This past fall's SEMA show heralded the return of the American hot rod. Everywhere you looked, it was Chevy this or Ford that, from ground-up restorations of '67 Camaros to current production Mustang GTs with racing stripes and superchargers. If V8s and solid rear axles are your thing, SEMA 2006 was for you.
And yet even with all these baby boomers going through mid-life crises and getting in touch with their inner children, we were still able to find a ton of jaw-dropping sport compacts and performance hardware. Check it out
Mugen in America: What it all meansMugen Civic Si SedanWe were ready to shell out a deposit several months ago when Honda announced its plans to sell a four-door Civic Si in the US. Now that the car is also available in a limited-edition Mugen-tuned package, our 401(k) is at risk. Mugen's Noriaki Onuma graciously encouraged our reckless thinking
SCC: According to Honda's announcement, the limited-edition Mugen Si will offer an aero kit, forged 18x7.5 GP series wheels, BF Goodrich 215/40R18 g-Force KDW tires, and a new exhaust. What about suspension?
NO: It includes the Mugen Sports suspension: non-adjustable shocks and springs that lower the car by 15mm.
SCC: Which specific aero parts?
NO: Front under-spoiler, side skirts, rear under-spoiler, and rear wing.
SCC: How long has this project been in planning? And why did Mugen choose now, with this model, to partner with Honda again?
NO: The planning was about one year, and no particular reason [for the timing]. Since Mugen was thankfully renowned in the aftermarket all over Japan, we have been considering a worldwide branding strategy. Then we chose the most mature automobile market in the world: the US.
SCC: Were Mugen engineers actively involved in the testing at Twin Ring Motegi, or was it mostly Honda staff?
NO: All done by Mugen staff.
SCC: Will the Si be built in Japan? If so, which factory?
NO: Not in Japan, but the place has not been determined yet.
SCC: How much of this Civic Si is similar to the Dominator project Mugen built last year?
NO: The direction of both cars is totally different. The Dominator has been developed to make the most use of our experience and knowledge accumulated through being a tuner. Having a basic concept-creation of the ultimate Civic-we tried to embody our futuristic techniques and dreams into this study concept car.
On the other hand, we paid a lot of attention to the total balance in the development of the Mugen Si. Maximizing the great aspects of the Si, we struggled to develop the suspension and exhaust system based on our philosophy.
SCC: How does Mugen benefit from this partnership with Honda?
NO: The benefit is being able to sell our products as a form of complete car, which we have been aiming at.
Mugen is finally back in America, in the form of a Mugen Civic Si sedan. Though its rumored $30K price only buys three more horsepower, just 500 will be made. So at least you'll have access to a highly exclusive club when it goes on sale in the spring. Additional Mugen contributions include forged 18x7.5 wheels, a sport exhaust and 'aggressively tuned' suspension. A numbered placard sits in the instrument panel and a Mugen-branded spherical shift knob adorns the stalk. Check our interview (p.67) with Mugen's Noriaki Onuma for the lowdown.
The folks at GReddy have found yet another use for the Mitsubishi-based T67 turbocharger. They claim it's good for 416hp on the Evo IX and the kit comes with a Type-R wastegate. GReddy's own titanium exhaust was fitted to the display car, while rare Gravity Gullflame 18x9.5 wheels fill the fenders.