Intro
The 2011 Honda CR-Z Mugen represents a fascinating chapter in Honda’s sporting legacy, combining hybrid technology with Mugen’s performance heritage. Debuting as Honda’s attempt to revive the spirit of the CR-X while embracing environmental consciousness, the CR-Z emerged as the world’s first sporty hybrid vehicle.
In Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) culture, the CR-Z holds significance as a bridge between traditional performance values and modern efficiency demands. It embodies the Japanese philosophy of sustainable innovation while maintaining driving pleasure—a concept deeply respected in JDM circles. Mugen’s involvement elevated the CR-Z’s status, connecting it to decades of Honda motorsport heritage and aftermarket excellence that JDM enthusiasts worldwide revere.
This specific Mugen-enhanced build stands out for transforming what critics initially dismissed as an underpowered hybrid into a legitimate performance contender. By addressing the base CR-Z’s power limitations while maintaining its hybrid efficiency, Mugen demonstrated how Japanese tuning philosophy could evolve alongside automotive technology. The build represents a perfect synthesis of Mugen’s racing expertise and Honda’s forward-thinking engineering—a combination that makes it a significant milestone in modern JDM performance culture.
Builder Profile
A 34-year-old mechanical engineer from Osaka who relocated to Southern California in 2008, Takumi has deep roots in Japan’s tuning scene. Having apprenticed at Mugen’s headquarters during his university years, he brings authentic JDM philosophy to his builds. Nakajima balances his day job at an aerospace firm with his passion project—a tuning garage called “Hybrid Theory” that specializes in performance-oriented hybrid vehicles.
Takumi’s approach reflects a blend of traditional Japanese tuning discipline with forward-thinking sustainability. He believes hybrids represent the future of performance and focuses on extracting maximum efficiency alongside power gains. His CR-Z build demonstrates his philosophy of “functional minimalism”—making precise modifications that honor the vehicle’s original design intent while enhancing its capabilities.
A regular at both Import Alliance meets and alternative energy expos, Nakajima bridges the gap between conventional tuner culture and eco-conscious enthusiasts.
Why We Love It
There’s something gloriously contradictory about the CR-Z Mugen—a hybrid that refuses to surrender to efficiency algorithms alone. While Honda’s standard CR-Z attempted to channel CRX spirits through eco-conscious glass, Mugen’s interpretation remembers what made those ’80s pocket rockets legendary.
The transformation begins visually with that aggressive front splitter and functional hood vents—not mere aesthetic trinkets but proper cooling solutions for the supercharged 1.5L LEA engine now producing 197bhp, a substantial 75% increase over factory specification. The carbon fiber rear wing generates meaningful downforce at speed, complementing the stiffer, track-calibrated suspension that drops ride height by a decisive 30mm.
What captivates is how Mugen honors Honda’s VTEC legacy while acknowledging modern hybrid reality. The IMA system remains, but recalibrated for responsiveness rather than fuel-sipping, creating a powertrain character unlike anything else from the era—torque-rich yet enthusiastic to rev, with that distinctive supercharger whine layered over Honda’s mechanical symphony.
Only 300 examples received the full Mugen treatment, making this the nexus between Honda’s performance past and electrified future—a technological bridge built when many manufacturers had abandoned the pursuit of driving pleasure in smaller platforms. The CR-Z Mugen stands as perhaps the last pure expression of Japan’s tuning philosophy applied to hybrid technology: uncompromising, technical, and stubbornly focused on the driver experience.
Mods
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
- Mugen carbon fiber air induction system
- HKS Hi-Power exhaust system
- Mugen custom ECU programming
- Spoon Sports oil cooler kit
- ARC titanium intercooler
- Cusco transmission mount
- Toda Racing lightweight flywheel
- Exedy hybrid-specific performance clutch
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
- Mugen 5-way adjustable coilovers
- Mugen front strut tower bar
- Cusco rear strut tower brace
- Spoon Sports front/rear anti-roll bars
- Project Mu HC+ brake pads
- Endless SS-M brake fluid
- Mugen sport brake lines
- Mugen brake calipers (4-pot front, 2-pot rear)
WHEELS & TIRES
- Volk Racing CE28N (17×8 +38)
- Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08 (215/45R17)
- Project Kics R40 lug nuts
- Mugen wheel spacers (5mm)
EXTERIOR / AERO
- Mugen aero kit (front bumper, side skirts, rear diffuser)
- Mugen carbon fiber hood
- Mugen rear wing
- Mugen front grille
- J’s Racing carbon fiber mirror covers
- PIAA HID conversion kit
- Mugen emblem set
- Spoon Sports carbon fiber license plate frames
INTERIOR
- Bride Zeta III seats
- Mugen aluminum shift knob
- Nardi Classic 330mm steering wheel
- Takata 4-point harnesses
- Cusco 6-point roll cage
- Mugen sports pedal set
- Defi gauges (boost, oil pressure, water temp)
- Mugen floor mats
ELECTRONICS / ECU
- HKS F-CON iS piggyback ECU
- Pivot 3-drive throttle controller
- AEM wideband air/fuel gauge
- Kenwood high-output alternator
- Mugen performance capacitor
- Omori factory multi-function display
- HKS EVC boost controller
- AEM battery voltage monitor
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
The Mugen-modified CR-Z achieves a remarkable transformation through an extensive approach that balances power gains with chassis refinement. Each modification serves a unified purpose—enhancing the CR-Z’s sporting character while maintaining its usability.
