FK8 Honda Civic Type R fettled by Mugen
Japanese Honda tuner Mugen has released a handful of parts for the latest Civic Type R
If you’re a Honda fan, there’s no doubt that you’ll be familiar with Mugen. Founded in 1973 by Hirotoshi Honda, son of Soichiro Honda himself, the brand is renowned for its extreme tuned machines and contributions to motorsport in Super GT and Formula 1. Its latest project is the FK8 Civic Type R, with an array of parts aiming to increase performance and enhance its looks.
The latest Type R is undoubtedly one of our favourite performance hatches of recent times, but there’s no denying that it has divisive looks. Extreme aerodynamics and questionable false vents are a little too much for some, but it seems this hasn’t deterred Mugen...
> Honda Civic Type R review – ignore the looks, this is an astounding hot hatch
A more aggressive front splitter, lower side sills, a new diffuser and a carbonfibre front grille replacement are all on offer. An all-new carbon bonnet is also on the cards, helping to reduce weight and improve cooling, while a rather substantial carbon wing can be fitted for more downforce. A comparatively subtle double rear spoiler is available should the wing be too extreme, as are options such as wind deflectors and carbon mirror covers. All components can be finished in Championship White, black, red or blue.
Though Mugen isn’t offering a power upgrade, its new oil filter is said to improve ‘pressure loss’ by ten per cent over standard, with a special engine treatment oil helping to ‘minimise loss of engine power’. Lighter, 20-inch forged wheels reduce unsprung mass, with uprated brake pads and fluid available for improved braking performance. A sports exhaust is also under development to help enhance its underwhelming stock exhaust note.
Elsewhere, the Japanese tuner will fit newly designed LED tail lights for a more aggressive look, questionable faux-carbon door handle covers, a carbon number plate surround and even Mugen-branded number plate bolts should you desire. A new oil filler cap is in the pipeline, and you can even treat your Type R to fabric reservoir tank covers to help prevent fluid leaks under the bonnet.
Inside, you can opt to have the steering wheel retrimmed in carbon and perforated leather, with FIA-approved Recaro bucket seats also on offer, finished in Alcantara with the famous white, red and yellow Mugen stripes. New floor mats can be had in either black or red, as can the fresh scuff plates. A quick-shifter kit modifies the return spring and mounting bushes for a shorter, more precise shift, and the gearknob itself is available in either leather, carbon or aluminium.
No pricing for components has been provided, and Mugen states that some of the above may not be available on cars outside of Japan.
