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Showing posts with label Honda CR-Z. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Honda CR-Z. Show all posts
Monday, September 5, 2011
In total, 26 000 CR-Z models will be recalled in Japan, America and Canada. 43 000 CR-Vs, Fits and Citys will be recalled in Indonesia. 19 143 CR-Vs, Fits and Citys will be recalled in the Phillipines.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Despite rumors of Honda putting the CR-Z Mugen RR into production, Honda has announced that it remains firm with its original decision on the production possibilities for the vehicle, which is no. In a press release, Honda says the vehicle was developed by Mugen to demonstrate its capabilities in function, style, performance and agility and was meant for a show vehicle.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Honda has furbished further details of the CR-Z Mugen Concept that is scheduled to make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. Developed in conjunction with Mugen Euro, the first video footage of the vehicle was released last week.
According to the company, the Honda CR-Z Mugen Concept was created “to prove hybrid cars can be exciting to drive.”
The vehicle will be equipped with Honda’s 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine and IMA electric motor that together with Mugen’s modifications (inclusive of Integrated Centrifugal Forced-induction) is capable of producing power of 198 hp as well as 181 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and the vehicle will be front-wheel drive.
The CR-Z Mugen is expected to be able to go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and fuel economy in Eco mode is touted to be 50 mpg.
Enhancements like carbon fibre bonnet, carbon doors, lightweight forged wheels, Recaro buckets and the omission of rear seats not only contributes to a total weight reduction of 52 kg but also lends a sporty look to the vehicle. Further, the concept dons Brilliant Orange Metallic paint.
Other touches that Mugen has made on the CR-Z include a sport suspension with stiffer springs and five-way adjustable dampers, modified brakes as well as a body kit consisting of Mugen front and rear under spoilers, side skirts, rear wing and 17-inch lightweight forged alloy Mugen GP wheels.
Though this vehicle is yet to see the light of the day in a production form, some of the parts and components are available through the Honda UK Mugen authorized dealer network.
It cost Honda nearly £150,000 to build the prototype and if and when the production version comes out then the Honda CR-Z Mugen is expected to cost in the range of £40,000-£50,000. We highly doubt that a production version will arrive.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Since its launch, the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain has been both a draw and a gaping disappointment for the sporty car. It certainly ain't weak, but it ain't fast either. Heeding on the heels of its critics, Honda has confirmed the development of a more sporty powertrain for the CR-Z. However, and this continues to be a deal-breaker for many, it will be a sporty HYBRID powertrain. Honda's R&D head admits that the CR-Z does not hold to the performance standards some of its customers expect. He also stated that a high-compression gasoline engine would fit best with the electric-propulsion component from the hybrid motor. The next-generation car will supposedly be on par with fuel efficiency, or at least Honda is trying to do so.
A one-off CR-Z developed by Mugen is said to improve the horsepower and handling of the vehicle, it will be shown later this year.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
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| Honda's 2011 Fit won Best Value and Best Used Small Car |
In other categories, the Honda Fit won Best Value for a Small Car along with Best Used Small Car, the Acura TSX 4-cyl won Best Value for Upscale Sedan, the Acura RL won Best Used Luxury Car, the Honda CR-V winning Best Used Compact SUV and the Ridgeline winning Best Used Pickup Truck.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Honda is making a splash at the 2011 Toronto Auto Show with REMIX versions of the 2011 CR-Z and Accord Coupe. These models were developed with the help of the Performance Auto & Sound Magazine, showcasing the tuning potential of the Accord Coupe and CR-Z. The CR-Z REMIX has an AEM cold air intake, Magnaflow exhaust, BC Racing ER-Series coilovers, 18-inch Enkei wheels with high performance Yokohama S Drive tires as well as matte white paint and matte black accents. PASMAG also has inputted a sound system with a 6.1 inch touchscreen, high-end Arsenal amplifiers, subwoofers and speakers. The Accord Coupe received the same treatment except with 4-piston larger front brakes, 19-inchers and Phoneix Gold amplifiers with Energy speakers.
