Honda CR-Z Mugen concept (2011): first photos

[MikeCR-Z]

Honda CR-Z Mugen concept (2011): first photos

Honda has teamed up with Mugen again for a new hotrod special - but this one's a hybrid. The new Honda CR-Z Mugen is a slightly more ecologically sound proposition than the banzai 2009 Civic Type R Mugen, and brings the race car treatment to Honda's hybrid coupe.

However, at this stage it's a one-off prototype, with no firm commitment to build even a limited run. Reading between the lines, we'd say it's likely that Honda will launch a sportier version to tap into the latent demand for rabid Hondas.

How much quicker is the Honda CR-Z Mugen?

The regular 1.5 i-VTEC engine develops 113bhp, while Mugen's bolting on a supercharger and fettling the IMA hybrid system for nearer 200bhp and 181lb ft. And Mugen's dieticians have stripped out 50kg of unnecessary heft, to make the CR-Z more agile. The bonnet is made from carbonfibre while the wheels are lightweight Mugen alloys.

You may pile some of that weight back on with the whopping front and rear spoilers, but Mugen claims improved aero drag. It's also fettling the brakes and suspension.

'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,' says the blurb issued overnight. Sounds like 0-60mph in around 6.6sec then.

Won't a supercharged CR-Z totally remove the point of having a hybrid?

'Early fuel consumption tests have been encouraging,' claims Colin Whittamore from Mugen Euro, the go-faster Honda brand's European wing based in Northampton.

'We've retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50+mpg in Eco mode to mid-30mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special Mugen mode.'

We'll know more when we see the car for the first time at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Full Article At: Honda CR-Z Mugen concept (2011): first photos | Automotive & Motoring News | Car Magazine Online

[TinTin]

looks good! but i still hate their exhaust tip. Looks super cheezy

[CRX-SiRT]

Wouldn't this be more of a reality then a concept? At lease the aero kit is available so is the exhaust and suspension. If they do add the supercharger, they should make it an option for those who have already purchased the car. That just my opinion.

[716atHeart]

Just read this on Jalopnik.. Very cool, but I'm interested to see where they are going to try and price it. "Too Much" comes to mind.. considering Just the Mugen kit installed by the dealer is $5k+

I would be more interested if you could get the performance upgrade and no Mugen bits.. I am not a fan of any of the exterior bits except the front spoiler.


I like the idea of the S/C kit released separately. Sign me up.

[MattB]

Originally Posted by 716atHeart

Just read this on Jalopnik.. Very cool, but I'm interested to see where they are going to try and price it. "Too Much" comes to mind.. considering Just the Mugen kit installed by the dealer is $5k+

I would be more interested if you could get the performance upgrade and no Mugen bits.. I am not a fan of any of the exterior bits except the front spoiler.


I like the idea of the S/C kit released separately. Sign me up.

I agree with this completely. I don't care for the appearance stuff, in particular the rear wing and exhaust tip, but I'm definitely on board if that supercharger comes out.

Anyone know what the deal is with the seats? Are they going to offer factory recaros, or was that just done as a proof of concept?

[GoHuskies]

Originally Posted by 716atHeart

I like the idea of the S/C kit released separately. Sign me up.

I'm guessing $5000 ballpark with 20% of the price being for the Mugen stickers.

[smallfun]

Hey guys, just saw this article on Autoblog and though I'd share.

Mugen releases first photos of its supercharged Honda CR-Z Autoblog

How much do you think something like this would go for?

[dantep67]

Prob your left arm, right leg and your first born

[Master_FOB]

Originally Posted by dantep67

Prob your left arm, right leg and your first born

lol...and that's just the first installment
but seriously, it looks interesting though.

[VTEC Mini]

There will always be buyers for it, but I expect a price between $35- $40K easy. This is Mugen we are talking about.