2013 Honda Civic Type-R

The European version of the new generation Honda Civic made its debut last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. And today, just a few months after, our spy photographers have the first proof that Honda is preparing a a Type-R version of the new Civic: a mule of the upcoming car has been spied close to the Honda’s technical center near Nürburgring.

The first obvious differences are on the exterior. The mule features a big rear wing fitted over the rear window, bigger exhaust pipes and a deeper front spoiler that might indicate that this is just the first mule for the Civic Type-R testing some chassis settings. The production version will also get a deep front spoiler, a new rear bumper with diffuser, wider and bigger wheels and sportier seats.

The next Civic Type R is said to be focused on track orientated customers. This means that Honda will focus on improving the chassis and the car’s handling, while the high-revving engine will probably deliver somewhere around 220-230 HP.

2014 Honda NSX

In 1991, Acura shocked the exotic car world with the introduction of the NSX, a supercar that stood up to models like the Ferrari 328. However, as good things can’t last forever, the NSX was discontinued in 2005 due to slow sales. Of course, it didn’t take long before people started talking about when a successor would show up, especially considering the fact that the NSX was said to go into production a few years back, but was denied on several occasions.

However, rumor mills don’t just shut down and the latest information churning them is that an NSX successor has always been in the cards. At first it was believed to come out in 2009, but the economic crisis made sure that didn’t happen so this future model is still a few years away, and it will not feature a 4.5 liter V10 engine that will deliver up to 550 HP as previously reported. New information revealed that the NSX will feature a hybrid drivetrain.

Of course, then there’s the question of whether the NSX will show its face as an Acura or a Honda.

UPDATE 04/26/2011: Shortly after Honda CEOs officially confirmed that the NSX would indeed have a new successor, people everywhere started the ’what if’ game, speculating on everything from the engine fitted under the hood to the design used on the vehicle. Thankfully, auto execs aren’t great about keeping secrets and Honda President Takanobu Ito has already chatted it up with Automotive News and stated that the future NSX won’t come with a V10 engine. The idea for an engine that size was actually dropped in 2008, then the company decided that the car should be environmentally friendly and still fun to drive. "That’s the kind of sports car we want to make," Ito said.

The next NSX will use an electric engine alongside a gasoline engine for that added little something. The car will be positioned as a high-performance counterpart to the two-seat Honda CR-Z sporty hybrid. According to Ito, the company is working very hard on the new car.

2011 Honda CR-Z by Mugen

The hybrid craze has gone to new levels and everyone wants in on the action. Unlucky for those that are late in joining the game, Mugen has come around with yet another version of the Honda CRZ, promising to transform the vehicle into one "hot hybrid hatch." Their newest package comes with a killer supercharger that takes the CRZ to a greater level of performance, and possibly a better fuel economy as well.

The Honda CRZ Mugen will still come with its standard 1.5L four cylinder engine, but will get the boost in power from a new supercharger. Standard outputs for the CRZ come in at 113 HP and 107 lb-ft of torque for just the engine, while adding the standard hybrid package will get those outputs up to 122 HP and 128 lb-ft of torque. Mugen has taken their upgrade a step further by developing their own electronic package that, together with the supercharged engine, will deliver a total of 197 HP and 181 lb-ft of torque. Just like there’s no sex in the champagne room, there’s no slacking over at Mugen’s place either.

Mugen takes their package a step further by adding induction and exhaust upgrades that they hope will improve the hatch’s current stats of 38mpg and 117g/km CO2. They have also added front and rear five-stage adjustable dampers, bigger brakes, and lightweight 17in forged Mugen GP alloys. Aesthetically, the CRZ will get Mugen-spec front and rear bumpers, a large rear wing, and side skirts. The company has also promised a "large reduction in overall weight."

The Honda CRZ Mugen will make its first grand appearance at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. As of right now, it is just a one-off prototype, but Mugen says they are willing to offer it in a limited number production if there is enough interest. At the very least, we should be able to order some of the parts used as aftermarket supplies.

UPDATE 05/18/2011: Mugen has unveiled the first official images of the CR-Z Mugen before the car’s official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. While the tuner has yet to say anything about the official specifications, Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro said: "We’ve retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economyranges from 50+mpg in ’eco’ mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special ’MUGEN’ mode."