Industry news

Mugen Has Made The Civic Type R Look Like A Spaceship

I’ve got up close and personal with the new Honda Civic Type R. I drove it, and yes it’s very fast – not as fast as I was expecting, though – and it handles nicely and the seating position is tasty (review coming soon). But the way it looks is… bashful. There are too many lines, too many fake vents, and too many exhaust pipes (three in total at the rear, why?). Because of this, a lot of people with eyes have been put off. But is this where it ends?

No. Honda’s tuning subsidiary is on the case and, after gazing over the blades and spoilers of the Civic, have decided to create their own bodykit that is worthy of the car’s performance. They’ve named it the Mugen RC20GT, and so far it’s a concept. One hell of a concept.

The chassis is clothed almost completely in carbonfibre with the bumpers, spoilers and side skirts showing the satin weave. The front bumper looks like it’s arrived straight from the Audi TT parts catalogue, but the overall design is flatter, smoother, and the endless aero trickery has been mostly numbed. Add a few working vents on the bonnet and what looks to be a working diffusor at the rear, and you’ve got a car that blends Need for Speed with function and performance.

Below the bodywork sits a new titanium exhaust system, bigger and more potent brakes, and ‘pro-spec’ adjustable suspension. I don’t know either. Bigger wheels to the tune of 20″ are also thrown into the mix, as well a a couple of racey bucket seats with harnesses.

There’s no mention of extra power, but 316bhp and 295lb ft is nothing to sneer at, especially when the soundtrack is amplified through that new exhaust system.

I’m sure I’m going to break hearts and start arguments when I tell you that I prefer how this looks to the standard car. So maybe tell us your thoughts on our new forum… Click below to tell us your thoughts.

 

Alex Harrington

Alex started racing at a young age so certainly knows his way around a car and a track. He can just about put a sentence together too, which helps. He has a great interest in the latest models, but would throw all of his money at a rusty old French classic and a 300ZX. Contact: [email protected]

Related Articles

Back to top button