If you're interested in checking them out, they're on display from February 18-27 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Monday, January 17, 2011
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| A very popular customized Honda CR-Z shown at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon |
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
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| Honda's test study on the CR-Z at the Salon |
At this year's event, Honda Access Corporation(2), the manufacturer of genuine Honda aftermarket parts and accessories, will display a TS-1X test study model based on the CR-Z.
Also on display are accessorized production automobiles and motorcycles, along with a variety of specially designed vehicles to show the playful nature of customization, such as the Freed Spike caravan car, the Acty Truck and the Enepo generator special coloring editions.
Racing vehicles on display will include the HSV-010 GT machine, which won both the driver and team titles for the the Super GT Series GT500-class races, and the RC212V, which competed in the MotoGP class races, the pinnacle of world motorcycle road racing competition.
Honda vehicles on exhibit
I. Display vehicle - test study model
Automobiles (1 unit)
- TS-1X (base model: CR-Z)
II. Display vehicles - competition models
Motorcycles (1 unit)
- MotoGP: RC212V (Repsol Honda Team)
Automobiles (3 units)
- Super GT: HSV-010 GT (Weider Honda Racing)
- Formula Nippon: FN09
- Indy Car Series: 2011 Indy Japan 300 mascot car
III. Accessorized vehicles
Motorcycles (5 units)
- VT1300CX
- CB1100
- VT400S
- PCX
- FORZA
Automobiles (4 units)
- Sports Modulo NSX (display vehicle accessorized with genuine Honda aftermarket parts that is scheduled to go on sale at the end of May)
- Modulo STEPWGN
- Modulo CR-Z
- Modulo Fit Hybrid
IV. Other display vehicles and products
Motorcycles (1 unit)
- Super Cub 50 (Love Cub 50 Project specifications)
Automobiles (3 units)
- "Running Station ASICS x Honda" Freed Spike caravan car
- "Camping Station Coleman x Honda" Freed Spike caravan car
- Acty Truck (Tokyo Auto Salon special color)
Power products (2 units)
- Enepo (Tokyo Auto Salon special color)
- Pianta (Tokyo Auto Salon special color)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Following the CR-Z's win of the 2010 Japan Car of the Year, Honda has decided to celebrate this win in Japan by introducing a special edition of the CR-Z. It's available only in a special "Pearl Dipusafaiaburu" blue paint, contains unique 16-inch alloy wheels and has premium metal pedals inside. Honda has also placed a Japan Car of the Year sticker on the rear quarter glass behind the driver's side door. Other than that, the CR-Z remains entirely stock and will probably be a Japan-only model.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
REVIEW COPYRIGHTED BY CTV
Brent Jamieson, CTV.ca News
Date: Wednesday Dec. 15, 2010 7:16 AM ET
This year Honda unveiled its brand new 2011 CR-Z Sport Hybrid – one of their most anticipated 2011 models, with the looks harking back to the CRX of old.
With its sloping nose and high rear end, this car is definitely a head turner, as proved on the drive back one night as I caught glimpse of Acura owner looking over his shoulder as he slowly passed me in rush hour traffic.
Available only in one trim level, the CR-Z has two unique tricks up its sleeve. It is the first Hybrid car to offer a 6-speed manual transmission, in comparison to Honda's current Hybrids (the Civic Hybrid and the Insight) which only come in an automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). It also has three different driving modes -- Econ, Normal and Sport. Each mode gives you a different driving experience. Starting at only 23,490, this is the cheapest Hybrid currently on the market.
Options: The CR-Z comes well equipped with 16" Alloy Wheels, 7-speaker audio system, HID (High Intensity Discharge) Headlights, fog lights, audio controls on the steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth handsfree connectivity, air conditioning, power doors, power mirrors and power locks. For an extra $800, you can equip the CR-Z with the CVT, which comes with steering wheel paddle shifters – so, even if you don't know how to drive a standard, you can at least have some fun.
