CR-Z – Automobiles Review

2015 Honda CR-Z Goes on Sale

2015 Honda CR-Z has just gone on sale. It will offer its future customers sleeker and sporty proportions and styling along with spirited performance and high efficiency. The latter is due to the powertrain which drives the CR-Z. Under its hood finds itself the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) electric motor.

The powerplant is coupled with a either a short-throw six-speed manual transmission or sport-tuned continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters. The combined peak horsepower of the engine and motor is 130 horsepower (95 kW) while the torque is rated at 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) or 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) on CVT models).

As a standard this Honda model will come equipped with Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Bluetooth Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers. There are also at no cost option the following features: automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control. By the way, the feature-rich EX trim comes also equipped with the aforementioned goodies.

Those who are keen on more performance-oriented driving will have the opportunity of adding an enhancement delivered by Honda Performance Development (HPD). HPD is offering full range of track-proven, street-reliable performance upgrades and accessories. In details, these include front brake, sport suspension and exhaust kits, limited-slip differential, clutch, 18-inch alloy wheels and spoilers.

2015 Honda CR-Z has a starting price of $20,145 USD.

TRIM	MSRP5	EPA Fuel Economy Ratings1 (city/highway/combined)
CR-Z 6-speed manual	$20,145	31/38/34
CR-Z CVT	$20,795	36/39/37
CR-Z EX 6-speed manual	$21,990	31/38/34
CR-Z EX CVT	$22,640	36/39/37
CR-Z EX 6-speed manual with Navi	$23,490	31/38/34
CR-Z EX CVT with Navi	$24,140	36/39/37

Source: Honda

October 9, 2014

Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe now offers supercharged performance

Honda-CR-Z_thumb Honda-CR-Z_651

Honda has announced that its CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe can now have supercharged performance thanks to a new dealer-installed Honda Performance Development (HPD) supercharger kit that includes a wide number of improvements and enhancements. In case you do not know, HPD is Honda’s North American racing company and it develops various full lines of street performance accessories for the CR-Z, first revealed at the 2013 SEMA Show.

“The CR-Z was the first hybrid to prove that efficiency doesn’t have to come at the cost of sportiness and fun,” said Art St. Cyr, president of Honda Performance Development. “With HPD street performance accessories, including the new supercharger kit, the CR-Z will surprise everyone again with even higher levels of performance directly inspired by our on-track racing efforts.”

The new HPD supercharger kit is available for the 2013 and 2014 Honda CR-Z models with manual transmissions. It boosts total powertrain output to 197 horsepower (145 kW) versus 130 horsepower (96 kW) in the stock 2013 and 2014 Honda CR-Z models with manual transmissions thanks to the included HPD air-to-air intercooler, high-flow fuel injectors, an ECU calibrated to meet CARB AT-PZEV regulations with 91 octane fuel and the HPD air filter system.

The new HPD supercharger kit is available at Honda dealers where it costs USD 5,495 but this price does not include the installation. The installation of this upgrade will not void your Honda warranty and owners of 2013 and 2014 Honda CR-Z models will get to keep the customer’s 5-year/60,000 miles (100,000 km) Honda limited powertrain warranty if the supercharger kit is installed by a Honda dealer. The HPD supercharger kit is available exclusively for CR-Z manual transmission models and HPD has developed an optional limited slip differential and HPD sport clutch for those customers looking for an even higher level of performance.

HPD also offers street performance accessories that improve track handling. They include HPD sport dampers, coil springs with reduced ride height, 300mm diameter disc brakes and HPD 18-inch wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The CR-Z is completed by a graphics package including front lip and tail spoilers, rear diffuser and HPD badge.

Source: Honda

August 22, 2014

2014 Honda CR-Z Goes On Sale

2014 Honda CR-Z will go on sale today, offering its customers sleek styling, numerous standard features and sporty handling, while at the same time maintaining outstanding fuel efficiency. The MY2014 CR-Z has undergone general update and now has more powerful battery pack, increased power and styling improvements.

This Honda model has also earned a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In addition, the CR-Z remains the only hybrid vehicle offered with a sporty manual transmission.

The car utilizes brand’s highly efficient, compact Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, which takes car for vehicle’s excellent fuel efficiency. As a standard, models come equipped with six-speed manual transmission. Optionally, there is also offered the available CVT.

Additional standard features on every new 2014 CR-Z include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Bluetooth Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control.

