2011 Honda MUGEN CR-Z Hybrid prototype

The faster and more powerful MUGEN CR-Z prototype is being developed as a joint project between Honda UK and Mugen Euro, and it will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July. Based on the Honda CR-Z Type R Hybrid is development by MUGEN Euro. Which division is readying a “highly-tuned” version of the CR-Z that it claims will deliver “Type R-like” performance.

Tuning MUGEN CR-Z is being crafted as a one-off prototype with no plans for a production version, we’ll remind you that’s what Honda said when it introduced the 240HP Civic Type R Mugen in 2009 which ended up in a limited production for Europe.

2011 Honda MUGEN CR-Z Hybrid Type R prototype will feature modifications to both the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and the Honda IMA system to boost power and torque, adding that these changes may also result in greater mpg and lower CO2 emissions during some conditions.

Other performance upgrades will include bespoke brakes and a tuned suspension while Mugen will also make use of lightweight components such as a carbon fibre bonnet and forged alloys to lower the overall mass.

“This will be one quick hybrid,” said Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda UK. “With more torque, more power and MUGEN’s experience of working with Honda cars, we’re expecting great things. It promises to show how hybrid cars can be even more exciting to drive.”

In addition to performance, Mugen will treat the CR-Z with a new body kit that includes new front and rear bumpers as well as a rear wing and diffuser to improve aerodynamics.

“We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z,” says Hiro Toyoda of MUGEN Euro. “It is already a fun car to drive, with an excellent chassis, but we thought that with more power and enhanced torque delivery it could be even more exciting. However, as with all MUGEN projects, we have stayed true to the Honda design and philosophy, and the electric motor is still a vital ingredient to boost performance and economy.”