Honda's Supercharged CR-Z Mugen Officially Unveiled

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Honda’s CR-Z hybrid sports coupe has only received ok reviews, mainly because it doesn’t really have that much “sport” under the hood. Mugen has responded to that criticism with the CR-Z Mugen.

Honda (UK) and Mugen have teamed up to create an even sportier CR-Z, the CR-Z Mugen and here are the first official photos. The CR-V Mugen is based on the standard CR-Z and still retains a hybrid powertrain. In order to increase its overall performance, the CR-Z Mugen gets a supercharger bolted onto its 1.5L IMA setup. The final output is expected to be 197 horsepower with 0-60 mph times around the same as the Civic Type R.

The CR-Z Mugen will be officially unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. Although the CR-Z Mugen is technically a concept, there have been reports that Honda is working on a turbocharged production CR-Z.

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PRESS RELEASE:

FIRST IMAGES OF CR-Z MUGEN REVEALED

Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro have revealed the first official photographs of the CR-Z MUGEN – the higher-performance hybrid coupe.

Development of the supercharged Honda CR-Z is on track, with performance figures already looking promising.

Early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine have given 0-60mph times around that of the Civic Type R.

After a further 15 per cent increase in power over this ‘stage 1’ engine and with over 50kg reduced from the chassis, overall performance is set to meet MUGEN’s original targets.

“Early fuel consumption tests have also been encouraging,” says Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro. “We’ve retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50+mpg in ‘eco’ mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special ‘MUGEN’ mode.”