Honda Confirms Development of Euro Mugen Civic Type R 240HP, Releases New Details

After weeks of media speculation that arose after the release of a teaser set of photos as well as a promotional video, Honda has finally confirmed the development of a highly-tuned Civic Type R "MUGEN" concept prototype road car. The key word here is "concept" as the Japanese automaker noted that "currently there are no plans for a production model" and that at this stage, the hot Civic is "being prepared purely as a prototype model."

However, judging from our past experience with these kind of press statements from automakers, we"d say that Honda"s hot hatch is very, very close to production...

Besides confirming the existence of the car, the Japanese automaker also revealed some juicy new details. First of all, the hardcore three-door hatch is being developed in Japan by MUGEN EURO, the Northampton-based subsidiary of Honda"s official tuning arm, and will be brought to the UK for further testing later in the year.

Honda said that the European Civic Type R "MUGEN" will use the same powertrain as the Civic MUGEN RR saloon launched in Japan in 2007. This translates to a specially modified version of the Type R"s 200HP 2.0-liter four banger producing 240-horsepower.

The Japanese firm added that as well as developing the engine, the hardcore Civic Type R MUGEN will benefit from brake system, exhaust and suspension upgrades while externally, the Civic will take on an a more aggressive stance, with a new aerodynamic package that includes a larger rear wing.

"In standard trim, the Civic Type R is a thrilling machine to drive," said Hiro Toyoda, Vice President of MUGEN EURO in a prepared statement. "It is a fantastic base model from which we hope to develop one of the quickest point to point front-wheel-drive road cars in the country."

New Honda Civic Concept to be Unwrapped at Detroit Show, Previews Production Model

What you see pictured above is an official rendering of the Honda Civic Concept, which will be revealed in the flesh at the upcoming 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2011. According to the Japanese automaker, the concept is more of a pre-production study that will preview the actual, ninth-generation 2012 Civic, which will go on-sale in North America in spring next year.

The illustration depicts a coupe model with possible styling influences from the European market Civic hatchback (front) and the North American Accord Coupe (profile). Honda did not release any specific details on the car, but we suspect that we"ll learn more within the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned.

Honda gives away Original Civic Type R Mugen Concept to one Lucky Chap

Remember the red-colored Civic Type R Mugen Concept that Honda showed in the summer of 2009 before the model received the green light for a limited run of 20 units in the UK? Well, the one-off concept car that was used as a test-bed for the production model and which is worth over £60,000, was given away in a draw to celebrate Honda's participation in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The competition proved quite successful attracting more than 24,000 entries.

The winner of the prized 240PS Civic prototype was Jim Morgan from Manchester. The lucky man not only won the car but he also met Honda's BTCC drivers Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden who treated him to some fast laps around the circuit. He was also given a tour of the MUGEN workshops in Northampton.

"I still can't quite believe I've won this unbelievable concept car," said Jim. "To meet Matt and Gordon, rocket around Silverstone in a Type R, and talk to the guys who built my car was incredible! Seeing how this the Type R MUGEN was built really gives you a feel for how special it is: the guys at MUGEN have put everything they've got into this car."

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Report: Honda to kill Civic Nameplate in Japan

According to media reports, Honda's Civic will cease Japanese sales as soon as the current inventory is gone. This decision is said to be the result of increased demand for minivans and smaller cars, but that doesn't mean the Civic is going anywhere for you and me. Honda will continue to sell the entry-level compact, which is set to be replaced next year, in international markets where demand is still strong.

Honda's Civic has barely been able to stay afloat sales-wise in its domestic market, moving a scant 452 units in October. For now, Civics will continue to be built at Honda's plant in Suzuka, but that could end if the JDM demands more sexy Honda minivans and Kei cars.

At least the JDM Civic is going out with a bang thanks to those 1,500 examples of the Type-R Euro models.

By Phil Alex

Via: Nikkei