Mugen Euro is preparing an extensive tuning program for the Honda CRZ which will enable to Japanese hybrid to deliver performance levels that are equivalent to ones in the Typa R.
The Mugen Honda CRZ Hybrid will extract its power from a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol unit boosted by automaker’s IMA system, plus the tuner will add upgraded brakes and suspension in order to achieve a more dynamic chassis.
Besides producing more power the engine, exhaust and induction modification performed by Mugen on the Honda CRZ Hybrid could also enable even lower fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. Performance figures remain unspecified, but considering that tuner gave us the Type R as reference, then we expect the Mugen CRZ to produce somewhere close to 240 HP.
At the exterior the some of the upgrades that are also visible in these two schethed photos include a carbon hood, modified bumpers, new side sills, a new diffuser, custom rims and various other lightweight components.
More details regarding the Mugen Honda CRZ Hybrid are available in the official press release below the jump.
Honda press release :
MUGEN EURO to build high-performance Honda CR-Z
MUGEN Euro is developing a highly-tuned version of Honda’s CR-Z,
which will deliver “Type R-like” performance from the hybrid’s
petrol-electric powertrain – and may offer even better fuel economy.
This faster, more powerful car will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
The CR-Z MUGEN will feature enhancements to both the 1.5-litre i-VTEC
petrol engine and the Honda IMA system to boost power and torque, while
bespoke brakes and suspension will be fitted to improve the chassis
dynamics.
The major engine changes, and those made to exhaust and induction, may even result in greater mpg and lower CO2
emissions during some conditions. However, at this early development
stage, final power, torque and fuel economy figures are not yet known.
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.
To improve aerodynamics and give the car an even more sporting look,
MUGEN body parts will be added, including front and rear bumpers, and a
spoiler.
“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.”
The CR-Z MUGEN is a joint project between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro –
the Northampton-based subsidiary of Honda’s long standing tuning partner
MUGEN. In 2009, MUGEN Euro produced the Civic Type R MUGEN, an extreme,
240PS version of Honda popular hot hatch.
“This will be one quick hybrid,” says Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for
Honda (UK). “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.”
At this stage, the CR-Z MUGEN is being developed purely as a one-off prototype, with no plans for a production version.
would like to buy