Back in February some sketches were released of a wild CR-Z Super GT car that Mugen would be entering in the GT300 class this year. Today that car has officially become a reality! This wild take on Honda’s eco-sports car will take part in its first race at the end of the month in Sugo. The little electrically assisted 4-cylinder engine has given way to something a little more serious, a 2.8L twin-turbo V6 boosted by Honda’s racing hybrid system developed especially for this car. Power will be limited to 300 HP as GT300 class regulations stipulate, but the CR-Z is sure to have superb acceleration and response at any rpm with a set-up like this. Great to see Honda and Mugen not forgetting that there are tons of fans out there waiting to see the great brand dip its feet in motorsports a little more!
-Dino Dalle Carbonare
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cool GT
One of the better looking GT300 cars I've seen in a while. Wonder how long it takes before somebody makes a replica version of the kit for the streets.
the GT300 field seems to get more and more interseting, I would like a cover of at least one of the GT300 races please
@Lowie_64 Well that's probably what everyone is hoping for! I'd take the 2.8 V6 twin turbo power plant before the bodykit though LOL
@fordman1 I will try to hit at least one GT race this year!
@speedhunters_dino @fordman1 One????
You never did Dino! Len Clarke briefly touched base with that, and then gone.
The GT's series are the most exciting races in Japan, and all you do is cover Ebisu drifting, Daikoku, and the occasional JDM-shop spotlight.
How about Gymkhana? That's also very popular in Japan. How about Formula 3 and Rally in Japan, or those "no name heroes" that drift up in the touge? Variety is the key
Again, my criticism sounds harsh, but you cover over and over the same stuff, it's just a matter of time before speedhunters followers start to get bored.
@speedhunters_dino I agree. The CR-Z is a very beautiful machine.. dare I say, one of the most beautiful designs from there in quite some time (for an OEM car), but the powerplant is very lacking. If I ever get my hands on one, the motor will be ripped out on day one, and it'd be converted to RWD very quickly.
@Lowie_64 @speedhunters_dino I couldn't agree more, its screaming for RWD or (dare I say?) AWD.
@speedhunters_dino @Lowie_64 Is that a factory V6 from an Accord or what?
@JDMized @fordman1 Constructive criticism is always welcome JDMized. Sure we would like to cover Super GT but let's be honest, nobody is going to like or care about straight out regular coverage. So if we do start again to cover some races we would have to take a different approach or angle as no matter how cool the participating cars are, or how close the racing is, it's not going to appeal to everyone out there.
@KietaPhillips @Lowie_64 The base might be but I assume it's reworked from the ground up like most Super GT engines
Man oh man this is so good looking... Thanks for sharing and I agree, one GT300 race cover would be sweet as I have never been able to see what that type of racing is all about in Japan.
@KietaPhillips @speedhunters_dino RWD I'd say.. an AWD Honda just doesn't seem right in my eyes. (thats why I dislike the new NSX. That and it's a godawful hybrid)
Now THAT is a juicy contradiction!
Dino, do you know if it is remaining FF or are they doing something different? Didn't see anything else on honda.co.jp but I assume it is staying FF?
I would LOVE to see full Super GT coverage, and more racing series coverage in Japan in general. Love all the increased motorsports coverage that Speedhunters has been doing around the world recently.
@speedhunters_dino Maybe focus on something more behind the scenes like how a team gets ready before the race. Or from development testing to the race track. I'm sure that's easier said then done... BUT ID READ IT haha.
@speedhunters_dino Maybe focus on something more behind the scenes like how a team gets ready before the race. Or from development testing to the race track. I'm sure that's easier said then done... BUT ID READ IT haha.
They look great but so much grip and so little power can`t possibly give good and entertaining racing can it?
@Lowie_64 @speedhunters_dino yeah now that I thought about it...your right.
@speedhunters_dino @Lowie_64 Would love to see what makes her tick hehehehehehe.
@speedhunters_dino Dino, I think we would LOVE to follow SuperGT but when there is no way we can ever find coverage or video feeds in english, its not gonna happen :/ I really miss the GT1 and GT3 coverage from the last 2 years.
