Honda reveals its hot hybrid coupe concept

Honda has shown the first pictures of a supercharged version of its CRZ coupe.

The CR-Z Mugen is a one-off tuning exercise by the specialist tuner that has long worked with Honda, but is being seen by many as the first truly hot hybrid-powered coupe.

According to Colin Whittamore from Mugen Euro, early tests with a car based around the standard CR-Z with an engine tuned to mid level have yielded 0-60mph times comparable to Honda’s signature ‘hot hatch’, the Civic Type-R.

Next step will to increase power by a further 15 per cent and reduce more than 50 kilos from the car’s weight, to meet targets set by Mugen.

Whittamore adds that early fuel consumption tests on the car have also been encouraging, particularly relevant considering hybrid’s eco image. “We’ve retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50-plus mpg in ‘eco’ mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special ‘Mugen’ mode,” he says.

Sadly there are no current plans to put the CR-Z Mugen into production. A Honda spokeswoman tells Car and Van News that the car is designed to demonstrate the possibilities of hybrid power, and that it can be sporty as well as eco-friendly.

Words by: Andrew Charman