Carscoop: Euro Mugen building custom High Performance CR-Z Hybrid

One of the biggest problems most see with Honda’s CR-Z hybrid sport hatch is the lack of a performance version. That may change soon enough as Mugen’s European division is readying a “highly-tuned” version of the CR-Z that it claims will deliver “Type R-like” performance. The faster and more powerful CR-Z Mugen prototype is being developed as a joint project between Honda UK and Mugen Euro, and it will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July.

“This will be one quick hybrid,” said Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda UK. “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.”

Honda said that the CR-Z MUGEN prototype will feature modifications to both the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and the Honda IMA system to boost power and torque, adding that these changes may also result in greater mpg and lower CO2 emissions during some conditions. Final power, torque and fuel economy figures are not yet known.

Other performance upgrades will include bespoke brakes and a tuned suspension while Mugen will also make use of lightweight components such as a carbon fibre bonnet and forged alloys to lower the overall mass.

Furthermore, Mugen will treat the CR-Z with a new body kit that includes new front and rear bumpers as well as a rear wing and diffuser to improve aerodynamics.

“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.”

Even though at this stage, the CR-Z MUGEN is being crafted as a one-off prototype with no plans for a production version, we’ll remind you that’s what Honda said when it introduced the 240HP Civic Type R Mugen in 2009 which ended up in a limited production for Europe.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/03/mugen-euro-building-high-performance.html

Carscoop: Euro Mugen building custom High Performance CR-Z Hybrid

One of the biggest problems most see with Honda’s CR-Z hybrid sport hatch is the lack of a performance version. That may change soon enough as Mugen’s European division is readying a “highly-tuned” version of the CR-Z that it claims will deliver “Type R-like” performance. The faster and more powerful CR-Z Mugen prototype is being developed as a joint project between Honda UK and Mugen Euro, and it will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July.

“This will be one quick hybrid,” said Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda UK. “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.”

Honda said that the CR-Z MUGEN prototype will feature modifications to both the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and the Honda IMA system to boost power and torque, adding that these changes may also result in greater mpg and lower CO2 emissions during some conditions. Final power, torque and fuel economy figures are not yet known.

Other performance upgrades will include bespoke brakes and a tuned suspension while Mugen will also make use of lightweight components such as a carbon fibre bonnet and forged alloys to lower the overall mass.

Furthermore, Mugen will treat the CR-Z with a new body kit that includes new front and rear bumpers as well as a rear wing and diffuser to improve aerodynamics.

“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.”

Even though at this stage, the CR-Z MUGEN is being crafted as a one-off prototype with no plans for a production version, we’ll remind you that’s what Honda said when it introduced the 240HP Civic Type R Mugen in 2009 which ended up in a limited production for Europe.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/03/mugen-euro-building-high-performance.html

Honda has Prius in sight

HONDA is embarking on a four-car hybrid program with a range of new petrol/electric models scheduled for launch here before the end of 2012. They started this week with the five-door Insight and continue next year with the CRZ hybrid sports coupe, Jazz hybrid and then the new generation Civic hybrid some time in 2012.

All will feature a similar parallel hybrid powertrain based around a 1.3 or 1.5-litre single cam, petrol four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing coupled to an electric motor for what Honda calls integrated motor assist.

Essentially Honda hybrids run on their petrol engine with assistance when accelerating from an electric motor fed by a battery pack and electric control unit between the rear wheels.

Honda Insight is a direct competitor for Toyota’s slightly larger Prius which has a 1.8-litre petrol engine hooked up to an electric motor. The Prius has 100kW whereas the Insight has 72kW.

It drives the front wheels via a constantly variable transmission and uses regenerative braking and deceleration to charge the battery pack which, in the Insight’s case, is optimized for size and weight tipping the scales at a mere 38kg complete with the electronic control module. Honda says Insight is 37 per cent more economical than a conventional petrol-powered car of similar size generating considerably less emissions rated at 109g/km of carbon dioxide. Insight gets 4.6 litres/100km fuel consumption Honda’s most frugal vehicle.

It’s designed for smooth aerodynamics outside and convenience inside with a family Honda look to the controls based around a convex dash and Civic type wheel.

Seats for five are provided inside with a good size load space expandable after folding the rear seats. The spare is a space saver.

