Easily one of the worst-kept secrets in motoring, the Mugen CR-Z has finally been given the official seal of approval by Honda for production.
Japanese tuning outfit Mugen will launch the uprated CR-Z at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed in England, which runs from 30 June to 3 July. The CR-Z's 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor will remain but with changes to improve performance. Mugen also says that new exhaust and induction systems will boost power and possibly even economy.
No power or performance figures have been released by Mugen, but the company says the hot CR-Z will have Type-R-like performance. From this, we can deduce the CR-Z is likely to offer around 160hp that, combined with the CR-Z's low weight, should offer 0-100km/h in around six seconds.
As well as the engine modifications, Mugen will improve the brakes, stiffen the chassis and lower the suspension. Also helping with performance will be a featherweight carbon fibre bonnet, while other components will be built from lightweight materials. A Mugen body kit will offer better aerodynamics.
"This will be one quick hybrid," says Martin Moll, from Honda. "With more torque, more power and Mugen 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."
Hiro Toyoda of Mugen Euro said: "We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z. 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."
No word from Honda about an on-sale date or price, the company claiming the car is simply a one-off design idea at present. However, Honda insiders admit the car is destined for production and possibly on sale in 2012.