One of the most exclusive and explosive hot hatches of recent years has been given an extra dose of MUGEN power.
The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN debuted in 2010 to near-universal acclaim, and a 20-strong limited edition production run of the hand-built, motorsport-derived machines went on sale to UK enthusiasts.
MUGEN of Japan has built a CR-Z MUGEN RR design concept to demonstrate MUGEN's capabilities in terms of function, style, performance and agility. The CR-Z MUGEN RR was produced by M-TEC in Japan for show purposes only and there are currently no plans for further production.
The CR-Z MUGEN RR has been created with many bespoke prototype parts, several of which are created in carbon fibre, including the bonnet, passenger doors and rear tailgate. Other features unique to the car include a full length carbon-fibre underbody, a twin central-exit exhaust, vented front bumpers and race-developed suspension. Orange 4-piston monobloc brake calipers and forged 18-inch alloy wheels both complement the vibrant Valencia Orange Pearl exterior paint work.
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.
The CR-Z MUGEN is to be supercharged and deliver around 200PS. MUGEN Euro's tuned Honda CR-Z remains on course for its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
MUGEN has revealed that the high-performance CR-Z hybrid will use a supercharger to deliver over 50 per cent more power and torque from the Honda's petrol-electric drivetrain. The tuned version of the hybrid coupe is expected to produce around 200PS, and 181lb.ft of torque, with significantly enhanced performance throughout the rev range. The car retains the Honda IMA electric motor and the original 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which has been rebuilt to MUGEN specification with bespoke upgraded and strengthened internal components.
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.
Mugen Motorsports, Honda's tuning division, is set to release a hardcore Civic Type RR later this year - heralding plans to enhance Honda's entire model range.
Based on the high-revving three-door UK-spec Civic Type-R, the Type RR features a 240bhp engine and track-focused cabin. It is expected to look a lot like the original Civic Type-R concept, revealed in 2006.