Mugen Honda CR-Z planned?

Mugen could be planning a tuned version of the new Honda CR-Z Hybrid

It’s reported that Mugen are planning a modified, performance version of the new Honda CR-Z Hybrid revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Update Feb 2010: There is indeed going to be a Mugen Honda CR-Z. Sort of.

Mugen do fast Hondas. They’ve finally revealed that there will be a new Mugen Honda Civic Type R for the UK, priced at a fairly hefty £38,599. But no comes news that seems almost oxymoronic – a Mugen Honda CR-Z.

It’s been reported that Mugen are considering what the future holds for them now that the world is getting obsessed by ‘Green’ issues. They’re obviously concerned that their raison d’etre will disappear in a mass wave of green conscientiousness, so they’re looking to see what the future could be for a performance tuner.

Hiroki Toyoda – Mugen boss in Europe – has said that Mugen are looking at the possibilities of hybrid powertains offering a new opportunity to make performance cars. He said he envisaged the electric motor acting as a turbo on small, low-torque petrol engines to gibe a bit of extra oomph from the off. The CR-Z seems the likeliest possibility for Mugen’s attentions as it does at least have sporting pretensions and a proper gearbox.

Mugen are also working on suspension and body kits for the Euro Accord similar to those produced for the Japanese market, but there are no plans to offer a power boost for this model.

At least there’s a chance mainstream hybrids could get more interesting.