bits include a revised front fascia with a unique grille and LED fog lamps as well as side sills and a restyled rear valance with dual, center-mounted exhaust outlets. The company's engineers have also cooked up three new wheel styles for the kei car and a sportier suspension, though the drivetrain remains untouched.

Step indoors, and the N-One Mugen features color-matched door panels, a red start button and a boost gauge. The driver also gets treated to a set of brushed aluminum pedals. The cars apparently already at dealers in Japan, each available starting at $14,371 at current conversion rates.

Mugen tunes new Honda N-One kei car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda n-onehondahonda mugen n-onemugenmugen n-onen-oneperformancestyleThu, 08 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20374495/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/08/mugen-tunes-new-honda-n-one-kei-car/20374495/article-detail.xml 20374495 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/honda-mugen-n-one-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/honda-mugen-n-one-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ gets supercharged power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/2013-honda-cr-z-mugen-rz-gets-supercharged-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/2013-honda-cr-z-mugen-rz-gets-supercharged-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/2013-honda-cr-z-mugen-rz-gets-supercharged-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ

Factory tuning house Mugen has taken it upon itself to cure what ails the Honda CR-Z. The centerpiece of the Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ is a specially-developed supercharger, which bumps the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine's output to 153 horsepower. That's a nudge of 30 horses over the standard hybrid, though the hatchback's integrated motor assist system still delivers an extra 20 horsepower when needed. Mugen also threw in a titanium cat-back exhaust system to help the engine breathe a bit easier. The company swapped the stock suspension components for five-way adjustable coilovers, and the brake system received a complete overhaul as well.

Up front, the CR-Z Mugen RZ makes use of 11.8-inch rotors pressed by reinforced calipers, sterner pads and braided stainless lines. Of course, this wouldn't be a Mugen product without a new body kit, and the company's designers served up a reworked front fascia, adjustable front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser and, of course, a wing. Inside, the reworked CR-Z uses special blue and black seats, a new steering wheel and shift knob.

Mugen will start to sell 300 completed CR-Zs on November 26, in Japan only, sadly. Take a look at the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading 2013 Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ gets supercharged power

2013 Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ gets supercharged power originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda cr-zcr-zcr-z mugen rzcrzhondahonda cr-z mugen rzhybridmugenmugen rzFri, 05 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20342577/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/05/2013-honda-cr-z-mugen-rz-gets-supercharged-power/20342577/article-detail.xml 20342577 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-honda-cr-z-mugen-rz-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-honda-cr-z-mugen-rz-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda reveals 1.6-liter turbocharged heart of its new WTCC Civic racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/honda-reveals-1-6-liter-turbocharged-heart-of-its-new-wtcc-civic/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/honda-reveals-1-6-liter-turbocharged-heart-of-its-new-wtcc-civic/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/honda-reveals-1-6-liter-turbocharged-heart-of-its-new-wtcc-civic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Honda HR412E 1.6-liter touring car race engine

Technical details are still scant, but we do know a tiny bit more about Honda and its plans for a World Touring Car Championship entrant based on the Euro-spec 2012 Civic. The automaker has unveiled its HR412E, a 1.6-liter, turbocharged and direct injected gas engine, and let us know its plans for getting the engine and car into some races: Tiago Monteiro will race one example in the final three rounds of the season, beginning with Suzuka, and multiple touring car champion Gabriele Tarquini will join him for races in the second car as of 2013. Tarquini is doing development work on the car this year.

The car itself is currently in Milan, Italy being tested and prepped by JAS Motorsport, a collaboration we've already had a taste of in the dirt with their Honda Jazz rally car. Honda has also partnered with Mugen on its WTCC project. It will be three months before we see the Civic WTCC going for the checkered flag, the Suzuka race running October 19-21. Have a read of the presser below for a few more details on the engine and the drivers.

