Mugen’s Latest Honda CR-Z Adds Supercharger, Offers 197 Horsepower

[MikeCR-Z]

Mugen’s Latest Honda CR-Z Adds Supercharger, Offers 197 Horsepower

We first heard about Mugen’s Honda CR-Z project last month, which was welcome news for those who were disappointed with the stock CR-Z’s “sporty” performance. At that point, details on the project were mostly speculation, but we now have new info on Mugen’s plans to improve the CR-Z’s performance credentials.
First off, a supercharger has been stuffed under the hood. While it doesn’t provide the 200+ horsepower Mugen claimed last month, the blower does increase the stock 1.5-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC engine’s horsepower output from 112 to 184 horsepower. Torque increases from 107 to 123 foot-pounds. MUGEN states that the Integrated Motor Assist electric motor will remain untouched and will continue to put out 13 horsepower and 58 foot-pound of torque. Combined, that’s 197hp/181 lb-ft compared to stock engine’s output of 125hp/165 lb-ft.

To ensure transitions between electric and gasoline power remain smooth, Mugen has developed a mysterious system it dubs iCF system. Mugen reps have shied away from offering a clear answer to the system’s workings or purpose, but it appears iCF staggers the electric motor’s torque delivery in a way to provide a smooth, seamless wall of torque. Mugen Euro’s Colin Whittamore suggests the system “gives a smooth and integrated powerful driving experience,” but until we actually staggers the 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 and integrated powerful driving experience,” said Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro.

We first tested the CR-Z last year and were somewhat disenchanted with its handling, which felt far more hybrid than hot hatch. Luckily, handling is one of Mugen’s specialties, and the latest take on the CR-Z wears 5-step adjustable dampers, an increase in track width, and lightweight 17-inch forged Mugen GP aluminum wheels.

The bad news? MUGEN still claims this is only a prototype, and at this stage, there are still no firm plans for production. Still, the fact they have continued to work on the CR-Z project and have released some solid performance figures leaves us hopeful that this hopped-up hybrid may eventually — perhaps even soon — become reality.

Article Found At: Mugen’s Latest Honda CR-Z Adds Supercharger, Offers 197 Horsepower - Rumor Central

[kronzonly]

Nice. I want a Mugen SC.

[gomarlins3]

Price? Typo as well- not 165 tq. stock. 123 is stock, correct?

[TCroly]

The HP and torque numbers are misstated. As we all know, since the ICE and the electric motor reach their peak HP and torque numbers at different rpms, it is not simply a matter of adding the peak outputs from each power source to come up with a peak total.

The effects of the super charger would have to be fully plotted to determine total power. With this misstatement it would appear that Mugen is very early in this development and is way off from producing a consumer ready fully proven product.

[Talk2meGOOSE]

197 in that tiny car though...
That'd be fun.

I'm under the impression that with the electric motor it allows you to apply near-instantaneous full torque, and keep it hitting hard through acceleration.

I also believe the confusion with the horsepower typo is that the electric motor adds horsepower (makes the engine work harder). I've seen both of the stats a few times on different sites. Some rate it just the internal combustion motor, others rate it with the electric motor "piggy-backing" it.

Though, I'm no expert...

[VTEC Mini]

This would be sweet. Coming from Mugen though it will probably cost just as much as the car.

[gomarlins3]

Originally Posted by VTEC Mini

This would be sweet. Coming from Mugen though it will probably cost just as much as the car.

Good call.

[JCRZ]

Ct engineering is looking at the cr-z now so maybe a sc for a decent price who knows?

[HCR-Z9251]

Originally Posted by MikeCR-Z

Mugen’s Latest Honda CR-Z Adds Supercharger, Offers 197 Horsepower

We first heard about Mugen’s Honda CR-Z project last month, which was welcome news for those who were disappointed with the stock CR-Z’s “sporty” performance. At that point, details on the project were mostly speculation, but we now have new info on Mugen’s plans to improve the CR-Z’s performance credentials.
First off, a supercharger has been stuffed under the hood. While it doesn’t provide the 200+ horsepower Mugen claimed last month, the blower does increase the stock 1.5-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC engine’s horsepower output from 112 to 184 horsepower. Torque increases from 107 to 123 foot-pounds. MUGEN states that the Integrated Motor Assist electric motor will remain untouched and will continue to put out 13 horsepower and 58 foot-pound of torque. Combined, that’s 197hp/181 lb-ft compared to stock engine’s output of 125hp/165 lb-ft.

To ensure transitions between electric and gasoline power remain smooth, Mugen has developed a mysterious system it dubs iCF system. Mugen reps have shied away from offering a clear answer to the system’s workings or purpose, but it appears iCF staggers the electric motor’s torque delivery in a way to provide a smooth, seamless wall of torque. Mugen Euro’s Colin Whittamore suggests the system “gives a smooth and integrated powerful driving experience,” but until we actually staggers the 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 and integrated powerful driving experience,” said Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro.

We first tested the CR-Z last year and were somewhat disenchanted with its handling, which felt far more hybrid than hot hatch. Luckily, handling is one of Mugen’s specialties, and the latest take on the CR-Z wears 5-step adjustable dampers, an increase in track width, and lightweight 17-inch forged Mugen GP aluminum wheels.

The bad news? MUGEN still claims this is only a prototype, and at this stage, there are still no firm plans for production. Still, the fact they have continued to work on the CR-Z project and have released some solid performance figures leaves us hopeful that this hopped-up hybrid may eventually — perhaps even soon — become reality.

Article Found At: Mugen’s Latest Honda CR-Z Adds Supercharger, Offers 197 Horsepower - Rumor Central

Thanks...

Some have mentioned price. It won't be mid 20s +$. First thing that came to mind was Hirotoshi.

That was ugly turned into a link. My bad. So I fixed it.

To you I say "Thank You" some how I believe you can make the CRz fly. I would be happy though if we see the good stuff "GT" version come to America.

I will be first on the list to test drive a GT version "Sports Hybrid".

First Class just got better with a "supercharger" for you and me.

-Roger

[dr61]

I'm interested in the "5-step adjustable dampers". Hope they become available.