New Honda Civic Type-R Mugen hits 256bhp

If you like your cars as edgy as a lone London riot cop then take a look at the even hotter Honda Civic Type-R Mugen. The new-for-2012 rarity now gets an extra near-60bhp and a good 30 per cent extra torque than the standard Type-R, which is no slouch itself.

Just a quick glance at this bright-white, big-spoilered stunner will tell you that it means business, and for the final swansong of the world-famous K20 engine (2-litre, 16-valve, VTEC that’s about as wonderful as an engine can get), the tuners at Northampton-based Mugen Euro have really gone to town.

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vice-president of MUGEN Euro, commented: “Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies.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

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 increase is a boost in engine power from 240 to 260PS (over the current Type-R Mugen), and additional torque available throughout the rev range. Peak torque is now 240Nm at 6,000rpm, but these screamers rev way past that.

Backing-up the engine-grunt are more tasty Mugen parts to make performance fans want to drain their bank accounts, with motorsport-derived Mugen components including sports suspension, uprated brakes and a razor-sharp performance bodykit. 

Plans for the 2.2-litre car have yet to be finalised, and of the 20 limited edition 2-litre Type-R Mugen cars launched in 2010, four remain unsold and it’s possible Mugen Euro may offer them with the reworked, 2.2-litre engine. Existing owners could also be invited to return their cars for a power upgrade. Honda UK says a decision on these two proposals is expected to be made shortly.











By Daniel Anslow

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