Continue reading Honda reveals 1.6-liter turbocharged heart of its new WTCC Civic racer

Honda reveals 1.6-liter turbocharged heart of its new WTCC Civic racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 honda civicciviceuropean civicgabriele tarquinihondahr412ejas motorsportmugentiago monteirotouring carworld touring car championshipwtccMon, 30 Jul 2012 18:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20288013/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/30/honda-reveals-1-6-liter-turbocharged-heart-of-its-new-wtcc-civic/20288013/article-detail.xml 20288013 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/hondawtccengine_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/hondawtccengine.jpg <![CDATA[New Honda Civic Type-R approved]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/new-honda-civic-type-r-approved/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/new-honda-civic-type-r-approved/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/new-honda-civic-type-r-approved/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 Honda Civic hatchback - front three-quarter view, dynamic

Those of you lucky enough to have had the Honda Civic Type R will get another one: Autocar reports that Honda has approved the next-generation of its much-lusted-after hot hatch and will make an announcement at the Paris Motor Show. The return of the Type R was speculated on last year in an Auto Express story, but this news puts Honda's imprimatur on the Type R's arrival. After the purported Paris announcement, the timeline is for a Geneva Motor Show reveal and an on-sale date in about a year from now.

If the report is to be believed, the next CTR will not have the naturally aspirated K20 VTEC engine pointing the way - that motor's lack of compliance with Euro emissions regulations being the reason the Civic Type R was discontinued. The Auto Express report predicts a 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder developed by Mugen - that would be up 12 horsepower from the 2010 model, but down 46 horses on the limited edition Type R tuned by Mugen that was "a tribute to the Honda K20" engine and part of the last model's run. It's said the 2013 will feature a stop/start system and a six-speed manual.

We'll be on the lookout for official news in Paris, and as with previous Type R models and the five-door bodystyle seen above, we don't expect this car to come to the U.S.

New Honda Civic Type-R approved originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda civic type rciviccivic sicivic turbocivic type rctrhondahonda civichonda ctrmugentype rThu, 19 Jul 2012 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20281187/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/19/new-honda-civic-type-r-approved/20281187/article-detail.xml 20281187 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/civictyperyes_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/civictyperyes.jpg <![CDATA[Honda and Mugen develop widebody twin-turbo V6 CR-Z... for racing [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/honda-and-mugen-develop-widebody-twin-turbo-v6-cr-z-for-racin/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/honda-and-mugen-develop-widebody-twin-turbo-v6-cr-z-for-racin/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/honda-and-mugen-develop-widebody-twin-turbo-v6-cr-z-for-racin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Honda has announced that it's working with M-TEC and Team Mugen on a CR-Z GT that will campaign in the GT300 category of Japan's Super GT championship. The racing hybrid uses a 2.8-liter, twin turbo V6 paired with a specially developed hybrid system, and it will enter its first race at this month's SUGO GT round on July 28-29.

The CR-Z GT will race in the same class as the Subaru BRZ GT300 and Toyota Prius GT300. That latter car also uses a specially designed hybrid system with a larger battery from the Prius Alpha and a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6.

The Honda CR-Z GT was recenly tested at Twin Ring Motegi, scroll down to watch the video and check out the official press release.

Continue reading Honda and Mugen develop widebody twin-turbo V6 CR-Z... for racing [w/video]

Honda and Mugen develop widebody twin-turbo V6 CR-Z... for racing [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cr-zcrzgt300hondajapanmotorsportsmugenmugen cr-z gtsuper gtvideoThu, 05 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20271946/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/05/honda-and-mugen-develop-widebody-twin-turbo-v6-cr-z-for-racin/20271946/article-detail.xml 20271946 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/hondacr-zgt300_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/hondacr-zgt300.jpg <![CDATA[Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car looks Fit for the purpose]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/mugen-powered-honda-jazz-rally-car-looks-fit-for-the-purpose/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/mugen-powered-honda-jazz-rally-car-looks-fit-for-the-purpose/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/mugen-powered-honda-jazz-rally-car-looks-fit-for-the-purpose/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car

Honda took a Mugen-powered Jazz (better known as the the Fit here in the U.S.), sent it to Italy to be engineered for rallying by JAS of Milan, then flew it to Australia to be prepared for Oz's 2012 rally series. Honda's been competing in the series with Civic Type R racers for the last two years, but this year, it decided to press the Fit into service for G2 class spec.

