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TOKYO — The lengths that Japanese tuner Mugen went to for an ultra high-performance Honda Civic are clear from the first look at the Type-RR Experimental Spec that the company showed at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The car’s front end is smothered in carbon fiber in an effort to dramatically lighten the Civic.
The patchwork body panels also highlight more weight-saving labors. The hood — along with several other body panels — is made of lightweight aluminum rather than the traditional steel, and the company also put the Civic through a rigorous strength and agility routine to sharpen acceleration and handling.
Mugen’s Type-RR engine is based on Honda’s K20A, with displacement increased from 2.0 to 2.2 liters. At a sky-high 8,200 rpm, the Type-RR makes 256 horsepower, while peak torque is 173 pound-feet at 6,000 rpm. Power reaches the ground through a six-speed transmission and limited-slip differential. Larger slotted brake discs and Brembo six-pot calipers up front help slow the Civic. Suspension upgrades include adjustable dampers with five settings that can be adjusted from inside the car. The whole package rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenzas.
The interior has also been given the carbon-fiber treatment with a shell that surrounds the driver in the glossy black weave that covers the doors, roof, floor and even the sun visors. A red push-button starter is located on the center console and there is a giant tachometer installed above the Civic’s digital speedometers to ensure you don’t miss that redline right around 8,500 rpm.
What this means to you: A carbon-fiber hood and spoiler were only the beginning of this Mugen makeover. — Eric Tingwall, Correspondent
Photos
Slideshow
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256 horses and lots of carbon-fiber contribute to this Honda’s contrary character. (Photo courtesy of Mugen)
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The Mugen Type-RR’s hood is made of lightweight aluminum instead of steel. (Photo courtesy of Mugen)
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The whole package rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenzas. (Photo courtesy of Mugen)
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The interior has also been given the carbon-fiber treatment with a shell that surrounds the driver. (Photo courtesy of Mugen)
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Mugen Type-RR. (Photo courtesy of Mugen)
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Mugen Type-RR. (Photo courtesy of Mugen)
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Mugen Type-RR. (Photo courtesy of Mugen)
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discuss amongst yourselves.