subject: You Gotta See The Cr-z [print this page] Across the pond in Japan the Honda CR-Z has been on the market for quite some time. Here in the U.S., not much has been said about this new sporty hybrid. You most likely have not heard about the CR-Z, unless you are interested in automobiles. but chances are, you will soon.
Honda is shining the limelight on the CR-Z as it did in past years with the Acura NSX and Honda S2000; which are both remembered as game changers. With the hopes that the CR-Z will be attractive to the sports car crowd, Honda is taking a bit of a risk. From first looks the 2011 Honda CR-Z seems like a confused car. Yes it is called a hybrid sports car, but it does not get that great of gas mileage nor is it very sporty. So, what gives? Why would Honda showcase a middle rung vehicle?
Weighing 2560 lbs. the tiny CR-Z is not that light for a small two seater car. The CR-Z draws power from the same 1.5 liter engine as the Honda Fit, combine that with an electric motor and the result is a stunted 122 HP and 128 lb-ft. torque. However, what 2011 Honda CR-Z lacks in power it makes up with a stiff chassis and great suspension. The inside of the CR-Z is unmistakably Honda.. The futuristic guages are perfectly placed. The ergonomics are perfect and the space is plentiful enough for two adult passangers.
As with any new Honda, you can purchase extra options, but this can increase the price to upwards of $28k. The modest 1.5 liter engine features an aluminum block with Hondas famed DOHC V-tech. The compression ratio is 10.4:1. This makes for 111 HP and 106 lb-ft. torque from the engine. The additional power from the electric motor increases horsepower by 11 and adds 22 extra lb-ft. torque very low in the RPM range which helps off the line acceleration. The CR-Z also has Honda's integrated motor assist which is present in all Honda hybrids. Honda start/stop technology is on board as well, to turn off the engine during normal times of idle. . The engine is activated again by simply hitting the accelerator pedal. The continuously variable transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot.
The modest 1.5 liter engine features an aluminum block with Hondas famed DOHC V-tech. The compression ratio is 10.4:1. This makes for 111 HP and 106 lb-ft. torque from the engine. The additional power from the electric motor increases horsepower by 11 and adds 22 extra lb-ft. torque very low in the RPM range which helps off the line acceleration. The CR-Z also has Honda's integrated motor assist which is present in all Honda hybrids. The CR-Z also has start/stop technology which in essence turns off the engine any time you are idle. The engine is activated again by simply hitting the accelerator pedal. The continuously variable transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot.
All these fuel saving technologies intermix to give the CR-Z a rating of 36 MPG city and 38 MPG highway.|This smart mixture of energy saving technologies allows the Honda CR-Z to boast an MPG rating of 36 city and 38 highway.The CR-Z also comes with 3 driving modes: sport, normal, economy. Three driving modes are available on the CR-Z: sport, normal and economy to allow the driver to select the most efficient use of fuel. Choose any mode with the simple push of a button. Agressive performance and steering is provided in the sport mode. . Fuel efficiency is maximized in the economy mode. The 2011 Honda CR-Z does 0-60 mph in 10.6 seconds, and finishes the quarter mile in 17.6 seconds. Which is incredibly slow, but again, the CR-Z loves the corners and clings to the road with ease.. Millions of sports car owners can attest to the fact that power alone does not make for a good track car. With excellent steering and braking ability the Honda CR-Z is a treat to drive. The suspension consists of MacPherson struts with stiff springs. There are also anti-roll bars and torsion beams. This little $20K sports hybrid does well on the highways. Only time will tell how well it will perform on the track. So is there a market for the CR-Z? We will know soon enough.
