LONDON — We just saw the production 2011 Honda CR-Z last month in Detroit, but sources close to Honda indicate that the automaker is already working on a Type R version.
Given that the standard CR-Z is likely to offer very modest performance with its 122-horsepower gas-electric drivetrain, the move to build a hotter version is a sensible one.
But don't expect Honda to put the high-revving Civic Si engine in this car. Rather, the Honda CR-Z Type R would still be a hybrid. We've heard one scenario that suggests the Type R would get a modified version of the base hatchback's 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with about 20 extra horsepower. Combine that with a larger electric motor, and the car's total output would land in the 160-170-hp range.
Look for the CR-Z Type R to get a slightly lowered ride height, more aggressive dampers and larger brakes to cope with the extra power. We expect Honda to fit larger wheels (17s or 18s) and lower-profile tires as well.
On the cosmetic side, a black-and-white color scheme and a modest body kit are on order. The Mugen CR-Z slated for Japan has already been seen with such a kit.
Sales of the standard Honda CR-Z Hybrid are scheduled to begin late this summer. If Honda approves the CR-Z Type R (or in U.S.-market terminology, CR-Z Si) for production, it probably wouldn't make it to the U.S. until the first quarter of 2011 at the earliest.
Inside Line says: A CR-Z Type R would be closer to the original spirit of the Honda CRX. — Erin Riches, Senior Editor
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jrhoglund1 says:
05:44 PM, 12/12/2010
IF IT LOOKS LIKE THE PICTURE ABOVE AND HAS 200HP I WANT IT!
johnnyryall says:
06:04 PM, 02/21/2010
I was driving home from a grocery store in Columbus, OH and spotted the unseen Honda CR-Z hybrid sports coupe at a stop light. All Honda logos on the hood and rear end of the car were covered up with what appeared to be colored duct tape. This must be a test drive. I noticed the car passing through an intersection and quickly performed a u-turn and grabbed my iPhone to take these photos, which you can see here http://paranormaldailynews.com/2010/02/20/sighting-as-hard-to-spot-as-a-ufo-the-honda-cr-z-hybrid-electric-sports-coupe/
kachok says:
11:14 AM, 02/21/2010
What were these guys thinking? It only has two seats so it is not a practical car, with the projected power to weight it is not nearly a performance car, and the fuel economy is no better than other econo boxes. Come on guys I have been a fan for years but this is just an excercise in stupidity. Here is a better idea drop the stupid hybrid powertrain (or just make that the supid expencive option) git it a moderately turbocharged DI engine, that would solve the torque issue, shed alot of weight, increase it's appeal to the aftermarket crowd (YOUR MARKET!!) and lower the price point with no loss to highway mpgs.
bankerdanny says:
04:07 PM, 02/19/2010
I went to look at the CR-Z at the Chicago Auto Show today. I think it was better looking in person than in the photos. The nose overhang was less egregious.
juan_mx says:
06:26 AM, 02/19/2010
Yeah......dump the hibrid and use the K20 engine.
nicked says:
04:47 AM, 02/19/2010
Still a humble 1.5L Fit engine dragging a heavy battery+motor for GOOD cornering? Performance tire for Good EPA mpg? How about 150-180ps for 5 secs? This is FUN, your friends will love it.
carl0ver says:
04:09 AM, 02/19/2010
wtf throw the k20 into this thing honda!
jepontiac says:
03:07 AM, 02/19/2010
Great now people can buy a ugly car with the same performance stats as a Civic, for more money. What is Honda thinking? What performance minded person will buy this thing?
isend2c says:
11:08 PM, 02/18/2010
@ bb49, you go. You're right and have the knowledge to back it up. I agree. I think the CR-Z is going to be a flop, mostly.
bb49 says:
09:53 PM, 02/18/2010
Hopefully, this means Honda is finally showing some common sense and has acknowledged that 122 hp and 0-62 in 9.7 seconds is sadly lacking performance specs given that many 4 cylinder econoboxes, minivans are faster. However, if Honda is going to make an SI version it would be better if it were at least 200 hp.
Honda should also offer non-hybrid versions as this would be the cheapest way to get better performance out this car and it would make it more affordable. Honda should have realized a long time ago, that at least for the hybrid systems that they have produced so far (perhaps except for the Accord) it has contributed very little to make their cars faster. Yes, it helps the gas mileage, however, anyone looking for a sports car would be more concerned with the power that the engine produced and not so much the gas mileage.
Instead of making this a hybrid, Honda should have released two gasoline versions of this car. $16,000- $20,000 affordable version with an engine in the 140-180 hp range. And an SI o R version with an improved K20 motor or the motor in the European Civic R (which I believe has 220 hp ). Of course Honda would have improved whichever one of the foregoing motors to produce better low end torque which has been the main weakness in these engines). I believe more people would want these gasoline versions as the cars would be lighter, more affordable and deliver better performance than the hybrid that is presently going to be in the CR-Z. As I see it, the benefit in gas mileage from the hybrid is not worth the penalty in perfomance.