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!