@MatsNorway You would be surprised! It pushes a lot of the action and overtaking to happen on approach to, during and exiting of corners. Isn't that what racing is all about? The problem with Super GT is the series' complete lack of marketing skills. They should not only be mixing it up with other championships around the world, hitting more international venues, but also trying to broadcast the races in as many countries as possible. Even in Japan I have to wait a month to see the highlights on TV
@andrewhake The press release didn't go into any details but I'm assuming it's RWD
@sean klingelhoefer It kind of makes Honda seem silly for first attempting to tell the public that this is the sporty car they should be driving only to then drop a twin turbo V6 in it and make it RWD for racing. Honda is good at this stuff...let's not forget the HSV-010...a big tease to all Honda enthusiasts out there!
Thats prob Hondas LMP2 cost capped engine....
@D1RGE EXE Noted! GT racing is great to watch but for picrture-based coverage we really have to come up with a new angle.
@KietaPhillips @Lowie_64 AWD Honda is definitely wrong!
How much of it is still a CRZ, does GT300 still need the original body of the car?
@neurite Not much, just the roof line
@speedhunters_dino so a CRZ by name only. I hope it becomes popular so Honda decides to get back into building cars like the s2000 and r types
@andrewhake FF would be horrible
@speedhunters_dino @D1RGE EXE U seem to work your ass off, you bring about 60% of context to speedhunters and thank you for doing so
@neurite Don't forget a "real" NSX
@neurite Don't forget a real NSX too!
@neurite @D1RGE EXE Thank you neurite, comments like yours make it all worthwhile:)
@speedhunters_dino yeah well the nsx I didnt put that because I cant see them bring it back. I hope they do, maybe in 10 years
@speedhunters_dino @KietaPhillips Unless it's the ridgeline or Element. those two can be AWD all they want. Honda really needs to bring back a true NSX, and an S2000. Maybe with the new FRS/86/BRZ on sale, they'll look at their lineup and realize they're missing something like it too.
@neurite I saw the NSX prototype at this year's Toronto Auto Show.
@Lowie_64 @speedhunters_dino YES! A new S2000. And Jackson Racing to boost that SOB. lol.
I see all this talk about Honda coming back and making a "real" NSX, but I'd like to point out that the NSX that is slated to come out in a couple of years is not a bad car at all. It isn't a "god-awful hybrid"; I would argue that it's a great example of innovation using hybrid technology. A midship V6 pushing 310 bhp coupled with an additional 100 hp from electric motors out front does not sound bad at all. And I'm sure Honda will pull through as usual in the suspension department as they always have (Not to mention torque vectoring will make this car turn nicely). Yes, the HSV-010 should have been the NSX but things happened. Audi is pushing their e-tron, Porsche has their new 918 spyder hybrid thing...let Honda have some fun.
For relevance, I do like what they've done with the CRZ though. A boosted V6 boosted with hybrid technology. I would assume the hybrid technology is similar to the NSX??
@speedhunters_dino Dino I am not following you. Care to explain? "Straight out coverage" with highlights are plenty, and if you wanna throw in an interview (look like Tommy Milner in the ALMS for instance). I'm sure Motoyama, Kogure, Wakisaka, Orido, Lotterer, Ito (just to name a few) would be more than willing to help you share the passion and spread the word about the motorsport.
We can say that the demographic here on SH does not know much about the GT series partially because you guys lack valuable content about the venue. All the questions asked above should not be asked if the enthusiasts were to follow the series closer.
@speedhunters_dino @andrewhake The Mugen CR-Z GT300 IS indeed a mid-ship rear-wheel drive. Auto Sport has a feature on the car this week!
Dino do not sprear wrong rumors saying that the coverage and highlights pop out in Japan only a month later.
I subscribe to Auto Sport thru Amazon, and I receive weekly updates about the GT series thru Auto Sport magazine (and I live in the US). Shipment takes 2-3 days to get. When I lived in Japan, I would get updates 1-2 days later.
