> Honda Civic Mugen Si Sedan

Honda revealed a prototype Civic Mugen Si Sedan prepared by legendary Honda tuner Mugen equipped with a high performance suspension, forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body styling and a sport exhaust system at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Planned for production in a limited quantity of 500 units a year, the Civic Mugen Si will be available at U.S. Honda dealers starting in spring 2007 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of less than $30,000 and a full factory warranty.

"Enthusiasts have equated the name Mugen with JDM Honda performance for decades, and with the introduction of the Civic Si Sedan, the time is right for the two companies to once again join forces," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "A Mugen-tuned vehicle available directly from the factory provides the ultimate level of performance, quality and refinement in a specially-tuned car."

The track tuned suspension, tested at the Twin Ring Motegi racing circuit in Japan, lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches with aggressive spring and damper tuning for enhanced handling performance while still maintaining a high level of ride comfort. Compared to the stock Civic Si Sedan, front and rear damping force (both bump and rebound) was increased between 8- and 24-percent (the rate varies depending on condition). Lightweight 16.7-pound 18x7.5-inch forged aluminum wheels (27 percent lighter than the stock 17x7 alloy wheel) and high-grip BFGoodrich g-Force KDW 215/40 ZR18 summer tires help to further create Mugen's rewarding and well-balanced handling performance character.

The full-vehicle aero-package adds a front spoiler with a sports grille (with special Mugen Si emblem), side spoilers, a rear bumper diffuser and a rear wing. The sports exhaust system reduces exhaust system back pressure from the catalytic converter back, resulting in an enhanced power curve. Additional accoutrements include front and rear Mugen emblems outside. Inside, a serial number placard is located on the instrument panel along with a spherical 50 mm Mugen shift knob.

The name Mugen symbolizes Honda performance throughout Asia and around the globe. Mugen, under license by M-TEC Co., Ltd., of Japan, has been closely associated with Honda for more than three decades in the design and manufacture of racing and premium aftermarket performance products.

Normally, special Mugen edition vehicles are either restricted to the Japanese domestic market, or require avid importers to grab the necessary bits piece by piece. Mugen has now taken their expertise to the new Honda Civic Si sedan, focusing on improving the car's handling characteristics. This modified version will be commercially sold through U.S. Honda dealers. That said, you won't be able to just waltz into a showroom and demand a Mugen Civic; they are limiting production to just 500 units a year, setting the price under $30,000.

The upgrades include track tuned suspension (which lowers the car by 0.6 inches), 18-inch lightweight forged aluminum wheels, high-grip BFGoodrich g-Force summer tires, a sport exhaust system, and "aerodynamic body styling." Look for this mildly tricked out ride to launch in Spring 2007.