Report: Mugen itching to build hot Honda Fit

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Honda, UK

Mugen Fit

Mugen Honda Fit/Jazz – Click above for high-res image gallery

As the pseudo-works Honda tuner of choice, Mugen has tricked out Civic models for decades. They’ve also dabbled in the occasional Accord, are preparing to debut their supercharged CR-Z and have even had their way with the Ariel Atom – powered as it is by Honda engines. So what’s next for Mugen? It could be the Fit.

The five-door hatchback, known in other markets as the Jazz, has received some attention from Mugen in the form of aftermarket body kits and such, but the tuning house’s British garage could be looking at something a little more comprehensive, according to a fresh report from Autocar.

According to the British mag, the hot Fit’s engine program could incorporate either the 2.0-liter VTEC four from the Civic Type R or the supercharged hybrid 1.5 developed for the Mugen CR-Z. Tempting options, both, but whichever way the Honda tuner goes, the likelihood is that the result won’t make the trip over to these shores, anyway.

Mugen itching to build hot Honda Fit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CR-Z Mugen show car to pack 197 horsepower for Goodwood debut

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

Mugen Honda CR-Z sketch

Honda CR-Z Mugen – Click above for high-res image gallery

Call it anticipation or call it wishful thinking, but reports of a hotter version of the Honda CR-Z have been circulating pretty much ever since the hybrid hatchback hit the market. The CR-Z may be sportier than most hybrids, but when the faithful were expecting a spiritual successor to the iconic CRX with an added jolt of electricity, many were left disappointed.

Along those lines, we have good news, and we have bad news. The good news is that some new details on the hotly anticipated Mugen version of the CR-Z have dropped. The bad news is that it’s still strictly a one-off show car, at least for the time being.

Honda CR-Z Mugen engineThe concept car will be revealed in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. And when it is, it won’t be turbocharged as earlier speculated, but it will be supercharged. With the added benefit of forced induction, the output from the 1.5-liter i-VTEC four that forms the internal combustion part of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system will be increased by 50 percent, and when coupled with the electric component will serve up 200 metric horsepower (197 on our scale) and 181 pound-feet of torque.

To go with the added power, the pseudo-works Honda tuner is also fitting adjustable dampers, a wider track, upgraded brakes and rolling stock, an enhanced aero kit and a weight-reduction regimen. Although Mugen insists it holds no plans for producing its breathed-on hybrid, there’s no telling what sufficient demand might yield. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the two engine shots released to join the renderings released previously in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mugen Honda CR-Z Sketches

Mugen Honda CR-Z SketchMugen Honda CR-Z Sketch

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Honda CR-Z Mugen show car to pack 197 horsepower for Goodwood debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mugen goes molecular with special-edition Ariel Atom

Mugen Ariel Atom

Mugen Ariel Atom – Click above for high-res image gallery

Here’s a match made in automotive heaven. Mugen has gone about working its magic on the Honda-powered Ariel Atom to celebrate the car’s 10th anniversary. While the trick red chassis and white body work is enough to get us licking our chops, the Japanese tuner has also tweaked mighty four-cylinder at the heart of the open-wheel heathen.

A fully blueprinted K20Z Type R engine now provides the grunt, and thanks to new high-compression pistons, high-lift cams and new valve springs, the four pot kicks out a lofty 270 horsepower. Mugen says that a full seven days of work goes into each and every lump.

All told, the extra pep should get the Mugen Atom to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 150 mph. Yowza.

Buyers will also be treated to special four-piston brake calipers built by the stopping gurus at Alcon, and a modified version of the fully-adjustable coilover suspension found on the Atom V8 is standard equipment. Additionally, the cockpit is fitted with a new flat LCD screen to display the car’s vitals. So far, there’s no word on price, but given that Mugen is only turning out 10 examples of this rare bird, we’d bet a shiny nickel that they won’t go cheap. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: Mugen Ariel Atom

[Source: Atom Club]

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Mugen goes molecular with special-edition Ariel Atom originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ariel Atom celebrates turning 10 with special Mugen edition

Filed under: Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty, MISC

Ariel Atom Mugen Special Edition

Ariel Atom Mugen Special Edition – Click above to enlarge

It’s hard to believe that 10 whole years have passed since the only Brit crazier than Amy Winehouse hit the world stage. We are, of course, referring to the Ariel Atom, but you already knew that, didn’t you? And, like any good anniversary celebration, AutoExpress reports that Ariel is celebrating its tenth by releasing a special edition, which sure beats the traditional anniversary gift of tin…

As befitting the celebration, Ariel plans to create just 10 special editions, the first of which will make its debut at the Autosport Show in the UK in January. The big news is that Ariel has partnered up with Mugen – a company that specializes in adding more power and finesse to Honda’s wares – to boost the power of its Honda-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from 245 to 270 horsepower.

Further frippery will include a special coat of paint and a plaque proclaiming its special place in the order along with the signatures of the Mugen and Ariel technicians who built it (just one of each will have their hands on the machine). Check out a larger version of the rendering by clicking on the image above.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Ariel Atom celebrates turning 10 with special Mugen edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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