Mugen Euro working some magic on the CR-Z

The Honda CR-Z hybrid hot hatch was meant to be the spiritual successor of the legendary CRX but all the excitement that surrounded it was left wanting following its launch as the CR-Z wasn’t as fun as the punters had hoped for, even though it was still a damn decent drive.

Mugen’s European division and Honda UK has been working on a highly-tuned version of the CR-Z that, in its own words, ‘will deliver Type R-like performance.’ You can expect a prototype to grace the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July.

“This will be one quick hybrid. With more torque, more power and Mugen’s experience of working with Honda cars, we’re expecting great things. It promises to show how hybrid cars can be even more exciting to drive,” said Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda UK.

Honda UK explained that the Mugen CR-Z will not only have modifications to the 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine but will see the IMA electric motor system get a boost as well to bump up power and torque. They added that the changes could even bring out better fuel economy and lower emissions although exact figures regarding the project aren’t final yet.

Just like the Type R that it seems to line itself up against, bigger brakes and tuned suspension geometry will be part of the package to improve handling and increase driver feedback. Mass will be eliminated as well courtesy of a carbon fiber bonnet and forged alloy wheels.

Cosmetics are as important as performance and the Mugen CR-Z will be fully kitted out with a new front bumper, rear bumper, rear wing and diffuser that will all actually serve to improve aerodynamics.

“We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z. It is already a fun car to drive, with an excellent chassis, but we thought that with more power and enhanced torque delivery it could be even more exciting. However, as with all Mugen projects, we have stayed true to the Honda design and philosophy, and the electric motor is still a vital ingredient to boost performance and economy,” says Hiro Toyoda of Mugen Euro.

You’d best wipe the drool of your face though as the Mugen CR-Z remains a prototype one-off for the time being with no plans for a production version. Nonetheless, that’s precisely the statement Honda issued with the 240hp Civic Type R Mugen back in 2009 that saw it make a limited production run for Europe.