Jon Sibal for example has some interesting pics AND video he shared in his blog (and this Mugen CR-Z GT300 hit press only two days ago).
http://jonsibal.com/blog/2012/07/mugen-cr-z-gt/
Also, for those of you that really like the GT series, finding info online is not very easy, but they are there, you just have to dig deep in the net:
http://www.dipity.com/timetube/YouTube_Super_Gt/
@speedhunters_dino @MatsNorway "The problem with Super GT is the series' complete lack of marketing skills." In that case Dino HELP the motorsport industry and cover more these events. THAT will help to gather more attention among enthusiasts and increase interest.
Looking good with period-kinda-correct rim.
@JDMized JDMized, sounds like you should come back to Japan and show me how it's done!
@JDMized JDMized, sounds like you should come back to Japan and show me how it's done!
@JDMized JDMized, sounds like you should come back to Japan and show me how it's done!
@JDMized @andrewhake JDMized I was beginning to miss your usual tone. Easy to find all this info 24h after the post went up LOL
@JDMized @andrewhake JDMized I was beginning to miss your usual tone. Easy to find all this info 24h after the post went up LOL
@JDMized @andrewhake JDMized I was beginning to miss your usual tone. Easy to find all this info 24h after the post went up LOL
@speedhunters_dino @JDMized He seems to have a lot of time on his hands, by the way he's tellin you to do your thing.
@speedhunters_dino @JDMized He seems to have a lot of time on his hands, by the way he's tellin you to do your thing.
@speedhunters_dino @JDMized He seems to have a lot of time on his hands, by the way he's tellin you to do your thing.
@speedhunters_dino @andrewhake
My usual tone? I found these info yesterday, don't get butt hurt because I beat you to it.
See Dino, I don't do the work FOR you! I could give you hints where to find the info, but I don't particularly like how you write the features/ news.
I lived in Japan LONG before you landed there. I know how things work in Japan. You working in the industry have connections about those insights, YET you don't have simple answers for the average SH reader?
You cared enough to post a brief message on here, creating a buzz on SH about the new Mugen CR-Z, and failed to gather some basic info about the car? Then you go on and get all defensive because I posted something relavant to your post that I'm sure SH readers are interested in? To me, that says something about your work ethic.
There are too many folks on here that kiss your butt, hoping to squeeze out more info about the JDM industry just because you happen to live in Tokyo.
Let's face it Dino, there are not that many gaijin journalists that live in Japan, that does not entitle you to slack on your work.
@speedhunters_dino @andrewhake
My usual tone? I found these info yesterday, don't get butt hurt because I beat you to it.
See Dino, I don't do the work FOR you! I could give you hints where to find the info, but I don't particularly like how you write the features/ news.
I lived in Japan LONG before you landed there. I know how things work in Japan. You working in the industry have connections about those insights, YET you don't have simple answers for the average SH reader?
You cared enough to post a brief message on here, creating a buzz on SH about the new Mugen CR-Z, and failed to gather some basic info about the car? Then you go on and get all defensive because I posted something relavant to your post that I'm sure SH readers are interested in? To me, that says something about your work ethic.
There are too many folks on here that kiss your butt, hoping to squeeze out more info about the JDM industry just because you happen to live in Tokyo.
Let's face it Dino, there are not that many gaijin journalists that live in Japan, that does not entitle you to slack on your work.
@speedhunters_dino @andrewhake
My usual tone? I found these info yesterday, don't get butt hurt because I beat you to it.
See Dino, I don't do the work FOR you! I could give you hints where to find the info, but I don't particularly like how you write the features/ news.
I lived in Japan LONG before you landed there. I know how things work in Japan. You working in the industry have connections about those insights, YET you don't have simple answers for the average SH reader?
You cared enough to post a brief message on here, creating a buzz on SH about the new Mugen CR-Z, and failed to gather some basic info about the car? Then you go on and get all defensive because I posted something relavant to your post that I'm sure SH readers are interested in? To me, that says something about your work ethic.
There are too many folks on here that kiss your butt, hoping to squeeze out more info about the JDM industry just because you happen to live in Tokyo.
Let's face it Dino, there are not that many gaijin journalists that live in Japan, that does not entitle you to slack on your work.
@speedhunters_dino No reasons to be sarcastic! Like I said above, you're blessed to live in Tokyo, the mecca of the Japanese car industry. Take full advantage of that, instead of being all defensive because I found some info that the readers on here care to know.
