GreenBkk Auto | Honda Shows Mugen, Race-Prepared 2011 CR-Zs at SEMA Show

Honda Shows Mugen, Race-Prepared 2011 CR-Zs at SEMA Show

The 2011 Honda CR-Z may be a hybrid, but that doesn't preclude it from aftermarket tuning. In fact, no fewer than twelve different customized CR-Zs will be displayed at Honda's stand at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association show this week.

According to Honda, eight of those twelve cars have been tricked out by a number of independent tuning firms and custom shops. In order to showcase a new line of dealer-installed aftermarket accessories, Honda itself decided to build another four cars for the Las Vegas show.

As could be expected, the company's Mugen tuning wing didn't sit on the sidelines -- instead, it used the trade show to display a new limited-edition accessory package for the hybrid hatchback. Mugen's CR-Z treatment includes a full body kit, a custom front grille, a rear wing spoiler, 17-inch wheels, unique floor mats and emblems, an aluminum shift knob, and a billet oil filler cap. Pricing for the package has yet to be announced, but Honda says only 300 of the complete kits will be offered in North America.

Also rooted in reality is the CR-Z hatchback fitted with a handful of parts from Honda's official accessories catalog. Although the car is mild when compared to the Mugen CR-Z, parts -- including 17-inch wheels, a rear diffuser, and illuminated door sill scuff plates -- may allow buyers to further personalize their vehicular purchase.

Neither car, however, offers any improvement upon the CR-Z's performance -- but two show cars do. The CR-Z Hybrid R show car is Honda's vision of what a Type R CR-Z could possible resemble. The CR-Z's 1.5-liter I-4 is blessed with a turbocharger and a boosted hybrid system, allowing the car to throw down roughly 200 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Other enhancements include a wild body kit, limited-slip differential, and upgraded Brembo brakes.

Road racers may instead be more interested in the CR-Z Racer, developed by Honda's Performance Development department. For the most part, the Z racer is nearly identical to the Hybrid R show car, but HPD has fully prepared the car for tackling a road course. The interior is gutted of all non-essential parts and trim, allowing Honda to install a roll cage, race seat, and five-point harness.

There's no word on if the Hybrid R will ever make its way to a production line, but the CR-Z Racer is certainly destined for a life outside of the auto show circuit. According to Honda, two examples will be entered in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race this December in California.

Credit: Automobile Magazine