Of all the hybrid systems out there, Honda's IMA system is the simplest, most compact design. Instead of having a separate alternator and starter motor like traditional internal-combustion engines, the IMA system combines the two functions in one with an electric motor that starts the engine, accelerates the car, recharges the battery and provides regenerative braking.
The CRX is one of the most desirable cars of the 1980's. Originally offered in regular, performance, and high gas mileage trims, it wasn't long before enthusiasts realized almost any Honda engine would fit under the hood with just a little work. Combined with its sophisticated double-wishbone suspension this hatchback version of the Civic has long been a favorite both on the race track and the drag strip.
With such a storied history expectations were extremely high when Honda debuted its successor, the CR-Z, at the the Tokyo Auto Show.The last year for the CRX was 1991. It weighs between 1,700 and 2,100lbs. depending on the model. The high mileage HF is rated at 47 mpg highway and 41 city under the new EPA estimates. The top-of-the-line Si could go from 0-60 in 8.5 seconds while costing the equivalent of about $15,000 in today's money.
The CR-Z will be in the same dealerships later this year as a 2011 model. It weighs around 2,800lbs and is expected to get an EPA-estimated 35 mpg city and 39 highway when equipped with a CVT automatic. The car takes 10.5 seconds to reach sixty miles an hour. List price should start at around $20,000. While it does look like a modern interpretation of the CRX, early reports show the handling doesn't compare to its predecessor, either.
In other words, while its styling looks similar to the CRX, it can't match the performance, fuel economy, handling, or price of a car that was last seen in showrooms twenty years ago.
So, if the CRX was the small, fun version of the Civic, what does that make the CR-Z?
The small, fun version of the Insight.
Both the Insight and the CR-Z are hybrids based on the same platform as the Fit. They use the same Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, but the CR-Z ditches the Insight's 1.3l engine for the 1.5l unit used in the Fit. Early reports show that the CR-Z fixes many of the complaints of the Insight, particularly ride quality. Most importantly early reviews have noted that steering and braking feel are the best of any hybrid to date, two things that have been a major issue with this type of car.
Maybe the comparison between the CRX and the CR-Z makes some sense: These days a "Hybrid" badge has the same caché as the "VTEC" badge had during the peak of the CRX's popularity. Like its predecessor, the CR-Z is mostly aimed at being cool but if you can forgo several other cars in this price range offer more practicality. Honda's own Fit offers nearly the same gas mileage at a much lower cost while the Civic Hybrid and Insight add back seats at the expense of driving involvement.
If you must have something that is clearly a hybrid but you don't want a Prius look-alike nor do you want to sacrifice drivability the Insight may be just the car you've been waiting for. The rest of us will still be waiting for a true successor to the CRX.
The CR-Z will be in the same dealerships later this year as a 2011 model. It weighs around 2,800lbs and is expected to get an EPA-estimated 35 mpg city and 39 highway when equipped with a CVT automatic. The car takes 10.5 seconds to reach sixty miles an hour. List price should start at around $20,000. While it does look like a modern interpretation of the CRX, early reports show the handling doesn't compare to its predecessor, either.
In other words, while its styling looks similar to the CRX, it can't match the performance, fuel economy, handling, or price of a car that was last seen in showrooms twenty years ago.
So, if the CRX was the small, fun version of the Civic, what does that make the CR-Z?
The small, fun version of the Insight.
Both the Insight and the CR-Z are hybrids based on the same platform as the Fit. They use the same Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, but the CR-Z ditches the Insight's 1.3l engine for the 1.5l unit used in the Fit. Early reports show that the CR-Z fixes many of the complaints of the Insight, particularly ride quality. Most importantly early reviews have noted that steering and braking feel are the best of any hybrid to date, two things that have been a major issue with this type of car.
Maybe the comparison between the CRX and the CR-Z makes some sense: These days a "Hybrid" badge has the same caché as the "VTEC" badge had during the peak of the CRX's popularity. Like its predecessor, the CR-Z is mostly aimed at being cool but if you can forgo several other cars in this price range offer more practicality. Honda's own Fit offers nearly the same gas mileage at a much lower cost while the Civic Hybrid and Insight add back seats at the expense of driving involvement.
If you must have something that is clearly a hybrid but you don't want a Prius look-alike nor do you want to sacrifice drivability the Insight may be just the car you've been waiting for. The rest of us will still be waiting for a true successor to the CRX.
2011 Honda CR-Z: 21st-Century CRX
Honda's Upcoming Two-Seater is Designed to Prove Hybrids Can be Fun
From the April, 2009 issue of Motor Trend
Honda's Upcoming Two-Seater is Designed to Prove Hybrids Can be Fun
From the April, 2009 issue of Motor Trend
Honda's CR-Z hybrid coupe remains on track as a 2011 model, on sale in late 2010. Honda wants sports-car enthusiasts to buy it not because it's green, but because it's fun. The carmaker considered doing a non-hybrid version of the CR-Z, but it desperately wants to be seen as a hybrid supplier on par with Toyota and believes it needs a range of dedicated hybrid-only models to achieve that.
