The hottest hybrid yet
THE HOTTEST HYBRID YET
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.
