The FK8 Honda Civic Type R Mugen Concept that was
seen at the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this year is in town, the car making its
first appearance in Southeast Asia at the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow.
The Malaysian show car is a little different than
the TAS example, which was tagged as a Prototype – for one, it’s dressed in a
striking Carnival Red exterior shade. There are also a few differences in kit.
The car seen here wears a different rear spoiler, and where the TAS example had
a twin outlet exhaust, it’s the usual three-tip configuration on the car here.
A Mugen body decal set makes itself known, quite prominently.
Inside, there’s one noticeable change – where the
TAS car featured black Mugen bucket seats, this one has red sports seats with
black accents, and adorned with Type R logos. Otherwise, it’s identical to what
was seen in Tokyo. Exterior dress-up elements include a carbon grille garnish,
complete with Mugen and Honda badges, a front lip spoiler, a rear under spoiler
and side skirts.
The car also gains carbon-fibre side mirror caps,
new Mugen graphics for the LED tail lamps, a prominent rear spoiler and 20-inch
multi-spoke, two-tone wheels dressed with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
Interior revisions include carbon-fibre trim, which makes its way on to the
door and dashboard panels, while the shift knob is wrapped in bright red
leather, complete with Mugen script. Also to be found are sports mats and scuff
plates.
The primary idea being to showcase the car as a
trial platform for aesthetic enhancements, there’s no mention of mechanical
changes, and so the Type R’s 2.0 litre VTEC Turbo mill in the Japanese example
should be putting out the usual 320 PS and 400 Nm.
The Mugen kit remains in concept form, but should
eventually make its way out into the market.