2011 Honda CRZ Side View
Click to view Gallery
So the CR-Z gets a lively 140-horse, 1.8-liter Civic-derived engine. The IMA system -- motor, battery, electronics -- will be like the Insight's, as will the platform, to save cost. A senior engineer says, "It must be fun to drive, must remind you of the original CRX." And a manual gearbox will be offered. "CVT is fine for the market, mostly. But we are Honda! We must have a manual!"
As a two-seater, the CR-Z's smaller body mass versus the Insight should make up for the weight of the bigger engine, brakes, and tires. So a 2800-pound total, with lots of electric-assist torque and a revvy gasoline engine, should make it the real deal as a pocket performance coupe.
Honda has trimmed back its sports cars. President Takeo Fukui said the company has canceled the Acura NSX replacement, though engineers say it may simply be deferred. And the rear-drive Acura range has been canceled. Honda is out of Formula 1. So the CR-Z must be to Honda in the 2010s what the CRX was to Honda in the 1980s.
The other leg of Honda's small-car hybrid tripod, the Fit hybrid, also is going ahead for a '10 release. To give the Insight a lower overall height than the Fit, for reduced aero drag at highway speeds, the fuel tank was moved from under the front seats in the Fit to under the rear seats in the Insight. Speeds in the EPA test aren't high enough to make aerodynamics a factor, so the Fit hybrid may match the Insight's fuel economy label, and offer more space and versatility, for less money. It will interesting to see how the marketing guys handle that one.
2011 Honda CRZ Side View
Click to view Gallery
So the CR-Z gets a lively 140-horse, 1.8-liter Civic-derived engine. The IMA system -- motor, battery, electronics -- will be like the Insight's, as will the platform, to save cost. A senior engineer says, "It must be fun to drive, must remind you of the original CRX." And a manual gearbox will be offered. "CVT is fine for the market, mostly. But we are Honda! We must have a manual!"
As a two-seater, the CR-Z's smaller body mass versus the Insight should make up for the weight of the bigger engine, brakes, and tires. So a 2800-pound total, with lots of electric-assist torque and a revvy gasoline engine, should make it the real deal as a pocket performance coupe.
Honda has trimmed back its sports cars. President Takeo Fukui said the company has canceled the Acura NSX replacement, though engineers say it may simply be deferred. And the rear-drive Acura range has been canceled. Honda is out of Formula 1. So the CR-Z must be to Honda in the 2010s what the CRX was to Honda in the 1980s.
The other leg of Honda's small-car hybrid tripod, the Fit hybrid, also is going ahead for a '10 release. To give the Insight a lower overall height than the Fit, for reduced aero drag at highway speeds, the fuel tank was moved from under the front seats in the Fit to under the rear seats in the Insight. Speeds in the EPA test aren't high enough to make aerodynamics a factor, so the Fit hybrid may match the Insight's fuel economy label, and offer more space and versatility, for less money. It will interesting to see how the marketing guys handle that one.
2011 Honda CR-Z Specifications and Features
June 18 2010
| ENGINEERING | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| Engine Type | In-Line 4-Cylinder | In-Line 4-Cylinder |
| Engine Block/Cylinder Head | Aluminum-Alloy | Aluminum-Alloy |
| Displacement (L/cc) | 1.5 /1497 | 1.5 /1497 |
| Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) | 122 @ 6000 | 122 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 128 @ 1000 - 1750 (6MT) 123@ 1000 - 2000 (CVT) | 128 @ 1000 - 1750 (6MT) 123@ 1000 - 2000 (CVT) |
| Redline (rpm) | 6300 | 6300 |
| Bore and Stroke (mm) | 73 x 89 | 73 x 89 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.4 : 1 | 10.4 : 1 |
| Valve Train | 16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC® | 16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC® |
| Multi-Point Fuel Injection | • | • |
| Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System | • | • |
| Hill Start Assist | 6MT | 6MT |
| Front-Wheel Drive | • | • |
| 3-Mode Drive System (Sport/Normal/ECON) | • | • |
| Eco Assist™ System | • | • |
| CARB Emissions Rating | AT-PZEV** | AT-PZEV** |
| Federal Emissions Rating | Tier 2 Bin 2 | Tier 2 Bin 2 |
| Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer | • | • |
| 100K +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups* | • | • |
| * Does not apply to fluid and filter changes. Will vary with driving conditions. Please see your Honda dealer for details. ** AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle) models as certified by California Air Resources Board (CARB) are available in California and states that have adopted California Zero-Emission Vehicle regulations. | ||