To be more precise, the hybrid powertrain uses a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single-overhead cam (SOHC) engine with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC). The latter receives more power from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system’s DC brushless electric motor.

The15-kW electric motor is powered by a 144-volt Lithium-Ion battery pack. Combined peak output is 130 horsepower (95 kW) at 6000 rpm and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque. There are three selectable modes: Econ, Normal and Sport. Each one of them delivers the desired by the driver balance of economy and performance. The standard Plus Sport System delivers enhanced acceleration when the driver presses the “S+” button on the steering wheel.

The refreshed exterior design of the CR-Z includes “one-motion” exterior wedge shape, that forms a broader forward stance, power windows and door locks, remote entry, and an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror. The up-level CR-Z EX model adds LED daytime running lights (DRL), High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with Auto-On/Off, and fog lights.

Front MacPherson strut and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension, along with electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering (EPS), were also tuned. CR-Z models are equipped with 16-inch aluminum wheels and 195/55R-16 tires, or can optionally receive larger 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/45R-17 tires.

Going inside, the CR-Z interior offers modern instrument panel which includes gauges that illuminate with a three-dimensional color theme for a multi-layered appearance. There are also present, premium sport-oriented seats and a console behind the front seats which optimizes the cargo space.

The standard electronic features include a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and speed-sensitive volume control, a CD/MP3 text readout and a USB3 auxiliary input jack for connection to a portable audio player, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, automatic climate control, cruise control and a rearview camera.

The optional equipment comprises of 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with 6.5-inch screen and rearview camera display, FM traffic and voice recognition, Pandora Interface, Bluetooth streaming audio and an SMS text messaging function.

At last, Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure helps protect occupants in a frontal collision. The other safety technologies feature dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS); a tire pressure monitoring system; and design features to the front of the vehicle intended to mitigate potential injuries to a pedestrian in a collision.

2014 Honda CR-Z Pricing:

TRIM	MSRP	EPA Fuel Economy Ratings1 (city/highway/combined)

CR-Z 6-speed manual	$19,995	31/38/34
CR-Z CVT	$20,645	36/39/37
CR-Z EX 6-speed manual	$21,840	31/38/34
CR-Z EX CVT	$22,490	36/39/37
CR-Z EX 6-speed manual with Navi	$23,340	31/38/34
CR-Z EX CVT with Navi	$23,990	36/39/37

Source: Honda

October 8, 2013

2013 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Upgraded

2013 Honda CR-Z will be officially launched on the market tomorrow and will include a host of powertrain, styling and feature enhancements. It will draw more power from its all-new Lithium-Ion battery pack, which in addition will improve its EPA mpg ratings.

Some of the styling upgrades include revised interior trim along with a new front fascia, a new finish for the 16-inch alloy wheels, an aerodynamically functional new rear diffuser and two new exterior colors – Passion Berry Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

For anyone who wishes to go standard, the 2013 CR-Z will give them Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control. Optionally, the drivers can enjoy the new Plus Sport System, which allows additional on-demand electric boost via a steering wheel-mounted “S+” button.

As a standard the car is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Optionally, the CR-Z adds Auto-On/Off High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and etc.

The CR-Z hybrid powertrain utilizes a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single-overhead cam engine with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system’s DC brushless electric motor.

But let’s speak in numbers: the CR-Z now generates 130 horsepower (96 kW) at 6000 rpm and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft.) of torque. Manual-transmission versions also receive both a larger clutch and a new lower final drive ratio.

Furthermore, this Honda model is equipped with enhanced 3-Mode Drive System, which is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel. The models namely are:

Sport mode – which improves engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist; Normal mode, which standardizes steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning settings; and at last the Econ mode, which can increase the potential for enhanced fuel efficiency by optimizing throttle angle for smooth acceleration, lower engine rpm and limiting power and torque by approximately 4-percent.

Next thing to highlight here is the chassis. The CR-Z includes front MacPherson strut and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension, which are additionally modified to provide a sportier driving experience. All 2013 CR-Z models are equipped as a standard with new darker-tinged 16×6-inch aluminum wheels with finished spoke tips and 195/55R-16 tires, while accessory 17×7 alloy wheels with 205/45R-17 tires are optional.

The interior changes here are the new metallic trim on the door pulls and latches, center console, speaker grilles and lower steering-wheel spokes. The black and red interior trim combination on the other hand gives sportier feeling and adds new two-toned combi seats, and colored accents to the door panels and floor mats.

