Honda's hybrid gets the grease

The hybrid CR-Z Mugen could offer Type-R performance. Photo / Supplied

Honda is hotting up its hybrid CR-Z, using its Mugen tuning house to prepare the petrol-electric flyer for its debut at Britain's Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

Like the standard CR-Z, the Mugen model will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, boosted by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system.

However, power to the engine will be upped thanks to improvements to the induction, ECU and exhaust, while the power of the hybrid motor will also be increased. Honda doesn't yet have any performance figures for the new car but claims it'll offer Type-R performance.

The previous Civic Type-R managed the zero to 100km/h sprint in 6.4sec, hit 235km/h and developed 147kW from its 2-litre engine.

The standard CR-Z manages the sprint in in 9.8sec, hits 200km/h flat out and develops a combined 85kW from its hybrid powertrain.

As well as extra power, the Honda thinks that the engine improvements may also boost fuel economy.

Uprated brakes and suspension will also be added to ensure more dynamic handling, while a set of larger Mugen lightweight alloys will be added to reduce unsprung weight.

Cutting the car's mass is an important part of the project. Some unspecified lightweight components will be used, as will a carbon-fibre bonnet.

"We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z," says Hiro Toyoda of Mugen Euro.

"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."

At this stage, the CR-Z Mugen is being developed purely as a one-off prototype, with no plans for a production version.