IE Import Enthusiast -- JDM Tuner Cars

The 2010 Civic Type R is getting tuned by Mugen! Maybe you have heard about Mugen. They are a Japanese company that specializes in making street legal Honda parts and building race car engines. Mugen was founded by Hirotoshi Honda in 1973 and has quite a solid reputation in its homeland. For example, Mugen built prepped engines for Formula One teams and has had great success in other achievements.

Even with all these achievements, the Mugen brand is not as well known as Mercedes Benz’s tuning outfit division AMG or Nissan’s Nismo. There has however, been word and recent confirmation that Mugen’s European division, based in England, will build a limited edition New Civic Type R.

The supped up Type R’s will be super-quick, ultra exclusive, and hyper-expensive with Honda’s full approval. This makes it seem that Honda maybe seeking a little (long-overdue) recognition outside of Japan. The Mugen brand was cautious about moving to uncharted territory outside of Japan but got started with promoting a concept. The concept was exhibited at shows and loaned to many media outlets so that reactions could be carefully measured. Feedback was strong; so in late October it was announced that Mugen will build twenty cars during 2010. The replicas are based on a 2.0 Liter hatchback, producing 240 horsepower; power is up by 20% over the regular Type R.

The revamped 2010 Civic Type R is a classic tuner job with high-compression pistons, free breathing induction system, a new stainless steel exhaust system, and a brand new Mugen ECU that permits a 500 rpm increase over the standard Honda H20A engine’s 8000-rpm ceiling. They will be built in Honda’s factory located in England.