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.
Press Release
EVEN MORE MUGEN POWER FOR HONDA CIVIC TYPE R
One of the most exclusive and explosive hot hatches of recent years has been given an extra dose of MUGEN power.
The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN debuted in 2010 to near-universal acclaim, and a 20-strong limited edition production run of the hand-built, motorsport-derived machines went on sale to UK enthusiasts.
Now technicians at Northampton-based MUGEN Euro have worked their magic again, producing a unique version with even more power and torque.
The cylinder bore and stroke have been increased to create an overall capacity of 2,156cc, so the car has been christened the Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 2.2.
The result of the change is a boost in engine output from 240 to 260PS, and additional torque is available throughout the rev range. Peak torque is now 240Nm at 6,000rpm. Compared to a standard Honda Civic Type R, both power and torque are up 30 per cent.
When coupled to the host of motorsport-derived components created exclusively by MUGEN – including sports suspension, uprated brakes and a stunning performance bodykit – the MUGEN 2.2 represents the ultimate expression of the Honda Civic Type R philosophy.
It has been created as a fitting tribute to the highly successful Honda K20 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has ceased production in Japan. Homologated by MUGEN as an FIA Group N race series engine, the K20 has long been the powerplant of choice with tuners and motorsports competitors who want the very best in naturally aspirated performance.
Moreover, it has been at the very heart of everything MUGEN Euro has achieved since the company was formed in 2006. Its skilled engineers have built or tuned almost 400 examples for race and rally competitors around the world.
The Honda K20 engine has also powered the only two complete road cars produced by MUGEN; the Honda Civic MUGEN RR four-door saloon sold in Japan, plus the limited Honda Civic Type R MUGEN sold in the UK.
Hiro Toyoda, vice-president of MUGEN Euro, commented: "Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies. We may never see the like of the K20 in a mainstream production car again, so felt it only fitting we mark the occasion with this special 2.2 version of the Honda Civic Type R".
Plans for the 2.2 car have yet to be finalised. Of the 20 limited edition 2.0-litre cars launched in 2010, four remain unsold and it's possible MUGEN Euro may offer them with the reworked engine. Existing owners could also be invited to return their cars for an upgrade. A decision on these two proposals is expected to be made shortly.
One of the most exclusive and explosive hot hatches of recent years has been given an extra dose of MUGEN power.
The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN debuted in 2010 to near-universal acclaim, and a 20-strong limited edition production run of the hand-built, motorsport-derived machines went on sale to UK enthusiasts.
Now technicians at Northampton-based MUGEN Euro have worked their magic again, producing a unique version with even more power and torque.
The cylinder bore and stroke have been increased to create an overall capacity of 2,156cc, so the car has been christened the Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 2.2.
The result of the change is a boost in engine output from 240 to 260PS, and additional torque is available throughout the rev range. Peak torque is now 240Nm at 6,000rpm. Compared to a standard Honda Civic Type R, both power and torque are up 30 per cent.
When coupled to the host of motorsport-derived components created exclusively by MUGEN – including sports suspension, uprated brakes and a stunning performance bodykit – the MUGEN 2.2 represents the ultimate expression of the Honda Civic Type R philosophy.
It has been created as a fitting tribute to the highly successful Honda K20 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has ceased production in Japan. Homologated by MUGEN as an FIA Group N race series engine, the K20 has long been the powerplant of choice with tuners and motorsports competitors who want the very best in naturally aspirated performance.
Moreover, it has been at the very heart of everything MUGEN Euro has achieved since the company was formed in 2006. Its skilled engineers have built or tuned almost 400 examples for race and rally competitors around the world.
The Honda K20 engine has also powered the only two complete road cars produced by MUGEN; the Honda Civic MUGEN RR four-door saloon sold in Japan, plus the limited Honda Civic Type R MUGEN sold in the UK.
Hiro Toyoda, vice-president of MUGEN Euro, commented: "Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies. We may never see the like of the K20 in a mainstream production car again, so felt it only fitting we mark the occasion with this special 2.2 version of the Honda Civic Type R".
Plans for the 2.2 car have yet to be finalised. Of the 20 limited edition 2.0-litre cars launched in 2010, four remain unsold and it's possible MUGEN Euro may offer them with the reworked engine. Existing owners could also be invited to return their cars for an upgrade. A decision on these two proposals is expected to be made shortly.
