Mugen CR-Z RR won’t get built

Sad times. The CR-Z Mugen RR hybrid concept won't reach production lines, which is bad news for the velocity-fond with an eco-conscience. Or light wallet.

The prettier version of the CR-Z Mugen we drove in the August issue of Top Gear mag - also disappointingly absent from Honda's factory - features a similar amount of bespokeyness.
Its bonnet, passenger doors and tailgate are carbonfibre as well as a full-length under tray for added slipperiness.

Elsewhere, there's a twin central-exit exhaust, vented front bumpers and race-developed suspension. Standard brakes make way for orange four-piston monobloc calipers, which poke out behind forged 18-inch alloys.

There's also a dangerously clever race computer. It takes two laps to learn a track, then starts recording data from the chassis and engine in conjunction with its GPS before telling you that you're doing it all wrong. Think The Stig crossed with your Mum.

Performance details are sketchy for the JDM RR, but the one we drove produced some rather pleasing numbers. 50mpg in eco mode, 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, 197bhp, 158lb ft of torque and 1080kg curb weight.

But, alas, since the project's been canned we shan't find out.

Do you think the half-electric hot hatch concept has legs or was it just an interesting aside in hybrid history?