The Honda Racing Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship team are putting the new Civic Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) through its paces at its first public test outing at Brands Hatch today (21 February 2012).

Both Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden and triple-BTCC champion Matt Neal will be pushing the car to the limit to make it is as competitive as possible ahead of the season debut on 1 April 2012.

The testing at Brands Hatch follows a successful preliminary test at the MIRA test track last week where the car underwent extensive system checks to ensure it is fully functional. Matt Neal and the Honda Racing team spent Friday acclimatising to the car and making sure it’s safe and ready for track testing.

Matt Neal commented; “This is the first opportunity we have had to get behind the wheel to really see what the car has got. The team are really pleased with the results from the test at MIRA last week and I can’t wait to finally start putting the car through its paces.

“It will be interesting to see how the car performs, but I’m optimistic that we’ll walk away from today confident we have a championship winning car.”

Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden added; “The feedback on the new Civic NGTC car so far is incredibly promising and I’ve been itching to get into the car since the end of the 2011 season. Like Matt mentioned, this is the first time we have had to really push the car and I’m looking forward to putting it into action.”

Team Manager, Peter Crolla, concluded; “The team have all been working incredibly hard since the start of the NGTC programme back in August so everybody’s very excited to see the new car on track for the first time.  It’ll be interesting from the point of view of both drivers and engineers to see how the car behaves on a track where we were very competitive with the S2000 Civic and we can really start to understand and develop the new car. 

“The main aim for the day will be to establish a baseline set-up for the car which we can then tune for the various circuits we visit during the season.  Initial feedback from the MIRA shakedown was positive so we’re hoping to continue that today and cover some valuable mileage with both Matt and Gordon behind the wheel”.
 
The next testing session takes place at Donington Park circuit on Thursday 23 February.

Following a successful programme launch at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2011, Honda (UK) has joined forces with “MUGEN Euro”, to launch a 130+mph sports hybrid CR-Z, boasting Civic Type R performance.

With almost 50 per cent more power than the standard car, this 175 PS¹ ‘pocket rocket’ hybrid marks the strengthening of the engineering partnership between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro following the limited edition Civic Type R MUGEN in 2010.

MUGEN Euro engineers ‘breathed over’ the 1.5-litre power unit, retaining the 3-button IMA modes, adding a centrifugal forced air induction system, charge-air cooler and induction system and importantly, a MUGEN Euro-mapped ECU. The result is outstanding power to weight, and increased torque helping to deliver 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds – over 3 seconds quicker than the standard car.

Martin Moll, Head of Honda (UK) marketing said, “MUGEN Euro magic has created a super responsive yet eco-conscious model building on our sporting credentials and giving us the ability to compete in the “hot hatch” marketplace as we move into 2012.”

Production development continues at MUGEN Euro, with cars available for test drive through the eight Honda UK MUGEN dealers in spring 2012. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but are expected to be approximately £24,000¹.

http://www.hondauk-media.co.uk/release/?release=1519&email=1

Honda has revealed prices for the new 2012 Civic will range from £16,495 OTR for the entry-level 1.4-litre 100PS i-VTEC SE and from £26,595 OTR for the top of the range Civic 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT. The car will also be available in the familiar SE, ES, EX and EX GT trim levels offering customers generous equipment as standard.

– Prices start from £16,495 OTR
– Choice of three modern, powerful and fuel-efficient engines – 1.4 and 1.8 i-VTEC petrol and 2.2 i-DTEC diesel
– Four generously-equipped trim levels
– Every Civic gets ECON driving mode – as seen on Jazz Hybrid and Insight – and Idle Stop (only on manual variants) to help drivers save fuel and drive down running costs
– Available to order now

Honda has revealed prices for the new 2012 Civic will range from £16,495 OTR for the entry-level 1.4-litre 100PS i-VTEC SE and from £26,595 OTR for the top of the range Civic 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT. The car will also be available in the familiar SE, ES, EX and EX GT trim levels offering customers generous equipment as standard.

The new 2012 Civic was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month and order books at Honda dealerships are now open with cars arriving in dealerships during January.

New standard equipment across the range
Standard equipment new to the Civic includes, Honda’s Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) 5-inch dashboard screen which displays relevant driving details such as mpg, the idle stop status and climate and audio settings. Other new additions include a rear wiper, daytime running lights and a headlight-off timer that maintains illumination for 15 seconds after the car is locked.

Fuel saving technology
In addition, every new Civic comes with Idle Stop fuel-saving technology (manual transmission only) and an ECON switch for the first time. The ECON switch is already found in the Insight and Jazz Hybrid and activating it tells the car’s management system to adopt specific settings to improve fuel consumption. It does so without affecting overall safety levels or the general usability of the car.

Entry-level SE trim
The entry-level SE trim also includes 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning and USB connectivity for compatible MP3 audio devices. However, for an extra £1,500 – making the price from £17,995 OTR – they can have the same spec but benefit from the extra performance of a 1.8-litre 142PS i-VTEC petrol engine.

