It's still unclear whether or not this is a full bore performance enhancement or a multi-faceted attempt at bringing some attention to the now aging Euro-spec Civic Type-R, but what we do know is that this seriously Mugen kitted 3-door will launch later this summer across the pond.

Currently the Euro-spec Civic Type-R features a 200 HP 2.0-liter i-VTEC inline four, but sources indicate the Type-R 3D may in fact receive the truly hardcore JDM Type-RR's 237 HP 2.0-liter. The addition of the Mugen-designed rear wing, side skirts, hood, rear bumper, exhaust, grille, front bumper, front fenders and gunmetal wheels certainly does spice up the space case Euro-spec Type-R, but will it be enough of an enhancement to compete with the newest hot hatches without the power boost. We'll have to wait and see. [via carscoop]

According to Evo, Mugen will share some of the JDM components with the UKDM 3-door Type-R sometime next year. While already a quick little front-wheel-drive monster, the addition of a 237 horsepower 2.0-liter iVTEC inline-four should help push the spaztic little guy even further. Rather than add a ton of go-fast bits, Mugen will remove the rear seating, sound deadening and a few other features, while adding revised, lower and stiffer suspension, potential Brembo brakes, 18-inch forged wheels and lightweight Recaro buckets. All this in the name of going fast.

What's the reason for all this hoopla you ask? Well it seems that the RenaultSport Megane R26.R is a bit faster around the Bedford Autodrome West Circuit than the UKDM Civic Type-R's 1min29.3sec lap. Sounds like a new battle for hottest hatch will rage on come next year when the UKDM Mugen Civic Type-RR reveals its purposeful self. Now if we could just get them to release these cars in the States. [via EVO]

Said previous model was the second generation Honda Civic Type R codenamed EP3, a proper bunny slipper of an ultra-hot hatch. Its ridiculously unassuming 2650-pound body concealed a 2-liter VTEC engine good for 200 HP and redlined at a blenderworthy 8,600 RPM. But the good bits were found in the unpowered rear, which used a fully independent double wishbone suspension, making for spectacular handling.

The Slipper Civic was retired in 2005 to make way for the Spaceship Civic, possibly the greatest looking hatchback ever made. But when it debuted in Type R form, the smile sagged off everyone’s face. While the car put on 140 pounds, it retained the same engine—and adding insult to injury, it lost the double wishbones for cheaper torsion bars. Those who have driven it say it’s a letdown, even if the VTEC engine trumpets above 6,800 RPM with the exact same manic ferocity as before.

What to do then, what to do. Try this:

The Honda mothership, sneaky bastards that they are, developed another new Type R solely for domestic sale, called the FD2 (as opposed to the European FN2). It’s an altogether different car—for one, it’s a four door sedan, not a three door hatch. The engine makes 225 HP instead of the FN2’s puny 201. And it has the double wishbones in the rear, along with all sorts of bits and pieces trickled down from the NSX. The FD2 is a taut white menace, looking every bit the street racer it is.

As it’s Japan-only with right-hand drive, it’s best to get and use one in Britain. You can pick one up from Litchfield, a UK import specialist, for £23,000 ($33,000). And, of course, move to the UK to drive it.

Photo Credit: rumpleproofskin/Flickr (Mk.2 Type 2), nikosthemelis/Flickr (European Civic Type R) and the author (Japanese Civic Type R)

Honda is bringing a number of concepts to the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon; its most important being the tuner-like Sport Modulo S2000 and the Sport Modulo Fit. Both cars feature an interesting, yet aggressive front fascia with integrated LED lighting. The interior of both cars will carry the theme by adding unique fabrics and color schemes not found on the production versions. Honda is also showing a number of other cars including the Racing Modulo Civic Type R, Crossroad, Accord, Odyssey and a bedazzled and bejeweled Life. Honda will also show a full range of Modulo styling equipment, audio, navigation systems and accessories.

It’s likely that Honda will release more information on their concepts once the Tokyo Auto Salon begins on January 9, but until then enjoy our gallery below.

