Mugen Motorsports: Honda Without Limit!

white and black Honda civic type r with red honda badge with cloudy sky in background — Mugen Motorsports power! Classy look for this Honda Civic Type R
Source: Mugen

Mugen Motorsports, commonly known as Mugen, has carved a unique niche in the automotive world, particularly among Honda enthusiasts and motorsport fans. Founded in 1973 by Hirotoshi Honda, the son of Honda Motor Company founder Soichiro Honda, and former Honda engineer Masao Kimura, Mugen was born out of a deep passion for motorsports and a desire to push Honda vehicles beyond their stock capabilities. The name “Mugen,” meaning “Without Limit,” reflects the company’s philosophy of pursuing endless possibilities in performance enhancement. Despite being an independent company, Mugen Motorsports has maintained a close relationship with Honda, enabling it to specialize in tuning and developing parts specifically for Honda vehicles. This partnership has significantly shaped Honda’s performance culture, making Mugen a revered name in the automotive scene.

White and black honda civic driving through a turn on a road with green grass in background — “Without Limits” indeed!
Source: Mugen

One of the most iconic Honda models to benefit from Mugen’s expertise is the Honda Civic. Mugen offers a range of performance parts for the Civic, including upgraded exhaust systems, suspension kits, and aerodynamic components. For instance, the Mugen Civic Type R (FK8) features a specially designed exhaust system that enhances both sound and performance, boosting the car’s already impressive 2.0-liter turbocharged engine by an additional 10-15 horsepower. Mugen also provides a comprehensive aerodynamic kit for the Civic Type R, which includes a front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and a more aggressive rear wing, all designed to improve downforce and stability at high speeds. Additionally, Mugen’s suspension upgrades, including coilover kits, allow for adjustable ride height and damping, significantly improving the car’s handling on both the street and the track.

white and black Honda civic driving fast on the road with green mountains in background

Another Honda model that has been a focus for Mugen is the CR-Z, a hybrid sports coupe. Mugen developed a supercharger kit for the CR-Z, boosting its power output to approximately 197 horsepower and 158 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over the stock figures. The Mugen CR-Z RR concept also featured a comprehensive aerodynamic package, including a front splitter, rear wing, and side skirts, all designed to enhance downforce and reduce drag. In addition to powertrain and aerodynamic upgrades, Mugen offered interior enhancements such as sportier seats and a redesigned steering wheel, along with suspension modifications that included stiffer springs and dampers for improved handling.

Black valve cover next to orange accents and a carbon fiber tube inside of an engine bay — Small hybrid platform, but a whole lot of Mugen power!
Source: Mugen

Orange Honda CRZ driving fast past trees and grass — Mugen Motorsports CRZ, only Mugen could take this economy car and make it exceptional!
Source: Mugen

Mugen’s racing history is equally impressive, particularly its involvement in Formula One. In the early 1990s, Mugen entered F1 as an engine supplier, partnering with teams like Tyrrell, Lotus, and Jordan. Mugen engines quickly gained a reputation for their reliability and power, with notable achievements including Johnny Herbert’s fourth-place finish in the 1994 Brazilian Grand Prix while driving a Mugen-powered Lotus. One of Mugen’s most significant F1 victories came in the 1999 Canadian Grand Prix, where Heinz-Harald Frentzen, driving a Mugen-powered Jordan, claimed victory. Another highlight in Mugen’s F1 history was Damon Hill’s victory in the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, driving a Mugen-Honda powered Jordan in one of the most chaotic races in F1 history.

White and yellow F1 Lotus race car with blue sky in background — *Mugen powered Lotus F1 single seat race car used during the*
1993 – 1994 Brizilian Grand Prix, driven by John Herbert.
Source: Bonhams

White F1 race car with a name written in a black above a British flag — *Source: Bonhams*

Yellow tipped white race car with a rear wing with red letters on it and stickers all over it — *Source: Bonhams*

Yellow and black F1 race car driving past a crowd of spectators — *Source: RM Sothebys*

Black cylinders with a red stripe underneath the block of a yellow race car — *Source: RM Sothebys*

Beyond Formula One, Mugen has also been a dominant force in the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) and Japan’s premier GT racing series, Super GT. Mugen-tuned Honda Civics and Accords have consistently finished at the top of the JTCC standings, showcasing Mugen’s expertise in optimizing vehicle performance for the tight and competitive environment of touring car racing. In Super GT, Mugen has developed and managed Honda NSX race cars in the GT500 class, contributing to Honda’s competitive presence in the series. Mugen’s ability to adapt and innovate has been key to its success in these racing disciplines, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible with Honda’s race cars.

Red and black with green Honda NSX driving fast on racetrack — Honda NSX GT500 with the Castrol Oil livery.
Source: Yoshihide Ashizawa

4 race cars parked next to eachother closely on a race track with clear blue sky in background — NSX, NSX, NSX & NSX!
Source: Dome Museum

From its beginnings as a small tuning company, Mugen Motorsports has grown into a globally recognized name in the automotive and motorsport industries. Its close relationship with Honda has allowed it to create some of the most iconic performance upgrades for Honda vehicles, while its involvement in racing, including Formula One, has cemented its place in motorsport history. Whether on the road or the track, Mugen continues to embody the spirit of “Without Limit,” pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive performance.