| ELECTRIC MOTOR / GENERATOR | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| DC Brushless Motor (Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous) | • | • |
| Power (hp @ rpm) | 13 @ 1500 | 13 @ 1500 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 58 @ 1000 | 58 @ 1000 |
| ELECTRIC POWER STORAGE | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Battery | • | • |
| Output (Volts) | 100.8 | 100.8 |
| Rated Capacity | 5.75 Ah | 5.75 Ah |
| TRANSMISSIONS | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| 6-Speed Manual Transmission | • | • |
| Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.143, 2nd: 1.870, 3rd: 1.303, 4th: 1.054, 5th: 0.854, 6th: 0.689, Reverse: 3.307, Final Drive: 4.11 | ||
| Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) | with Paddle Shifter | with Paddle Shifter |
| Gear Ratios: 3.173~0.529, Reverse: 5.666~2.167, Final Drive: 4.20 | ||
| BODY/SUSPENSION/CHASSIS | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| Unit-Body Construction | • | • |
| MacPherson Strut Front Suspension | • | • |
| Torsion-Beam Rear Suspension | • | • |
| Stabilizer Bar (mm, front/rear) | 18.0 (solid) / 18.0 | 18.0 (solid) / 18.0 |
| Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS) | • | • |
| Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock | 2.48 | 2.48 |
| Steering Ratio | 12.75 | 12.75 |
| Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft) | 35.4 | 35.4 |
| Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (in, front/rear) | 10.3 / 10.2 | 10.3 / 10.2 |
| Alloy Wheels (inches) | 16 x 6 | 16 x 6 |
| All-Season Tires | P195/55R16 86V | P195/55R16 86V |
| Compact Spare Tire | • | • |
| EXTERIOR MEASUREMENTS | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| Wheelbase (in) | 95.9 | 95.9 |
| Length (in) | 160.6 | 160.6 |
| Height (in)* | 54.9 | 54.9 |
| Width (in) | 68.5 | 68.5 |
| Track (in, front/rear) | 59.6 / 59.1 | 59.6 / 59.1 |
| Curb Weight (lbs, MT/CVT) | 2637 / 2690 | 2650 / 2703 2654 / 2707 (EX w/Navigation) |
| Weight Distribution (%, front/rear, MT) | 58.8 / 41.2 | 58.8 / 41.2 |
| Weight Distribution (%, front/rear, CVT) | 59.8 / 40.2 | 59.8 / 40.2 |
| *Height includes roof antenna | ||
| INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| Headroom (in) | 36.9 | 36.9 |
| Legroom (in) | 42.7 | 42.7 |
| Shoulder Room (in) | 53.8 | 53.8 |
| Hiproom (in) | 51.5 | 51.5 |
| Cargo Volume (cu ft, behind seats) | TBD | TBD |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 49.1 | 49.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 2 |
| EPA MILEAGE ESTIMATES*/CAPACITIES | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| CVT (City/Highway/Combined) | 35/39/37 | 35/39/37 |
| 6-Speed Manual (City/Highway/Combined) | 31/37/34 | 31/37/34 |
| Crankcase (qt) | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Coolant System (qt, CVT/MT) | 4.84 / 4.92 | 4.84 / 4.92 |
| Fuel (gal) | 10.6 | 10.6 |
| Required Fuel | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded |
| * Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle. | ||
| SAFETY | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| 3-Point Seat Belts with Front Seat Automatic Tensioning System | • | • |
| Driver's and Front Passenger's Seat Belt Reminder | • | • |
| Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS) | • | • |
| Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) | • | • |
| Side Curtain Airbags | • | • |
| Driver's and Front Passenger's Active Head Restraints | • | • |
| Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure | • | • |
| Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) | • | • |
| Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) | • | • |
| Brake Assist | • | • |
| Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control | • | • |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | • | • |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | • | • |
| Side-Impact Door Beams | • | • |
| EXTERIOR FEATURES | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| Fin-Type Roof-Mounted Antenna | • | • |
| Security System with Remote Entry | • | • |
| Body-Colored Folding Power Side Mirrors with Integrated Turn Indicators | • | Heated |
| Body-Colored Door Handles | • | • |
| Projector-Beam Halogen Headlights with Auto-On/Off | • | |
| High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off | • | |
| Fog Lights | • | |
| Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers | • | • |
| Rear Window Wiper/Washer | • | • |
| Tinted Glass | • | • |
| Push-to-Release Fuel Filler Door | • | • |
| LED Brakelights | • | • |
| COMFORT & CONVENIENCE | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| Automatic Climate Control | • | • |
| Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition | Available | |
| Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® | • | |
| Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's Window | • | • |
| Illuminated Window Switches | Driver's window only | • |
| Power Door Locks | • | • |
| Cruise Control | • | • |
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | • | |
| Aluminum Shift Knob with Leather | 6MT | |
| Textured Aluminum Pedals | • | |
| Polished Interior Accents | • | |
| Steering Wheel-Mounted Paddle Shifters | CVT | CVT |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column | • | • |
| Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls | Cruise/MID/Audio | Cruise/MID/Audio/Phone |
| Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Navigation Controls | Available | |
| Beverage Holders (3) | • | • |
| Upper Instrument Panel Storage | • | • |
| Door-Pocket Storage Bins, Front | • | • |
| Driver's and Front Passenger's Vanity Mirrors | Driver's only | Illuminated |
| Ambient Console Lighting | • | |
| Map Lights | • | • |
| 12-Volt Power Outlet | • | • |
| Glove Compartment | • | • |
| Courtesy Lights | • | • |
| Rear Cargo Console (behind front seats) | • | • |
| Rear Window Defroster | • | • |
| Retractable Cargo Area Cover | • | • |
| Cargo Area Light | • | • |
| SEATING | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| Silver Mesh Sport Seats | • | • |
| Driver's Seat with Manual Height Adjustment | • | • |
| Reclining Front Seatbacks | • | • |
| AUDIO SYSTEMS | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| 160-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 6 Speakers | • | |
| 360-Watt AM/FM//CD Premium Audio System with 7 Speakers including Subwoofer | • | |
| Radio Data System (RDS) | • | without Navigation |
| MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) Playback Capability | • | • |
| MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack | • | • |
| USB Audio Interface | • | • |
| CD Text Display Capability | • | • |
| Digital Audio-Card Reader | with Navigation | |
| Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC) | • | • |
| INSTRUMENTATION | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| 3-Mode Drive System Buttons (Normal / ECON / Sport) | • | • |
| 12-Volt Battery Charging System Indicator | • | • |
| ABS Indicator | • | • |
| Airbag System Indicator | • | • |
| Blue Backlit Gauges | • | • |
| Brake System Indicator | • | • |
| Coolant Temperature Indicators | • | • |
| Cruise Control Indicators | • | • |
| Digital Speedometer | • | • |
| Door/Hatch-Open Indicator | • | • |
| DRL Indicator | • | • |
| Electric Power Steering (EPS) Indicator | • | • |
| Fog Light Indicator | • | |
| Fuel Level Indicator | • | • |
| Headlight-On Indicator | • | • |
| High-Beam Indicator | • | • |
| Idle-Stop Indicator | • | • |
| IMA Battery State-of-Charge Indicator | • | • |
| IMA Charge and Assist Indicator | • | • |
| IMA System Indicator | • | • |
| Immobilizer System Indicator | • | • |
| Lights-On Indicator | • | • |
| Low Tire-Pressure Indicator | • | • |
| Low-Fuel Indicator | • | • |
| Low-Oil Pressure Indicator | • | • |
| Maintenance Minder Indicator | • | • |
| Malfunction Indicator | • | • |
| Passenger-Side Side Airbag-Off Indicator | • | • |
| Seat Belt Reminder Indicator | • | • |
| Security System Indicator | • | • |
| Shift Up/Down Indicator | 6MT | 6MT |
| Tachometer | • | • |
| TPMS Indicator | • | • |
| Turn Signal/Hazard Indicators | • | • |
| VSA System and Off Indicators | • | |
| Multi-Information Display (MID) | CR-Z | CR-Z EX |
| Average Fuel Economy Indicators (2) | • | • |
| Average Speed Indicator | • | • |
| Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® | • | |
| Digital Fuel-Mileage Indicators | • | • |
| Digital Odometer and Digital Trip Meters | • | • |
| Eco Guide/Eco Score | • | • |
| Elapsed Time Indicator | • | • |
| Exterior Temperature Indicator | • | • |
| IMA System Power Flow Indicator | • | • |
| Maintenance Minder™ System | • | • |
| Miles-to-Empty Indicator | • | • |
| Exterior Accessories | Interior Accessories | |
| 17x7-inch Alloy Wheel | XM Radio | |
| P205/45R17 84V Performance Tires | Armrest with Storage | |
| Front Lip Spoiler | Stainless Steel Door Sill Trim | |
| Body Side Molding | Illuminated Door Sill Trim | |
| Side Spoiler | Auto Day/Night Mirror with Compass | |
| Rear Diffuser Spoiler | Ashtray, Cup Holder Type | |
| Hatch Spoiler | All-Season Floor Mats | |
| Splash Guards | Cargo Mat | |
| Wheel Locks | Cargo Tray | |
| Fog Lights (CR-Z base trim only) | Engine Block Heater | |
| Full Nose Mask | ||
| Door Edge Film | ||
| Rear Bumper Applique | ||
| Car Cover | ||
| Specifications, features, illustrations and equipment shown in this press kit are based upon the latest available information at the time of printing. Although descriptions are believed to be correct, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. | ||
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