CR-Z Mugen revealed

18th May 2011

The hot hybrid has landed. As we originally predicted, Honda has created a rocketship out of its petrol-electric, hybrid engined CR-Z coupé, and it’s all down to a team of Brits.

Working out of Northampton, Honda performance tuner Mugen Euro has added a supercharger to the
1.5-litre engine with the aim of matching the performance of the recently discontinued Civic Type R.

That achieved 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds, and the team says the test version has already passed that, thanks to a hike in power to 200bhp and 245Nm of torque.

Amazingly, the maker claims it’s as frugal as the standard CR-Z, which returns 56mpg combined.

Weight has been cut, thanks to the use of lighter components such as a carbon fibre bonnet and doors.

Meanwhile, upgraded brakes and suspension with adjustable dampers should give the car the handling to match its straight-line performance.

This is a one-off, but Mugen Euro says it will be able to supply CR-Z owners with a complete kit.

“It’s designed to be a package. To turn it into a production item won’t be the biggest job in the world,” project manager Colin Whittamore said. Much of the bodykit is already available at Mugen outlets in the UK.

The Honda CR-Z Mugen will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.