The gist of it has been known for quite some time now but Honda have now come clean with some juicy details and interesting information regarding the Mugen CR-Z that promises to spice up the hybrid hatch.
The basic approach to the one-off project was to demonstrate that hybrids aren’t mundane means as a solution from getting from A to B, the can be heaps of fun to drive too. Honda wanted the Mugen CR-Z to produce Civic Type-R performance but still maintain its eco-friendly character, just like the standard CR-Z.
A total of three different driving modes allows the cars characteristics to be switched by the driver. Eco mode puts the car into a stage of efficiency while Normal mode gives it a bit more go for everyday driving conditions. The final mode, the Mugen mode, unleashes the weekend warrior settings that will help the car live up to its predecessor, the legendary CR-X.
Motivation still comes from the standard 1.5-liter mill that is mated to an IMA electric motor. However, the internals of the engine have been rebuilt with upgraded and strengthened components. That is necessary to handle the added stress from the Mugen iCF system, or Integrated Centrifugal Forced-Induction, more commonly known to laymen like us as a supercharger.
Working together with the petrol engine and electric motor, the entire setup manages to coax a 50 per cent increase in power and torque over the regular model. Power stands at 197hp while peak torque has been recorded at 215Nm.
In a state of ‘mid-tune,’ as the Mugen engineers put it, the Mugen CR-Z comes very close to the century sprint time of the Civic Type-R, which is 6.6-seconds. With a further Stage 1 tune on the powertrain and a further 50kg reduction in weight, the engineers are expecting it to be quicker than the Civic Type-R.
Despite all the tuning, the Mugen CR-Z still manages to return less than 8 liter for every 100km in Mugen mode. Switch it to Eco mode and the fuel consumption improves further to less than 5.6 liters for every 100km.
Being a proper tuner, Mugen didn’t just focus on power and leave everything else to chance. The rest of the package must be able to handle the additional power. The front and rear tracks were widened while the suspension system was replaced with a stiffer five-step adjustable damper.
Traction will be reigned in with a limited slip differential while stopping will be handled by larger rotors and four-pot calipers.
Exterior wise, a front and rear under spoiler are fitted along with side skirts, a rear wing, carbon fiber bonnet and doors as well as forged Mugen GP lightweight wheels.
Step into the driver’s office and you’ll be greeted by a pair of Recaro sports seats, a carbon rear view mirror and three gauges that monitor water temperature, oil temperature and oil pressure.
Source: CarScoop
...and not to be continued by CRZ?? sad...
