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14 January 2019

Mugen Civic Type R concept is beyond whacky

By Matt CampbellMatt Campbell
  • Oh my... Oh my...
  • Why? Because race car. Why? Because race car.

Oh, that’s not gone well. Under all that plasticky weirdness lies a Honda Civic Type R. This just happens to be JDM tuning house Mugen’s take on it.

Many have criticised the Civic Type R for its already outlandish styling, but the Mugen concept version - known as the RC20GT - arguably pushes that commonly held thought from opinion to fact. 

Cry ‘fake news’ all you want, but all the fake vents that adorn the bumpers of the regular Type R are gone, with a sharp, angular new set of bumpers added. I mean, it’s going to get attention, right…?

  • There's a bit of Audi going on at the front. There's a bit of Audi going on at the front.
  • This Type R cops new 20-inch wheels and and adjustable suspension. This Type R cops new 20-inch wheels and and adjustable suspension.
  • Of course, you need a race harness for the road. Of course, you need a race harness for the road.

The bonnet has been changed (with more gills like a Great White), and because the rear bumper wasn’t rally-racer enough, there’s a new high-deck back spoiler. The single tailpipe is the outlet of a full titanium exhaust system, though the 2.0-litre turbo remains unchanged with 228kW/400Nm. 

New 20-inch wheels and and adjustable suspension have been included as part of the mix, and hopefully these elements are the only ones that make it to production as Mugen aftermarket parts.

Want to see it in all its glory? Well, you've missed your chance as it was displayed at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon. 

What's your take on the Mugen RC20GT? Tell us in the comments.