Up front is a 245-horsepower Mugen powerplant with 142 pound-feet of torque. Honda says this "may well be the fastest Jazz in the world," and it will start challenging the six rounds of this year's championship in March with driver Eli Evans and co-driver Glen Weston. You can read about it in the press release and watch it kick up dirt in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car looks Fit for the purpose

Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car looks Fit for the purpose originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 honda fitaustralian rally championshipeli evansglen westonhonda fithonda jazzhonda rallyjasjazzmugenrally australiarally carvideoWed, 22 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20175782/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/22/mugen-powered-honda-jazz-rally-car-looks-fit-for-the-purpose/20175782/article-detail.xml 20175782 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hondajazzrallyoz_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hondajazzrallyoz.jpg <![CDATA[Mugen Ariel Atom... will it drift?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/mugen-ariel-atom-will-it-drift/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/mugen-ariel-atom-will-it-drift/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/mugen-ariel-atom-will-it-drift/#commentsFiled under: ,



Flip through the pages of CAR, EVO or Top Gear, and it's obvious the British motoring press has an unhealthy obsession with getting sideways. Not that we can blame them. We enjoy a healthy dab of oppo as much as the next guy, but when the Pistonheads hive-mind starts crying foul about opposite lock shenanigans, you know it's getting out of hand.

Despite this, AutoCar has started up its own version of Blendtec's puerile "Does it Blend?" series with Will it Drift?

After putting the latest BMW M5 to the test, next up is Mugen's interpretation of the Ariel Atom. But will its 270 horsepower four-pot be enough to overcome the R-compound rubber? And if it does, is the wheelbase too short to keep the slide going? Hit the jump to find out.

Continue reading Mugen Ariel Atom... will it drift?

Mugen Ariel Atom... will it drift? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arielariel atomariel atom mugenatomautocarmugenwill it driftMon, 23 Jan 2012 19:42:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155000/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/mugen-ariel-atom-will-it-drift/20155000/article-detail.xml 20155000 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/atom-drift-autocar-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/atom-drift-autocar-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda UK and Mugen launch supercharged CR-Z iCF]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/honda-uk-and-mugen-launch-supercharged-cr-z-icf/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/honda-uk-and-mugen-launch-supercharged-cr-z-icf/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/honda-uk-and-mugen-launch-supercharged-cr-z-icf/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Honda CR-Z iCF

While Honda doesn't have any plans to bring the carbon fiber-laced CR-Z Mugen RR to production, the company has announced that buyers in the UK will have the chance to pick up a quicker version of the hybrid hatchback. The Honda CR-Z iCF will boast a little over 172 horsepower thanks to some wrenching by Mugen Euro. The base 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine packs a centrifugal supercharger along with an intercooler and a remapped ECU. As a result, the dash to 60 miles per hour takes just 6.1 seconds. For reference, the base CR-Z hobbles to the same speed in well over nine seconds.

The Honda CR-Z comes from the factory with 122 horsepower, which is only adequate for hustling the 2,657-pound hybrid around town. The additional 50 ponies in the iCF should make the machine plenty entertaining, and Honda says that the vehicle's three drive modes have been maintained for the best fuel economy possible. Will we see something similar on our shores? Don't hold your breath. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Honda UK and Mugen launch supercharged CR-Z iCF

Honda UK and Mugen launch supercharged CR-Z iCF originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 honda cr-zcr-zcr-z icfhondahonda cr-z icfmugenmugen euroTue, 29 Nov 2011 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20116780/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/29/honda-uk-and-mugen-launch-supercharged-cr-z-icf/20116780/article-detail.xml 20116780 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-cr-z-icf-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-cr-z-icf-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda CR-Z Mugen RR production hopes dashed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/08/honda-cr-z-mugen-rr-production-hopes-dashed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/08/honda-cr-z-mugen-rr-production-hopes-dashed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/08/honda-cr-z-mugen-rr-production-hopes-dashed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Honda Mugen CR-Z RR Hybrid Concept

If it's too early to start drinking, crack open a cold one anyway. You're gonna need a beer to cry into. Top Gear reports that Honda has no plans to produce the CR-Z Mugen RR Hybrid Concept. Zero. None. While we saw this coming a mile off, some deeply-oppressed optimistic shard of our psyche clung to the hope that Honda would awaken from its performance coma. Alas, no. The world will be denied the CR-Z it deserves.

We probably don't need to remind you that the CR-Z Mugen RR Hybrid Concept makes heavy use of carbon fiber. The doors, hood and front fenders are all formed from the lightweight material, as is a complete underbody tray. With 197 horsepower on tap, the concept clicks off a 0-60 dash in 6.6 seconds, and if you're restrained enough to run it in Eco mode, it can return somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 mpg.