@speedhunters_dino No reasons to be sarcastic! Like I said above, you're blessed to live in Tokyo, the mecca of the Japanese car industry. Take full advantage of that, instead of being all defensive because I found some info that the readers on here care to know.
@speedhunters_dino No reasons to be sarcastic! Like I said above, you're blessed to live in Tokyo, the mecca of the Japanese car industry. Take full advantage of that, instead of being all defensive because I found some info that the readers on here care to know.
@KietaPhillips @speedhunters_dino Lots of time in my hand? I go above and beyond to find answers I care to know. And when I can't find them, I search and search and search some more. If that's not enough, I make phone calls and ask.
In other words, I WANT to know! I care enough about the JDM industry and I simply want to know more about it. It really is that simple.
Dino is a tool if you will (not in a offesive way), he transmits news and info from Japan to the rest of the world thru here. A very simple concept. Now he chooses to select WHAT news he cares to transmit. The amount of news Dino covers on here are only a very small percentage of what's available on a daily basis in Japan.
He brought up the fact that the GT series lack proper marketing. It is partially his job to bring the GT series (among many other forms of Japanese motorsports) on here. He's a journalist after all.
If he covers constantly only drifting events, Tsukuba, Daikoku, and small Japanese shops, of course SH readers are gonna think that those venues are the only ones present in Japan.
In other words, if you expose SH readers to more motorsports action (from Japan), they will learn to appreciate Japan and the Japanese car culture even more.
I already mentioned it to him above. Gymkhana events, rally racing, Formula 3, or even the "no name heros" (a popular feature on Option magazine), or how about paying a visit to Toda, or Dome Racing.....in other words, something different than the usual stuff, and SH readers will appreciate it and learn more.
It is not my job to do the work for Dino, it is HIS job, HE gets payed to do it, and has PLENTY of resources.
@KietaPhillips @speedhunters_dino Lots of time in my hand? I go above and beyond to find answers I care to know. And when I can't find them, I search and search and search some more. If that's not enough, I make phone calls and ask.
In other words, I WANT to know! I care enough about the JDM industry and I simply want to know more about it. It really is that simple.
Dino is a tool if you will (not in a offesive way), he transmits news and info from Japan to the rest of the world thru here. A very simple concept. Now he chooses to select WHAT news he cares to transmit. The amount of news Dino covers on here are only a very small percentage of what's available on a daily basis in Japan.
He brought up the fact that the GT series lack proper marketing. It is partially his job to bring the GT series (among many other forms of Japanese motorsports) on here. He's a journalist after all.
If he covers constantly only drifting events, Tsukuba, Daikoku, and small Japanese shops, of course SH readers are gonna think that those venues are the only ones present in Japan.
In other words, if you expose SH readers to more motorsports action (from Japan), they will learn to appreciate Japan and the Japanese car culture even more.
I already mentioned it to him above. Gymkhana events, rally racing, Formula 3, or even the "no name heros" (a popular feature on Option magazine), or how about paying a visit to Toda, or Dome Racing.....in other words, something different than the usual stuff, and SH readers will appreciate it and learn more.
It is not my job to do the work for Dino, it is HIS job, HE gets payed to do it, and has PLENTY of resources.
@KietaPhillips @speedhunters_dino Lots of time in my hand? I go above and beyond to find answers I care to know. And when I can't find them, I search and search and search some more. If that's not enough, I make phone calls and ask.
In other words, I WANT to know! I care enough about the JDM industry and I simply want to know more about it. It really is that simple.
Dino is a tool if you will (not in a offesive way), he transmits news and info from Japan to the rest of the world thru here. A very simple concept. Now he chooses to select WHAT news he cares to transmit. The amount of news Dino covers on here are only a very small percentage of what's available on a daily basis in Japan.
He brought up the fact that the GT series lack proper marketing. It is partially his job to bring the GT series (among many other forms of Japanese motorsports) on here. He's a journalist after all.
If he covers constantly only drifting events, Tsukuba, Daikoku, and small Japanese shops, of course SH readers are gonna think that those venues are the only ones present in Japan.
