EVEN MORE MUGEN POWER FOR HONDA CIVIC TYPE R

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vice-president of MUGEN Euro, commented: “Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies.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

Categories: honda, Mugen, Type-R

FIRST IMAGES OF NEW HONDA CIVIC RELEASED

Honda has released the first exclusive photos of the new Civic. The images show the new clean, dynamic and flowing exterior design and high quality interior.

The designers of the new Civic wanted to keep the sporty and advanced elements of the car’s character but tailor them to communicate the new model’s more dynamic feel. Sources of inspiration included a ‘blended wing body’ aeroplane in which the fuselage and wings blend into a single body for superior aerodynamic performance.

Nearly all of the body components on the new Civic have been redesigned with particular focus on ride and handling, reduced CO₂ emissions, design and interior quality, while retaining the class-leading cabin, boot space and practicality.

Designed and developed specifically for the European market, the new Civic will be offered as a five-door hatchback and will reach UK showrooms in early 2012.
The new Honda Civic will be launched tomorrow at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA).

Categories: Civic, honda

NEW HONDA 2012 CBR1000RR FIREBLADE

The 2012 CBR1000RR builds on the legacy of “total control” that has shaped its predecessors for 20 years since the introduction of its original ground-breaking forerunner, the CBR900RR, at the EICMA show in 1991. Since then, successive evolutions of the machine have layered advancement upon advancement, while retaining its defining strength of a perfect balance between power and control.

Under the overall development concept of “natural evolution of Super Sports”, the 2012 CBR1000RR development team have concentrated their efforts on the chassis to enhance riding enjoyment even further. In particular new wheels and new front and rear suspension systems have been introduced for even better handling, traction and braking performance. The advanced Balance Free Rear Cushion rear suspension is a world-first for a production motorcycle.

The team has also created a new, even more aggressive styling to better communicate the dynamism and sheer speed of the new CBR1000RR. In addition, the already comprehensive instrument panel has additional functionality making the bike more user-friendly, helping riders get the most from Honda’s most exciting and advanced Super Sport machine yet: the 20th anniversary CBR1000RR Fireblade.

In the words of Hirofumi Fukunaga, Large Project Leader for the 2012 CBR1000RR “This is a model allowing all super sports bike lovers, including the most experienced, to savour the joy of owning the CBR1000RR, while at the same time feeling more fun in sporty riding and more joy of riding than ever before, whether it be on winding roads or at a circuit.”

Dynamic styling package: A new nose, layered main fairing and a tail section bring a more aggressive and a dynamic look to the 2012 CBR1000RR.

Balance Free Rear Cushion: Introduced for the first time on a production motorcycle, this advanced new rear shock uses a double-tube design to ensure smoother and more accurate response, superior damping and improved traction.

Big Piston Front Fork: The 2012 CBR1000RR also features inverted 43mm telescopic forks with Showa’s Big Piston technology. With a unique design to reduce internal pressures, the Big Piston Front Fork offers improved damping, increased front tyre grip and better stability under braking.

12-spoke wheels: Stunning 12-spoke cast aluminium wheels provide more consistent rigidity to work with the new forks to deliver improved handling.

Enhanced instrumentation LCD: Now with lap timer, gear position indicator, and tachometer with 4 modes of display.

Assisted slipper clutch: Reduces the engine back-torque transmitted to the rear wheel when shifting down, increasing chassis stability under deceleration and on corner entry.

Second generation HESD steering damper: Essential on such a light, compact and yet powerful machine, the Honda Electronic Steering Damper delivers both high-speed stability and light, responsive low-speed steering.

Optional Combined ABS: The 2012 Fireblade can be experienced with Honda’s advanced electronically-controlled Combined ABS braking system, which offers all the reassurance of Honda’s Combined Brake System and antilock braking.

Revised PGM-DSFI settings: The CBR1000RR retains its hugely powerful 999cc inline-4 engine but new fuel injection settings make it even smoother and easier to use, particularly at smaller throttle openings.

Categories: CBR1000RR, Fireblade, honda

Mugen range for Honda Civic Type R

Principal Mugen stockist and leading Japanese tuning house Torque Developments International Plc is pleased to announce that the full range of Honda Civic Type R FN2 upgrades are now available for the performance aftermarket.

Covering engine, chassis, braking and visual enhancements, the Mugen Civic Type R FN2 product range has been subject OEM style levels of arduous design, testing and quality control tests, ensuring that the Mugen FN2 product portfolio offers enthusiasts the ultimate in performance and reliability.

First launch from the Mugen range are FN2 the front and visual enhancements seen adorning the critically acclaimed Civic Type R Mugen concept. Lightweight, high quality and distinctive, the Mugen FN2 body styling provides a unique look, designed for the Honda connoisseur.