Honda CR-Z Mugen RR production hopes dashed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cr-zcr-z mugen rr concepthondahonda cr-zhonda cr-z mugen rr conceptmugenSat, 08 Oct 2011 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20076438/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/08/honda-cr-z-mugen-rr-production-hopes-dashed/20076438/article-detail.xml 20076438 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/honda-cr-z-mugen-rr-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/honda-cr-z-mugen-rr-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Honda Civic Type R... turbo?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/rendered-speculation-honda-civic-type-r-turbo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/rendered-speculation-honda-civic-type-r-turbo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/rendered-speculation-honda-civic-type-r-turbo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A new report says the next generation Honda Civic Type R should arrive in 2013 - sporting a turbocharged engine for the first time.

According to Auto Express, this hottest Honda hatch will brandish a Mugen-developed, 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four. When we last reported on Mugen, their engineers were boring and stroking the 2010 Civic Type R to develop 256 naturally aspirated horsepower.

Temple of VTEC purists can thank strict European emissions regulations for the move to forced induction, and Auto Express says that the Type R will receive a start-stop system to further conserve fuel. Honda fan boys will still have plenty to get excited about: A six-speed manual tranny with a short-throw shifter, track-ready suspension, and a whole complement of aero aids. The UK-based magazine predicts 0-60 times in the low six-second range and a top speed near 150 mph.

The Type R's projected £23,000 price tag (minus the 20% national tax the Brits factor into their new car prices) would make it about a $28,000 car at today's exchange rates. But alas, since it's based on the European five-door Civic, there's virtually no chance we'll be seeing this Type R Civic on our side of the pond. For the moment, you'll have to content yourself with checking out the artist's renderings over on Auto Express.

Rendered Speculation: Honda Civic Type R... turbo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 honda civic type rciviccivic turbocivic type rctrhondahonda civicmugentype rWed, 05 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20074393/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/05/rendered-speculation-honda-civic-type-r-turbo/20074393/article-detail.xml 20074393 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2013-ctr-crop-250-1317829059_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2013-ctr-crop-250-1317829059.jpg <![CDATA[Mugen wrings out more power from Honda Civic Type R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/mugen-wrings-out-more-power-from-honda-civic-type-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/mugen-wrings-out-more-power-from-honda-civic-type-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/mugen-wrings-out-more-power-from-honda-civic-type-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

honda civic type r mugen

We'll go ahead and say it, America needs a Type R Honda. Badly. We're not getting one though, so we'll have to live vicariously through the rest of the world. The United Kingdom in particular has us especially jealous due to the healthy Honda and Mugen relationship it so enjoys. To rub a bit of salt in the red H badge-shaped wound, Mugen has announced a new hotted-up version of the Type R Civic.

Mugen had produced a 2.0-liter Type R variant in 2010, of which just 20 were built. Now Mugen is back with a new version powered by a turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder motor, which produces 256 horsepower and nearly 180 pound-feet of torque. Add in the upgraded suspension bits, brakes and aero kit, and you have a Civic that is built to perform.

Mugen is still working out how many 2.2-liter Type R coupes it plans to produce. Of the 20 cars from 2010, four still remain, and it's possible that Mugen will upfit those with the 2.2-liter engine. Also, Mugen is considering an upgrade plan for owners of the 2.0-liter car. It's all being worked out, and, although we'll most likely never see a version Stateside, we're eager to hear what Mugen decides to do.

Continue reading Mugen wrings out more power from Honda Civic Type R

Mugen wrings out more power from Honda Civic Type R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civiccivic type rhondahonda civic type r mugenmugenmugen civictype rtype r mugenFri, 09 Sep 2011 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20038322/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/09/mugen-wrings-out-more-power-from-honda-civic-type-r/20038322/article-detail.xml 20038322 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/001-honda-civic-type-r-mugen-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/001-honda-civic-type-r-mugen-628.jpg <![CDATA[More pics of Honda CR-Z Mugen RR released]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/more-pics-of-honda-cr-z-mugen-rr-released/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/more-pics-of-honda-cr-z-mugen-rr-released/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/more-pics-of-honda-cr-z-mugen-rr-released/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

honda cr-z mugen rr

Honda certainly loves showing off the CR-Z Mugen RR concept. We last saw the sporty hybrid idling quietly on Lord March's front lawn, showing off for the Goodwood Hillclimb crowds. Now, Honda has released a few more photos of a car it seemingly has no firm intention of building.