In terms of safety and security, the CR-Z is one step forward thanks to its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. The latter helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision.

Other safety technologies featured here are the standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS); a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

2013 Honda CR-Z models will be priced at $19 975.

Source: Honda

November 20, 2012

2013 Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ for Japan

Mugen will hit the Japan Market with Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ. With exclusively developed suspension, brake system, and wheels, and exterior parts aerodynamically designed and wind-tunnel tested, coupled with the installation of a centrifugal supercharger system, all are combined to improve performance.

The car also features an aerodynamic body kit with a front spoiler, a revised grille and modified side skirts. There’s also a rear diffuser, an adjustable wing and a sports exhaust system.

It rolls 17” alloy wheels fitted with Dunlop Direzza Z II tires

CR-Z Mugen is powered by a 1.5-liter engine with 156HP (115 kW) and 185Nm (136 lb-ft) of torque. The hybrid system also features an electric motor with 20HP (15 kW) and 78Nm (58 lb-ft).

MUGEN will be responsible for installing the parts on to the CR-Z (6MT), provided by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and will start to sell the limited run of 300 completed cars in Japan from November 26th.

The price starts from ¥4,494,000 including a 5% consumption tax.

Source: Honda

October 5, 2012

2013 Honda CR-Z Facelift

Honda has introduced the new 2013 CR-Z facelift at the 20^th Indonesia International Motor Show. This time, Honda’s theme is “Racing for Blue Skies”, to show the new product that combines sporty character with a friendly environment.

“From the beginning, all the products developed Honda engine always show a distinctive character with leading technology, fuel-efficient, cleaner emissions, but still deliver performance and a sporty look. Character Green and Honda Racing was the DNA, ” said Tomoki Uchida, President Director of PT Honda Prospect Motor.

“Through the theme” Racing for Blue Skies “, we want to show that creating advanced technologies and protecting the environment can be done without having to lay aside his impression of sporty,” he added.

The exterior of the new CR-Z features a modified front bumper, a new front grille and slightly restyled headlights. Other upgrades include a new rear diffuser and a set of nice 17” alloy wheels fitted with proper tires.

The interior is also slightly touched. There is a new tachometer and a new Plus Sport system, which improves the engine’s response at the push of a button.

The powertrain remains the same – a 1.5 liter i-VTEC combined with an electric motor. The total power is 135HP (99 kW) and 172Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque. This power is with CVT (continuously variable transmission), which has a lot of loses, but when the engine is combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the power rises to 136HP (100 kW) and 190Nm (140 lb-ft) making the car a lot better to drive.

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Source: Honda

September 21, 2012

Honda has announced MUGEN CR-Z GT featuring racing hybrid system

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced its intent to provide technical support to Team Mugen, operated by M-TEC Co., Ltd., for its competition with the MUGEN CR-Z GT in the GT300 class of SUPER GT Series.

Honda will supply a 2.8-liter V6 twin-turbo engine and the racing hybrid system developed exclusively for this Team Mugen racing machine and will start actual test runs.

Team Mugen’s first race with the MUGEN CR-Z GT featuring the Honda racing hybrid system will be the 2012 SUPER GT Series Round 4 SUGO GT 300km Race, which will be held on July 28 and 29, 2012.

Stay tuned for more information about this project!

Source: Honda

July 5, 2012

2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN Price – £24 000

The 2012 Honda CR-Z Mugen will hit the UK market in spring 2012. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but are expected to be approximately £24 000.

The manufacturer had a successful programme launch at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it has joined forces with Mugen Euro, to launch a 130+mph sports hybrid CR-Z, boasting Civic Type R performance.

CR-Z Mugen is powered by a supercharged 1.5 liter petrol engine and an electric motor. The overall power is 175PS (129 kW), which is almost 50% more power than the standard car. The pocket rocket hybrid marks the strengthening of the engineering partnership between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro following the limited edition Civic Type R MUGEN in 2010.

The results are thanks to a centrifugal forced air induction system, charge-air cooler and induction system and importantly, a MUGEN Euro-mapped ECU. The performance is more than satisfying, especially for a hybrid – 0 to100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, which is over 3 seconds quicker than the standard car.

“MUGEN Euro magic has created a super responsive yet eco-conscious model building on our sporting credentials and giving us the ability to compete in the “hot hatch” marketplace as we move into 2012.”, commented Martin Moll, Head of Honda (UK) marketing.

