Honda CR-Z Mugen one-off prototype for Goodwood Festival of Speed

The concept car of the Honda CR-Z Mugen will be revealed in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This car is tuned by the Europe’s Mugen Division. It will be using a supercharger to deliver over 50% more power and torque from the Honda’s IMA drivetrain. Unfortunately, this CR-Z MUGEN is being developed purely as a one-off prototype, with no plans for a production version at this stage.

This Honda CR-Z Mugen is expected to produce around 200PS, and 181lb.ft of torque. 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.

In order to give a fully integrated and smooth power delivery, MUGEN Euro has developed the MUGEN iCF system, which allows all the elements of the electro-mechanical system to work in harmony.

The idea was to use the significant advantage of the early torque provided by the Honda IMA electric motor, then increase the torque available from the petrol engine gradually, to first maintain and then increase this, says Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro. A supercharger 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, integrated and powerful driving experience.

As well as improvements under the bonnet, MUGEN has used its extensive motorsport and Honda tuning experience to further develop the chassis dynamics, with 5-step adjustable dampers fitted front and rear, an increase in track width and a large reduction in overall weight.

With performance enhanced, a bigger brake discs and 4-pot monobloc callipers are in-place. And a set of 17-inch forged alloy MUGEN GP wheels fitted on this hybrid hatchback.

Of course, the Mugen CR-Z gets some decorative enhancements in the form of MUGEN body parts, including front and rear under spoilers, side skirts and a rear wing. We are looking forward this in Goodwood debut.

Photo Gallery: Mugen Honda CR-Z Sketches

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