Today we have a Mugen history brochure from 2003. It includes a storied racing timeline that starts in 1973 and covers Mugen's major racing contributions, engines and accomplishments up to 2003.

Right-click to see the images at full size.

We are proud to have the King Motorsports / Mugen GT3 CRX included as part of Mugen history!

Ladies and Gents, may we present the Mugen Legend Max Concept Car, unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Salon. This V8 beast was created to be a world class sports sedan-- designed to go toe to toe with AMG and Alpina.

Here are specs for the Study Concept Model "LM (Legend Max)"

ENGINE

> Engine name: Mugen MF408S

> Engine type: V8 Naturally Aspirated

> Displacement: 4.0 Liters

> Horsepower: over 500ps

> Valvetrain: 32 valves, DOHC

DIMENSIONS

> Overall Length: 4980mm

> Overall Width: 1905mm

> Wheelbase: 2800mm

WHEELS & TIRES

> Wheel: 18" Alloy (18x9.5JJ)

> Tire: 275/35R18

BRAKES

> Rotor: 5 slit

> Pad: Type Competition

> Hose: Micro Mesh Brake Lines

AERO

> Exterior: "Increased Advance Body"

INTERIOR

> Seat: Bucket Type (Front)

COLOR

> Exterior: Firecracker Red

> Interior: Black & Blue

Specs for the MF408S in the VEMAC RD408R

> Layout: 90 degree V8 Naturally Aspirated

> Displacement: 4000cc

> Horsepower: 590hp / 9500rpm

> Torque: 383lb/ft / 7500rpm

> Restrictor: 33.4mm x2 or 46.8mm x1

> Clutch: Carbon 4 plate

> Length: 559mm

> Width: 720mm

> Height: 577mm

> Weight: 131kg

** Thanks to vtec.net for the specs -- head over there to see pics from TAS 2005 **

The Honda RA301 was produced by Honda Racing for the 1968 Formula One season. It was introduced during the 1968 Spanish Grand Prix, the second round of the season. Like its predecessor (RA300), the car was co-developed by Lola Cars, and called "Lola T180" by Lola Cars.

The car was an update of the previous season's RA300, using the same RA273E engine. As Honda was also focused on developing the air-cooled RA302, the RA301's development suffered and Surtees only managed a best of second place in the France. Poor reliability saw him managing to finish just two other races.

The car was planned to be replaced by the RA302 at the 1968 French Grand Prix, but Surtees refused to drive the new car because of safety concerns. After the death of Jo Schlesser at that race, Surtees again refused to drive the RA302 at the 1968 Italian Grand Prix, and the RA301 was used until the end of the season.

With Honda's withdrawal from Formula One at the end of the season, the RA301 was the last F1 car raced by Honda until the 2006 Formula One season's Honda RA106.

** Thanks to Wikipedia for the history and Motorsport Retro for the pic **

If wheels were animals, the Mugen wheels would be the ruthless carnivores at the top of the food chain. In that elite pack, the forged MF10 wheels are the dominant males.

Of the MF10 wheels, the best of the pack was the MF10L. The "L" suffix tells the world these are the ultra-lightweight versions of the MF10, specifically made for the race track and only available in white. These are the only version of the MF10 to come in white rather than the standard bronze or silver. Completing the package are unique red and gray graphics sweeping opposing sides of the rim (these graphics are also exclusive to the MF10L).

These wheels are the king of the hill. The MF10L were specifically made for DC2, EK, EG and CRX fitments and were available only in 15" diameter. These are a super light version of the MF10 wheel. Put in perspective, each wheel is only about the weight of 2 of your mom's laptop computers. They are forged wheels so they are super strong and great for racing, which is what they were designed for. Ideal for reducing un-sprung weight -- which translates into faster acceleration and better transient response.

Here are specs for the 2 sizes the MF10L were available in:

Size: 15x6.5

Offset: +45mm 

Bolt pattern: 4x100 

Color: Racing White

Weight: Approx. 10.5 pounds each

Size: 15x7

Offset: +40mm 

Bolt pattern: 4x100 

Color: Racing White

Weight: Approx. 11 pounds each

What if we told you that an extremely limited quantity of the 15x6.5 MF10L wheels were recently found in a dark corner of Mugen's warehouse? And that those sets were on their way to King Motorsports for sale in late January 2013? Follow us on Facebook to be the first to hear the official announcement!

