LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31, 2006 – American
Honda Motor Co., Inc., today 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.”
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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 215/40ZR18 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.
Honda’s activities at SEMA coincide
with the November 1 on-sale date of the new-for-2007 Civic Si Sedan.
The Civic Si Sedan embraces the style and performance of the Civic
Si Coupe and marks the first time that "Si" performance has become
available in a sedan body style.
