- Mugen Euro says its one-off tuned Honda CR-Z will be supercharged to deliver 198 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.
- Mugen also has upgraded the suspension and adds an aero body kit.
- The Honda CR-Z Mugen is slated to make its public debut in July at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
LONDON — Mugen Euro says its one-off tuned Honda CR-Z, slated to make its public debut in July at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, will be supercharged to deliver 198 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.
Mugen, Honda's longtime tuning affiliate, released additional details on the hotted-up CR-Z. The car's IMA electric motor and 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder gas engine have been rebuilt to Mugen specs with upgraded and strengthened internal components. The result is a boost of more than 50 percent in output and torque.
Mugen Euro's Colin Whittamore said: "The idea was to use the significant advantage of the early torque provided by the Honda IMA electric motor, then increase the torque available from the petrol engine gradually, to first maintain and then increase this. A supercharger and complementary electronics allow us to very neatly map the IMA to the extra power and torque of the engine in a unique package, giving a smooth, integrated and powerful driving experience."
Mugen also has upgraded handling and performance, fitting adjustable shocks and large disc brakes, increasing track and reducing weight.
Mugen GP 17-inch forged alloy wheels are part of an exterior package that includes front and rear airdams, side skirts and a rear wing.
Inside Line says: Mugen said the car, which is a joint project with Honda (U.K.), remains a one-off with no immediate plans for production.
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k55 says:
09:36 AM, 05/17/2011
motorhead202 says:
01:54 PM, 05/03/2011
Just wondering why would anyone in their right mind buy this car over a Civic SI. Besides the fact this car looks pretty cool for a hybrid it gets horrible gas mileage 2 seats and a underpowered engine. Honda needs to do one of 2 things for this car MORE POWER or MORE MPG
to motorhead----yes I would buy one and am just waiting for another "version" to surface .......In the 80's there were three versions of the CRX......so I wouldnt be surprised if Honda decided to expand the market for this platform and offer a more powerful version. Maybe without the batteries.......
kjgood says:
05:58 AM, 05/05/2011
We can speculate all we want about how Honda could use this as inspiration for a truly sporting production CRZ, but the simple fact is, they just won't, period. They will continue to make the current version, which IMO rather than being a spiritual successor to the CR-X, is more like a modern day VW Type 1 Karmann Ghia - the ultimate sheep in wolf's clothing. Personally, I don't like the zoomy looks of the CRZ in any case (Mugen-ized or not), but the appearance continues to imply performance that Honda resolutely refuses to supply. That will teach those of us suckers that believed NSXs and S-2000s were indicative of a core value of Honda.
90in55 says:
09:42 AM, 05/04/2011
Why can't Honda put out a CR-Z with the K20 engine from the 8th-gen Civic Si? It sounds like an absolute winner, in my humble opinion. I know 197hp is no longer groundbreaking, but perfectly adequate for a light vehicle like the CR-Z. That would be a worthy sucessor to the much loved CRX.
ambee514 says:
05:12 AM, 05/04/2011
That one I would buy, the IMA helps with the low end power, I am willing to bet that is why they kept it. any bets on if it goes to production or not? I am guessing not in the US market anyway
426maxwedge says:
10:25 PM, 05/03/2011
Only 198 HP now... But add a pea-shooter exhaust and fart can muffler and it'll easily make 400 HP. Just ask any ricer kid.
pathos says:
08:02 PM, 05/03/2011
Like most tuned cars, the tuner company didn't release mpg, acceleration, braking and skid pad info.
cz_75 says:
06:41 PM, 05/03/2011
IOW, about what a stock NA K20 produces. BFD.
zeniff says:
06:08 PM, 05/03/2011
Honda, just take out the IMA. It adds too much weight and very little performance advantage. The CR-Z would be an all-around much better vehicle (and cheaper to boot) if not for the IMA. But Honda is more about following the PC van around these days than building great vehicles. Shux.
zeniff says:
06:08 PM, 05/03/2011
Honda, just take out the IMA. It adds too much weight and very little performance advantage. The CR-Z would be an all-around much better vehicle (and cheaper to boot) if not for the IMA. But Honda is more about following the PC van around these days than building great vehicles. Shux.
run_and_drive says:
05:14 PM, 05/03/2011
"Supercharged Honda CR-Z Mugen Will Sport 198 HP"
LOL!
Is this supposed to impress anyone?