Honda UK: Hot Honda Civic’s power hike

The limited-edition Honda Civic Type R Mugen has received a power and torque hike thanks to a reworked version of the venerable K20 powerplant.

Just 20 examples of the motorsport-derived Honda Civic Type R Mugen went on sale last year, and for the new version technicians at Northampton-based Mugen Euro company have increased the cylinder bore and stroke of the engine to 2156cc.

See pictures of the Honda Civic Type R Mugen 2.2

The result is a 20bhp power hike to 260bhp and additional torque on tap throughout the rev range, with a peak of 177lb ft at 6000rpm.

The tweaked engine capacity has prompted Honda to christen the new machine the Civic Type R Mugen 2.2. Like its predecessor, the machine features Mugen-produced sports suspension, uprated brakes and a performance bodykit.

The Civic Type R Mugen 2.2 has been developed as a tribute to the Honda K20 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has ceased production in Japan. The race-tuned engine has powered the only two complete road cars produced by Mugen – the Japan-only Civic Mugen RR four-door saloon and the Civic Type R Mugen produced in the UK.

Hiro Toyoda, vice-president of Mugen Euro, said, “Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies.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 it felt only fitting we mark the occasion with this special 2.2 version of the Honda Civic Type R.”

It’s not yet clear how the Honda Civic Type R Mugen 2.2 will be sold. 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 of the Honda Civic Type R Mugen could also be invited to return their cars for an upgrade. Honda UK says a decision will be made shortly.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/259070/