[source: Honda]

Under the hood, there's a new version of the 1.4-liter base four-banger putting out 100 HP, up from 83 HP on the last edition of the Honda hatch-box. Additionally, the Type S will get Alcantara leather sport seats and a visual look similar to the Type R. Want to bring one over here Honda? We promise we'll still cross-shop the Fit. Pinky swear. We'll have more on this itty-bitty bad boy as soon as Honda officially puts out info on it. For now, all we've got is what we've given ya. Enjoy. [Honda via 4 Wheels News]

On the "dislike" side, a measly 15 HP boost over the standard Type-R and no additional torque has us scratching our heads, as does the 100 MPH speed limiter. We're assuming since the cool new trend in Japan seems to be unlocking a performance car's true potential only at a racetrack, there's some sort of GPS enabled cheat code system for race days. Anyway, head on over for the full review and some nice video. [NihonCar]

If you're a devotee of the Mugen-tuned Honda, and you reside in a prefecture instead of a township, you'll get a crack at the new Mugen RR later this year. It's a Civic Type R fallen under Mugen's spell, with less weight — (-22 lbs at 2733 lbs) — and more horsepower (+15 at 240 hp @ 8,000 rpm) and torque (160 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm). On top like a cherry is a typical Mugenesque bodykit, along with a wheels-and-tires package, better brakes, stiffer suspension, and Recaro sport bucket seats. If you want one of the 300 set for production, be ready to whip out $38,750 in JDM money. And brush up on your left-hand shifting. – Mike Spinelli

[via Autoblog]

Related:
More Mugen-tuned Hondas [internal]

That's not to be confused with the UK Type R hatchback. The Japanese Type R Civic sedan will go on sale tomorrow across Nihon, that groovy constitutional monarchy occupying the Japanese Archipelago. It's the one we wish they sold here, only with the steering wheel on the starboard side. Specs include a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four, joined to six-speed manual transmission; a lighter, more rigid body shell; sport tuned suspension; 18-inch tires and 17-inch front discs, and a functional aero kit. Inside are front buckets, a unique instrument panel (set among the three-tiered dash binnacle copied from the USS Voyager) and other accouterments. Rumors persist that it's coming to the US in 2010, and we're keeping the bookies on speed dial. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

TOKYO, Japan - March 29, 2007- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new Civic Type R, a pure sports edition of the Civic with further enhanced driving performance. The new Civic Type R will go on sale throughout Japan on Friday, March 30.

This new Civic Type R was developed to make the driver feel at one with the car for the ultimate driving experience in all driving conditions, including on circuits.

The all-new Civic Type R comes equipped with a specially tuned 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine matched to a 6-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tires and large 17-inch front disc brakes contribute to the Civic Type R's ability to push the performance envelope. Newly developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance while giving the wide and low form a more aggressive look. Front bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and other performance accessories contribute to an easier and more responsive drive.

Type R models are specially tuned to take full advantage of the potential of the base model and provide a racing car-like driving feel. First offered on the NSX in 1992, the Type R range was extended to the Integra in 1995, and the Civic in 1997. This latest all-new Civic Type R is the distillation of 15 years of technological progress and the latest expression of Honda's "Challenging Spirit."

Related:
Honda Civic Type R Sedan Prototype to Be Official Car of F1 Suzuka [internal]

Hot Honda alert. Winding Road's European editor, Matt Davis was present at a press event recently, when a Honda Japan engineer dropped a choice nugget. Apparently, Honda's launching a Type R model for the US market. As Honda frizzeaks know, Europeans have the UK-built Type R hatch and Japanese have the Type R sedan. We're most likely to get the sedan, considering the Euro hatch has no counterpart in the US. The US Type R would get a horsepower boost over the JDM's 220 hp and limited-slip diff, along with similar suspension and appearance mods. The low-end horsepower war the car is sure to foment will commence around 2010. – Mike Spinelli

Honda Civic Type R Coming To States In 2010? [Winding Road]

Related:
Aye, Lil' Red! Honda Reveals Civic Type R [internal]

Privateer rallyists, try not to stare. JAS Motorsport, Honda's sanctioned partner supporting customer racing, has been shaking down its Group-A rally version of the new Honda Civic Type R at the Adria circut in Italy. Early reports from the company indicate it's ready to sell turnkey cars to those prone to speeding in forests, guided by a savants with freakishly good eyesight. The kit meets all byzantine FIA regs through 2007, though competing in 2008 will likely involve another trip to the shaman for a second dose of newt oil. [Thanks to Dave for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli

[Artman Racing via The Temple of VTEC]

Related:
Aye, Lil' Red! Honda Reveals Civic Type R [internal]

Honda's got a new, high-revving "Red H" prototype with which to tweak Japanese car audiophiles — and it's serving as the red-flag car (read: pace car) for the Japan Grand Prix at Suzuka next weekend. The proto Honda Civic Type R sedan, which is powered by the same 197-hp, 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC (K20A) as the coupe version also gets a specially tuned sport suspension. Buyers in Japan will get the production version in mid-2007.

