Great looking and environmentally friendly, the Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe is proving to be much in demand. That said, it’s not perfect – a case in point being the standard chassis dynamics which are less than involving and lean towards numbing understeer on the limit. Generating solutions to handling issues like this are Torque Developments speciality, through our renowned ‘FRS’ geometry set-ups for fast road use, but could we improve the hybrid sports coupe Honda with some of our suspension wizardry?

In the case of the CR-Z this task was greatly simplified by the Honda’s rear suspension design – it’s a beam axle with fixed geometry.  ”There’s nothing you can adjust on it, you can’t even shim a stub axle, so whatever you’ve got, you’re stuck with,” says TDi’s Sam Borgman.

Therefore with efforts switched to the front of the car, Torque Development’s used it’s suspension expertise and state of the art John Bean optical chassis rig to pinpoint the cause of the problems and implement a solution. “We decided to add some geometric pre-load to the front tyres by adding some negative camber, plus a hint of ‘toe-in’ which sharpens the steering response.”

The results are a Honda CR-Z with greatly improved handling – “the turn in is more crisp, there’s more steering feel and feedback. The car feels much tighter and the front geometry alterations have greatly reduced the understeer,” Borgman explains.

So what does the Honda CR-Z think of Torque Development’s work? “He’s very pleased,” says Borgman. “He commented that the CR-Z now ‘feels alive through the palms of his hands’ and he’s delighted with it.” So, if you would like to sharpen the handling on your Honda CR-Z, the Torque Development’s FRS geometry set up is available now, priced at just £150.00 plus VAT – please contact us using sales@tdi-plc.com for more information.

Capable of 430 PS the HKS GTII 7460 turbo for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X is aimed between the stock turbo and GT3240 Full Turbo Kit. This turbo kit is versatile enough to use with both stock and tuned engines.

Key features include:-

· Intake/Exhaust housing sizes have been increased for increased flow capacity, whilst a ball bearing design has prevented loss of low speed response and offers especially good characteristics for SST vehicles.

· Twin Scroll design with larger bypass port allows for improved control of exhaust pressure at high speed and reduced load on the engine.

· Turbine wheel and housing are made from heat resistant steel for increased durability and reliability.

· All required parts such as actuator and oil outlet pipe are included in the kit.

 No other parts are required for installation and it’s compatible with other HKS Products. To order now click on:http://www.tdi-plc.com/catalog/mitsubishi-lancer-gtii-7460-turbo-p-18690.html

Honda’s new hybrid sports coupe is proving a hit in the showrooms and Mugen is responding to demand from owners wanting to personalise their CR-Z and enhance its performance.

The latest release from Mugen is a set of driver focussed ‘Assist Meters,’ for the hybrid sports coupe. Designed to accurately monitor water temperature, oil temperature and oil pressure parameters, the Mugen Assist Meter gauges easily convey the information to the driver using conventional style analogue readouts.

However, advanced Mugen electronics technology has enabled the Assist Meters to offer considerably more user information than ordinary gauges. Via a supplied multifunction electronic control box, the Mugen Assist Meters offer CR-Z owners the following technical benefits:-

• Preset warning light levels for water / oil temperature and oil pressure
• Record and playback readings after driving
• Easily view maximum readings with ‘Peak’ button and illuminated ‘Peak’ lights
• Green back lit illumination with high visibility red needles

Developed and tested by Mugen’s Japanese engineers to OEM standards of performance and durability, the new Mugen Honda CR-Z Assist Meters are designed to sit in an angled gauge hood to ensure neat and simple installation and maximum visibility for the driver.

Supplied complete with electronic control box, sensors, wiring loom and hood, the Mugen Honda CR-Z Assist Meters are available now from principal Mugen stockist Torque Developments International Plc, costing £1579.20 including VAT @ 17.5%. 

Honda’s new sporting CR-Z has already been making waves thanks to its blend of frugal performance, fun dynamics and distinctive styling.

But the CR-Z is set to get even more exciting because Honda performance specialist Mugen is pleased to announce the launch of the first in a large range of enhancement products for hybrid coupe.

Called the ‘Hybrid Advanced Sports’ range, the Mugen CR-Z parts line up includes stunning aerodynamic body kits, engine tuning components, suspension, braking and interior upgrades.

This means that Mugen is ready to both individualize and improve the already exciting dynamics of the CR-Z for the discerning owner, across almost every aspect of the car.

For more details on the exciting Mugen range of Honda CR-Z enhancements please contact Torque Developments Plc.