VIDEO: Honda CR-Z TS-1X Concept Car Walk-Around

Revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon, the Honda CR-Z TS-1X hybrid concept car is an impressive lil' beast with its stealthy matte-black paintjob and extensive aerodynamics package. The automaker’s initial press release was short on details, but, luckily, a walk-around clip (or shall we say talk-around?) has surfaced on Youtube, detailing some of the innovations developed by Honda.

While nothing has changed under the bonnet, the TS-1X is said to offer improved fuel efficiency and better handling car thanks to the aerodynamic enhancements which generate more downforce and reduce drag. Other improvements include a strengthened body, sport suspension and new 4-pot caliper brakes.

2012 Honda CR-V: New Rumors and Rendering Surface from Japan

While here in the States we're still trying to find out whether or not Honda will reveal a mildly refreshed CR-V in 2010, in Japan Mag-X has already started speculating on the next-generation model. In the July issue of the magazine, there's a detailed report accompanied by an artist's impression of the 2012 Honda CR-V that is said to be introduced for the first time in October 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show, with worldwide sales expected to begin shortly after.

According to a translation of the article provided by TOV member 'Dan', the report claims that Honda will have finalized the exterior design of the new CR-V by the end of the year. It is also stated that the 2012 CR-V will be built upon the current model's platform featuring modest increases in length, width and height (4,535mm x 1,820mm x 1,685mm respectively).

As for the powertrain options, the Japanese magazine states that the initial engine range will be carried over from today's model and include, depending on the market, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline units as well as a 2.2-liter turbo diesel that is already on offer in Europe.

Mag-X also mentions that while Honda does not plan to introduce a V6 option to the range, the Japanese automaker will present an 'advanced engine' at a later stage but the report does not provide any further details on the matter.

And for those wondering about the credibility of the article, well, only time can tell if Max-X's report is based on pure speculation or on specific information provided by inside sources.

VIDEO: New Honda Civic TYPE R Mugen UK-Spec Model Promotional Film

Following up on our previous story with the first photographs of the Mugen Honda Civic Type R hatchback, we now bring you an official promotional video of the special edition hatchback that's inspired from the JDM Civic Mugen RR sedan. In spite of the fact that in the two-and-half minute long film, Mugen describes the model as a 'UK Spec' edition, in the press release, Honda's dedicated tuning arm makes word of Euro-wide availability. Apparently, we'll have to wait for Mugen to clear things up.

We're still short on official info about the range of upgrades, but aside from the overly-aggressive aero kit, it is rumored that the hot hatch has received a similar treatment to the Japanese market Civic Mugen RR sedan.

If true, this means that we'll most likely see a modified version of the Civic Type R's 2.0-liter VTEC engine delivering close to 240HP, a limited slip differential (already available on the limited run Civic Type R Championship White), chunkier tires, tweaked suspension and a high-performance brake system.

Also expect a pair of body-hugging bucket seats from Recaro while it is possible that Mugen may eliminate certain comfort features in the interior in order to shave a few pounds.

What we can say for certain is that the Mugen Civic Type R will arrive on European shores sometime at the end of summer. In the meantime, and until Honda's official tuner reveals more details, check out the high-quality promotional film below.

2010 Honda Stream MPV Receives the Mugen Treatment

Here's some more Mugen news for all you Honda fans. Along with the release of the first photos of the European specification Civic Type-R 3-door hatchback, the Honda parts specialist revealed its updated tuning package for the discreetly facelifted Stream MPV. Mugen's aero body kit features all the usual pieces such as a front spoiler, a rear spoiler and a roof-mounted rear wing. Additional exterior modifications include a sport grille, side skirts and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Owners of the 2010 Stream can also order a sports suspension, beefier brake system, a performance muffler with a single exhaust pipe and a sport air filter.

European Mugen Honda Civic Type-R Hatchback: First Official Photos

This story just came in so we don't have all the details yet, but according to a translated teaser press release from Honda's in-house tuning division, these are the first photos of the Euro-spec Mugen Honda Civic Type-R 3d that is slated to be launched in Europe this summer. The release does not explain if what we're seeing here is simply an aero-kit or as it has been rumored, a complete conversion with mechanical and styling upgrades. However, we do know that the famed tuning firm calls the concept 'Premium Super Sport' - if that tells you anything.

In typical Mugen-fashion, the tuning firm has readied a rather aggressive bodykit for the futuristic-looking Euro-spec Civic Type-R 3d, which in standard form is powered by a 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine churning out 200HP to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The aero parts include a massive rear-wing, side skirts, twin hood scoops, a new rear apron with an integrated diffuser and two Jumbo-size tail-pipes, a blacked out Mugen grille, new front bumper with an integrated lip spoiler and wider fenders housing side air-vents plus gunmetal gray multispoke alloy wheels.

Limited Edition Ariel Atom Tuned by Mugen Packs 270 Horsepower

At the 2011 Autosport International Show in Birmingham, UK, Ariel unveiled the latest iteration of its “no screen, no roof, no doors” Atom, the Mugen-flavored limited edition it first hinted at back in December. Only ten units will be built, each featuring a special livery with a red chassis, white bodywork and red graphics showing the number of the car, to mark 10 years of production and 1,000 Atoms manufactured.

