Honda CR-Z Mugen Concept (2011) [Reviews]

Euro Mugen has developed a refined version of the Honda CR-Z, whose goal is to provide 200PS and 215Nm of torque by increasing the gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain

The project's objective was to demonstrate the hybrid cars can be exciting to drive, with the production of "Civic Type-R as a" performance hybrid coupe, but a sympathetic, however, the direction of the original Honda CR-Z.

"We wanted a true performance car that is available at the touch of a button, but can perform just like the CR-Z and offer good fuel economy, when the driver wants," says Colin Whittamore by Mugen Euro . "For this reason, we have three driving modes, so the driver can select the" eco "or" normal weekend "to move the economy and lower emissions on a daily basis to drive, but press the full Mugen "Warrior" settings "

The car retains both the Honda IMA electric motor and gasoline engine original 1.5-liter i-VTEC, which was rebuilt to the specifications Mugen how to improve and strengthen the internal components.

"When we approached this program we contemplated what to do with Honda IMA system and the response was immediate and obvious - to exploit and develop," says Whittamore.

The addition of forced induction centrifugal under the hood makes the CR-Z Honda Mugen deliver power more than 50 percent of the training pair and Honda gasoline-electric car.

To provide a fully integrated power and smooth, Mugen Mugen Euro has developed the ICF, an acronym for Integrated centrifugal pumps Mugen forced induction, which allows all elements of electro-mechanical systems, including forced air intake, the IMA engine and the gasoline engine, to work in harmony.

"The idea was to use the considerable advantage of moments in the first IMA Honda engine power and engine torque increase gradually," says Whittamore.

ICF and the electronic update Mugen very neat to be a map of AMI to the power and torque, driving smoothly, integrated and efficient.

"I must say that when we all jumped on the Mugen Honda CR-Z, welcomed us all," says Whittamore. "And 'what we are looking for. And the best part is that you can still use the CR-Z that customers could be identified."

Mugen Honda CR-Z need to visually different enough attention, but thin enough aesthetically pleasing. Mugen also wanted to show the quality of its parts, offering a solution that enhances and complements the original design of the CR-Z in accordance with the philosophy of quality costume Mugen shares of the original manufacturer and assembly.

Additions to the exterior of the car including the front and rear Mugen as spoilers, side skirts, rear spoiler and 17-inch forged aluminum wheels Mugen GP light. Carbon fiber hood and doors not only to reduce the total weight of the car, but increase the sporty look, while striking bright orange Metallic paint provides the finishing touch.

The interior of the car continues on the sports theme, with Recaro sport seats and light Mugen accessories, including a weighted shift knob and rear view mirror cover carbon. It helps the screen of the meter and record the water temperature and oil pressure and oil. These discs are capable of showing this in detail finer than OEM read-outs and allow the driver to easily see the rapid changes or fluctuations in difficult driving conditions. They can also be used to warn the driver if one of the values ??that are not custom presets.


How is the increase in power achieved?

Mugen took advantage of a couple with the electric motor at low speeds, and built on this induction increased by using a compressor to supply the electric motor torque peaked, resulting in a flatter curve and more torque. This means that more torque is available throughout the rev range.

Even if the electric motor of less than 20 PS participates in the overall power, makes this almost immediately, producing its maximum torque between 1,000 and 1,500 rpm. However, if the production car, which causes torsion occurs in less than 25 percent of the engine range, with Mugen performance ICF does not fall into this stage - as a power / torque graph of "Phase 1": a lounge.

The first tests of the prototype is based on standard CR-Z and half to stage the engine is 0-62 mph time that the Civic Type R official time 6.6 seconds. Up to an additional increase of 15 percent in power to become the "Stage 1" and the engine has been reduced by about 50kg platform, overall performance is achieving the objectives of the original type R Mugen.

How does the CR-Z Honda Mugen differ from the standard Honda CR-Z?

Mugen stripped and rebuilt the engine to improve durability and reliability under load increased and added supercharged forced induction to give more power and a flatter torque curve up.

As well as improvements under the hood, Mugen has used a wide Motorsport Honda Tuning and experience in the development of chassis dynamics of the 5-step adjustable shock absorbers installed in the front and rear, and the increase of the roadway. The sport was added to support the engine breathing, and the weight of the frame has been reduced to help the management and acceleration / deceleration. The suspension also improves roll control, while 17-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels and Mugen GP allow large tires without excessive weight gain is not suspended, it promotes a better grip and response and to maximize the benefits of differential lock that was added. Larger brake discs with 4 piston monobloc to help stop this car powerful.

Complement the increased power was added to the Mugen body kits including a buffer under-skirts, grille, side skirts and rear wing and carbon fiber hood and doors give the car a hard, which is responsible for its strong credentials.

How much does a car lighter than the CR-Z?

Mugen Honda CR-Z is 50 kg lighter than the standard model which, when combined with the power of withdrawal, give the car impressive power on the weight approaching 5.4:1.

This was achieved using the full dry carbon fiber hood and doors, which will significantly reduce the weight, as well as the replacement of the front seats lightweight racing versions, and remove the rear passenger seats.

Some of the components to increase the weight of the car, but to gain a place in their specific quality. The front calipers are a good example. As 4-piston calipers provide excellent stopping power and fade minimum the shoe, even after prolonged heavy use, and is made entirely in one piece, the installation is very rigid, coherent links between the disc and from the beginning.

What changes in the suspension?

Mugen is an advanced suspension system in two different directions:

The car will spend most of their time in the "fast track" suspension that is designed to provide better handling on the road without being too difficult for passengers. The springs are stiffer than the standard, but are controlled by the 5-way adjustable dampers, which are based on commercially available products Mugen and control the movement of the chassis, both in compression and extension. Mugen has also expanded the width of the track in front of the car to improve stability during weight transfer during cornering and to help lower the center of gravity.

Although not originally presented focused on the car track day, Mugen is intended racedeveloped suspension components originally used in Motegi circuit in Japan to develop in parallel with track-partial suspension, which, although much more rigid than the road that leads to further limit roll, and vertical movement, is consistent with the flat surfaces of most circuits.

I can buy one?

Mugen Honda CR-Z is a pure concept car at this stage, designed to demonstrate the potential and versatility of the Honda IMA system, no confirmed plans for future production. Mugen and Honda (UK) will examine the media and customer feedback before deciding next steps.