Safety: The car comes with 6 airbags, 4-wheel ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist, Hill Assist Start for the manual transmission and Creep-aid System for the CVT– both of which prevent the car from rolling backwards from starting on a hill.
Mileage: Advertised fuel economy of the CR-Z manual is 6.5L/100km for City and 5.3L/100km for highway and a combined fuel economy of 6L/100km.
The fuel economy of the CVT is 5.6L/100km for City, 5L/100km for Highway and a combined economy of 5.3L/100km. The model I had was equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission and I was able to get, with my daily commute of a combined winter rush hour traffic and city driving, 7.2L/100km. With its 40 litre tank, and 122HP Hybrid engine, this car can get you from A to D and be able to have lots of fun in between.
Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde
When starting the CR-Z, the first thing I picked up was the three buttons just left of the steering wheel marked Econ, Normal and Sport. Those were the clear identifiers of what mode you could put the car into. Every time you start the car, it starts in Normal mode, which I found a bit of annoyance, because if you pulled into your local grocery store in Sport Mode, you'd like to be able to leave in Sport Mode Instead, when you turn off the car, it automatically reverts back to Normal Mode, which is like having your radio programmed to your favourite radio station, and then every time you turn it back on, it sets itself to stations only your grandparents would listen to.
This was annoying, but not hard to change, especially when driving. While driving the car in Econ or Normal mode, I found its standing start and acceleration a little sluggish -- kind of like driving a minivan. But as soon as you hit that Sport mode button, the car transformed itself like a car from a 1980s cartoon into the sport coupe it is designed to be.
The handling, acceleration, and Hybrid system changes with each setting. In Econ mode, the car is as close you can come to a Hybrid. It relies heavily on the electric motor, and when you shift into neutral as you come up to a stop, the electric motor kicks in, shutting off the gas motor so that you are not wasting fuel as you wait your turn to go. The light around the RPM gauge changes from blue to green as you drive in an economical fashion, and you get a shift reminder.
In Normal mode, the acceleration is a little more responsive as the car isn't relying so much on the electric motor, and I found that I was driving in an economical fashion, even at 401 highway speeds, as the blue light changed to green with a slow and steady acceleration. The car will still switch to the electric motor at a standing stop, with the transmission in neutral, like the Econ mode – but it takes it a longer time for that system to activate, especially in the winter, and you still have the shift reminder.
But it's in Sport mode where you have the most fun. Putting the CR-Z in that mode, not only changed the acceleration, but also firmed up the steering, allowing the car to be more responsive to quick directional changes – making it easier to move around Christmas traffic. Not only that, but the car relies more on the gas motor than the electric motor, giving the batteries a chance to charge up with the hybrid system. Display wise, the blue light changes to red and stays red, and the shift reminder -- which you can glance at while driving in Econ and Normal mode -- is shut off, and it is now fully a driver's car.
On the exterior, the car is designed for absolute aerodynamics. From the front grill, to the back bumper, every curve and angle has been considered for not only looks but also performance. Driving straight into a head-wind, and with just a little bit of extra pressure on the gas, the car cut through it like a hot knife through butter without having to grip the wheel with a death-like grip.
But aerodynamics come at a price. With the unique design of the windshield, if you get a rock chip or crack, it could be costly to repair. And with the straight back end of the car, the designers installed a straight back window, to allow you to see clearly out behind you. Which is great, if it comes with a wiper. But because the tinted window at the back is so small, there is no wiper on it, and because it's a straight window, it gets covered in road spray, which makes it difficult to see out of in the winter.
Comfort wise, the CR-Z is planted on the road, and very surefooted, even in the worst conditions. The suspension is like driving a luxury sedan, as not even the harshest of bumps throws off the car. With standard fog lights and HID Headlights, this car is not blind on the road. Inside, the controls are easy to access and clearly marked. The two cup holders are not in the way of the shifter, making it possible to shift without having to reach around, or accidently hit, your coffee that you just picked up from your favourite drive thru -- making this a car that was designed for the manual transmission, before they installed the automatic.
