The Mugen logo has always been to me a thing of beauty. I first saw it in the late 80's, on a white first-gen CRX that the popular kid at school owned. He had acquired a few Mugen parts and proudly showed off his Mugen badges. In those days, Robotech and Japanese anime culture were on the rise, so the Mugen logo represented a magic synergy of Japanese cool-factor and cache. The badge had it all: Power, bold kanji, simplicity and in "in the know" foreign flair; all built upon compact cars that were within reach to the average high-schooler growing up in Southern California. Come to think of it now, these elements make up a large part of the backbone of what we toss around these days as the definition of JDM car culture.

Nowadays we take it for granted that "imported from Japan" is synonomous with "high quality," "original" or "authentic" -- even if it isn't always true. But let's turn back the clock to the 80's, to a time when Japan was just starting to be seen as a country that produced high-quality, technologically-advanced goods, especially in the automotive and consumer electronics industries.

This newly-forged consumer credibility in Japanese-made goods was such a departure from decades past that "Back to the Future: Part III" pokes fun at how much things have changed. In the 1955 storyline, Doc and Marty dig up the USDM Fried-Time-Circuit-Spec DeLorean and have this memorable exchange:

Doc Brown: No wonder this circuit failed. It says, "Made in Japan."
Marty: What do you mean, Doc? All the best stuff is made in Japan.
Doc Brown: Unbelievable!

Can't blame Doc Brown for his incredulity. Let's put this in perspective for today. Right now, Chinese-made cars have the reputation of being low-quality, gaudy, inferior knock-offs hobbled together with shoddy workmanship, cheap labor and non-existent quality control standards. Whether that harsh reputation is warranted or not, when the Chinese car manufacturers show off their products at international auto shows, they make cringe-worthy appearances and somehow can't find a copywriter who helps their image instead of harming it. But you have to start somewhere, and in perhaps a decade a few stand-out Chinese auto makers will at last make a decent car, pay the big bucks for a proper ad agency to position and brand them, and they will eventually sell proper Chinese-made cars here in the USA. It sounds crazy now, but no crazier than telling 1955 Doc Brown that in just a few decades, Car and Driver Magazine would have a 10 Best Cars list that includes three cars from Japan (1985 Honda: Accord, Civic/CRX and Prelude). In my own lifetime I've seen Korean cars go from oddities to top sellers. So IMHO I'm betting the same can happen with China. Some day, your kids may want Chinese lettering on the vinyl stickers they proudly display on their super-smart, super-efficient CDM rides. Ni hao, mei guo!

All this automotive navel gazing spooled up within me this week when King Motorsports posted up a classic collection of Mugen logos and emblems from the mid 80's. This single full color catalog page reads a bit like the Rosetta Stone of the Mugen logo. The logos featured here bridge a certain visual branding language gap, capturing a precise moment of Mugen's visual identity transition from the 70's to what they would use in the 90's.

On this single page you'll find the well-established, classic kanji-focused stickers and emblems-- but you ALSO see some of their early uses of the red-gold-black stripes integrated with the logo. The san-serif version of the badge has transitioned nicely into the metal, tilted parallelogram badge they use today.

By the 90's the red-gold-black stripes were common in the printed logos, usually in the minimized dashes they still use today.

I love this terrific window banner that is properly curved to the shape of the glass and tucks the Mugen kanji into the black color bar.

Here is the full catalog page scan. Right-click to see the high res version.

And someday you'll have this exchange with your son:

You: No wonder the super e-motor volt booster you got off Taobao isn't working. It says, "Made in China."

Your kid: What do you mean, Dad? All the best stuff is made in China.

You: Dangit!

** Check out all of the currently available Mugen emblems and stickers at the King Motorsports online store. **

Today we're taking a look at the factory tuned Civic Type-R that Mugen unleashed on the Honda community in 2009. Based on the 2008 FD2 Civic Type-R, the Mugen Civic RR Advanced Concept was upgraded and enhanced to the point that its performance even rivals Mugen's Civic Type RR model released in 2007.

Basically every panel that could be removed has been replaced with carbon fiber. Engine upgraded. Suspension, brakes and tires beefed up. New aero created. Titanium components added. The result: 2414 lbs, 260 hp NA 2.2L K-series and a 1:04.096 lap run @ Tsukuba Circuit (YouTube video).

