Honda tuner Mugen is set to finally deliver a properly hot version of the CR-Z hybrid coupe at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July - and it has today revealed that the new car will be supercharged.
The tuned version of the hybrid coupe is expected to produce around 198bhp (Civic Type R levels), and 181lb ft of torque (significantly more than Civic Type R levels). The car retains the Honda IMA electric motor and the original 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which has been rebuilt to Mugen spec by Northamptonshire-based Mugen Euro with bespoke upgraded and strengthened internal components.
"The idea was to use the significant advantage of the early torque provided by the Honda IMA electric motor, then increase the torque available from the petrol engine gradually, to first maintain and then increase this," says Colin Whittamore from Mugen Euro. "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, integrated and powerful driving experience."
Plenty of work has also gone on with the Chassis and body, too: there are five-step adjustable dampers fitted front and rear, an increase in track width and a large reduction in overall weight, as well as bigger brake discs and four-pot monobloc calipers.