The transmission is very easy to shift and there is no way that you could accidently put it into reverse, or the wrong gear.
With its small size, the designers put in many cubby areas, so that even though you don't have a back seat, you at least have a spot to place your laptop without having to go into the trunk. That being said, because the batteries are right behind the seats, they sacrifice extra leg room making it a tight squeeze for someone over 6 feet.
Cargo capacity, though, is pretty good. The hatch-like trunk allows you to load in a full-size travel bag width wise, plus others without having to fold down the divider between the seats and the trunk. With the divider area down, you gain enough space to load in two sets of golf clubs so that you and a buddy can go golfing. And without a passenger, you can carry something 6 feet in length with the passenger seat moved as far forward and folded as far forward as possible, without a problem. One of the things you need to watch out for when loading the trunk, is that the liftgate doesn't go as high as you think, so you might hit the back of your head on the latch mechanism.
Parking the CR-Z is easy. With its size and tight turning radius, you can park it with the same ease as a sub-compact. Because of its size, you're able to pull into a parking spot beside someone who doesn't know how to park, without having to worry about them hitting you car, or the back end sticking out beyond the end of the yellow lines. And if your work or mall has Hybrid Parking, you aren't wasting your time trying to find the best parking spot and ending up in a "valley of death" overflow lot.
Overall, this car definitely looks to the past for its design and to the future for its technology.
2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid
- Type: Two door Sport Hybrid Coupe
- Price Range: 23,490 – 27,857
- Engine: 1.5 Litre, four cylinder with 10 kilowatt Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)
- Horsepower: 122 HP
- Transmission: 6 Speed Manual / CVT
- Drive: Front wheel
- Competitors: None at the moment
[CTV.ca, full link can be found @ http://autos.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Autos/20101214/honda-cr-z-sport-hybrid-101215/?s_name=Autos]
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Honda scoops Top Gear’s Green Car of the Year
By Ant Bradshaw
Top Gear has awarded their Green Car of the Year award to the Honda CR-Z.
This latest award takes their award tally up to four in as many weeks for the sporty hybrid model, in a list which also features the What Car? Green Award for Best Sports Car and Japan’s Car of the Year 2010-2011.
The Top Gear judges were won over by the CR-Z’s ability to cope with anything thrown at it, including busy back streets of the Third Ring district in China as well as a sporty look, responsive handling and excellent fuel efficiency.
In a statement, Top Gear said: “Of all the cars we’ve brought to Chinda, CR-Z is far and away the one I feel most at home with – and most excited about. Compact, accessible and responsive, it’s a breeze to drive in this hectic and distracting place.”
Managing Director for Honda (UK), Dave Hodgetts said: “To be recognised for a publication as well respected as Top Gear is a great achievement for the CR-Z and for Honda.
“We’re so please with the reception the CR-Z has received from the press, especially when you consider the strength of the competition out there. The car has only been on sale for nine months but we’re already looking for a bigger trophy cabinet!”
And who can blame them? With the recent success that the CR-Z has had – it is no wonder Honda are looking to the future.
The new CR-Z starts at £16,999 OTR and combines a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, six-speed manual gearbox and Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist system.
About the Author
Ant Bradshaw is currently working for Askaprice.com which can provide you with a great deal of information on a range of car manufacturers and models as well as all the latest news and reviews from the car industry. Askaprice.com can also provide you with completely free, no obligation http://www.askaprice.com/new/cars/honda.asp”>new Honda Quotes.
Following reports of a turbo Type-R model of the CR-Z to be produced, we're hearing word that Honda's working on a drop-top CR-Z. This would mean that the CR-Z would be heavier and would probably have to be paired up with a more powerful engine (think the 200hp engine described earlier). The model will take styling cues from the current CR-Z as well as the Honda Open Study Concept (pictured). If it will be produced, watch it to be released late 2012.