This page shows a closer look at some of the weight savings of the Advanced Concept. The CFRP doors are so light they are actually difficult to shut! Just amazing ...

So how does the Mugen RR Advanced Concept stack up on the track in comparison to a Civic Type R and Mugen Civic RR? Lap times for Tsukuba Circuit are below:

Civic Type R: 01:07"494 (March 15, 2007)

Mugen Civic RR: 01:06"688 (March 15, 2007)

Mugen RR Advanced: 01:04"906 (December 5, 2008)

Check out the Tsukuba Circuit time attack telemetry from the RR Advanced Concept. When Mugen say their parts are track-proven, they mean it. Right-click see the image larger.

The heart of the Mugen Civic RR Advanced Concept is the bespoke Mugen 2.2L engine producing 260 hp @ 8250 RPM! We like the Recaro/Mugen RR seats, yellow dash gauge and shout-out to the Mugen Time Machine Wristwatch. Right-click see the image larger.

How does horsepower compare?

Civic Type R: 225 hp

Mugen Civic RR: 240 hp

Mugen RR Advanced: 260 hp

Here's Mugen's display for the Advanced Concept at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon. The individual components are laid out in that familiar, meticulous OCD fashion we all love.

(Image courtesy of speedhunters.com)

See a gallery of detailed track and action shots of the Advanced Concept over at Nippon News.

Check out the currently available performance parts for the FD2 Civic and Type R at our online store!

It's EG Friday here at King Motorsports! Here's our roundup of Mugen EG models and the parts offered at the time! Above is the Mugen EG hatch with NR-10 wheels. Below is Mugen's red sedan with MR-5's.

The catalog offers additional details for the aero parts and a unique sports exhaust system called the Aero Exhaust.

More images from the catalog show wheel, valve cover, exhaust, steering wheel and suspension possibilities for both the EG hatch and sedan ...

This is the first-gen Aero Exhaust, which Mugen made specifically for the EG Civic. As usual, Mugen includes all the mounting hardware and bits to ensure a perfect fitment.

This streamlined and slim exhaust design was later replaced with the Mugen Twin Loop design around 1996. A version of the Aero Exhaust is also popular with the EF Civic crowd.

And here's how the Aero Exhaust looks bolted up under the EG sedan! We love how Mugen used to badge these exhaust systems. "If you care enough to look down here, then we want you to know this car is equipped with Mugen AWESOME."

And here's the exhaust on the Mugen EG hatch (thx Gerado D. for the find):

You can see all of our currently available performance parts for the EG Civic on our online store.

One of our favorite Hondas is the DC2 Type R (DC2R). Mugen fitted new aero and performance parts to improve upon Honda's already formidable track-worthy Integra Type R. The aero kit fits the JDM front clip and features an aggressive, taller wing. Bronze 16" MF10 wheels and suspension upgrades make sure this lightweight Integra transfers power from the Mugen-equipped motor to the pavement.

Three-quarters rear view: clean, simple and functional!

This Mugen sketch illustrates the aerodynamic theories supporting the bold design of Mugen's functional aero body parts for the DC2R. We love how the Mugen front bumper cover and hood work together to pull hot air out of the engine compartment.

Theory is put to the test in an aero analysis in a full scale wind tunnel. Form follows function!

The Mugen intake and exhaust manifold for the DC2R!

See our currently available performance parts for the 1994-2001 Integra (DC2) in our online store!

Poll any driver of a Honda B Series what their favorite exhaust system is and you're likely to hear "Mugen Twin Loop" as a top pick.

Here are a few rare pictures of the genuine Twin Loop as seen in Mugen's showroom in Tokyo.

In this cutaway you can see that the pipes are looped back through muffler chamber a second time. The theory behind this unique muffle is based on low frequency sound waves canceling the high frequency sound waves. Because this dampens the sound so effectively, the muffler can be very unrestricted and still be nice and quiet. The tone of the Mugen Twin Loop is truly amazing -- almost musical!

Here is a cutaway of the Mugen center resonator. The workmanship is brilliant!

You can check out the currently available Mugen exhaust components in our online store.

Today we're taking you on a short tour of the Mugen exhaust/header fabrication shop. Located behind the main showroom in Tokyo, this ultra clean and efficient facility is where all the Mugen headers and exhausts are fabricated.

All Mugen exhausts and headers are constructed from polished T304 stainless steel, including all attachment points. T304 is considered the best steel available for corrosion resistance and all-around toughness. The flanges are cast stainless steel and use OEM gaskets and hardware for a precision fit.

