- The details continue to trickle out of Honda (U.K.) about its most recent collaboration with Mugen Euro — a 198-horsepower supercharged edition of the CR-Z hybrid.
- Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system has morphed into Mugen's Integrated Centrifugal Forced-induction, or iCF, system.
- An upgraded powertrain, aero body kit, uprated chassis components and extensive use of lightweight materials have transformed the standard CR-Z into a sport compact with performance specs similar to those of the Mugen-tuned Civic Type R.
LONDON — Honda (U.K.) and tuning partner Mugen Euro have issued a full complement of photos — and a few more details — ahead of next month's official unveiling of the one-off CR-Z Mugen at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The photo blast follows last week's release of the first video footage of the car, which was created "to prove hybrid cars can be exciting to drive," according to Honda.
This hybrid appears to have the goods. Starting with Honda's 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine and IMA electric motor, Mugen has bolted on a supercharger, upgraded the electronics, replaced a number of the engine's internal components and added a sport exhaust, resulting in a serious boost in output and torque, to 198 horsepower and 181 pound-feet, respectively. Mugen has dubbed its revamped powertrain iCF, for Integrated Centrifugal Forced-induction.
To take advantage of all that additional power and torque, Mugen has fitted the chassis with such improvements as five-step adjustable shocks, stiffer springs, larger brake discs and four-pot monobloc calipers, 17-inch Mugen GP forged-alloy rims and a limited-slip differential.
The cockpit sports lightweight Recaro sport buckets and Mugen accessories, including temp and pressure gauges, a weighted gear knob and carbon rearview mirror cover.
Naturally, the exterior has been dressed up with a Mugen body kit, which packages front and rear under-spoilers, side skirts and a rear wing. The body has been painted Brilliant Orange Metallic, with carbon-fiber doors and hood contributing to the weight-reduction regimen.
Inside Line says: Although Honda and Mugen say they have no immediate plans to build even a limited edition of the CR-Z Mugen, customers in the U.K. can order a number of the components through authorized dealers.
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jederino says:
10:14 AM, 06/24/2011
I was bummed like many of you about the CR-Z, but then I drove one for a weekend, and it got me thinking. While I was encouraged by the handling and cool tach binnacle with projected speedomter, the CR-Z is an R&D exercise, and I think Honda accepts not making money on it. Like the original XBox, this is a short-term money loser. However, Honda has an eye on their next product, which may knock it out of the park, and with their own brand's technology emphasis. With that in mind, I sense Honda is determined to kick some a** again, and not play by old rules. That could be a good thing.
kjgood says:
11:09 AM, 06/22/2011
And I should care about this car for what reason? I don't know what to say to those commenters that are seeing plenty of normal CR-Zs out on the road, or are selling them well from their dealership. In my part of the world (Western PA), despite at least 6 Honda dealers in the region, I can count on one hand the number of them I've seen on the road since it was introduced. If Honda is trying to convince the market, through this Mugen exercise, that the CR-Z is a relevant performance car, all I can say is "fail!"
Let's be honest here - what mature person over 30 is going to want to be seen in a device like this? And no doubt for the (undisclosed) price of admission, if the Mugen version will ever be available in the US, there will be many other alternatives available that will perform as well or better, and not look so ridiculous.
03zman says:
09:32 AM, 06/22/2011
Until Honda starts building an actual sports car again, I'm going to ignore these faux-attempts at exciting drivers.
roscoe108 says:
06:33 AM, 06/22/2011
Awful lot of wasted PR and advertising real estate for a car that they have "no immediate plans to build." I call BS on that. Honda has been shamed. A souped-up CR-Z is coming. In all its fugly ingloriousness.
ed341 says:
04:54 AM, 06/22/2011
While Hyundai is busy making and improving cars, Honda is messing around making one-off toys with no relevance whatsoever.
Also, I know prices don't translate from the UK to The US 100% but the last Mugen vehicle actually sold was the Mugen Civic Type R, at a whopping ?38,599.
alex38 says:
10:25 PM, 06/21/2011
but i still like the interior. Great job with the steering wheel and shift knob - look sweet..
alex38 says:
09:30 PM, 06/21/2011
rice rocket lovers...REJOICE! geez, what in the world is Honda doing? That rear wing is just silly and that rear valance is not the clean look they were famous for. Could have done better on this
angry_mushroom says:
08:43 PM, 06/21/2011
This car is too silly to be sold in the U.S. Wouldn't mind one, but that exhaust tip has to go. Looks like it'll catch on some debris and rip the entire exhaust off.
ambee514 says:
08:24 PM, 06/21/2011
The cock tease continues. I am still going with no US release, but I expect it to be the equivalent of $35K or $40K
hollowtek says:
08:24 PM, 06/21/2011
I remember mugen saying that the turbo and added performance measures don't take much away from the fuel economy. i'll wait to see it before believing though.