Here's the sticker on the inner barrel of the rim:

Close up of the Mugen MF10L sizing from the brochure:

We'll leave you with this drool-worthy K20A-powered EK4 on Mugen MF10L wheels from HT '07:

Update 1/2/2013:

We are happy to announce that a very limited quantity of the MF10L 15x6.5 wheels are on their way to us now and are due to arrive in our Wisconsin facility the week of January 28, 2013. Then we'll ship 'em out to a few lucky folks. The wheels are up for pre-order now on the King Motorsports site at a special price! Priced as a set of four wheels.

http://www.kingmotorsports.com/p-4335-mugen-mf10l-wheels-15x65-45mm-offset-4x100.aspx

When they are gone, THEY ARE GONE!

Update 2/4/2013:

Mugen shipment MK 13-01 has arrived at our loading dock. 95 boxes of Mugen goodies, including the very last of the Mugen MF10L wheels! Most have been sold by this point, so those who acted quickly were wise to do so. :)

We inspect one of the sets. Gorgeous!

The 2000 Mugen S-MX. A seriously cool micro hauler!

The S-MX is similar in appearance to the larger Honda Stepwgn, shortened substantially in length and height. Whereas the Stepwgn had three rows of seating to accommodate eight passengers, the smaller S-MX has two rows of seating for four or five passengers.

In order to maximize space for passengers, the S-MX uses a front bench seat and a column shifter for the four-speed automatic transmission (the only available transmission). The S-MX was powered by a 2.0 L version of Honda's B-series engine featuring double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder; it did not use Honda's VTEC system. Peak power output was 128 hp (130 PS; 96 kW) @ 5,500 rpm and peak torque was 135 lb·ft (18.7 kgf·m; 183 N·m) @ 4,200 rpm.

This engine was shared with the Honda CR-V compact crossover. Similar to the CR-V, the S-MX was available with front-wheel-drive or optional four-wheel-drive.

We like the Mugen logo molded into the side skirt. This is something rarely seen on Mugen aero kits.

Let's face it, you can't build every amazing Mugen car out there. So we resort to the next best thing -- building out your collection with scale models. Ebbro has made amazingly detailed die-cast models for Honda and the Mugen variants for many years in the tidy 1/43 scale (about 3-4" long). I've only ever seen them sold in stores in Asia. You can see a few at the King Motorsports showroom, where King's CEO displays a part of his collection.

In the early 2000's, Mugen worked closely with Ebbro to produce this collection of Mugen models. The details are truly stunning, right down to the precise livery placement and colors on the race cars. As with all Ebbro models, they feature complete interiors and include details like exhaust pipes, radio antennas, cannards, Honda/Mugen badging, clear headlight/taillight housings, window vents and windshield wipers. Ebbro does not cut corners when they make these things. They even have Mugen part numbers!

MUGEN S2000. The colors are faithful to the gray Mugen prototype we showcased on our blog and even includes the Mugen logo in the quarter window of the hardtop.

MUGEN INTEGRA TYPE R. See our blog post for the Mugen DC2R to see how faithful this model is to its full-size counterpart!

MUGEN STREAM

MUGEN FIT

MUGEN NSX JGTC 2002

CASTROL MUGEN NSX JGTC 1999

CASTROL MUGEN NSX JGTC 1999

LOCTITE MUGEN NSX/JGTC 2001

Mugen have continued to partner with top-quality manufacturers like Tamiya, Ebbro and Autoart to create 1/24 scale plastic model kits, 1/10 scale R/C kits, 1/43 scale die-cast and 1/18 scale die-cast replicas. If you love Mugen cars and have more shelf space than garage space, these models are a great place to start a collection!

See the current catalog of Honda/Mugen models from Ebbro on their website. Scroll to the bottom to drool over the discontinued models. Check out Ebbro.net for more pics and 360-degree views!

Here is a nice tidbit from our archives for you CR-X fans. This is a visual timeline of Mugen's second-gen CR-X models.

1987: CR-X PRO.2 F1 Marshal model

(Includes bonus "CYBER SPORTS" graphics!)

1988: CR-X PRO.2 Products model [EF7/8]

1989: CR-X PRO.2 VTEC [EF9]

See all our current performance parts for the second-gen CR-X at the King Motorsports online store.

