Honda's in-house tuning arm, MUGEN, has confirmed a limited production run of the Civic Type R MUGEN, following huge interest in the concept version from the UK and overseas.
Only 20 cars will be hand-built in the UK by MUGEN with customers receiving a unique, involved experience during the build process of each car.
With over two decades experience tuning Honda engines for motor racing, MUGEN engineers have spent countless hours perfecting the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine to increase power by 20 per cent to 179kW and boost torque by more than 10 per cent throughout the rev range.
The engine features new camshafts and pistons which help increase the compression ratio, as well as a modified intake system and custom steel exhaust system to help it breathe.
"MUGEN engineers pay incredible attention to detail, often measuring to one thousandth of a millimetre when tuning and rebuilding an engine, and this process typically takes approximately seven days of work," says Hiroki Toyoda.
"When our engineers aren't building customer engines, they are at circuits with top level race and rally teams helping to manage and prepare race engines. We are very proud to bring our motorsport experience to the road with this high performance Honda engine, the very first time that a MUGEN-tuned engine has ever been offered for use on the road in the UK. "
This extra grunt is transferred to the road through a limited slip differential, and grip and handling are also significantly improved through a completely revised suspension set-up, with custom-made springs and dampers employed.
Improved stopping power comes via a bespoke four-piston mono-block racing brake callipers, which sit under high-density, lightweight forged alloy wheels which weigh just 7.85kg each.
The MUGEN model is distinguishable by the large wing which adorns the back of the car along with new front and rear skirts and a new grille wearing the MUGEN emblem.
Every Civic Type R MUGEN will be painted in Honda's famous Championship White - the traditional racing colour of the brand - with a special badge inside on the centre console listing the unique serial number of each model to authenticate the car's exclusivity.
MUGEN will also offer an optional 'Track Pack' ideal for circuit use which includes front Recaro seats, removal of the rear seat bench with a composite blanking panel fitted to reduce weight, water and oil temperature / pressure gauges, data recording equipment, and track -ready road-legal tyres.
UK buyers will have to fork out £ 38,599 - or around $ 70,000 Australian - for the privilege of owning a Civic Type R MUGEN, although Honda says this is cheap considering MUGEN would typically charge £ 165,000 for a full racing Type R.
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