Honda factory tuning house and racing arm. Founded 1973 by Hirotoshi Honda (son of Soichiro Honda). Famous for Civic Type R Mugen, NSX-R, and racing engines.
Mugen (無限, "without limit") is a Japanese tuning house and racing partner for Honda, founded in 1973 by Hirotoshi Honda (son of Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motor Company). Although Mugen is technically independent of Honda, the tight personal and engineering relationships between the two companies have made Mugen the de facto factory tuning arm for many Honda performance products.
Mugen has produced parts and complete vehicles across decades of Honda models. Iconic Mugen products include the Civic Type R Mugen RR (a 240 horsepower limited edition Civic), the NSX-R Mugen, the Mugen Civic Type Euro Edition (FN2 Mugen), and various racing engines used in Formula 3, Formula 1, and various touring car series. Mugen Civic Si and Type R parts (lip kits, exhausts, wheels) are particularly desirable in tuner culture.
Mugen is also a successful racing operation. The company won multiple Formula 3 championships, supplied engines to Lotus and Tyrrell in Formula 1, and operates extensive testing programs. Mugen-tuned engines have powered numerous racing victories. The brand commands respect in the Honda enthusiast community comparable to AMG within the Mercedes-Benz community.