VIDEO: New Honda Civic TYPE R Mugen UK-Spec Model Promotional Film

Following up on our previous story with the first photographs of the Mugen Honda Civic Type R hatchback, we now bring you an official promotional video of the special edition hatchback that's inspired from the JDM Civic Mugen RR sedan. In spite of the fact that in the two-and-half minute long film, Mugen describes the model as a 'UK Spec' edition, in the press release, Honda's dedicated tuning arm makes word of Euro-wide availability. Apparently, we'll have to wait for Mugen to clear things up.

We're still short on official info about the range of upgrades, but aside from the overly-aggressive aero kit, it is rumored that the hot hatch has received a similar treatment to the Japanese market Civic Mugen RR sedan.

If true, this means that we'll most likely see a modified version of the Civic Type R's 2.0-liter VTEC engine delivering close to 240HP, a limited slip differential (already available on the limited run Civic Type R Championship White), chunkier tires, tweaked suspension and a high-performance brake system.

Also expect a pair of body-hugging bucket seats from Recaro while it is possible that Mugen may eliminate certain comfort features in the interior in order to shave a few pounds.

What we can say for certain is that the Mugen Civic Type R will arrive on European shores sometime at the end of summer. In the meantime, and until Honda's official tuner reveals more details, check out the high-quality promotional film below.

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 Confirms Development of Euro Mugen Civic Type R 240HP, Releases New Details

After weeks of media speculation that arose after the release of a teaser set of photos as well as a promotional video, Honda has finally confirmed the development of a highly-tuned Civic Type R 'MUGEN' concept prototype road car. The key word here is 'concept' as the Japanese automaker noted that "currently there are no plans for a production model" and that at this stage, the hot Civic is "being prepared purely as a prototype model."

However, judging from our past experience with these kind of press statements from automakers, we'd say that Honda's hot hatch is very, very close to production...

Besides confirming the existence of the car, the Japanese automaker also revealed some juicy new details. First of all, the hardcore three-door hatch is being developed in Japan by MUGEN EURO, the Northampton-based subsidiary of Honda's official tuning arm, and will be brought to the UK for further testing later in the year.

Honda said that the European Civic Type R 'MUGEN' will use the same powertrain as the Civic MUGEN RR saloon launched in Japan in 2007. This translates to a specially modified version of the Type R's 200HP 2.0-liter four banger producing 240-horsepower.

The Japanese firm added that as well as developing the engine, the hardcore Civic Type R MUGEN will benefit from brake system, exhaust and suspension upgrades while externally, the Civic will take on an a more aggressive stance, with a new aerodynamic package that includes a larger rear wing.

"In standard trim, the Civic Type R is a thrilling machine to drive," said Hiro Toyoda, Vice President of MUGEN EURO in a prepared statement. "It is a fantastic base model from which we hope to develop one of the quickest point to point front-wheel-drive road cars in the country."

New Honda Civic Concept to be Unwrapped at Detroit Show, Previews Production Model

What you see pictured above is an official rendering of the Honda Civic Concept, which will be revealed in the flesh at the upcoming 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2011. According to the Japanese automaker, the concept is more of a pre-production study that will preview the actual, ninth-generation 2012 Civic, which will go on-sale in North America in spring next year.

The illustration depicts a coupe model with possible styling influences from the European market Civic hatchback (front) and the North American Accord Coupe (profile). Honda did not release any specific details on the car, but we suspect that we'll learn more within the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned.