Mugen Releases More Details of CR-Z

[AF News Desk]

For those of you looking forward to the release of the new Honda CR-Z, you may find these details on the Mugen-tuned version to be especially appealing (but don't get your hopes up too much as it is currently not planned for production).

According to a report from MotorTrend, the Mugen CR-Z has had a good deal of thought put into the power train to ensure economy and performance.

Originally Posted by Erick Ayapana, MotorTrend - 4/25/11

Photo Courtesy MotorTrend/Mugen
An artist's rendering of the Mugen CR-Z

MUGEN is teasing us again with more details on its souped-up Honda CR-Z project. It first announced the project last month and provided vague specifics while pointing that it was strictly a prototype that won’t see production. We now have the latest scoop on the modifications, which includes the addition of a supercharger to achieve much needed horsepower.

Though it’s not MUGEN’s initial claim of 200+ horsepower, the blower increases the stock 1.5-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC engine’s horsepower output from 112 to 184 horsepower. Torque increases from 107 to 123 foot-pounds. MUGEN states that the Integrated Motor Assist electric motor will remain untouched and will continue to put out 13 horsepower and 58 foot-pound of torque. Combined, that’s 197hp/181 lb-ft compared to stock engine’s output of 125hp/165 lb-ft.

To make sure the transitions between electric and gasoline power remain smooth, MUGEN has developed an iCF system. “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 and integrated powerful driving experience,” said Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro.

We first tested the CR-Z last year and were disappointed with its poor driving characteristics that were a far cry from the iconic CRX Si from the past. Luckily, handling is one of MUGEN’s specialties and they have enhanced the CR-Z’s sporting abilities with 5-step adjustable dampers, an increase in track width and a reduction of weight thanks to 17-inch forged MUGEN GP alloy wheels.

The bad news? MUGEN still claims this is only a prototype with no plans for production. But the fact they have continued to work on the CR-Z project and have released some solid performance figures leaves us hopeful that it may eventually become a reality.


Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/details-mu...#ixzz1L8H9pqvj

An interesting read about what sounds like a fun drive. The question becomes, will they put it into production?

Would YOU buy a Mugen CR-Z if it hit mass production? Why or why not?