In other words, if you expose SH readers to more motorsports action (from Japan), they will learn to appreciate Japan and the Japanese car culture even more.
I already mentioned it to him above. Gymkhana events, rally racing, Formula 3, or even the "no name heros" (a popular feature on Option magazine), or how about paying a visit to Toda, or Dome Racing.....in other words, something different than the usual stuff, and SH readers will appreciate it and learn more.
It is not my job to do the work for Dino, it is HIS job, HE gets payed to do it, and has PLENTY of resources.
@JDMized Thanks for your constructive criticism as always! Hope you keep it coming
@JDMized Thanks for your constructive criticism as always! Hope you keep it coming
@JDMized Thanks for your constructive criticism as always! Hope you keep it coming
That is one sexy looking race car.
That is one sexy looking race car.
That is one sexy looking race car.
@JDMized Man you are something else, you know that. If your so resourceful and in the know then why the hell are you here in the first place?!?!
You come through here day in and day out, commenting on who should do what and how they should do it, last I check your not the chief around here. People like myself appreciate what Dino and the others do and envy them in most cases. But you are forgetting that they are indeed human. Yes they get paid and have the resources but they can't cover EVERYTHING, but I will give props for what they do.
if you think you can do a better job??? Then lets see whatcha got!
I know everyone is thinking it, but I'm gonna say it...
if you have nothing constructive to add, then STFU!!!!!
@KietaPhillips @JDMized Haha..indeed. He seems like an obsessive stalker or something.
@neurite Not necessarily. I am sure midship is much more competitive as SuperGT cars are more similar to Formula cars than production cars. I think SuperGT doesn't actually allow FF as per the regulations?
Here is some fantastic detail on the car: http://jonsibal.com/blog/2012/07/mugen-cr-z-gt/
@neurite Not necessarily. I am sure midship is much more competitive as SuperGT cars are more similar to Formula cars than production cars. I think SuperGT doesn't actually allow FF as per the regulations?
Here is some fantastic detail on the car: http://jonsibal.com/blog/2012/07/mugen-cr-z-gt/
@JDMized @speedhunters_dino Almost every recent race is on Youtube in full. Not really that hard to find. If SuperGT and other Japanese race series made the races available online with ads they could pull in some revenue from markets they never touched before.
@JDMized @speedhunters_dino Almost every recent race is on Youtube in full. Not really that hard to find. If SuperGT and other Japanese race series made the races available online with ads they could pull in some revenue from markets they never touched before.
@speedhunters_dino @sean klingelhoefer I was really interested to see an FF car in Super GT but it is just not likely to happen. I imagine this should be very competitive though.
Just like Hot Version/BMI should be doing, SuperGT needs to look into offering coverage available online. If the Hot Version team would make their content available through iTunes or a few different online distribution systems, even without translation they would make a decent amount.
Can't wait to see your SuperGT coverage Dino! I have been following since the JGTC days. I still regret not attending the Suzuka 1000K I had a chance to see while I was in Japan.
@speedhunters_dino @sean klingelhoefer I was really interested to see an FF car in Super GT but it is just not likely to happen. I imagine this should be very competitive though.
Just like Hot Version/BMI should be doing, SuperGT needs to look into offering coverage available online. If the Hot Version team would make their content available through iTunes or a few different online distribution systems, even without translation they would make a decent amount.
Can't wait to see your SuperGT coverage Dino! I have been following since the JGTC days. I still regret not attending the Suzuka 1000K I had a chance to see while I was in Japan.
@JDMized @speedhunters_dino How you can sit there and talk so negatively of the INSANE amount of coverage Dino provides is beyond me. Without Dino I really don't think Speedhunters would be half of what it is today. He covers things that nobody else does and he does it better than anyone else in the world. The man deserves some sort of carbon fiber trophy.
@JDMized @speedhunters_dino How you can sit there and talk so negatively of the INSANE amount of coverage Dino provides is beyond me. Without Dino I really don't think Speedhunters would be half of what it is today. He covers things that nobody else does and he does it better than anyone else in the world. The man deserves some sort of carbon fiber trophy.
i've always thought the cr-z had potential.. :3