Related:
Chicago Premiere: Honda Civic Si Sedan Concept [internal]

Honda released a promotional video clip of its Civic Type R intro in Paris last week. If memory serves, I once heard the video's Euro-chillout sound bed at an oxygen bar in Berlin, where, in between sips of a well-turned Batida Garincha, I pointed out to a Portuguese transfer student that we were indeed proving Kant's Theory of Judgment by not just hanging out in a basement listening to AC/DC. She disagreed, saying I was a shallow denyer of the metaphysics in aesthetical choices. Sheesh, Europeans. – Mike Spinelli

Red H [Honda]

Related:
More on the Honda Type R [internal]

Here it is, UK boy racers, the Honda Civic Type R straight from Blighty. It'll be unveiled at the Paris show, but in advance, the company released press shots this evening. But on to the specs, since this is a game of numbers: 198 hp from a higher-revving version of the 2.0-liter iVTEC mill, peaking at 8,000 rpm. Zero to 62 mph will reportedly come in in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 146 mph. Wheels are 18 inchers, down one from the Geneva concept's 19s. Honda says the Type R sits 15 mm lower than the base model, with a stiffer suspension from sport springs and dampers, with strengthened cross-members and front mountings. But that's not the only news: Honda says a GT model is on the way, though that will mainly be a luxury upgrade, with cruise control, dual-zone air, automatic headlighs and wipers, fog lights and side curtain air bags. It'll be available to the Queen's subjects in March 2007, for around 18,500. Click through for more pics.

Related:
More on the Honda Civic Type R [internal]

Hmm. Now this is curious. Honda's set up a pre-site site for something called the Red H. It features a sound-effects bed of recorded revving, which sounds suspiciously like worked-over VTEC hardware. Hondaheads know that "red H" refers to the logo badges used on Type R series models. That means It's likely the company's preparing to reveal the new Type R Civic and/or the FIA-homologated racing version of the Type R, developed with JAS Motorsport we mentioned earlier. Either that or it's promoting a new cinnamon breath freshener. [Thanks to Stephen for the tip.]

Related:
Go, Boy Racer, Go: 2007 Honda Civic Type R to Be Unveiled in Paris [internal]

According to the heads at PistonHeads, Honda's preparing to unveil the production verision of the 2007 Civic Type R — that Blighty-built performance model we've admired from afar — at the Paris show next month. Word is, the company's planning its largest display ever, as its push for a wider European profile continues. There, it'll also show off an FIA-homologated racing version of the Type R, developed with JAS Motorsport, for 2007 track and rally events. The concept shown at the London show this summer (pictured), execs say, will be nearly identical to the production model.

Honda Civic Type R Unveiled [PistonHeads]

Related:
Honda Reveals Civic Type S for the UK; Spy Photos: 2008 Honda Civic Type R [internal]

We got our first peep of the concept model at the Geneva show, where Honda introduced it to a crowd of rabid ricer kids (disguised as the world's motoring journalists in ill-fitting suits). Now a production model of the UK's own 2008 Honda Civic Type R coupe has been spotted in what we'd assume to be shakedown testing at the N rburgring. It's likely not for US consumption (don't gloat, Blighty), but we can watch and wait and write down specs and stuff as if we'd actually ever get to drive the thing. What else can we do?

Spy Shots: 2008 Honda Civic Type R [Edmunds]

Related:
Go, Street Racer, Go: Honda Introduces Type R Coupe [internal]

Honda rolled out a prototype of what will become the Type R, which for the uninitiated in the ways of Honda's globalized wackiness, a UK-built, hotrodded Civic. Powered by the corporate 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC four banger, producing 197 bhp (200 in metric), the Type R will likely get a full range of skirting and other such demonstrative accoutrements. Double kisses, all 'round, then.

Related:
Honda Civic Type-R to Debut in Geneva [internal]

We don't really know why we torture you with this stuff. We'll never see the Civic Type-R on these shores, because Honda's weird. And they don't wanna cannibalize RSX sales. Interestingly, the Type-R concept stepping at Geneva's got 200hp. Well then, how is that better than the Si, really? All will be revealed, we're sure, when Spinelli sets foot on Swiss soil and starts explanin' it all like Melissa Joan Hart on a meth bender.

Honda Civic Type-R Concept: First Pics [Eurocarblog]

Related:
Honda Civic Type-R to Debut in Geneva [Internal]