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Honda CR-Z Mugen (2011) more details

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

21 April 2011 09:30

This is our first glimpse under the bonnet of the new Honda CR-Z Mugen, as Mugen Euro reveals further details of how it’s going to turn the CR-Z into a hot hybrid hatch.

The promise? Nearly 200bhp and over 180lb ft, increases of around 50% over the standard Honda CR-Z hybrid. Should make for one of the most exciting hybrid sports cars yet.

Knowing Mugen’s speciality with high-revving, naturally aspirated engines, presumably the Honda CR-Z Mugen has a ridiculously tuned VTEC to produce that power?

Er, no. Mugen Euro is actually using a supercharger to deliver the extra power, and the internals of the 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine have been upgraded with bespoke componentry to serve up that substantial increase in output.

The CR-Z Mugen also keeps the CR-Z’s standard IMA integrated motor assist hybrid package, but Mugen Euro has developed its own electronic package to allow the newly upgraded electro-mechanical system to work in harmony.