So Type-R model and now convertible model? Honda has set quite a few big plans for the CR-Z.
Do you think it'll be popular?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid scores too low for Consumer Reports to Recommend
We know what you're thinking: Hondas typically do well in Consumer Reports testing. And since Consumer Reports emphasizes good fuel economy, a hybrid should score highly in our tests, right? Not so much.
The two-seat CR-Z is derived from the Insight, a five-passenger hybrid hatchback that also scored too low to be recommend. To be sure, there are improvements in the CR-Z: the interior isn't so glaringly cheap, and handling is much more nimble than the Insight. The CR-Z's manual transmission is crisp and easy to shift and 35 mpg is nothing to sneeze at.
But compared to a long list of drawbacks, that good news isn't enough to recommend the car.
Handling is short on steering feel, a recent (and unwelcome) Honda trait. Even for a small sports coupe, the ride is stiff and noise levels are high. The stability control intervenes too late when it's needed, so the CR-Z's tail can swing out mid-corner. Lousy rear and over-the-shoulder visibility made changing lanes "like Russian Roulette," according to one tester's logbook comment. A diminutive 400-lb. payload capacity somewhat negates the large cargo hold and speaks to a real limitation in a country where 200-lb. adults are commonplace.
Even the details rankle: The car shuts off when stopped to save fuel -- but unlike most other hybrids, the air conditioner shuts off too, making it a drag on a hot day. The exterior door handles are awkward to grab, and you basically lunge in and out of the low-slung car.
So just because it's a Honda doesn't mean it's a good car. Even if the CR-Z turns out to be reliable, it scores too low for us to recommend it.
—Tom Mutchler
See our guide to fuel economy for advice on saving gasoline. Learn about future technologies in our guide to alternative fuels.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Top Gear has crowned the CR-Z as their Green Car of the Year bringing the total world awards for the CR-Z to 4.
A magazine writer summarized, "Of all the cars we've brought to China, CR-Z is the far and away the one I feel most at home with and most excited about. Compact, accessible, and responsive, it's a breeze to drive in this hectic and distracting place."
The CR-Z also recently won Japan Car of the Year 2010-2011.
The Nitty Gritty: Honda is planning to offer a turbo option in late 2011 to the CR-Z. It will be in the form of a forced-induction 1.6L 4cylinder engine that could be offered in two variants including a possible Type-R model producing 200 hp.
Honda wants to broaden the CR-Z appeal and believes that a performance version will have high appeal in the US and UK.
Recently at the Las Vegas SEMA Show, Honda displayed numerous modded CR-Z cars including a CR-Z Hybrid R and CR-Z Racer both with turbos delivering 200 hp and 175lb-ft of torque.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A diecast model of the Honda CR-Z in convertible form has been released, so what's your take on it? Interested in seeing a CR-Z convertible? Or meh ... a hybrid convertible seems a stretch ... ?
Saturday, April 17, 2010
"The CR-Z generates more power and torque than the Insight hatch. Which it should, given that it has a 112bhp 1.5-litre engine to the Insight’s 87bhp 1.3 litre, and its electric motor, redesigned to cope with the larger powertrain’s combined 128lb ft of torque, produces 14bhp for a total power output of 122bhp.
This is not a high-performance coupé, although it’s brisk enough to be fun, especially if you engage the Sport button. This not only changes the characteristics of the hybrid drive by serving more torque from the electric motor, but also sharpens the throttle and increases steering effort.
On price and looks alone, this car has strong appeal. Never mind that it looks a little less dramatic than the concept; it’s still a head-turner. It’s also an intriguing drive, because you can feel the effects of the electrical assistance, and because those eye-catching instruments that tutor you in harvesting kinetic energy are fun to use."
AutoCar has given its first review on the Honda CR-Z 1.5 GT in Europe, find out about the impressive and the not-so-impressive results right here at http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/RoadTestsOnTheRoad/Honda-CR-Z-1.5-i-VTEC-GT/248790/
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