Mugen takes the standard car, which is surprisingly tossable, and throws a bunch of go-fast upgrades on it to transform it into the CR-Z Mugen RR. Carbon fiber bodywork and underbody tray, center-exit exhaust, forged 18-inch alloy wheels, four-piston calipers and a reworked suspension help turn this hybrid into the CR-Z we all wish it was in the first place.

Check out the latest photos in our gallery, and be sure to check out the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading More pics of Honda CR-Z Mugen RR released

More pics of Honda CR-Z Mugen RR released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cr-zcr-z rrhondahonda cr-z mugen rrmugenmugen cr-zmugen rrTue, 02 Aug 2011 11:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20006711/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/02/more-pics-of-honda-cr-z-mugen-rr-released/20006711/article-detail.xml 20006711 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/003-honda-mugen-cr-z-rr-1312247456_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/003-honda-mugen-cr-z-rr-1312247456.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Fifth Gear</i> thrashes Honda CR-Z Mugen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/fifth-gear-thrashes-honda-cr-z-mugen/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/fifth-gear-thrashes-honda-cr-z-mugen/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/fifth-gear-thrashes-honda-cr-z-mugen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mugen CR-Z Fifth Gear

When the crew at Mugen finally got around to turning out their take on the Honda CR-Z, we all got pretty excited. With 200 horsepower from the same 1.5-liter IMA engine and motor combination, 100 pounds less weight and a buffet of aftermarket go-fast, stick-hard and brake-harder goodies, the car looked to be what the CR-Z was supposed to offer from the get-go. Honda recently tossed the keys to the good people of Fifth Gear who set to putting the car through its paces in the rolling English countryside.

What'd they find out? While the Mugen CR-Z is decidedly quicker than its factory counterpart, the hatchback is also a bit more of a pain to live with. Stiff springs, an overzealous limited-slip differential and a buzz-happy exhaust make for a car that's more content on the race track than on public streets. Even so, there's little arguing with 200 horsepower in a flingable machine. Hit the jump to check out a video of Fifth Gear's impressions for yourself.

Continue reading Fifth Gear thrashes Honda CR-Z Mugen

Fifth Gear thrashes Honda CR-Z Mugen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cr-zfifth gearhondahonda cr-zhonda mugen cr-zmugenmugen cr-zvideoThu, 21 Jul 2011 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19997029/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/21/fifth-gear-thrashes-honda-cr-z-mugen/19997029/article-detail.xml 19997029 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/fifth-gear-crz-mugen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/fifth-gear-crz-mugen.jpg <![CDATA[Honda CR-Z Mugen compared with.... Ariel Atom Mugen?!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/12/honda-cr-z-mugen-compared-with-ariel-atom-mugen/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/12/honda-cr-z-mugen-compared-with-ariel-atom-mugen/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/12/honda-cr-z-mugen-compared-with-ariel-atom-mugen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

auto express compares mugen ariel atom to mugen cr-z
Mugen vs Mugen - Click above to watch video after the jump

Mugen and Honda go together like vanilla ice cream and apple pie. Sure, the pie can stand on its own, but a nice scoop of ice cream takes it to another level. Mugen rolled out a pair of tuned CR-Z hybrids at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and the blokes from Auto Express asked to spend a day with one of them. Their team also wrangled away the keys to another "unlimited power" vehicle: a Mugen-tuned Ariel Atom.

How do the two compare to each other? Let's be real here... they don't. One is a naked track assassin while the other is a juiced-up hybrid wearing a body kit. Both vehicles have had Mugen wrenches applied to their engines, but that's pretty much where the comparison should end. Still, we can't say it's not entertaining.

Click past the jump to see how they "stack up" against each other.

Continue reading Honda CR-Z Mugen compared with.... Ariel Atom Mugen?!

