Honda Mugen CRZ
This is the Honda CR-Z Mugen complete with supercharged engine. Mugen was aiming to equal the Civic Type R’s performance and it certainly feels as though that’s the case. This Honda CR-Z Mugen is as quick as it looks. There’s no extra power from the electric motor. The performance comes from supercharging the engine, which now produces 197bhp instead of the standard car’s 122bhp.
The idea of a hot Honda CR-Z Mugen is exciting, especially the novelty of one that retains its hybrid technology. Not for green reasons, but because it is fascinating to see what can be done with the technology.
The flawed chassis and steering would be easy to put right. After all, we’ve been fiddling with dampers, springs and geometry almost since the birth of the car.
Honda Mugen CRZ Black Gold
Honda Mugen CRZ Orange
It’s a novelty to drive a quick Honda that has strong torque (thanks to the hybrid IMA system) from as low as 1000rpm. Plenty of midnight oil has been burnt over the task of integrating the IMA system’s electronics with the now substantially more powerful combustion engine. Clever stuff.
What’s needed now is a similar level of graft on the chassis. The steering needs to be the first port of call. There’s an absurd amount of self-centring – so much so that you need to be careful not to let the wheel slip through your fingers as you pull out of junctions or you’ll end up on the wrong side of the road. Unsurprisingly, this trait doesn’t do a lot for cornering feel.
Next job on the list is to do some further work on the chassis. With the extremely sticky Yokohamas and a wider track, there’s no shortage of grip. What’s lacking is responsiveness; Mugen’s chassis crew need to spend some quality time with a Clio 200 Cup to see that handling is not just down to outright grip.
Honda Mugen CRZ With Supercharged Engine
Honda CR-Z Mugen Specs & Prices
Price: na; Top speed: 135mph (est); 0-60mph: 6.5sec (est); Economy: na; CO2: na; Kerb weight: 1148kg; Engine: 4 cyls, 1497cc, supercharged, petrol, plus electric motor; Power: 197bhp at 6300rpm (est); Torque: 190lb ft at 5000rpm (est); Gearbox: 6-spd manual
Interior Honda Mugen CRZ
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