The Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ is a rare and special vehicle, representing the peak of the hybrid sport coupe's potential. Officially launched in late 2012, it was a limited-edition "complete car" developed by Mugen, Honda's in-house tuning and racing division.
The main upgrade over the standard CR-Z is the addition of a centrifugal supercharger. This boosted the gasoline engine's output from 120 hp to 156 hp, and when combined with the 20 hp electric motor, the net system output was a total of 174 horsepower. This transformed the driving experience, giving the lightweight coupe the "oomph" many felt it was missing.
To handle the extra power, Mugen didn't just upgrade the engine. They fitted a 5-stage adjustable suspension and a high-performance braking system with larger 300mm front rotors, which improved handling and stopping power significantly.
The Mugen RZ was more than just a performance pack; it was a visual statement. It came exclusively in Azure Blue Metallic and featured an aggressive, wind-tunnel-tested body kit. This included an adjustable front under-spoiler with LED lights, pronounced side skirts, and a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) rear wing.
Inside, the theme continued with blue and black sport seats, a special blue-stitched steering wheel, and a boost gauge mounted on the dashboard so the driver could monitor the supercharger's pressure. The CR-Z Mugen RZ represented the peak of Honda and Mugen's collaboration on the hybrid platform before the model was eventually discontinued. It was a glimpse of what a high-performance hybrid sport coupe could be.