Honda CR-Z Mugen compared with.... Ariel Atom Mugen?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arielariel atomatomcr-zhondamugenmugen ariel atommugen cr-zvideoTue, 12 Jul 2011 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19989201/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/12/honda-cr-z-mugen-compared-with-ariel-atom-mugen/19989201/article-detail.xml 19989201 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/mugen-atom-vs-mugen-cr-z_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/mugen-atom-vs-mugen-cr-z.jpg <![CDATA[Mugen shows Honda CR-Z RR Concept at Goodwood]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/mugen-shows-honda-cr-z-rr-concept-at-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/mugen-shows-honda-cr-z-rr-concept-at-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/mugen-shows-honda-cr-z-rr-concept-at-goodwood/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

honda cr-z mugen rr concept
Honda CR-Z Mugen RR Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mugen is not a name that one would be shocked to hear announced over the Goodwood Festival of Speed PA system. The Honda CR-Z, however, is a car that festival goers would be surprised to see idling ahead of its run up the hill. Upon closer inspection, though, you would see a bunch of aero bits, hear a racy exhaust thump and see the Mugen badge on the rear end. The Mugen CR-Z that we showed off earlier was not the only tuned hybrid two-seater at Goodwood. In fact, it wasn't the only CR-Z that Mugen brought along. Like a lonely Skywalker... there is another.

The Honda CR-Z Mugen RR Concept also showed its aggressive face at the Festival of Speed. The RR Concept goes a step further into the race-ready arena than the Mugen CR-Z. The exterior aero bits are more focused for track use, but there is no word on the performance figures created by what's under the hood. Mugen says this vehicle is being used as a study to help define future performance models. Take a look at it from both angles in our gallery below.

Continue reading Mugen shows Honda CR-Z RR Concept at Goodwood

Mugen shows Honda CR-Z RR Concept at Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cr-zgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedhondahonda cr-zhonda cr-z mugen rr concepthonda crzmugenmugen conceptmugen cr-zWed, 06 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19984499/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/06/mugen-shows-honda-cr-z-rr-concept-at-goodwood/19984499/article-detail.xml 19984499 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/mugen-1-1309964565_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/mugen-1-1309964565.jpg <![CDATA[Mugen CR-Z sounds nice as it zooms toward Goodwood]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/mugen-cr-z-sounds-nice-as-it-zooms-toward-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/mugen-cr-z-sounds-nice-as-it-zooms-toward-goodwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/mugen-cr-z-sounds-nice-as-it-zooms-toward-goodwood/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mugen Honda CR-Z in action
Mugen Honda CR-Z hits the road - Click above to watch the video after the break

If you belong to the camp that believes there's nothing wrong with the Honda CR-Z hybrid hatch that couldn't be cured with an extra few doses of power, Mugen is cooking up something special that may be just what your tastebuds ordered.

If current speculation holds true, the Mugen-modified CR-Z will put out around 200 horsepower, drop 110 pounds of pudge from its standard curb weight and see improvements made to the base car's brakes, wheels and tires. Sounds tasty, no?

Naturally, there's a body kit bolted in place that includes a new fascia, rocker panels, rear wing and what appears to be a carbon fiber hood. Inside are Recaro seats and plenty of white-faced gauges. Finally, as you'll see - or rather hear - in the video after the break, it also boasts some aural improvements courtesy of what we're guessing are substantial changes to the exhaust system along with the welcome addition of a supercharger.

We'll have to wait until Goodwood before we get all the details sorted out, but in the meantime, go ahead and get a sneak peek in the video after the break.

Continue reading Mugen CR-Z sounds nice as it zooms toward Goodwood

Mugen CR-Z sounds nice as it zooms toward Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 honda cr-zcr-zgoodwoodhondamugenmugen cr-zmugen hondamugen honda cr-zMon, 13 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19965947/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/13/mugen-cr-z-sounds-nice-as-it-zooms-toward-goodwood/19965947/article-detail.xml 19965947 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mugen-cr-z-vidcap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mugen-cr-z-vidcap.jpg <![CDATA[Mugen itching to build hot Honda Fit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/mugen-itching-to-build-hot-honda-fit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/mugen-itching-to-build-hot-honda-fit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/mugen-itching-to-build-hot-honda-fit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mugen Fit
Mugen Honda Fit/Jazz - Click above for high-res image gallery

As the pseudo-works Honda tuner of choice, Mugen has tricked out Civic models for decades. They've also dabbled in the occasional Accord, are preparing to debut their supercharged CR-Z and have even had their way with the Ariel Atom - powered as it is by Honda engines. So what's next for Mugen? It could be the Fit.

The five-door hatchback, known in other markets as the Jazz, has received some attention from Mugen in the form of aftermarket body kits and such, but the tuning house's British garage could be looking at something a little more comprehensive, according to a fresh report from Autocar.

