European Mugen Honda Civic Type-R Hatchback: First Official Photos

This story just came in so we don't have all the details yet, but according to a translated teaser press release from Honda's in-house tuning division, these are the first photos of the Euro-spec Mugen Honda Civic Type-R 3d that is slated to be launched in Europe this summer. The release does not explain if what we're seeing here is simply an aero-kit or as it has been rumored, a complete conversion with mechanical and styling upgrades. However, we do know that the famed tuning firm calls the concept 'Premium Super Sport' - if that tells you anything.

In typical Mugen-fashion, the tuning firm has readied a rather aggressive bodykit for the futuristic-looking Euro-spec Civic Type-R 3d, which in standard form is powered by a 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine churning out 200HP to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The aero parts include a massive rear-wing, side skirts, twin hood scoops, a new rear apron with an integrated diffuser and two Jumbo-size tail-pipes, a blacked out Mugen grille, new front bumper with an integrated lip spoiler and wider fenders housing side air-vents plus gunmetal gray multispoke alloy wheels.

Honda Restarts Production at UK's Swindon Plant

After a four-month long shutdown due to a sharp drop in demand that was caused by the economic downturn, Honda reopened its Swindon car plant in the UK this week. Following the latest job cuts, the plant employs around 3,400 workers now. At the Swindon plant, Honda produces the European, African, Australian and Middle Eastern market CR-V SUV and the three- and five-door versions of the new Civic hatchback while this autumn, the Japanese automaker is also planning to start production of the new Jazz (Fit in the U.S. and other markets).

2009 Honda Civic 5door and Type-S Facelift with new 1.4L Engine Debut in Paris

Honda’s European-spec Civic 3door (Type-S) and 5door range has received a mild facelift for the 2009 MY and is on show for the first time at Paris. The changes include a new 1.4-litre engine, new automated transmissions and subtle exterior and interior enhancements. Both variants of the Euro Civic will be available with the new 1.4L gasoline unit that produces 100 HP (up from 83HP) at a slightly higher 6000 rpm and torque is 127Nm at 4800rpm. The styling revisions to the 2009 Civic Type-S were modeled on its sporty Type-R counterpart. -Continued

These include body colored bumpers and skirts derived from the Type R, a mesh grille and clear rear combination lamp that distinguish it from the 5-door version. Uprated interior plastics with brushed and matt finish for the centre console have also been carried over from the Type R while the Alcantara sport seats have been retained.

The 5door Civic features tweaked exterior plastics, a new rear combination light cluster as well as a revised front grille. Inside, there are new seat fabrics while a brushed metal effect trim and matt finish, as seen in the Type R, have been applied to the instrument console.

Honda also introduced a newly-developed, conventional automatic gearbox for the 1.4-liter engine while for the first time on a Civic a conventional 6-speed automatic gearbox will be available on the 5-door 1.8-litre model. Furthermore, Honda has revised the i-SHIFT 6-speed automated manual transmission that benefits from reduced gear change times, smoother shifts and more intelligent automatic mode shift logic.

Honda Civic Type-R Championship White: Special Edition Model with LSD Debuts in Paris

Even though all the spotlights were turned on the new Insight Hybrid (check our mega gallery here), Honda’s Paris Motor Show stand also hosted another interesting premiere that will definitely seize the attention of the brand’s hardcore fans. As the name clearly points out, the limited edition Civic Type R is offered for the first time since the introduction of the latest generation model in 2007, in a white paint finish. But there’s more. -Continued

The Civic Type R’s 200HP 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine is now mated with a Limited Slip Differential that promises to sharpen the car’s handling and driving dynamics. According to the company’s officials, the special edition Civic Type-R Championship White with the LSD managed to shave 1.44 seconds off the standard car’s time around Honda’s test track in Tsukaba, Japan.

As well as the distinctive white paint finish and the LSD, the special edition Civic Type R also sports 18-inch white alloy wheels, a contrasting smoke chrome finish on the badges, door handles, fuel lid and front grille along with an exclusive Type R plaque. Sales are expected to begin in Europe from the end of the year.