Honda, tuning partner Mugen team up for special 2007 Civic Mugen Si
Vehicle is first factory-backed Mugen-badged Honda for the U.S.
October 31, 2006
Honda is teaming up with longtime aftermarket partner Mugen to produce a special edition model of the automaker's new Civic Si Sedan. The partnership marks the first time Honda and Mugen will officially collaborate on a factory-backed vehicle for the U.S. market.
A prototype version of the vehicle, called the Civic Mugen Si, hit the Honda stand at this week's SEMA show. The reveal of the Mugen Si coincides with the release of final pricing for the 2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan, which will start at $21,885 and is hitting dealer lots now.
The Civic Mugen Si on display at SEMA features a track tuned suspension, tested at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, which lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches compared to the stock Civic Si Sedan. Front and rear damping force was increased between 8- and 24-percent, depending on condition.Lightweight, 18x7.5-inch forged aluminum wheels and BFGoodrich g-Force KDW 215/40ZR18 summer tires help keep the car glued to the pavement.
The vehicle's aero-package adds front and side spoilers, special grill work, a rear bumper diffuser and a rear wing. A special exhaust system was also tacked on for more power. No official word yet on how much more power it will add to the 197-hp Si Sedan. Various Mugen badges, a serial number placard located on the instrument panel and a Mugen shift knob help to further distinguish the vehicle from its Si Sedan brethren.
The Civic Mugen Si will be available at U.S. Honda dealers starting in spring 2007. Exact pricing hasn't been announced, but it will be somewhere south of $30,000 and the vehicle will come with a full factory warranty. Get your orders in now, because production will be limited to 500 units a year.