Having been the powerplant of choice for tuners and motorsport competitors the world over, in addition to being the engine fitted to some of Honda's best work in recent years, the venerable K20 is no more. The free-revving naturally aspirated unit could not live up to environmental pressures and production of the engine has ceased in Japan.

This has seen Northampton-based Mugen Euro scouring the warehouses for a handful of remaining K20s on which to base a fitting tribute to the engine. The result of the search and a lot of hard work is a 2.2-litre, 256bhp and 177lb.ft engine that will be fitted to the already hot Mugen Type R, to create a car christened the Honda Civic Type R Mugen 2.2.

Based on 2010's Honda Civic Type R Mugen, the new car features Mugen designed sports suspension, uprated brakes and a performance bodykit and is said to be the ultimate expression of the Honda Civic Type R philosophy.

Plans for the 2.2 car have yet to be finalised. Of the limited edition cars launched in 2010, four remain unsold and Mugen Euro could offer them with the new 2.2-litre engine. Existing owners of the Type R Mugen could also be invited to return their cars for an upgrade.

Paul Healy - 8 Sep 2011