According to the British mag, the hot Fit's engine program could incorporate either the 2.0-liter VTEC four from the Civic Type R or the supercharged hybrid 1.5 developed for the Mugen CR-Z. Tempting options, both, but whichever way the Honda tuner goes, the likelihood is that the result won't make the trip over to these shores, anyway.

Mugen itching to build hot Honda Fit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fithonda fithonda jazzjazzmugenmugen fitmugen hondamugen jazzThu, 26 May 2011 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19950845/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/26/mugen-itching-to-build-hot-honda-fit/19950845/article-detail.xml 19950845 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/mugen-fit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/mugen-fit.jpg <![CDATA[Mugen releases first photos of its supercharged Honda CR-Z]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/mugen-releases-first-photos-of-its-supercharged-honda-cr-z/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/mugen-releases-first-photos-of-its-supercharged-honda-cr-z/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/mugen-releases-first-photos-of-its-supercharged-honda-cr-z/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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

That Honda could have done more with the CR-Z than the lukewarm hybrid sport-hatch that resulted is no big news. But Mugen is here to highlight the point.

After teasing us with some initial details, a rendering and a shot of the engine bay, the pseudo-works Honda tuner has released the first photos of the modified CR-Z it is preparing to unveil at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

Performance figures haven't been finalized just yet, but earlier, Mugen pegged combined output from the supercharged 1.5-liter four and electric assist at 197 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Combined with the 110 pounds of weight shaved off the chassis, Mugen figures that ought to be enough to make the custom CR-Z match the acceleration times of the Civic Type R.

Unfortunately, this is strictly a concept car for the time being, but there's no telling what could result from enough positive response. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the trio of images in the high-res gallery.

Continue reading Mugen releases first photos of its supercharged Honda CR-Z

Mugen releases first photos of its supercharged Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 May 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cr-zhondahonda cr-zhonda cr-z mugenmugenmugen cr-zWed, 18 May 2011 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19943586/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/18/mugen-releases-first-photos-of-its-supercharged-honda-cr-z/19943586/article-detail.xml 19943586 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web-mugen-crz_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web-mugen-crz.jpg <![CDATA[Honda CR-Z Mugen show car to pack 197 horsepower for Goodwood debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/honda-cr-z-mugen-show-car-to-pack-197-horsepower-for-goodwood-de/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/honda-cr-z-mugen-show-car-to-pack-197-horsepower-for-goodwood-de/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/honda-cr-z-mugen-show-car-to-pack-197-horsepower-for-goodwood-de/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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

Call it anticipation or call it wishful thinking, but reports of a hotter version of the Honda CR-Z have been circulating pretty much ever since the hybrid hatchback hit the market. The CR-Z may be sportier than most hybrids, but when the faithful were expecting a spiritual successor to the iconic CRX with an added jolt of electricity, many were left disappointed.

Along those lines, we have good news, and we have bad news. The good news is that some new details on the hotly anticipated Mugen version of the CR-Z have dropped. The bad news is that it's still strictly a one-off show car, at least for the time being.

Honda CR-Z Mugen engineThe concept car will be revealed in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. And when it is, it won't be turbocharged as earlier speculated, but it will be supercharged. With the added benefit of forced induction, the output from the 1.5-liter i-VTEC four that forms the internal combustion part of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system will be increased by 50 percent, and when coupled with the electric component will serve up 200 metric horsepower (197 on our scale) and 181 pound-feet of torque.

To go with the added power, the pseudo-works Honda tuner is also fitting adjustable dampers, a wider track, upgraded brakes and rolling stock, an enhanced aero kit and a weight-reduction regimen. Although Mugen insists it holds no plans for producing its breathed-on hybrid, there's no telling what sufficient demand might yield. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the two engine shots released to join the renderings released previously in the gallery below.


Gallery: Mugen Honda CR-Z Sketches

Mugen Honda CR-Z SketchMugen Honda CR-Z Sketch

Continue reading Honda CR-Z Mugen show car to pack 197 horsepower for Goodwood debut

Honda CR-Z Mugen show car to pack 197 horsepower for Goodwood debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cr-zgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedhondahonda cr-zhonda cr-z mugenmugenmugen cr-zMon, 02 May 2011 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19929750/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/02/honda-cr-z-mugen-show-car-to-pack-197-horsepower-for-goodwood-de/19929750/article-detail.xml 19929750 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-mugen-honda-cr-z630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-mugen-honda-cr-z630opt.jpg -1 2