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_______________________________

LA Show 2010: Honda Debuts Fit EV Concept, goes into Production in 2012

With hybrid models becoming more of a mainstream product for consumers these days, automakers are now turning their attention on the next 'green' frontier, all-electric cars. At the LA Auto Show, Honda lifted the covers off the all-new Fit EV Concept electric subcompact.And mind you, this is not your typical motor-show crowd gatherer as according to the Japanese automaker, the Fit EV Concept "hints strongly" at the direction and styling for the upcoming production Fit EV all-electric vehicle, which will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012.

Based on the current Fit [Jazz in Europe and other markets], the EV production model will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor. The battery can be recharged in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet, and less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet.

Honda says the Fit EV will have a top speed of 90 mph [145 km/h] and achieve an estimated 100-mile [160km] driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4 city cycle or 70 miles [112 km] when applying EPA's adjustment factor.

The Fit EV will make use of a 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid. The company claims that, in Econ mode, driving range can increase by as much as 17 percent, compared to driving in Normal mode, and up to 25 percent compared to driving in Sport mode. In Sport mode, Honda says that the electric motor generates performance similar to a vehicle equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

Aside from the electric drivetrain, the LA Show car features some distinctive styling features inside and out such as the LED headlights, a chrome front fascia, aerodynamic bumper, clear LED taillights and EV decals plus an eco-friendly gray bio-fabric on the seating surfaces.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

SEMA 2010: Honda Shows Accord Crosstour HFP Concept and Accord Coupe HFP

On display alongside the twelve modified CR-Z sport hybrid coupes at Honda's SEMA Show booth, are the HFP (Honda Factory Performance) prepared Accord Crosstour study and Accord Coupe models.

The crossover version of the Accord is a demonstration concept only fitted with a body kit and blacked out front grille, a prototype lowered HFP sport suspension, alloy wheels, color-matched door handles and special black-out door sash trim. Honda did not say when or if these components will be offered for sale.

The 2010 Accord Coupe, on the other hand, comes equipped with already available dealer-installed parts including front and rear aprons, side skirts and multispoke alloy wheels.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

SEMA 2010: HPD CR-Z Hybrid R and Racer Concepts with 200HP Turbo Conversion

Next up on our Sema Show CR-Z menu after the production-ready Mugen version are two concept models created by Honda's North American racing company, Honda Performance Development or HPD for short. The CR-Z Hybrid R and CR-Z Racer studies were developed to demonstrate the potential of both street and racing performance.

The two cars share the same performance enhancements including a turbocharger and upgraded IMA hybrid system, which result in an estimated combined output of 200 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. of torque. Both models also get a performance clutch, limited-slip differential, 'circuit-tuned' suspension, upgraded brakes and aerodynamic components.

From there on, the Hybrid R model was developed for street use benefiting from certain sport touches to the interior such as the red steering wheel rim and Recaro bucket seats.

The Racer was stripped of every part that was not needed to keep the vehicle's weight down and fitted with an array of racing accessories including a Sparco bucket seat and roll cage. Honda said that it will campaign two HPD CR-Z Racers at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race in December to show off the car's racing capability.

________________________Honda CR-Z Hybrid R_________________________

______________________________________________________________________

_________________________Honda CR-Z Racer___________________________