The supercharger and exhaust upgrades work in concert with the suspension tweaks and weight reduction measures to create a cohesive driving experience. Rather than overwhelming the chassis with power, Mugen’s philosophy emphasizes balanced performance, where the powertrain enhancements are precisely matched to the car’s handling capabilities.
This CR-Z is primarily engineered for spirited street driving with occasional track duty. The modifications preserve daily drivability while greatly raising the performance ceiling. The stiffer suspension and sharper steering response encourage attacking corners, yet the ride quality remains tolerable for regular use.
Unlike purpose-built track cars or show vehicles, the Mugen CR-Z occupies the sweet spot between performance and practicality. It’s not a dedicated time attack machine nor a drift platform, but rather a thoughtfully upgraded street car that delivers driving enjoyment without sacrificing the hybrid’s functional qualities. This balanced approach to modification exemplifies Mugen’s philosophy of enhancing a vehicle’s character without fundamentally altering its core identity.
FAQ
What is the reliability of the Honda CR-Z Mugen compared to the standard CR-Z?
The Honda CR-Z Mugen maintains Honda’s reputation for reliability with the same robust IMA hybrid system as the standard model. The upgraded Mugen components are engineered to factory-level quality standards, ensuring the performance modifications don’t compromise long-term durability. Most owners report similar reliability to standard CR-Z models, with properly maintained examples easily exceeding 150,000 miles.
What tuning potential does the CR-Z Mugen offer beyond factory modifications?
While the Mugen package offers significant performance improvements, additional tuning potential exists through ECU reflashing, upgraded intercoolers, and aftermarket forced induction kits. The 1.5L engine responds well to intake and exhaust modifications, with some owners achieving over 200hp with thorough tuning packages while maintaining the hybrid functionality.
What are the most common issues with the 2011 CR-Z Mugen?
Common issues include IMA battery degradation after 80,000-100,000 miles, clutch wear on manual transmission models (especially with aggressive driving), and occasional electric power steering sensor failures. The Mugen-specific body kit components can also be vulnerable to damage from speed bumps and steep driveways due to reduced ground clearance.
Which aftermarket modifications best complement the Mugen package?
The most effective complementary modifications include lightweight wheels (reducing unsprung weight), performance brake pads, short-throw shifters for manual transmissions, and aftermarket ECU tuning. Many owners also report significant performance gains from more aggressive camshafts and higher-flow fuel injectors while maintaining daily drivability.
How does the ownership experience differ from a standard CR-Z?
CR-Z Mugen ownership provides a more engaging driving experience with noticeably sharper handling and acceleration. Owners report increased attention at car meets and from enthusiasts who recognize the Mugen badge. However, the stiffer suspension and reduced sound insulation can make daily driving more demanding than the standard model. Fuel economy typically decreases by 3-5 MPG compared to stock CR-Zs due to performance modifications and driving style differences.
Conclusion
The 2011 Honda CR-Z Mugen stands as an indication of Honda’s innovative approach to hybrid performance—a vision that was perhaps ahead of its time. While hybrid vehicles have become commonplace today, the CR-Z Mugen’s formula of blending efficiency with driving enjoyment continues to resonate with enthusiasts seeking alternatives to conventional sports cars.
In an era of increasing electrification, the CR-Z Mugen represents an important evolutionary step in the performance hybrid landscape. Its limited production and Mugen’s renowned engineering make it a collectible piece of automotive history, appealing to those who value exclusivity and Japanese engineering excellence.
For JDM enthusiasts, the CR-Z Mugen embodies the spirit that made Honda legendary in tuner culture—lightweight design, meticulous attention to detail, and that distinctive Mugen aesthetic that signals something special to those in the know. The vehicle maintains its place in the pantheon of JDM special editions that inspire passion among collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, proving that Honda’s performance heritage continues to transcend generations.