It looks pretty good eh? Honda tuning arm Mugen has previewed their tuning kit for the upcoming Honda CR-Z hybrid sports coupe. However, it looks pretty good literally as not much tuning is done mechanically. The mods that would technically increase horsepower is limited to an exhaust system (most probably a cat-back only system) and air filter replacement which at the most would add about 5bhp to the total 122bhp it makes from both 1.5 liter engine and electric motor. The handling has also been uprated with a sports suspension kit while safety has been upgraded with better brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The styling has been 'Mugenized' by front and rear bumpers/splitter/diffuser kit, 17 inch Mugen rims and a roof spoiler. Mugen offers a carbon fiber cover for the interior mirror, a shift knob, assist meters, aluminum pedals and sport mats with Mugen logo.

I am only very slightly amused. But Mugen being Mugen, it will only do a really tricked out car depending on the hierarchy in Honda. For example, a Type R will get ECU, full exhaust, cams, pistons etc, but an Accord, being a large family sedan is usually limited to a cat-back system, air filters and bodykit. Since the CR-Z is more of an urban roundabout, Mugen has obviously held itself back. So for an added kick that prospective buyers of the CR-Z need for their pretty tame coupe is a SPOON tuned version.

- the SPOON CR-Z

SPOON is a noted Japanese Honda tuner and they have come up with a front coilover kit and rear spring/shock kit that lowers ride height by a 50 mm. Other parts being tested are the N1 exhaust, ECU, and SPOON's