Mugen Launches Production Version of Supercharged Honda CR-Z RZ [19 Photos]

Something tells us that what Mugen has prepared is what Honda fans wanted the CR-Z to be from the beginning.

Over the past year or so, Honda’s official tuning arm presented several concepts of a faster CR-Z and this is the final production model.

The car’s official moniker is the ‘Honda CR-Z MUGEN RZ’ of which only 300 examples will be built and sold by Mugen exclusively in Japan, starting from November 26, with prices to be announced.

At the heart of the RZ lies a modified version of the stock model’s IMA Hybrid powerplant that places a supercharger to the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine to lift its output to 154hp (156PS) and 185Nm (136 lb-ft).

An electric motor provides an extra 20hp (20PS) and 78Nm (58 lb-ft) for a combined output of 174hp (176PS), up from the regular, pre-facelift model’s 122hp (124PS).

Mugen has not announced acceleration figures for the production model yet, but the concept with the same output numbers was said to complete the 0 to 62mph (100km/h) sprint in 6.1 seconds or 3 seconds faster than the stock 122hp CR-Z.

Besides the engine upgrades that also include a new exhaust system, the CR-Z MUGEN RZ gains uprated suspension and brake systems, while it rides on 17-inch wheels shod in 205/45 R17 Dunlop Direzza ZII performance tires.

You will have no trouble identifying the RZ thanks to Mugen’s aero and styling packages comprising a new front grille trimmed in carbon fiber, a restyling front bumper with a lip spoiler and larger vents on both corners, side skirts, a huge rear wing and a new rear apron with a diffuser.

The cosmetic upgrades continue inside with two-tone sport seats, carbon trim, a special manual gear shifter lever, a numbered plaque on the dashboard and an extra instrument gauge positioned above the center console.

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