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."

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

VIDEO: New Honda Civic TYPE R Mugen UK-Spec Model Promotional Film

Following up on our previous story with the first photographs of the Mugen Honda Civic Type R hatchback, we now bring you an official promotional video of the special edition hatchback that's inspired from the JDM Civic Mugen RR sedan. In spite of the fact that in the two-and-half minute long film, Mugen describes the model as a 'UK Spec' edition, in the press release, Honda's dedicated tuning arm makes word of Euro-wide availability. Apparently, we'll have to wait for Mugen to clear things up.

We're still short on official info about the range of upgrades, but aside from the overly-aggressive aero kit, it is rumored that the hot hatch has received a similar treatment to the Japanese market Civic Mugen RR sedan.

If true, this means that we'll most likely see a modified version of the Civic Type R's 2.0-liter VTEC engine delivering close to 240HP, a limited slip differential (already available on the limited run Civic Type R Championship White), chunkier tires, tweaked suspension and a high-performance brake system.

Also expect a pair of body-hugging bucket seats from Recaro while it is possible that Mugen may eliminate certain comfort features in the interior in order to shave a few pounds.

What we can say for certain is that the Mugen Civic Type R will arrive on European shores sometime at the end of summer. In the meantime, and until Honda's official tuner reveals more details, check out the high-quality promotional film below.

READ MORE - VIDEO: New Honda Civic TYPE R Mugen UK-Spec Model Promotional Film

European Mugen Honda Civic Type-R Hatchback: First Official Photos

This story just came in so we don't have all the details yet, but according to a translated teaser press release from Honda's in-house tuning division, these are the first photos of the Euro-spec Mugen Honda Civic Type-R 3d that is slated to be launched in Europe this summer. The release does not explain if what we're seeing here is simply an aero-kit or as it has been rumored, a complete conversion with mechanical and styling upgrades. However, we do know that the famed tuning firm calls the concept 'Premium Super Sport' - if that tells you anything.

In typical Mugen-fashion, the tuning firm has readied a rather aggressive bodykit for the futuristic-looking Euro-spec Civic Type-R 3d, which in standard form is powered by a 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine churning out 200HP to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The aero parts include a massive rear-wing, side skirts, twin hood scoops, a new rear apron with an integrated diffuser and two Jumbo-size tail-pipes, a blacked out Mugen grille, new front bumper with an integrated lip spoiler and wider fenders housing side air-vents plus gunmetal gray multispoke alloy wheels.

READ MORE - European Mugen Honda Civic Type-R Hatchback: First Official Photos

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Honda to Discontinue Civic Type R in Europe, Killed by Tougher Emission Standards

It's the end of the line for the current generation of the Civic Type R in Europe as Honda today announced its wedgy hot hatch will no longer be sold in many areas of the continent from the end of 2010, due to forthcoming Euro V emissions regulations. Production of the Civic Type R for the European market will cease in October 2010, with sales ending during December.

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READ MORE - Honda to Discontinue Civic Type R in Europe, Killed by Tougher Emission Standards

Honda UK Dealers Offer Factory-Backed MUGEN Tuning Bits

Honda fans in Britain can now trick out their cars with original Mugen performance parts backed by a factory-warranty straight from their dealer. The Japanese automaker said that a total of eight Honda dealers across the UK have launched the MUGEN Original Parts Programme offering a range of tuning parts, accessories and merchandise from the company's semi-official tuning partner.

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READ MORE - Honda UK Dealers Offer Factory-Backed MUGEN Tuning Bits

Honda to Terminate Civic Type R Sedan

It's the end of the road for Honda's Civic Type R sedan as the Japanese automaker announced it will discontinue production of the car at the end of August, 2010. However, Honda will make amends to fans by continuing to import the three-door Civic Type R Euro hatchback into Japan.

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READ MORE - Honda to Terminate Civic Type R Sedan

VIDEO: Introducing the Honda Enthusiasts FF Squad

The folks over from the creative agency BRWUSA have sent over some videos "about a group of Honda enthusiasts" known as the FF Squad. Now before you think, "God, if it's ten minutes, forget it," don't worry. They're short and sweet.

Quality cinematography? Check. Funky music? Check. Real life story about normal people driving normal cars and their passion for them? Big Check.

Do yourself a favor, take three minutes out of your day and watch them; these videos will make you want to go out, buy a beater, build it up, and then go race it (if you haven't already). I'm liking this series in a big way. We can only hope there's more to come. Videos after the jump.

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READ MORE - VIDEO: Introducing the Honda Enthusiasts FF Squad

Honda to Release Refreshed 2011MY Civic Type R Euro in Japan this Fall

Seeing that the limited edition 2009 Civic Type R Euro hot hatch has been well received in Japan, exceeding sales of 1,850 units since its release in November of last year, Honda has decided to offer its domestic buyers a second run of its hot hatch.

The Japanese automaker said that it will soon reveal a 2010 model year version of the Civic Type R Euro with an "updated exterior design", without getting into any specific details.

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READ MORE - Honda to Release Refreshed 2011MY Civic Type R Euro in Japan this Fall

New Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 200: Another Limited Edition Special

In addition to the jam-packed Civic Type R MUGEN with its tweaked 240HP 2.0-liter i-VTEC, of which only 20 units will be sold in the UK at a hefty £38,599 a piece (approximately US$60,300 or €44,400 at today's exchange rates), Honda today announced that it will offer a less hardcore variant of the hot hatch without the performance upgrades.

Aptly named the Civic Type R MUGEN 200, the special edition model is based on the three-door European model and features the same 201-horsepower 2.0-liter high-revving i-VTEC as the standard model.

As its name suggests, only 200 examples of the special Type R models will be made with sales set to start in the UK in April.

So, what makes this variant stand out? Offered exclusively in a Championship White exterior finish, the MUGEN 200 features the same aero parts as the 240HP model, including a new front bumper, side skirts, a huger rear wing and a different rear bumper with an integrated diffuser housing two jumbo-sized tail pipes.

The 19-inch alloy wheels, glossy black door mirrors, Mugen badges, an individually numbered plaque and the standard limited-slip differential complete the MUGEN package.

Honda said that a range of tuning parts to enhance the chassis will also be available as dealer fit options.

More details as well as pricing on the MUGEN 200 will be revealed in March.

READ MORE - New Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 200: Another Limited Edition Special

MUGEN Does the Honda Civic Type R Euro: JDM Launch Sparks New Line of Aero and Performance Parts

It's only been a couple of weeks since Honda introduced the UK-built three-door Civic Type R in Japan, but the automaker's aftermarket affiliate Mugen has already released a bevy of upgrades for the hot hatch. Naturally, all performance and styling parts are inspired from the limited edition Civic Type R MUGEN 240HP, of which only 20 examples will be made.

And while Mugen doesn't offer the special edition's upgraded engine that develops 240HP instead of the standard model's 200HP, what it does provide is the same aero parts such as the front and rear aprons, ventilated bonnet, gigantic rear wing and rear diffuser plus the lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels that are available in gunmetal or bronze finish.

The tuner's offerings also include other hardware upgrades like the sport suspension and brake packages, tire-monitoring system, copper-fiber clutch set, sport exhaust system, quick shifter and even a limited slip differential.

READ MORE - MUGEN Does the Honda Civic Type R Euro: JDM Launch Sparks New Line of Aero and Performance Parts