Honda, the producer of motorbikes and motorcars, has teamed up with Mugen, the Japanese motor sport company, in order to introduce a new hybrid hot rod special, called the Honda CR-Z Mugen. The green racer car from these two stalwarts looks better than the banzai 2009 Civic Type R Mugen, and it also sets new definitions to the race car treatment. However, we don’t expect this to be the best sports car of the year since Honda is supposed to release an even more powerful racer special machine this year.
The car comes with a regular 1.5 i-VTEC engine and it develops a high horsepower of 113bhp, while Mugen’s bolting on a super charger and at the same time getting rid of the IMA hybrid system for nearly 200 bhp and 181lb ft. And with the development and advancement in technology, there has been a reduction of 50kg in weight since the unnecessary heft has been removed by Mugen, to make the CR-Z a more agile machine. The bonnet is very specially made from carbon fiber and the wheels are made of Mugen alloys, which are very light in weight.
The tests have also revealed that this machine is way faster when it comes to pick up. Tests with a prototype car that is based on a standard CR-Z along with a mid-tune engine have given results of 0-60mph in around 6.6sec, which is regarded as one of the quickest in the market today.
Mugen Euro is one of Honda brand’s European wings, which is based in Northampton, England. We’ll be knowing more on this aspect when we see the Honda CR-Z car for the first time ever, at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Until then, anticipation will be in the air.