Mugen’s FN2 Honda Civic Type R visual enhancements include:

Front aero bumper Part no: 62511-XLR-K0S0 RRP £1150.60
This incorporates large brake duct intakes, an aerodynamically shaped profile and a smooth undertray to decrease wind resistance while improving high speed stability.

Air intake garnish Part no: 71140-XLR-K0S0 RRP £234.38
These triangular trims are installed into the front of the Mugen aero bumper to provide additional air channelling and improved visual appeal.

Front Sports grille Part no: 75100-XLR-K0S0 RRP £372.88
A signature Mugen visual styling enhancement, the Sports grille combines great looks with a wind resistance reducing design.

Front Aero Fenders (pair) Part no: 60200-XLR-K0S0 RRP £852.29
An aggressive frontal profile and rear hot air outlet help reduce underbonnet and front brake temperatures. A unique Mugen design in high strength, lightweight FRP.

Aero bonnet Part no: 60100-XLR-K0S0 RRP £1257.14
Designed to perform, the Mugen Honda Civic Type R FN2 aero bonnet is equipped with large, functioning air outlets with a detachable air outlet inner cover. When open, the apertures allow more cool air through the engine bay, helping to lower underbonnet temperatures. Produced in high quality, weight saving FRP.

Rear Bumper Part no: 84111-XLR-K0S0 RRP £1044.07
Muscular looks combine with the Type R’s twin exhaust outlets to create a distinctive rear look.

Rear Wing Part no: 84112-XLR-K0S0 RRP £1150.60
Unmistakably Mugen, the FN2 Civic Type R rear wing provides a stunning look for Honda’s hottest hatchback. Adjustable in two places to suit driving conditions, the Mugen rear wing is made from ABS plastic, with an FRP base. Installation requires the removal of the original factory Civic Type R rear wing.

Categories: accessories, honda, Honda Type R, Mugen, TDI

SPIED: Honda Continues Testing European Market 2012 CR-V

We've already brought pictures of prototypes, the concept version and more importantly, the official design patents of the upcoming 2012 Honda CR-V, but our persistent spy photographers just caught up with another test model of the compact SUV in Europe.

While it's only a matter of weeks before we see the final production model in North America as it is due to be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show before hitting showroom floors by the end of the year, European consumers will have to wait another year for the new CR-V to arrive in dealerships.

Read more »

Categories: honda, Honda CR-V, Honda Scoops, Scoops

2012 Honda CR-V: Official Designs of the Final Production Model

There's no more hiding for the next generation of the Honda CR-V as we just got our hands on the official design fillings fully revealing the shape and styling of the Japanese firm's new compact SUV well ahead of its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

As predicted, sans the smaller wheels and some body trim options such as the protection plate under the front bumper, there aren't any other noteworthy changes over the Honda CR-V study teased with a single photo back in July.

The exterior design is clearly an evolution of the current model's theme albeit with a less complicated front-end styling and a sharper looking window line.

Read more »

Categories: honda, Honda CR-V, Honda Scoops, LA Auto Show, Scoops

SCOOP: All-New 2012 Honda CR-V Shows its Face in Europe

Given that, during the unveiling of a pre-production study of the brand-new CR-V this summer, Honda said the production model will go on sale in the United States by the end of 2011; chances are we will see the compact SUV making its world premiere in about two months' time at the L.A. Auto Show in November.

But before that happens, here are some fresh spy pictures of the production CR-V snapped during testing in Europe.

While the engine lineups will differ, we don't expect any noteworthy styling changes between the North American and European market versions of the Japanese company's popular SUV.

Read more »

Categories: honda, Honda CR-V, Honda Scoops, LA Auto Show, Scoops

SEMA Preview: Fox Marketing Working on Monster 2012 Honda Civic Coupe with More than 500HP

Even though we are still wrapping up the goods from the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt, we are keeping an eye on upcoming automotive events such as the 2011 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association, more commonly referred to as SEMA, that will take place in Las Vegas from November 1 to 4.

One of the project cars currently being developed for the largest aftermarket gathering in the world is a highly modified 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe from Fox Marketing.

Read more »

Categories: Fox Marketing, honda, Honda Civic, Reports, SEMA Show, tuning

Videos: 2012 Honda Civic Hatchback Filmed In, Out and on the Road

The new Honda Civic hatchback is perhaps one of the most significant production models to make its world premiere at this week's Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.

We've already brought you a barrage of photos and all the preliminary details on the ninth generation of the European market Civic that will launch early next year as a five-door hatchback, so now it's time to show off Honda's latest creation on film.

Read more »

Categories: Frankfurt Motor Show, honda, Honda Civic, Honda Videos, New Cars, video

Videos: 2012 Honda Civic Hatchback Filmed In, Out and on the Road

The new Honda Civic hatchback is perhaps one of the most significant production models to make its world premiere at this week's Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.

