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Mugen's Honda Civic Type-R

First official pictures of Honda's Megane R26.R rivalling Civic Type-R hot hatch

The first pictures of Honda’s Mugen-tuned Civic Type-R hot hatch have been released. We heard rumours of the more hardcore Honda a few weeks ago, and these official pictures back them up quite nicely.

While there’s still no specific details regarding mechanical tweaks, a tuned version of the stock hot hatch’s 2-litre VTEC petrol engine is set to boast 237bhp and 160lb ft of torque, respective rises of 39bhp and 18lb ft.

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There’s set to be stiffened suspension while the upgraded Brembo brakes from the rather fantastic Mugen RR should hopefully be housed behind the new alloys. That’s a car we drove last year and were left hugely impressed by, and until the Renaultsport Megane R26.R came along it was the quickest front-driven car we’d tested around the Bedford Autodrome.

Renault’s hot hatch hero is the natural rival to Mugen’s Civic, and as a result expect the Type-R to boast a stripped-out interior and some trick trackday tyres. The tweaks are set to be offered in stages or all in one go, too, as well as retro-fit to existing Civic Type-Rs. Probably good news when you consider the projected £35,000+ price tag for a full-on Mugen Civic.

Click here to read our review of the Mugen RR and the Renaultsport Megane R26.R

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