Automobiles Review

Tag: Honda Mugen

  • 2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN Price – £24 000

    The 2012 Honda CR-Z Mugen will hit the UK market in spring 2012. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but are expected to be approximately £24 000.

    The manufacturer had a successful programme launch at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it has joined forces with Mugen Euro, to launch a 130+mph sports hybrid CR-Z, boasting Civic Type R performance.

    CR-Z Mugen is powered by a supercharged 1.5 liter petrol engine and an electric motor. The overall power is 175PS (129 kW), which is almost 50% more power than the standard car. The pocket rocket hybrid marks the strengthening of the engineering partnership between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro following the limited edition Civic Type R MUGEN in 2010.

    The results are thanks to a centrifugal forced air induction system, charge-air cooler and induction system and importantly, a MUGEN Euro-mapped ECU. The performance is more than satisfying, especially for a hybrid – 0 to100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, which is over 3 seconds quicker than the standard car.

    “MUGEN Euro magic has created a super responsive yet eco-conscious model building on our sporting credentials and giving us the ability to compete in the “hot hatch” marketplace as we move into 2012.”, commented Martin Moll, Head of Honda (UK) marketing.

    2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN
    2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN
    2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN
    2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN
    2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN

    Source: Honda

  • Honda CR-Z MUGEN – first official images

    Honda and Mugen EU have revealed the first official images of the CR-Z Mugen. The project is to create the higher-performance hybrid coupe, which is suitable for both – race track and everyday driving.

    However, the supercharged Honda CR-Z is expected to have staggering performance qualities. Not only in straight line, but in the corners, too. Early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine have given 0 to 100 km/h times around that of the Civic Type R, which is just perfect considering the fuel consumption.

    There will be a 15% increasing in power over this “Stage 1” engine. Furthermore, the hybrid coupe will lose over 50kg from the chassis and the overall performance is set to meet MUGEN’s original targets.

    “Early fuel consumption tests have also been encouraging,” commented Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro.

    “We’ve retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50+mpg in ‘eco’ mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special ‘MUGEN’ mode.”, he finished.

    2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN

    2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN
    2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN
    2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN

    Source: Honda

  • Honda CR-Z MUGEN prototype sketch

    Mugen Euro is developing a high-performance Honda CR-Z. The goal is to deliver “Type R-like” performance from the hybrid’s powertrain. So, the customers will receive driving pleasure at decent price.

    Honda CR-Z MUGEN is expected to have its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, this year.

    CR-Z is powered by a 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engine and a small electric motor. Mugen variant will feature enhancements to both, while bespoke brakes and suspension will be fitted to improve the chassis dynamics.

    CR-Z Mugen will also feature a lightweight components – a carbon fibre bonnet and MUGEN alloy wheels.

    “We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z,” commented 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.”, he added.

    However, Honda CR-Z MUGEN is being developed purely as a one-off prototype, with no plans for a series production.

    Honda CR-Z MUGEN prototype
    Honda CR-Z MUGEN prototype

    source: Honda

  • Tuned Honda CR-Zs at the 2010 SEMA Auto Show

    Honda presented whole bunch of tuned CR-Zs at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Actually, the vehicles are twelve and they will boast huge rims, sport packages and a lot of horse power under the bonnets.

    One of the most interesting is the CR-Z MUGEN, which includes an aggressive body kit, a revised grille, a big rear wing and 17” aluminum wheels.

    The interior has an aluminum shift knob and a unique serial-number plaque. The car will be limited to just 300 units and the first cars will be available to buy in the spring of 2011. (more…)

  • Honda Civic Type R Mugen 200 at Silverstone on 22 August

    Honda Civic Type R Mugen 200 is a real hot hatchback, which has a lot of fans all over the world. The brand is bringing together fans of the high performance car at a special event at Silverstone race track this month on 22 August.

    Special guests will be Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden from the Honda Racing Team.

    The fans will have the chance to experience the track for themselves in a „Lap of Honour” to commemorate the Type R. (more…)

  • Honda CR-Z and Type-R Mugen at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

    The Goodwood Festival of Speed will start from 2 July to 4th next month. The route of the event includes the world famous Goodwood Hillclimb.

    Honda Racing Team will be joined by Jonathan Rea and Eugene Laverty to race with BTCC-prepared Civic. Two Honda cars will be available for members of the public to drive at the Moving Motor Show on 1 July.

    The first one is Honda CR-Z sport hybrid, which delivers extraordinary driving experience with low fuel consumption and emissions and the second is a true hot hatch – Honda Civic Type R MUGEN, one of only 20 being made. (more…)