We've already brought you a barrage of photos and all the preliminary details on the ninth generation of the European market Civic that will launch early next year as a five-door hatchback, so now it's time to show off Honda's latest creation on film.

Read more »

Categories: Frankfurt Motor Show, honda, Honda Civic, Honda Videos, New Cars, video

IAA 2011: Honda Unveils New Civic Hatch, Says It is “Two Generations Ahead”

Honda Motor President and CEO, Takanobu Ito, was the one to lift the curtains on the all-new 2012 Civic hatchback at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show . Designed, engineered and built in Europe at Honda's Swindon plant in the UK, the five-door model promises to offer improved driving dynamics and a higher-quality cabin

The new Civic hatchback is roughly the same size as its predecessor measuring 4,300mm long, 1,700mm wide and 1,440 mm tall while riding on a 2.595 mm long wheelbase. When it goes on sale in Europe in October, it will be offered with two gasoline engines and a single turbo diesel.

Read more »

Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, Galleries, honda, Honda Civic, New Cars

2012 Honda Civic Hatchback Unveiled Ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show

The new generation of the European market 2012 Honda Civic hatchback will make its world premiere tomorrow at the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt, but the Japanese company is giving us our first view of the car with the release of the official photographs.

The first thing you will notice about the 5-door Civic is of course its exterior styling. While Honda's designers kept the shape of the outgoing model intact, the devil is in the details, and whereas the previous Civic sported a futuristic styling with many creases and edges, its successor is frumpier with a lot more curves.

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Categories: Frankfurt Motor Show, honda, Honda Civic, New Cars

Honda Bids Farewell to Current Civic with a 260HP Mugen-Tuned Type R 2.2 Special

With the world premiere of the all-new European Civic hatchback at the Frankfurt Motor Show right around the corner, Honda decided to bid farewell to the outgoing model with the development of a hardcore version of the limited run Type R Mugen that may be offered to the public.

Confused? Allows us to explain. Last year, in collaboration with its in-house tuning division Mugen, Honda built 20 examples of the Civic Type R Mugen that features an uprated 2.0-liter K20 four-cylinder engine producing 240-horsepower. Of the 20 cars built, four remain unsold.

Read more »

Categories: honda, Honda Civic, Honda Civic Type-R, Mugen, New Cars, tuning

Honda Bids Farewell to Current Civic with a 260HP Mugen-Tuned Type R 2.2 Special

With the world premiere of the all-new European Civic hatchback at the Frankfurt Motor Show right around the corner, Honda decided to bid farewell to the outgoing model with the development of a hardcore version of the limited run Type R Mugen that may be offered to the public.

Confused? Allows us to explain. Last year, in collaboration with its in-house tuning division Mugen, Honda built 20 examples of the Civic Type R Mugen that features an uprated 2.0-liter K20 four-cylinder engine producing 240-horsepower. Of the 20 cars built, four remain unsold.

Read more »

Categories: honda, Honda Civic, Honda Civic Type-R, Mugen, New Cars, tuning

Honda Refreshes Insight Hybrid for 2012, CO2 Emissions Drops Below 100g/km

The upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show will see Honda revealing the 2012MY Insight hybrid alongside the European market 2012 Civic 5d hatchback. But for now, we get the first official photograph and initial information on the Japanese carmaker's Prius rival. Read more »

Categories: Frankfurt Motor Show, honda, Honda Insight, Hybrids, New Cars

Refreshed 2012 Honda Pilot Revealed in Detail

After a bit of a tease in late July, it's time for Honda to detail the changes on its 2012 Pilot SUV that has received a mild facelift as well as some mechanical and equipment upgrades.

So what’s new? Let’s start with the exterior. Up front, the most evident change is a new and more "politically correct" grille with a three-bar horizontal design that replaces the letter-box style six-sided grille insert.

The reconfigured headlights and turn signals, a new front air dam and optimized strakes in front of the wheels that improve aerodynamics, along with the fresh alloy wheel designs in sizes 17- or 18-inches round off the tweaks on the outside.

Read more »

Categories: Galleries, honda, Honda Pilot, New Cars

A Tail of One Civic: Honda Releases Official Picture of all-new European Hatchback

Honda has already provided us with a lot of information on the European market 2012 Civic that will be revealed at the Frankfurt motor show in about two weeks' time. But today, the Japanese carmaker released the first picture of the actual production car.

The cropped teaser photo shows the hatchback model's tailgate and rear lights, which appear to follow a similar styling theme to the U.S. market Accord Crosstour.

Read more »

Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, honda, Honda Civic, New Cars

Honda Shows and Tells More about its 2012 Civic Hatchback [Video]

As Honda is gearing up for the Frankfurt Motor Show world premiere of the 2012 Civic hatchback, it gradually releases more details about its new European-market model.

