With development of the new Honda CR-Z Mugen concept nearing its end, the Japanese automaker decided it’s time to release the first visuals of the supercharged hybrid model before its world premiere at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
The prototype CR-Z is the collaborative work of Honda UK and its in-house tuning shop Mugen Euro. The hotted-up hybrid sports car feature modifications to the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine with the addition of a supercharger, as well as to the Honda IMA system. Mugen remains tightlipped at present over output numbers, but given that the regular model delivers a combined output of 91 kW, the supercharged model should flirt with the 147 kW mark.
“Performance figures already look promising for this supercharged Honda CR-Z, as early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine giving 0-60mph times around that of the Civic Type R,” Honda said in a statement. The Mugen Euro has also tuned the chassis for improved performance, with the car now running on a wider track, new suspension and brakes, as well as having shed around 50 kgs thanks to use of carbon fibre – most notably on the bonnet.
