MUGEN Euro says the tuned Honda CR-Z will deliver “Type R-like” performance from the hybrid’s petrol-electric powertrain – and maybe even better fuel economy.
The car will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
The 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and the Honda IMA system on the CR-Z MUGEN will have boosted power and torque, while bespoke brakes and suspension will be fitted to improve the chassis dynamics.
The engine changes, and those made to exhaust and induction, may even result in greater mpg and lower CO2 emissions during some conditions, says MUGEN Euro.
Lightweight components, including a carbon fibre bonnet, will be employed to lower the overall weight, and the car will use MUGEN alloy wheels to reduce unsprung mass.
MUGEN body parts will be added, including front and rear bumpers, and a spoiler to improve aerodynamics.
“We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z,” says Hiro Toyoda of MUGEN Euro. “It is already a fun car to drive, with an excellent chassis, but we thought that with more power and enhanced torque delivery it could be even more exciting. However, as with all MUGEN projects, we have stayed true to the Honda design and philosophy, and the electric motor is still a vital ingredient to boost performance and economy.”
At this stage, the CR-Z MUGEN is being developed purely as a one-off prototype, with no plans for a production version.
The CR-Z MUGEN is a joint project between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro – the Northampton-based subsidiary of Honda’s tuning partner MUGEN. In 2009, MUGEN Euro produced the Civic Type R MUGEN, an extreme, 240PS version of Honda hot hatch.
