Mugen Honda Civic Type-RR

Motoring Channel Staff - 21/January/2008

Tokyo, Japan — One of Japan's biggest car modification and tuning events, the Tokyo Auto Salon, was somewhat overshadowed by the Detroit Motor Show which means that we almost missed a number of interesting new car designs.

One of which was the Civic Type-RR.

No, you haven't misread it - it's a double 'R', which is often an abbreviation for 'race replica'.

Based on the Japanese version of the Honda Civic Type-R, this carbon-fibred performance vehicle was built by Mugen, Honda's performance and motor racing department.

It features a carbon fibre front end (front quarter panels, front apron) and an aluminium engine hood, which looks a little slap-dash with the red colour. The rear end gets a high-rise wing, and the twin exhausts have increased in size.

Power for the Honda Civic Type-RR comes from the K20A engine, but the major difference here is that Mugen increased the engine size, boring it out to 2.2-litres.

This results in a very healthy 194kW (260hp) at very high revs, which is more power than a V6 Audi TT. 

Together with a range of upgraded mechanical aspects, including the exhaust system which increases torque to 235Nm, bigger wheels, and stiffer suspension, the Mugen-tuned Honda Civic Type-RR is one of the fastest modern day Honda Civics. 

The brakes have also been upgraded with much large cross drilled and slotted discs, clamped by what appear to be huge six-piston calipers. 

No word on whether you can buy one just yet, but Mugen is expected to offer parts such as the carbon fibre front end and exhaust system as aftermarket options.

There's also a range of interior upgrades on the Civic Type-RR, including sports seats and plenty of carbon fibre trim to match the front end.

Another vehicle on show in Tokyo was the Nismo-tuned Nissan Tiida (aka Nissan Versa).

If ever a vehicle needed a halo model, the Nissan Tiida is it.

Nismo (Nissan Motorsport) unveiled the Nissan Tiida S-Tune Proto concept in Japan recently, which gets a body kit and bigger wheels. 

It's an improvement upon the current Tiida design, showing off a hunkered down appearance thanks to the body kit made up of new front and rear aprons, side skirts, and a rear spoiler.

The Nissan Tiida S-Tune Proto concept also benefits from mechanical updates. The chassis (brakes, suspension, wheels) have been upgraded, while the engine has also been modified to output more power. 

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