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.

Honda gives away Original Civic Type R Mugen Concept to one Lucky Chap

Remember the red-colored Civic Type R Mugen Concept that Honda showed in the summer of 2009 before the model received the green light for a limited run of 20 units in the UK? Well, the one-off concept car that was used as a test-bed for the production model and which is worth over £60,000, was given away in a draw to celebrate Honda's participation in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The competition proved quite successful attracting more than 24,000 entries.

The winner of the prized 240PS Civic prototype was Jim Morgan from Manchester. The lucky man not only won the car but he also met Honda's BTCC drivers Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden who treated him to some fast laps around the circuit. He was also given a tour of the MUGEN workshops in Northampton.

"I still can't quite believe I've won this unbelievable concept car," said Jim. "To meet Matt and Gordon, rocket around Silverstone in a Type R, and talk to the guys who built my car was incredible! Seeing how this the Type R MUGEN was built really gives you a feel for how special it is: the guys at MUGEN have put everything they've got into this car."

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Report: Honda to kill Civic Nameplate in Japan

According to media reports, Honda's Civic will cease Japanese sales as soon as the current inventory is gone. This decision is said to be the result of increased demand for minivans and smaller cars, but that doesn't mean the Civic is going anywhere for you and me. Honda will continue to sell the entry-level compact, which is set to be replaced next year, in international markets where demand is still strong.

Honda's Civic has barely been able to stay afloat sales-wise in its domestic market, moving a scant 452 units in October. For now, Civics will continue to be built at Honda's plant in Suzuka, but that could end if the JDM demands more sexy Honda minivans and Kei cars.

At least the JDM Civic is going out with a bang thanks to those 1,500 examples of the Type-R Euro models.

By Phil Alex

Via: Nikkei

2011 Honda Civic Type R Euro Launched in Japan, Limited to 1,500 Units

Honda has introduced a new model year version of its British-built Civic Type R Euro in Japan. The 2011MY batch will be the last of this model series to make its way to Japan as production of the current generation three-door Civic Type R has been terminated in Europe because its 2.0-litre VTEC engine does not meet the Euro V emissions regulations.

The Japanese automaker had imported 1,850 examples of the Civic Type R Euro from Britain in late 2009. This time, Honda will bring a total of 1,500 units of the 2011MY version of its high-revving hot hatch. The only changes over the previous model year are the addition of a new Crystal Black Pearl color, some trim updates such as the different finish of the fuel cap and a new numbered plaque.

In Japan, prices for the 2011MY Civic Type R Euro start from 3,000,000 Yen [including consumption tax] or about US$37,200.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Honda to Discontinue Civic Type R in Europe, Killed by Tougher Emission Standards

It's the end of the line for the current generation of the Civic Type R in Europe as Honda today announced its wedgy hot hatch will no longer be sold in many areas of the continent from the end of 2010, due to forthcoming Euro V emissions regulations. Production of the Civic Type R for the European market will cease in October 2010, with sales ending during December.

Honda said the decision to axe the Civic Type R across most of Europe has been taken because the car does not currently meet the Euro 5 emission regulations. "The introduction of Euro 5 means the Type R can only be sold up until the end of 2010 in markets where those rules apply," the Japanese maker said in a statement.

Production of the exclusively UK-manufactured 3-door Civic Type R will continue at Honda's factory in Swindon, to supply market where regulations allow it, including Australia and South Africa.

The commemorate the end of its European career, the Japanese firm is planning to bring together fans of its Type R models at a special event at Silverstone this month (22 August).

Honda also announced lower pricing and better finance deals for the remaining Civic Type R models in the UK with the Type R GT now available at £19,495, which represents a saving of £2,230.

The current Civic Type R, which is powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC with 201PS that maxes out at 8,000rpm, made its debut in concept form at the Geneva motor show in 2006 and in production guise at the Paris Auto Show the same year. Since its market introduction in January 2007, Honda has sold over 12,000 examples of this generation model in the UK alone.

The next generation of the Civic is due to make its debut in 2011, with a Type R model expected (but not confirmed)to be in the mix.

New Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 200: Another Limited Edition Special

In addition to the jam-packed Civic Type R MUGEN with its tweaked 240HP 2.0-liter i-VTEC, of which only 20 units will be sold in the UK at a hefty £38,599 a piece (approximately US$60,300 or €44,400 at today's exchange rates), Honda today announced that it will offer a less hardcore variant of the hot hatch without the performance upgrades.

Aptly named the Civic Type R MUGEN 200, the special edition model is based on the three-door European model and features the same 201-horsepower 2.0-liter high-revving i-VTEC as the standard model.

As its name suggests, only 200 examples of the special Type R models will be made with sales set to start in the UK in April.

So, what makes this variant stand out? Offered exclusively in a Championship White exterior finish, the MUGEN 200 features the same aero parts as the 240HP model, including a new front bumper, side skirts, a huger rear wing and a different rear bumper with an integrated diffuser housing two jumbo-sized tail pipes.

The 19-inch alloy wheels, glossy black door mirrors, Mugen badges, an individually numbered plaque and the standard limited-slip differential complete the MUGEN package.

Honda said that a range of tuning parts to enhance the chassis will also be available as dealer fit options.

More details as well as pricing on the MUGEN 200 will be revealed in March.