Each exhaust and header is TIG welded on an extremely robust jig to ensure absolute perfect fitment.

Here a center resonator is packed with sound deadening material before being welded to the B pipe:

The finished product is racked before being packed up for shipping. This represents a typical production run of B Series headers.

You can check out the currently available Mugen exhaust components in our online store. You can also order a custom header made by King Motorsports. In the tradition of the Mugen headers, the dyno-proven King headers are hand-fabricated with T304 steel for any H, B or K Series and built for perfect fit and maximum horsepower gains.

In late November we posted up pictures of the prep and loading of a special Mugen shipment leaving Tokyo. We're happy to say that the shipment has officially arrived to our facility here in Wisconsin, USA!

Although this shipment contains a variety of Mugen parts, the lion's share of the cargo allocation was for the FRP Mugen S2000 hardtops. We've already pre-sold most of this shipment's hardtops and they will head out to customers very soon. The remaining hardtops will go fast so if you've been eyeing one of these quality pieces, now's a good time to order since (for now) they are in stock and ready to ship!

Here are pics of this latest Mugen shipment, freshly unloaded in the warehouse area of our facility! You're looking at ten Mugen S2000 hardtops, Mugen wheels, Mugen SS S2000 bumpers, DC5 aero and more ...

There are few Honda enthusiasts who don't have a soft spot in their hearts for the CRX. We found a few rare pics in our photo archives of Mugen's influence on the first-gen CRX in the 1980's.

Here is one of the two Mugen prototype CRX's built for American Honda in 1984. These cars were used as a test bed to develop parts for the American market. Some of you may have never seen CF-48 wheels with the aero discs installed on them. So few aero discs have survived the years.

Test fitting the Mugen exhaust to a brand new CRX Si in 1986 at American Honda in CA. Damn- they were cool....We always loved the way the Mugen kanji badge peeked out from under the bumper!

The Mugen CRX (called the "CR-X" in Japan) demonstrated the huge tuning potential of the Honda platform and from that, a whole generation of Honda tuner enthusiasts were born!

We love the white on white look with the racing red equator line and clean gray door graphics!

When it was introduced in 1984, the CRX turned the automotive world upside down. A small, efficient package that punched far above its weight. The simple addition of a set of Koni shocks and a set of 175/70/13 Yokohama A001R tires would turn any CRX or Civic into a world-class handler with just enough horsepower to surprise the many unsuspecting driver of "marque" cars...

The Mugen body kit accentuates the simple design of the CRX without being over-styled.

The Mugen SCCA GT-4 CRX. This race car was very important step in Mugen history, as it introduced Mugen to the American market. It was designed and built in 1984 by the Special Projects division of American Honda in Gardena, CA.

This team was led by Dix Erickson, Charlie Curnutt and Mugen lead engineer Takashi Uno. The 1.5 EW engine was designed and produced by Mugen and produced 165hp. Design features included a dry sump lubrication and twin 45DCOE Weber carbs on a Mugen intake manifold. The transmission was a close ration 5 speed also designed and built by Mugen.

This car destroyed the GT-4 competition and won several SCCA National Championships between 1985 and 1989.

Yes- Mugen had arrived.....

Here is the exhaust manifold for the GT-4 CRX being made at Mugen. The Mugen technician that built this exhaust manifold also built all the early Honda F1 exhaust manifolds!

Here is a finished Mugen GT-4 exhaust manifold. Amazing craftsmanship!

Here is a very rare picture of the Mugen GT-4 CRX at a pre-race season test session. Notice no decals, numbers or race markings yet- early days in its life as a racer!

Update 8/14/2012: An old friend from American Honda "Special Projects Department" stopped by yesterday and dropped off some really great old articles on the Mugen GT-4 CRX. Check out this one from the 1985 Runoffs edition Sports Car Magazine:

Update 10/19/2012: Below are scans from an article about the SCCA GT-4 RACING PROJECT. The race car was a key promotion for the launch of Mugen performance parts in the US. It was quick, biblically quick ...

Here's the text of the article and specs:

The 1984 American Honda Motor (A.H.M.) and Mugen jointly decided to enter into Sports Car Club of America GT-4 racing using the Honda CRX. The CRX is the car that Honda produced as their second generation sports car. When the CRX started rolling off the production assembly line, A.H.M. and Mugen started making race plans. Mugen took care of engines and drive trains, and A.H.M. took charge of the suspension and body works, which were done by Dix Erickson and the Special Project Team.

