Mugen’s Latest Honda CR-Z Adds Supercharger, Offers 197 Horsepower

We first heard about Mugen’s Honda CR-Z project last month, which was welcome news for those who were disappointed with the stock CR-Z’s “sporty” performance. At that point, details on the project were mostly speculation, but we now have new info on Mugen’s plans to improve the CR-Z’s performance credentials.

First off, a supercharger has been stuffed under the hood. While it doesn’t provide the 200+ horsepower Mugen claimed last month, the blower does increase the stock 1.5-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC engine’s horsepower output from 112 to 184 horsepower. Torque increases from 107 to 123 foot-pounds. MUGEN states that the Integrated Motor Assist electric motor will remain untouched and will continue to put out 13 horsepower and 58 foot-pound of torque. Combined, that’s 197hp/181 lb-ft compared to stock engine’s output of 125hp/165 lb-ft.

To ensure transitions between electric and gasoline power remain smooth, Mugen has developed a mysterious system it dubs iCF system. Mugen reps have shied away from offering a clear answer to the system’s workings or purpose, but it appears iCF staggers the electric motor’s torque delivery in a way to provide a smooth, seamless wall of torque. Mugen Euro’s Colin Whittamore suggests the system “gives a smooth and integrated powerful driving experience,” but until we actually staggers the 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 and integrated powerful driving experience,” said Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro.

We first tested the CR-Z last year and were somewhat disenchanted with its handling, which felt far more hybrid than hot hatch. Luckily, handling is one of Mugen’s specialties, and the latest take on the CR-Z wears 5-step adjustable dampers, an increase in track width, and lightweight 17-inch forged Mugen GP aluminum wheels.

The bad news? MUGEN still claims this is only a prototype, and at this stage, there are still no firm plans for production. Still, the fact they have continued to work on the CR-Z project and have released some solid performance figures leaves us hopeful that this hopped-up hybrid may eventually — perhaps even soon — become reality.

Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/mugen-continues-work-honda-cr-project-42719.html

The Original, Hand built, Honda Civic Type R Mugen Concept Finds an Owner

The original Honda Civic Type R Mugen Concept car, a hand-built, dream-about performance creation has now found an owner.

The concept, which was created as a test bed for the 20 units built by Honda’s race engine-tuning partner Mugen was given away as a prize for a British nationwide draw that celebrates the automaker’s presence in the British Touring Car Championship. The vehicle comes with a high-reving 2.0 liter naturally aspirated powerplant that delivers 240 hp and is worth over 60,000 pounds.

The out of this world hot hatch was handed over to the Jim Morgan from Manchester at the Silverstone circuit, where the winner met Honda’s BTCC drivers Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden. Subsequently, Morgan was offered a tour of the Mugen workshops in Northampton, also meeting the team of specialist that brought the compact monster to life.

“I still can’t quite believe I’ve won this unbelievable concept car," said Jim. "To meet Matt and Gordon, rocket around Silverstone in a Type R, and talk to the guys who built my car was incredible! Seeing how this the Type R MUGEN was built really gives you a feel for how special it is: the guys at MUGEN have put everything they’ve got into this car,”

"It really is a great car to drive; perfectly well behaved around town but with a fantastic response to a heavy right foot! I feel extremely lucky," the winner added.

Honda offers a limited edition Civic Type R Mugen finished in Championship White paint, which is based on the concept car that now belongs to Morgan.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/honda-civic-type-r-mugen-concept-finds-an-owner-26737.html