This time, Honda tells us that its development team has focused on ensuring that the new Civic will offer optimal interior refinement. The company's engineers used the Swindon factory’s anechoic chamber in fine-tuning every detail: for example, they had to modify the design and construction of the roof lining after studying its interaction with the rest of the bodywork.

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Categories: Frankfurt Motor Show, honda, Honda Civic, Honda Videos, New Cars, video

New Honda Fit Shuttle: Leaked Brochure Reveals Station Wagon-Like Model

A bonanza of allegedly official brochure photos showing a new, station-wagon-like variant of the Japanese domestic market [JDM] Fit have leaked onto the internet. Named the Fit Shuttle, the car appears to be based on the recently refreshed Fit (Honda uses the Jazz nameplate in Europe, Australia and other international markets) featuring a longer body with taller roofline and a redesigned rear end.

As you can see in the brochure shots, the Fit Shuttle will be offered in two flavors, a Hybrid version powered by the same IMA system with a 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine featured on the five-door hatchback model, and a more powerful variant with a regular 1.5-liter gasoline unit.

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Categories: honda, Honda Jazz - Fit, Honda Scoops, Japan, New Cars, Scoops

2011 Honda Brio Concept Gallery

Honda BRIO Prototype is being developed with Honda’s advanced technologies, while further advancing Honda’s “man maximum, machine minimum” concept. Being developed as a commuter which is easy-to-use even in urban areas, the Honda BRIO prototype adopts an easy-to-handle compact body (length 3,610mm x width 1,680mm x height 1,475 mm) while ensuring enough cabin space achieved by highly efficient packaging. With this vehicle, Honda thoroughly pursued the creation of an advanced exterior form, which is compact while asserting a strong presence.

Honda Exhibits World Premiere of Honda BRIO Prototype, Honda`s New Small Vehicle Developed for Asian Markets at the 27th Thailand International Motor Expo 2010

Bangkok, Thailand, November 30, 2010 - Honda today debuted the world premiere of a prototype of Honda BRIO, the new small-sized vehicle developed for Asian markets and scheduled to be introduced in Thailand and India in 2011, at the 27th Thailand International Motor Expo starting November 30, 2010 (press day: November 30, public days: December 1-12.)

Honda BRIO Prototype is being developed with Honda`s advanced technologies, while further advancing Honda`s "man maximum, machine minimum" concept*1. Being developed as a commuter which is easy-to-use even in urban areas, the Honda BRIO prototype adopts an easy-to-handle compact body (length 3,610mm x width 1,680mm x height 1,475 mm) while ensuring enough cabin space achieved by highly efficient packaging. With this vehicle, Honda thoroughly pursued the creation of an advanced exterior form, which is compact while asserting a strong presence.

For the mass-production model, which will be an entry-level car for which demand is increasing in newly emerging nations, Honda will develop unique versions for Thailand and India to reflect different customer needs in those markets. Moreover, with this vehicle, Honda will leverage the resources Honda has cultivated through its motorcycle business and utilize local sourcing of parts and materials such as sheet steel.

For the Thai model that is scheduled to be introduced in March 2011, the fuel economy of more than 5liters/100km*2 will be targeted so that the vehicle will qualify as an eco-car by the Thai government, and a starting price of approximately 400,000 baht will be targeted as well. For the Indian model that is scheduled to be introduced within 2011, local customer needs for a small car will be reflected and local content will be increased to create a model that achieves a good balance between vehicle performance and price.

"Honda would like to expand the joy of mobility to more customers in Thailand, India and other Asian countries through the introduction of a new small vehicle with compact and highly efficient packaging by utilizing our own experiences cultivated by motorcycle business here in Asia," said Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor.

*1 Honda`s "man maximum, machine minimum" concept is a basic approach to Honda car design calling for maximizing the space available for people and minimizing the space required for mechanical components.
*2 Measures with ECE R101 mode

For the mass-production model, which will be an entry-level car, for which demand is increasing in newly emerging nations, Honda will develop unique versions for Thailand and India to reflect different customer needs in those markets. Moreover, with this vehicle, Honda will leverage the resources Honda has cultivated through its motorcycle business and utilize local sourcing of parts and materials such as sheet steel.

For the Thai model that is scheduled to be introduced in March 2011, the fuel economy of more than 5 liters/100km will be targeted so that the vehicle will qualify as an eco-car by the Thai government, and a starting price of approximately 400,000 baht will be targeted as well. For the Indian model that is scheduled to be introduced within 2011, local customer needs for a small car will be reflected and local content will be increased to create a model that achieves a good balance between vehicle performance and price.

The new Honda Brio Concept small-sized vehicle developed for Asian markets and scheduled to be introduced in Thailand and India in 2011.

Image Credit: © Honda

Categories: auto, automobil, car, car gallery, Car shows, honda, honda brio