In 1984 two prototype engines were made and sent to the United States. The engines were tested in the stock CRX body. Based on those prototype engines, 3 race engines were built by Mugen's Formula-II racing team. The engines were equipped with a dry sump lubrication system. This project was completed within two months. Even though they primarily worked on Formula-II V-6 engines, the team really enjoyed developing this in-line 4 cylinder engine.

Meanwhile, Dix Erickson's team was hard at work, stripping down the CRX and installing the roll cage. They believed in the CRX's potential and left the standard suspension layout on it. They did not use tube frame construction for the same reason. The body was painted in traditionaly Mugen colors.

In May 1985 the car won its very first race at Road Atlanta. After that, gears, exhaust systems, brakes, wheels, and suspensions were continually refined. In 1985 Doug Peterson won the National Championship in GT-4 driving the CRX and 1986 Parker Johnstone won the National Championship in GT-4 driving the Mugen CRX.

"On August 8th, 1985 we went Carlsbad Raceway with Mugen GT-4 car to attend SCCA National race. There we saw several GT-1, 2, 3 cars, and our GT-4 CRX had to race with them. But by Doug's Driving, at the qualifying Mugen CRX beat big cars and got the pole position. During the race it was repeated again, Mugen CRX finished First and became the overall winner."

QUALIFYING RESULTS

POSITION - CLASS - CAR - DRIVER

1 - GT-4 - MUGEN CRX - DOUG PETERSON

2 - GT-2 - FERRARI 308-GTB - HOWARD F. PYNN

3 - GT-1 - CHEV CORVETT - JIM DOUGHTY

4 - GT-3 - DATSUN 200 SX - JOE CARR

5 - GT-4 - DATSUN 510 - DEREK MCKESSON

6 - GT-1 - CHEV CAMARO - DAN CROFT

DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

NAME: MUGEN XA-1 USR

TYPE OF ENGINE: IN-LINE 4 OHC 12-VALVE

DISPLACEMENT: 1529cc

BORE x STROKE: 75 X 86.5

COMPRESSION RATIO: 12.3 : 1

HORSEPOWER: over 165ps / 7800rpm

TORQUE: 17.0kg-m / 6000rpm

CARBURETION: WEBER SIDE DRAFT 45-DCOE

IGNITION: C.D.I.

WEIGHT: 111kg (with T/M)

GEAR RATIO:

1ST 1.824

2ND 1.474

3RD 1.227

4TH 1.047

5TH 0.920

FINAL:

4.067

4.267

4.429

Update 12/4/2012: We found this super rare photo of the Mugen SCCA GT-4 CRX race engine in our archives! The Mugen engine code for this engine was XA1 USR. 1592cc with a 75mm bore and a 86.5 mm stroke at 12.3:1 compression with dry sump lubrication, this engine made over 165 PS @ 7800 rpm. At first Webber 45 DCOE carbs were used, then switched to Mikuni 44 PHH. The Mugen GT-4 CRX dominated SCCA GT-4 competition for many years......

Right-click the image to see a larger version of this work of art!

How do you start a journey of over 6000 miles? With a single step!

New Mugen parts are shipped to us directly from Tokyo, Japan. This particular shipment includes ten S2000 hardtops and various other body parts (such as for the DC5). There are countless boxes to track, load up, and transport ... many people are involved in thinking through the logistics. The containers are transported by our partners like Vantec World Transport. By the time we ship these Mugen parts to you, they will have traveled thousands of miles over land and sea. 

These pictures come from a shipment scheduled to arrive to our facility in New Berlin, Wisconsin on or about December 26, 2012. It will take about 5 weeks in all for the parts to complete their journey.

Thanks to our friends at Mugen for snapping these pics of the trucks getting loaded up!

Get your orders in soon for these high quality FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) Mugen S2000 hardtops! Once they arrive at our facility in late December they will be ready to ship out ASAP to your door.

We've dug up a few additional pictures of these high quality hardtops, shown here on the Mugen S2000 Prototype. This prototype features a CRFP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) hardtop, which is identical to the production FRP hardtop -- the only difference is the construction material.

The unpainted Mugen hardtop and hood create a stunning contrast on Spa Yellow!