For diesel fans, the Honda Civic SE is available with a refined, powerful 2.2-litre 150PS i-DTEC engine and costs from £20,095 OTR.

ES grade
The ES specification is priced from £18,995 OTR when paired with the 1.8-litre petrol or from £21,095 OTR for the diesel. It features all the equipment found in SE and adds a host of features which are new to the Civic range, including cruise control with a speed limiter, rear view parking camera, keyfob-operated windows and door mirror folding, plus auto up/down electric rear windows.

Additional kit on ES includes dual-zone air-conditioning, BluetoothTM Hands Free Telephone (HFT), front fog lamps, auto headlights and wipers, leather steering wheel and gear knob, ambient interior lighting and 6 speaker audio system.

T-Grade package
Available on SE and ES trim levels from March 2012, the T-Grade package costs £995 and adds extra equipment to the specification including integrated satellite navigation with full European mapping and touch screen.

EX trim
EX is the third of the four trims and comes with leather upholstery with heated front seats and a HDD satellite navigation and premium audio system as standard. It costs from £21,745 OTR with the 1.8-litre petrol engine and from £23,845 OTR for the 2.2-litre diesel.

Top of the range EX GT
The flagship of the all-new Honda Civic range is EX GT, priced from £24,495 and £26,595 for the petrol and diesel respectively. New to the Honda Civic range are smart (keyless) entry/ignition, front and rear parking sensors, bi-xenon HID headlights and lumbar support.  Also included on EX GT is all the equipment found in the EX plus a panoramic glass roof, 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, auto-dimming rear view mirror and sunglasses holder.

For the first time Honda’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) are available in the Civic range. This advanced technology is available as a package in EX GT specification only for an extra £1,900 OTR.  

Automatic gearbox
All models come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. However, the 1.8-litre petrol can be specified with a five-speed automatic gearbox for an additional £1,385.

Built in Britain
Built at Honda’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Swindon, Wiltshire, the new 2012 Civic will offer customers high-quality fit and finish using first-class materials and with Honda’s unparalleled reputation for reliability, it will provide years of peace-of-mind motoring.

Order books at Honda dealerships are now open and cars will arrive in dealerships during January.

FIRST IMAGES OF NEW HONDA CIVIC RELEASED!

Honda has released the first exclusive photos of the new Civic. The images show the new clean, dynamic and flowing exterior design and high quality interior.

 

The designers of the new Civic wanted to keep the sporty and advanced elements of the car’s character but tailor them to communicate the new model’s more dynamic feel. Sources of inspiration included a ‘blended wing body’ aeroplane in which the fuselage and wings blend into a single body for superior aerodynamic performance.

 

Nearly all of the body components on the new Civic have been redesigned with particular focus on ride and handling, reduced CO₂ emissions, design and interior quality, while retaining the class-leading cabin, boot space and practicality.

 

Designed and developed specifically for the European market, the new Civic will be offered as a five-door hatchback and will reach UK showrooms in early 2012.

 

 

The new Honda Civic will be launched tomorrow at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA).

One of the most exclusive and explosive hot hatches of recent years has been given an extra dose of MUGEN power.

The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN debuted in 2010 to near-universal acclaim, and a 20-strong limited edition production run of the hand-built, motorsport-derived machines went on sale to UK enthusiasts.

Now technicians at Northampton-based MUGEN Euro have worked their magic again, producing a unique version with even more power and torque.

The cylinder bore and stroke have been increased to create an overall capacity of 2,156cc, so the car has been christened the Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 2.2.

The result of the change is a boost in engine output from 240 to 260PS, and additional torque is available throughout the rev range. Peak torque is now 240Nm at 6,000rpm. Compared to a standard Honda Civic Type R, both power and torque are up 30 per cent.

When coupled to the host of motorsport-derived components created exclusively by MUGEN – including sports suspension, uprated brakes and a stunning performance bodykit – the MUGEN 2.2 represents the ultimate expression of the Honda Civic Type R philosophy.

It has been created as a fitting tribute to the highly successful Honda K20 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has ceased production in Japan. Homologated by MUGEN as an FIA Group N race series engine, the K20 has long been the powerplant of choice with tuners and motorsports competitors who want the very best in naturally aspirated performance.

Moreover, it has been at the very heart of everything MUGEN Euro has achieved since the company was formed in 2006. Its skilled engineers have built or tuned almost 400 examples for race and rally competitors around the world.

The Honda K20 engine has also powered the only two complete road cars produced by MUGEN; the Honda Civic MUGEN RR four-door saloon sold in Japan, plus the limited Honda Civic Type R MUGEN sold in the UK.

Hiro Toyoda, vice-president of MUGEN Euro, commented: “Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies. We may never see the like of the K20 in a main

stream production car again, so felt it only fitting we mark the occasion with this special 2.2 version of the Honda Civic Type R”.

Plans for the 2.2 car have yet to be finalised. Of the 20 limited edition 2.0-litre cars launched in 2010, four remain unsold and it’s possible MUGEN Euro may offer them with the reworked engine. Existing owners could also be invited to return their cars for an upgrade. A decision on these two proposals is expected to be made shortly.