Source: Honda

November 29, 2011

Honda CR-Z Mugen RR Concept

Honda CR-Z Mugen RR Concept will demonstrate the tuner’s capabilities in terms of function, style, performance and agility. The vehicle was produced by M-TEC in Japan for show purposes only.

The car was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, but now the manufacturer has released more information about it. CR-Z Mugen RR Concept boasts Valencia Orange Pearl exterior paint work and an aggressive M-TEC body kit including a carbon fiber hood, doors and tailgate. There are also a dual sport exhaust system, a sport-tuned suspension and 18” alloy wheels. The brake system includes a 4-piston calipers.

It is powered by a supercharged 1.5-liter engine and an IMA hybrid system. The combined powerl is 200PS (147 kW) and 245Nm(181 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.

The interior has colour-coded leather and Alcantara seats and a race-developed information screen. It has the ability to record chassis and engine data as well as housing a Satellite navigation and audio system. This high tech kit will monitor the car over two laps to “learn” a circuit and then record lap data and vehicle tracking using GPS.

Source: Honda

August 2, 2011

HPD Honda CR-Z Racer Hybrid

Honda will take a part at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race with CR-Z Hybrid coupe. The specially prepared car was firstly unveiled at last year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It is developed by Honda Performance Development (HPD), the “racing arm” of American Honda.

HPD Honda CR-Z Racer Hybrid is powered by a 1.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with the help of an electric motor. Both are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and the overall power is 200HP and 237Nm of torque, which makes a specific power of 133HP per litre. Not bad at all!

The electric motor takes power from a 7 kWh Li-ion battery pack and helps the internal combustion engine, when it is needed.

CR-Z Hybrid offers superb fuel consumption and nice performance, so we are excited to see, how it will perform at the race track.

HPD Honda CR-Z Racer Hybrid 644 — HPD Honda CR-Z Racer Hybrid

HPD Honda CR-Z Racer hybrid:

Production year: 2010

Configuration: Combination IMA hybrid
(Electric motor between the internal combustion engine and gearbox)
Li-ion battery 7 kWh/173 volts

Architecture: 4 cylinders in line, mounted transversely in front, FWD

Displacement: 1,497 cm3

Type: SOHC, 4 valves / cylinder; fuel Injection and turbocharger

Transmission: 6 speed manual

Power: 200 hp

Max torque: 237 Nm

Specific Power: 133 hp / litre

Source: Honda

June 9, 2011

Honda CR-Z MUGEN – first official images

Honda and Mugen EU have revealed the first official images of the CR-Z Mugen. The project is to create the higher-performance hybrid coupe, which is suitable for both – race track and everyday driving.

However, the supercharged Honda CR-Z is expected to have staggering performance qualities. Not only in straight line, but in the corners, too. Early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine have given 0 to 100 km/h times around that of the Civic Type R, which is just perfect considering the fuel consumption.

There will be a 15% increasing in power over this “Stage 1” engine. Furthermore, the hybrid coupe will lose over 50kg from the chassis and the overall performance is set to meet MUGEN’s original targets.

“Early fuel consumption tests have also been encouraging,” commented Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro.

“We’ve retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50+mpg in ‘eco’ mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special ‘MUGEN’ mode.”, he finished.

2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN

Source: Honda

May 18, 2011

Honda CR-Z MUGEN prototype sketch

Mugen Euro is developing a high-performance Honda CR-Z. The goal is to deliver “Type R-like” performance from the hybrid’s powertrain. So, the customers will receive driving pleasure at decent price.

Honda CR-Z MUGEN is expected to have its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, this year.

CR-Z is powered by a 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engine and a small electric motor. Mugen variant will feature enhancements to both, while bespoke brakes and suspension will be fitted to improve the chassis dynamics.

CR-Z Mugen will also feature a lightweight components – a carbon fibre bonnet and MUGEN alloy wheels.

“We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z,” commented Hiro Toyoda of MUGEN Euro.

“It is already a fun car to drive, with an excellent chassis, but we thought that with more power and enhanced torque delivery it could be even more exciting. However, as with all MUGEN projects, we have stayed true to the Honda design and philosophy, and the electric motor is still a vital ingredient to boost performance and economy.”, he added.

However, Honda CR-Z MUGEN is being developed purely as a one-off prototype, with no plans for a series production.

source: Honda

March 17, 2011

Tag: CR-Z