Honda’s hottest hybrid

Honda is hotting up its hybrid CR-Z. The firm has confirmed that its MUGEN tuned CR-Z will make its debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

Like the standard CR-Z, the MUGEN model will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, boosted by Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system. However, power to the engine will be upped thanks to improvements to the induction, ECU and exhaust, while the power of the hybrid motor will also be increased.

Honda doesn’t yet have any performance figures for the new car, but claims it’ll offer Type-R performance. The previous Civic Type-R managed the 0-60mph sprint in 6.4 seconds, hit 146mph and developed 198bhp from its 2.0-litre engine. 

The current standard CR-Z managed 0-60mph in 9.8 seconds, hits 124mph flat out and develops a combined 112bhp from its hybrid powertrain. As well as extra power, the firm thinks that the engine improvements may also boost fuel economy.

Uprated brakes and suspension will also be added to ensure more dynamic handling, while a set of larger MUGEN lightweight alloys will be added to reduce unsprung weight.

Cutting the car’s mass is an important part of the project. Some unspecified lightweight componenets will be used, as will a carbon fibre bonnet.

A MUGEN bodykit, which features a deeper from bumper, larger side sills, a rear diffuser and large rear wing complete the look.

Honda UK’s marketing boss, Martin Moll, said,  “This will be one quick hybrid… with more torque, more power and MUGEN’s experience of working with Honda cars, we’re expecting great things. It promises to show how hybrid cars can be even more exciting to drive.”

The MUGEN model is being developed in the UK by the firm’s subsidiary, Northampton-based MUGEN Euro. It’s strictly a one-off car for now, but like the 237bhp Civic Type-R MUGEN, which started off as a one-off, a small production run is likely.

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