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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. |
