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vice-president of MUGEN Euro, commented: “Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies.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.

MUGEN of Japan has built a CR-Z MUGEN RR design concept to demonstrate MUGEN’s capabilities in terms of function, style, performance and agility. The CR-Z MUGEN RR was produced by M-TEC in Japan for show purposes only and there are currently no plans for further production.

The CR-Z MUGEN RR has been created with many bespoke prototype parts, several of which are created in carbon fibre, including the bonnet, passenger doors and rear tailgate. Other features unique to the car include a full length carbon-fibre underbody, a twin central-exit exhaust, vented front bumpers and race-developed suspension.  Orange 4-piston monobloc brake calipers and forged 18-inch alloy wheels both complement the vibrant Valencia Orange Pearl exterior paint work.

Inside the car, the seats are clad in MUGEN-branded colour-coded leather/Alcantara. The addition of a race-developed information screen has the ability to record chassis and engine data as well as housing a Satellite navigation and audio system. This high tech kit will monitor the car over two laps to “learn” a circuit and then record lap data and vehicle tracking using GPS.

The design concept was unveiled for its world debut at the beginning of July in the Moving Motor Show area at Goodwood Festival of Speed and complements the high-performance CR-Z MUGEN, which was designed and built by MUGEN EURO based in the UK.

Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro have revealed the first official photographs of the CR-Z MUGEN – the higher-performance hybrid coupe.

Development of the supercharged Honda CR-Z is on track, with performance figures already looking promising.

Early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine have given 0-60mph times around that of the Civic Type R.

After a further 15 per cent increase in power over this ‘stage 1′ engine and with over 50kg reduced from the chassis, overall performance is set to meet MUGEN’s original targets.

“Early fuel consumption tests have also been encouraging,” says Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro. “We’ve retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50+mpg in ‘eco’ mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special ‘MUGEN’ mode.”

MUGEN Euro has confirmed a limited production run of the Civic Type R MUGEN, following huge interest in the concept version from the UK and overseas.

An exclusive run of up to 20 cars will be hand-built in the UK by MUGEN, the long-standing tuner of Honda engines for motor racing. Production of the road-legal super hatch will take place at MUGEN Euro, based in Northampton – with customers receiving a unique, involved experience during the build process of each car.

Using over 20 years of experience and engineering expertise gained at the forefront of global motorsport, engineers from MUGEN in Japan and Europe analysed every component of the Swindon-built 3-door Civic Type R – before developing one of the quickest normally-aspirated front drive cars in the world.

‘Each Type R MUGEN will be an exclusive, hand-built race car for the road,’ says Hiroki Toyoda, Vice President of MUGEN EURO. ‘When we launched the Civic Type RR saloon in Japan, we sold out of all 300 units in just six minutes. Given the interest we have already had from car enthusiasts in the UK and abroad, we hope to repeat that achievement.’

Race engine for the road
The 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine is the first to reap the benefits of MUGEN’s time in Formula 1 and GT racing, as well as hundreds of development hours and testing time with the Honda K20A engine on the world-class MUGEN engine dyno. New camshafts and a modified intake system increase power by 20 per cent to 240PS, and boost torque by 10 per cent throughout the rev range. A change of pistons also helps by increasing the compression ratio, and breathing is enhanced by fitting a custom stainless steel exhaust system and MUGEN airbox. Meanwhile, a bespoke MUGEN map for the ECU allows the engine to take full advantage of the modifications.

‘MUGEN engineers pay incredible attention to detail, often measuring to one thousandth of a millimetre when tuning and rebuilding an engine, and this process typically takes approximately seven days of work,’ says Hiroki Toyoda.

‘When our engineers aren’t building customer engines, they are at circuits with top level race and rally teams helping to manage and prepare race engines. We are very proud to bring our motorsport experience to the road with this high performance Honda engine, the very first time that a MUGEN-tuned engine has ever been offered for use on the road in the UK.’

The extra power of the tuned engine is transferred to road or track via a limited slip differential, and grip and handling are also significantly improved through a completely revised suspension set-up, with custom-made springs and dampers employed.

Improving the stopping power are bespoke four-piston mono-block racing brake callipers, which sit under high-density, lightweight forged alloy wheels. These weigh just 7.85kg each (32 per cent less than the production wheel), contributing to a significant reduction in unsprung weight.

Integrated style
MUGEN was keen to amend the already-aggressive original styling of the Civic Type R with modifications that are integrated. A large wing adorns the back of the car, and plays a role in increasing downforce at speed, to improve stability. Other measures to improve the car’s overall aero efficiency include replacing front and rear skirts with high-quality composite items. At the front, a new grille wearing the MUGEN emblem enhances the nose.

Every Civic Type R MUGEN will be painted in Honda’s famous Championship White – the traditional racing colour of the brand, in which its first Formula 1 car was painted back in 1964. To authenticate the car’s exclusivity each will wear a special badge inside on the centre console, listing the serial number of each unique model.

To make the ultimate Type R even more extreme, particularly for circuit use, MUGEN is offering an optional ‘Track Pack’. This package includes front Recaro seats, removal of the rear seat bench with a composite blanking panel fitted to reduce weight, water and oil temperature/pressure gauges, data recording equipment, and track-ready road-legal tyres.

Concept development
While early engineering and development was carried out by MUGEN in Japan, a considerable amount of time has been spent honing the car for UK conditions. Engineers from the UK and Japan carried out 36 hours of suspension testing on 2200km of British roads during September, to further tune the set-up. In addition, MUGEN’s engine specialists adjusted ECU mapping and throttle response – and a new exhaust system was fitted to improve resonance. Plus, the team worked on brake feel, seeing a 30 per cent improvement after three days of testing.

The production model has also benefitted from feedback gathered from UK media, and Type R enthusiasts in the UK. This information was fed into the development process and helped decide the final spec of the 20 production units.

Price confirmed
MUGEN Euro has set the price for the Honda Civic Type R MUGEN at £38,599 OTR.

This price includes an unparalleled purchasing experience, which involves direct contact with MUGEN engineers throughout the car’s build. This will be a package tailored to individual customers – similar to the service offered when buying a racing car. Each of the Type Rs will be built to the customer’s exact specification, including their choice of options. Even ECU mapping can be adjusted to suit specific customer tastes or driving style.

The price also takes into account MUGEN racing engine building expertise and heritage. Put it into context, MUGEN would typically charge around £165,000 + VAT for a full racing Type R, with the engine costing about 10 per cent of this price. Only a select few have had the chance to sit behind the wheel of a Honda-MUGEN, and even fewer have owned one, so this is an extremely unique opportunity.

For more information, customers can call the dedicated customer service line: 0845 200 8007, or visit: www.typermugen.co.uk