As much as we like the idea of the K20A in the Fit Dynamite, it is a far too preposterous proposition in terms of cost, time, and ease of installation, not to mention that the added power is offset by the horrendous weight distribution caused by the extra heft of .5 liters of displacement. The Spec-D uses the stock 1.5L engine with only minor mods such as a Mugen Special air intake, Dual Silencer exhaust, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel pump. But there is one major mod on this L15A: an Ogura Special supercharger that bumps output to 143 hp @ 5800 rpm with only 5.8 psi of boost.
A supercharger on a Mugen car seems so wrong, like a supermodel without a coke habit. Mugen is known for its "N/A is best" philosophy even though the company may have first gained prominence with the Honda City Turbo. According to our new best friend in Asaka City, Naoki Tashiro of M-Tec's marketing section, "The supercharger is regarded as one possibility, but not to be recognized as a kit for sale. If there is any possibility it will be sold as one part of the Spec-D." Yes, Mugen Sports fans, these guys are hoping to sell the Spec-D as a complete car.
These sentiments were echoed in Mugen's TAS info sheet. "Mugen has a dream to produce a 'Special Honda car' as a complete car on the real streets, which casts a reflection of our accumulated technologies and passion as an engine maker, a motorsports constructor and a Honda tuner as well."
With this in mind it's easy to see how the Spec-D is an evolved version of the Dynamite with more potential to make it to market. The Dynamite's excessive 282mm big Brembos have given way to the Spec-D's Mugen Special Hi-Performance rotors, pads, and Micromesh lines which maximize the performance of the factory stoppers. While the Spec-D's Special aero kit is 20mm wider than the factory Fit it is 30mm less so than that of the Dynamite. The lack of a Flat Bottom Silencer Diffuser and the fully functional carbon fiber brake cooling intakes on the front of the Spec-D also make this one easier to live with on a daily basis. Surprisingly the Spec-D retains the 17-inch sized wheel package although it flosses Mugen's GP wheels in a Gun Metallic finish. Inside the Spec-D's upgrades are subtle but sweet with the factory seats reskinned with a Mugen Special covering and the "Characteristic Three-Eyes meter" atop the center stack of the dash.
Whether Mugen will sell a turn-key Spec-Dm remains to be seen but the tuner already offers a wealth of parts that should be compatible with the USDM Fit. Be it a complete car or one with a fine selection of tuning bits you can't go wrong by choosing Mugen Power.