Honda fits Insight with an economy assist system that “coaches” the driver to drive economically through the use of a multi-coloured speedo and a “reward” system. The car can also be set-up for maximum fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Used carefully, up to 20 per cent fuel savings are possible.

Apart from the hybrid powertrain Insight is fairly conventional underneath with a strut front suspension, simple torsion beam rear and electric power steering. The chassis is optimized for strength and crash protection. Insight’s nickel metal hydride battery is designed to last 15 years or 240,000km and a replacement, if needed, costs $1850.

Two models are available; the VTi at $29,990 and the VTi-L at $33,990.

The base model is well equipped, and so is the high grade version which gains auto wipers, 16-inch alloys, fog lights, satellite navigation, rear view camera and other goodies.

Both have a five-star Australasian new car assessment program crash rating and are manufactured in Japan.

On the road, Insight is a bit like driving your average 1.6-litre hatch except that is has start/stop at idle and hardly makes the fuel gauge move. Dynamics are quite sporty so the drive experience is rewarding with reasonable acceleration.

It’s comfortable over a longish time and makes minimal noise or vibration.

Though it’s noble to be “green”, we think Insight buyers are going to appreciate the car’s fuel economy above all else and the fact that it’s many thousands of dollars less than Toyota Prius.

Source;
http://sydney-central.whereilive.com.au/lifestyle/story/honda-has-prius-in-sight/

Honda has Prius in sight

HONDA is embarking on a four-car hybrid program with a range of new petrol/electric models scheduled for launch here before the end of 2012. They started this week with the five-door Insight and continue next year with the CRZ hybrid sports coupe, Jazz hybrid and then the new generation Civic hybrid some time in 2012.

All will feature a similar parallel hybrid powertrain based around a 1.3 or 1.5-litre single cam, petrol four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing coupled to an electric motor for what Honda calls integrated motor assist.

Essentially Honda hybrids run on their petrol engine with assistance when accelerating from an electric motor fed by a battery pack and electric control unit between the rear wheels.

Honda Insight is a direct competitor for Toyota’s slightly larger Prius which has a 1.8-litre petrol engine hooked up to an electric motor. The Prius has 100kW whereas the Insight has 72kW.

It drives the front wheels via a constantly variable transmission and uses regenerative braking and deceleration to charge the battery pack which, in the Insight’s case, is optimized for size and weight tipping the scales at a mere 38kg complete with the electronic control module. Honda says Insight is 37 per cent more economical than a conventional petrol-powered car of similar size generating considerably less emissions rated at 109g/km of carbon dioxide. Insight gets 4.6 litres/100km fuel consumption Honda’s most frugal vehicle.

It’s designed for smooth aerodynamics outside and convenience inside with a family Honda look to the controls based around a convex dash and Civic type wheel.

Seats for five are provided inside with a good size load space expandable after folding the rear seats. The spare is a space saver.

Honda fits Insight with an economy assist system that “coaches” the driver to drive economically through the use of a multi-coloured speedo and a “reward” system. The car can also be set-up for maximum fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Used carefully, up to 20 per cent fuel savings are possible.

Apart from the hybrid powertrain Insight is fairly conventional underneath with a strut front suspension, simple torsion beam rear and electric power steering. The chassis is optimized for strength and crash protection. Insight’s nickel metal hydride battery is designed to last 15 years or 240,000km and a replacement, if needed, costs $1850.

Two models are available; the VTi at $29,990 and the VTi-L at $33,990.

The base model is well equipped, and so is the high grade version which gains auto wipers, 16-inch alloys, fog lights, satellite navigation, rear view camera and other goodies.

Both have a five-star Australasian new car assessment program crash rating and are manufactured in Japan.

On the road, Insight is a bit like driving your average 1.6-litre hatch except that is has start/stop at idle and hardly makes the fuel gauge move. Dynamics are quite sporty so the drive experience is rewarding with reasonable acceleration.

It’s comfortable over a longish time and makes minimal noise or vibration.

Though it’s noble to be “green”, we think Insight buyers are going to appreciate the car’s fuel economy above all else and the fact that it’s many thousands of dollars less than Toyota Prius.

Source;
http://sydney-central.whereilive.com.au/lifestyle/story/honda-has-prius-in-sight/