The highlight of the bare-essentials sports car is a Mugen-tuned 2.0-liter Honda K20Z naturally aspirated engine, delivering an impressive 270HP at 8,600 rpm and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm.

Each powerplant is stripped, measured and fully blueprinted at Mugen Europe’s Northhampton headquarters and then reassembled using different pistons, camshafts and valve springs. Other upgrades include a new manifold with bigger throttle body, race grade spark plugs and lightened flywheel. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a close ratio Honda 6-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential.

Once the assembly is complete, Mugen tests the engine on a dynamometer. The entire process lasts seven days and, before being signed off, the high revving four-pot is bore scoped and inspected one last time.

The Atom is known for its superb handling and the Mugen should be no different. Boasting a 4-way adjustable damper/spring package, sourced from the 500HP Atom V8, the anniversary model also comes with high performance ventilated brakes and white Ariel magnesium alloys, shod in Yokohama AO48 track-spec tires.

As you’d expect, the Atom Mugen is a very fast piece of machinery, completing the dash to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 2.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).

The open cockpit has been fitted with a new multi function LCD screen housed in a carbon fiber instrument panel. Besides showing gearshift lights and standard warning lights, it can also warn the driver if any other functions go outside their programmed values, which can be handy for pinpointing malfunctions and avoiding critical failures during track days. The driver and passenger racing buckets come with 3-inch FIA harnesses with crutch straps as standard.

“The advantages of being small are obvious in this latest Atom. It’s a hand built car, tailored to suit individual customers who we know and like as friends and who are passionate about their cars and driving. The ability for Mugen to hand build a performance engine, coupled with the legendary Honda reliability, takes this one stage further”, said Simon Saunders of Ariel.

Every Ariel Atom Mugen is built by two technicians, one from Mugen and one from Atom, with both signing off the engine and car only when they’re 100% sure everything is A-OK, reflected in a numbered build plate. No information on the pricing has been released.

Honda to Debut CR-Z TS-1X Concept at this week's Tokyo Auto Salon

With the conclusion of the press days of the 2011 Detroit Motor Show, the automotive world is now shifting its focus on the Tokyo Auto Salon 2011, which will be held from Friday, January 14, to Sunday, January 16, at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

At this year's event, Honda will be presenting several vehicles including the TS-1X concept study based on the CR-Z hybrid. The prototype model is the work of Honda Access Corporation, the Japanese carmaker's in-house aftermarket division.

Honda has not revealed any information on the concept model, but from the single photo it did release, we can see that the TS-1X is finished in a matt black paintjob and is fitted with a full body kit comprising of front and rear bumpers, beefy side skirts and a large rear wing that appears to extend on the CR-Z's sides.

Other Honda products to be displayed at Honda's stand include a variety of customized vehicles such as the Sports Modulo NSX, Freed Spike caravan car, the Acty Truck and the Enepo generator special coloring editions, plus several racing models like the HSV-010 GT, which won both the driver and team titles for the Super GT Series GT500-class races.

Our man Phil has already landed in Japan and will be covering the show live so stay tuned on Carscoop for more news on the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Honda Recalling 2010MY Accord and CR-V Models in the States for Engine Stalling Problems

Honda has issued a new recall for certain 4-cylinder Accords and CR-Vs from the 2010 model year to check a potential failure with the engine wiring harness connector, as it may cause intermittent spark firing or the engine to stall.

"The wire harness coupler could have been damaged during vehicle assembly, which can lead to engine stalling over time," the Japanese automaker said in a statement, adding that it identified this problem through warranty repairs, and that no related accidents or injuries have been reported to date.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects 2,277 vehicles in the States.

Under the recall, the firm's dealers will inspect and replace the ignition wiring harness connector free of charge. Notification to customers is expected to begin in early February, 2011.

Honda Dealer Memo Says 4-Cylinder CrossTour and 2012 CR-V on their Way Along with New Civic

The Honda fan-boys over at the Temple of VTEC claim to have intercepted an internal memo with details on the firm's upcoming models, which was sent out today to dealers. The email reportedly states that Honda will be releasing a lower-priced based version of the Accord CrossTour equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, with sales to start in "mid-summer". We'll remind you that that CrossTour is currently offered exclusively with a 275HP 3.5-liter V6 and available four-wheel drive.

The website notes the memo also mentions the 2012 Civic, which will arrive in "late April" (this has already been officially confirmed by Honda that will show a pre-production study at the Detroit Show next week), as well as the 2012 CR-V and the Pilot SUV, without, however, getting into any more details.

Source: Temple of VTEC

New Honda Fit Shuttle: Leaked Brochure Reveals Station Wagon-Like Model

A bonanza of allegedly official brochure photos showing a new, station-wagon-like variant of the Japanese domestic market [JDM] Fit have leaked onto the internet. Named the Fit Shuttle, the car appears to be based on the recently refreshed Fit (Honda uses the Jazz nameplate in Europe, Australia and other international markets) featuring a longer body with taller roofline and a redesigned rear end.

As you can see in the brochure shots, the Fit Shuttle will be offered in two flavors, a Hybrid version powered by the same IMA system with a 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine featured on the five-door hatchback model, and a more powerful variant with a regular 1.5-liter gasoline unit.

According to the Japanese media, the Fit Shuttle will be introduced in its home market within the next few weeks with sales to start around March. We'll follow the story and keep you posted on any updates.

Sources: Ryuji & Mincara