Ariel to Celebrate Atom’s 10th Anniversary with Mugen-Tuned Special

Ariel's much acclaimed bare-essentials sports car, the Atom, turned 10 this year. In order to celebrate the special occasion, the British maker has joined forces with Mugen's European branch to develop a special edition model, which will be launched onto the market in January 2011 in a strictly limited run of 10 cars.

The new lightweight model will feature distinct livery in order set it apart and every unit will come with a plate signed by Mugen and Ariel technicians, certifying their work. According to Ariel, the Atom Mugen will be as track focused as ever, using Honda’s K20Z naturally aspirated Type R engine to its full potential.

The Mugen-prepared powerplant develops an impressive 270 hp out of a 2.0-liter displacement, which should be more than enough for performance-hungry customers.

“The Type R Honda is the best 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine available. We have put our experience and know how to release even more power from the engine and we’re delighted to see our engine in the Ariel Atom”, Vice President of Mugen Euro, Mr. Hiroki Toyoda said.

Every special edition model will be hand built, with one Ariel employee making the car, while his Mugen counterpart assembles the engine.

The Atom Mugen will be presented at next month's 2011 Autosport Show in Birmingham, UK. More information, including specs and photos, will follow shortly after.

By Csaba Daradics

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."

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2011 Honda CR-Z Mugen Unveiled at SEMA, Production Limited to 300 Units

We'll soon bring you the full low-down on the customized and conceptual Honda CR-Z models from the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, but to whet your appetite, here's a brand new Mugen-accessorized version that will enter production in the spring of 2011. Only 300 of these kits will go on sale in the U.S. with pricing details to be made available closer to the on-sale date.

The package includes a full MUGEN body kit, a front grille, rear wing spoiler, 17-inch "XJ" aluminum wheels, sport mats, a unique black aluminum shift knob and a billet aluminum oil-filler cap. In addition, Honda said that after purchase, each owner will receive a unique serial-number plaque designating each kit as one of 300 available.

And no, unfortunately, there are no performance upgrades whatsoever...

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MUGEN Does the Honda Civic Type R Euro: JDM Launch Sparks New Line of Aero and Performance Parts

It's only been a couple of weeks since Honda introduced the UK-built three-door Civic Type R in Japan, but the automaker's aftermarket affiliate Mugen has already released a bevy of upgrades for the hot hatch. Naturally, all performance and styling parts are inspired from the limited edition Civic Type R MUGEN 240HP, of which only 20 examples will be made.

And while Mugen doesn't offer the special edition's upgraded engine that develops 240HP instead of the standard model's 200HP, what it does provide is the same aero parts such as the front and rear aprons, ventilated bonnet, gigantic rear wing and rear diffuser plus the lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels that are available in gunmetal or bronze finish.

The tuner's offerings also include other hardware upgrades like the sport suspension and brake packages, tire-monitoring system, copper-fiber clutch set, sport exhaust system, quick shifter and even a limited slip differential.