When the new Civic Type R launched in 2017, some
applauded Honda for the courage to fit the production car with such a radical
looking body kit, while others scoffed at the idea, labeling it a ‘boy-racer’.
Compared to what Mugen has in store for the Civic
Type R, however, the standard body kit looks really tame. You might recall that
at the 2018 Tokyo Auto Salon Mugen brought the RC20GT Type R Concept which
featured a more hardcore aero kit and a motorsport-flavored interior.
Fast forward one year and Mugen has refined the
RC20GT further, calling it now a pre-production model. Besides the updated
graphics, the body kit seems identical with the 2008 model. However, Mugen says
it has improved the design to boost aerodynamic performance on the circuit. The
tuner also talks about enhancing the power and cooling performance but doesn’t
provide specifics.
Mugen describes the RC20GT Package Pre Production
Model as the “ultimate Type R” and chances are not many will argue with that.
Expect production version to become available soon on the Japanese market.
In addition to the RC20GT, Mugen’s stand at the
Tokyo Auto Salon also includes the Mugen Civic Type R Prototype. Previewing a
production model, it’s a slightly less extreme take on the hot hatch that
features a conventional Civic Type R grille instead of the Audi-like grille of
the RC20GT.
The Mugen Civic Type R Prototype features parts that
are currently under development alongside parts sourced from the RC20GT —
notice the similar mirror caps, alloy wheels, and rear wing.
