Honda reveals 197bhp hot CR-Z 18 | 05 | 2011

THIS IS THE first official picture of Honda's hardcore hybrid, the Mugen CR-Z. The new model, currently a one-off, has been tuned by Mugen’s UK performance division and will make its public debut at this summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Honda sources have suggested a limited production run of the 197bhp model — which uses regular car’s 1.5-litre petrol engine, but it’s been supercharged and retuned to produce 50% more power and torque — remains a possibility.

And as if the 197bhp figure wasn't attractive enough, the output will be further improved by a contribution from a recalibrated version of the CR-Z’s IMA electric motor. Honda has yet to announce any performance figures.

In addition to a significant reduction in weight, achieved in part through the (very visible) use of a carbonfibre bonnet, the CR-Z also gets chassis mods, including a wider rear track, five-step adjustable dampers all round and larger brakes with four-pot monobloc calipers.

Oh, and there's also the addition of a sizeable rear wing — yeh, you might have missed it in the photograph! — and gauges mounted on top of the fascia.

CLICK HERE to see more photos of the Mugen CR-Z

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Jim McGill