Skunk2 Thermal Intake Manifold and Throttle Body gaskets are designed as direct replacements for OEM gaskets. Skunk2's advanced high temperature thermal polymer material protects against heat soak and maximizes horsepower gains by reducing heat transfer. With the use of Skunk2 thermal gaskets, air intake temps are minimized which provides the your engine cooler air for combustion, and that means horsepower. This and bypassing several heat sources can provide you up to 5% more power.

Skunk2 Racing thermal intake manifold and throttle body gaskets are perfect for your race, weekend warrior and street application.

Features:
- B/D/K-Series Applications
- Direct replacements for OEM intake manifold and throttle body gaskets
- Protects against heat soak and reduces the incoming air temperature before it reaches the cylinder head.
- Reduces HP robbing heat transfer into the intake manifold
- High Heat deflection

• Acura B17A1
• Acura B18A1, B1, C1, C5
• Honda B16A2, A3
• Honda B20B, Z

Thermal Intake Manifold Gasket (B16a)
372-05-0290

• Acura B17A1
• Honda B16A2, A3

Thermal Intake Manifold Gasket (K-Series non-Si)
372-05-0320

• Acura K20A2, A3, Z1
• Honda K20A3, Z3
• Honda K24A1, A4, A8, Z1

There are many reasons to downgrade your car back to stock form. Most of the time, it's because life has struck. Maybe the car was munched up beyond repair, or finances are forcing some hard choices.

But sometimes the reasons are happy ones -- like upgrading to a newer model!

That's what's happening to our old friend John Hinrichs. John was one of the first to Mugen-equip his 2010 CR-Z. We documented his impressions of the Mugen carbon fiber air box, Mugen 17x7 GP wheels, Mugen cat-back exhaust and Mugen 5-way sport suspension for our blog. And now he's trading in his 2010 CR-Z for a fresh new 2013 model.

We asked him to send his thoughts on going back to stock form after enjoying his Mugen parts for the last 40k miles:

>> With 40k of the 41k miles on my CR-Z having used the Mugen suspension, I didn't remember how the OEM setup felt. Now that its back on, I can tell you I'll be in a hurry to get the Mugen gear onto my 2013.

>> There is little difference in comfort between the two. On the highway, or even a lumpy backroad (if it doesn't have any curves in it), I have to pay fairly close attention to notice the change. Large bumps do take the OEM suspension a bit longer to sort out, so if anything the Mugen setup is more comfortable by being less bouncy. But then there is the cornering. While the Mugen suspension did leave some body roll (it is a comfortable street setup, after all) turn in was immediate, and the way the car's weight would shift was linear and predictable. Not so much with OEM suspension. Not only is the body roll worse, but turn into a corner with any vigor and it takes two or three tries (read: bounces) before the suspension settles in. And it has to figure it out all over again if I try to change my line mid-turn. The OEM setup is best described as vague, if not a little bit unsettling.

>> Oh, and the fender gap is back to barely acceptable with my 16" winter wheels. Would look downright awkward with 17"s.

Thanks John for the report and we're looking forward to your future mods!

Check out all our CR-Z performance parts at the King Motorsports online store!

The 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon just wrapped up yesterday. Since most of us find it a tad difficult to drop everything to hop on a plane and attend this annual JDM lovefest, we are doing you the favor of letting you live vicariously through a few choice smartphone pictures.

This year's Mugen / Honda display emphasized heritage and cutting-edge technology.

One of the Mugen concept cars that got our attention is the Mugen CR-V concept vehicle. Definitely gives the CR-V a bit of attitude!

The Mugen N-One Premium: Mugen aero kit, sports suspension, wheels and exhaust. Should this car come to the US? We think so!

The Mugen N-One Racing concept car is our favorite. Just imagine a race grid full of 20-30 of these cars, much like the old City Turbo race series in the 80's! That would be too cool! We love the No. 16 -- a shout out to all the great Honda race cars that shared the same number.

This is one of the 300 limited edition Mugen CR-Z RZ cars. A supercharged hybrid is hard not to like. With close to 200 hp, the Mugen CR-Z RZ punches well above its weight.

This booth shot features the Mugen CR-Z GT race car. Thanks to 歐陽明曦 for posting this on our Facebook page!

Update 1/22/2013:

One of our favorite cars at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon was the Mugen Racing N-One Concept (pictured below). We are pleased to announced this car was awarded the Grand Prix award! This prestigious "Best in Show Award" is awarded to the car that best embodies design, ingenuity and the spirit of the Tokyo Auto Salon. Congratulations to Mugen!!!

http://www.mugen-power.com/english/news/2013/20130122/index.html