Close-Up: Mugen GT300 CR-Z

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A few weeks ago my friend over at JDM Clips made a visit to the Honda Headquarters where they had on display the new Mugen designed GT300 CR-Z that is currently competing in the Super GT series.   If the Toyota Prius GT300 car wasn’t ironic enough for you, Honda is here to fulfill your hybrid race car cliches with the new CR-Z contender.  It’s difficult to think that any hybrid car you see on the street would be holding it’s own against the likes of the BRZ, BMW Z4’s, Nismo GTR GT3’s, Porsches, Aston Martin’s, Lambos and Corvettes, but make no mistake; this is one fast hybrid.  In fact, in only it’s second outing it managed to capture pole position and continues to impress on the grid.  Granted it’s 300hp 2.8 liter twin-turbo V6, with electric motor,  isn’t offered as an option from Honda to you and I (unfortunately), but it’s still a CR-Z chassis; a capable one at that.  Click past the break to see the CR-Z up close, compliments of JDM Clips.

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In the case of the CR-Z, it’s business up front, and a party in the back.  The front clip of this car is a little more mild mannered than I would expect from a Super GT car.  With the exception of the wild front fenders, the bumper and splitter are very sleek looking.  Also, taking into consideration that the engine is placed in the trunk area, this particular chassis is made into a MR layout.  That’s sounds like a party to me.

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Closer shot of said wildness.  The Mugen themes livery looks awesome with the gold and red reflective vinyl and carbon trim.  Standard single lug SSR’s take care of the Potenzas.

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Making it’s debut in Sugo last month, the CR-Z did well to hold it’s own against it’s main rivals, the Prius and BRZ.  The GT300 class of Super GT seems to be growing rapidly, giving fans a great mixture of vehicles and manufacturers.  The CR-Z has some big shoes to fill though, doubling as a test bed for the new NSX.

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The intensity of the rear diffuser and wing section makes for some very unique body lines.  The car is built to the JAF GT300 spec, so hardly any of the original body lines remain.

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I’m very curious to see how the CR-Z finished out the 2012 season, and what developments lay for the start of 2013.  Best of luck to drivers Hideki Mutoh and Daisuke Nakajima in the remainder of the season.  Go Honda!  Stay tuned for a closer look at the CR-Z’s main rival, the Prius GT300.

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