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

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.

[Source: EVO]