Honda Red Cross Tsunami Appeal.  

 

The massive earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan on 11 March have caused widespread destruction and suffering, relayed on television screens around the world.

More than 8,000 people have died in the disaster, thousands are injured and at least 12,000 are missing. Many people are living in evacuation centres as 14,000 homes have been destroyed and around 100,000 are damaged.

Our supporters have responded to this situation with huge generosity and solidarity in their donations to the Japan Tsunami Appeal. We are extremely grateful for and humbled by their support. Thank you to everyone who has given.

The Japanese Red Cross has been on the ground since the disaster began and has sent 230 response teams to provide first aid and emergency healthcare, as well as distributing relief items. The teams are made up of more than 1,200 staff, including doctors and nurses.

The costs of the relief effort, and of rebuilding the homes and lives of those affected, will be immense. Donations to the British Red Cross will be used towards helping the Japanese people recover from this devastating natural disaster over the coming months and years.

In the event that we receive more donations to the Japan Tsunami Appeal than the Japanese Red Cross and International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement can reasonably and efficiently spend, any surplus funds will be used to help us prepare for and respond to humanitarian disasters both here in the UK and overseas.

http://www.redcross.org.uk/japanhonda/?approachcode=68836_hondajapext

 

To make a donation via post, please use the following pdf file.

http://www.redcross.org.uk/japanhonda/~/media/BritishRedCross/Documents/donations/pdf_postal_donation.ashx 

 

Please send cheques made payable to British Red Cross to:

British Red Cross
Japan Tsunami Appeal
British Red Cross
44 Moorfields
London
EC2Y 9AL

 

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http://hope.branding2go.com/home 

 

Civic Type R Owners Club & Forum is also helping to promote the HOPE campaign for the victims of the Japanese Tsunami.

 

Please buy a shirt and donate all the profits to helping those affected by the Earth-quakes and Tsunami in Japan. Show your support for the people who are trying to come to terms with this event today and will struggle for some time to rebuild their lives. Many cities and people will never be the same again and everything you can do to help will be greatly appreciated.

 

This is not a charity website but is a not-for-profit group of petrol head enthusiasts and others coming together to help raise money and to show we care. As well as ordering a shirt you can donate and all of this money will go to help.

 

Once the shop has achieved its goal a donation will be given to charity. The money will be split equally between the local Red Cross association, as that is the preferred charity of some of the Japanese motor manufacturers and also local charities ‘on the ground’ in Japan.  These local charities will be chosen in association with our contacts and supporters in Japan and approved by auditors before any money is sent.

 

If you want to know more you can email us on [email protected]

 

THE HOTTEST HYBRID YET

MUGEN EURO to build high-performance Honda CR-Z

MUGEN Euro is developing a highly-tuned version of Honda’s CR-Z, which will deliver “Type R-like” performance from the hybrid’s petrol-electric powertrain – and may offer even better fuel economy.

This faster, more powerful car will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

The CR-Z MUGEN will feature enhancements to both the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and the Honda IMA system to boost power and torque, while bespoke brakes and suspension will be fitted to improve the chassis dynamics.

The major engine changes, and those made to exhaust and induction, may even result in greater mpg and lower CO₂ emissions during some conditions. However, at this early development stage, final power, torque and fuel economy figures are not yet known.

Lightweight components, including a carbon fibre bonnet, will be employed to lower the overall weight, and the car will use MUGEN alloy wheels to reduce unsprung mass.

To improve aerodynamics and give the car an even more sporting look, MUGEN body parts will be added, including front and rear bumpers, and a spoiler.

 “We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z,” says Hiro Toyoda of MUGEN Euro. “It is already a fun car to drive, with an excellent chassis, but we thought that with more power and enhanced torque delivery it could be even more exciting. However, as with all MUGEN projects, we have stayed true to the Honda design and philosophy, and the electric motor is still a vital ingredient to boost performance and economy.”

 

The CR-Z MUGEN is a joint project between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro – the Northampton-based subsidiary of Honda’s long standing tuning partner MUGEN. In 2009, MUGEN Euro produced the Civic Type R MUGEN, an extreme, 240PS version of Honda popular hot hatch.

“This will be one quick hybrid,” says Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda (UK). “With more torque, more power and MUGEN’s experience of working with Honda cars, we’re expecting great things. It promises to show how hybrid cars can be even more exciting to drive.”

At this stage, the CR-Z MUGEN is being developed purely as a one-off prototype, with no plans for a production version.

-ends-

Notes to editor:

 

Design sketches of the proposed CR-Z MUGEN are available from http://www.hondauk-media.co.uk

Honda (UK) will be exhibiting at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, from 1 to 3 July 2011, showcasing a selection of its racing and performance cars, and classic motorcycles from throughout the years. Special guest drivers and riders will join Honda, to help present the cars or navigate the famous hill.

More details on Honda’s involvement will be announced at a later date.