By Steve & Tamami Laser
Honda’s display at the annual Tokyo Auto Salon custom car show always draws huge crowds – and it looks like the 2016 edition will offer something for everyone.
Catering to legions of fans in the performance and modified car, van and bike markets, Honda will also show some of its racing vehicles that ride on two wheels and four.
With the European Civic Type R preparing to launch in Japan, MUGEN (M-TEC Co. Ltd.) and Modulo (Honda’s customization brand) plan to introduce performance parts and accessories to make the car even hotter.
MUGEN says its parts for this Civic Type R Concept were developed to further improve aerodynamic performance, and are based on the expertise that MUGEN has gained from motorsports and development through repeated wind tunnel trials. We’ll have to wait for more details on the upgrades from MUGEN at the show.
The Honda S660 launched earlier this year in Japan evokes classic Honda roadsters of the past while featuring a modern 660cc DOHC Turbo engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox or CVT with paddle shifters. This MUGEN RA Prototype takes it to the next level with its super-clean looking parts and accessories upgrades.
Honda’s new generation StepWGN was launched in Japan this year with a 1.5-liter direct-injection VTEC Turbo engine plus an innovative twin-function “Waku Waku Gate” at the rear that opens like a door or tailgate. This MUGEN StepWGN Spada is customized to give it even greater distinction.
Does the Honda Vezel look familiar? It’s the Japanese market cousin to the Honda HR-V that’s sold in the U.S. and elsewhere. MUGEN dresses up the Vezel for the Auto Salon with a bright red paint scheme and new sporty visual cues.
Honda’s Modulo offers its own Civic Type R accessories shown in the photos above and below. The lineup includes forged wheels, carbon-style exterior treatments, LED foglights, and red accents.
The interior of the Civic Type R is pretty spicy direct from the factory. Modulo offers upgrades to increase the fun factor with an enhanced steering wheel, carbon trim throughout the cabin, upgraded floor mats, door sills, infotainment system and speakers.
There’s no denying the fact that the S660 could use a little extra cargo space. This Modulo S660 Study Model is fitted with a special lightweight roof-rack and luggage carrier for overnight excursions, while a speaker upgrade inside the cabin helps the driver and passenger enjoy the journey along the way.
Modulo is set to show its own customized version of the Honda StepWGN Spada. We can see in the photo above that it offers front fascia enhancements, performance wheels, a lower body kit and other upgrades.
Honda’s Concept CB that made its debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show builds on the CB1100 sporting a traditional air-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC inline-4 engine, while gaining LEDs, a short two-chamber structure muffler, flange-free process fuel tank, pressed aluminum side covers and nicely integrated flashes of chrome.
MUGEN developed this Shinden Yon racing bike to participate in the 2015 Isle of Man TT Zero event. The electric powertrain features an oil-cooled, 3-phase brushless motor with laminate-type Lithium-ion batteries. If the lack of a performance exhaust fails to attract attention, the paint scheme should do the trick.
The McLaren Honda F1 team’s MP4-30 will also be on display at the Honda exhibit. The race car is fitted with Honda’s 1.5-liter V6 engine, the RA615H, and an integrated hybrid engine recovery system.
Honda also plans to display this NSX Concept-GT, a racing machine for the SUPER GT Series. Along with a mid-mounted 2.0L inline direct-injection 4-cylinder turbo engine, it’s equipped with a racing hybrid system.
Honda production models featured in this story are for the Japanese market. Modifications, parts and accessories are subject to change without notice.
News source and photos courtesy of Honda Motor Co. Ltd., and M-TEC Co. Ltd.
Story (commentary) © 2015 CarNichiWa.com