Honda CR-Z
Encyclopedia
The Honda CR-Z is a compact
hybrid electric automobile
manufactured by Honda
and marketed as a "sport hybrid coupe." The CR-Z combines a hybrid gasoline-electric
powertrain
with traditional sports car
elements. The CR-Z is regarded as the spiritual successor to the second generation Honda CR-X
in both name and exterior design.
In the U.S., it is one of the least polluting vehicles available and is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) as defined by the California Air Resources Board
(CARB). CR-Z is the only gasoline-electric hybrid model offered by any automaker that can be equipped with a manual transmission.
CR-Z represents the sixth unique version of Honda's IMA technology since the technology was first launched in the first generation Insight 3 door hatchback.
Sales of the CR-Z began in Japan
in February 2010. Sales in the U.S. began in August 2010.
s: the Honda Remix, introduced at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the Honda Small Hybrid Sports, introduced at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.
The Honda CR-Z was first introduced as a concept vehicle
on October 23, 2007 at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Honda explained the name "‘CR-Z’ stands for ‘Compact Renaissance Zero’— an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals." At the show, CEO Fukui stated that a production model
is "in the works" and that the car was intended to be "sporty, incredibly efficient
and inexpensive".
The CR-Z was first shown in America at the 2008 Detroit North American International Auto Show
. In the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show
, Honda displayed a revised "CR-Z Concept 2009".
In January 2010, Honda introduced the production CR-Z at the 2010 North American International Auto Show
in Detroit.
Automotive News reported in June 2010 that since its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the CR-Z Web site has had 1 million hits. Honda
has been promoting the 2011 model from the Facebook game
Car Town
.
and Elysion
.
The basic concept of CR-Z is said to create a fun-to-drive sports car driving characteristics Honda aspired from that of the Elise, as well as the Mini and Volkswagen Scirocco. In a video, Torikai, the chief chassis engineer of CR-Z, explained that during the development process “this car was brought to Europe at each prototype stage to be tested under various road conditions to evaluate whether the desired performance had been achieved.”
Norio Tomobe believes the hybrid element will make it a sports car without guilt.
(IMA) hybrid-electric system. A six-speed manual transmission
is standard equipment and a continuously variable transmission
(CVT) is available. The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 bhp at 6000 rpm and 128 lbft at 1000 to 1500 rpm (123 lbft on CVT-equipped models). The gasoline motor itself contributes only 111 bhp at 6000 rpm and 106 lbft at 4800 rpm. An early road test of a Japanese-market CR-Z resulted in 0-60 mph in 10.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 17.6 seconds. Inside Line performed the same 0-60 mph test in 8.8 seconds, and Motor Trend, in 8.3 seconds.
ratings are 4 L/100 km for CVT
and 4.4 L/100 km for MT
in 10•15 mode; and 4.4 L/100 km for CVT and 4.9 L/100 km for MT in JC08 mode.
The 2011 CR-Z U.S. EPA ratings are 31 mpgus for city and 37 mpgus for highway with manual transmission
. The model with CVT transmission
has a rating of 35 mpgus for city driving cycle and 39 mpgus for highway.
When comparing fuel economy to the CR-Z's older cousin, according to fueleconomy.gov, the 1988 gasoline-powered Honda CR-X
HF had an EPA rating of 50 miles per US gallon (21.3 km/L) for city driving and 56 mpgus for highway. However, according to EPA's 2008 revised procedures, the CR-X rating is 41 mpgus city driving, and 49 mpgus highway driving.
It is ranked number four on 2011 EPA top ten list of fuel efficient vehicles for CVT equipped model and number ten for manual transmission equipped model.
front suspension, neither of which is typical of full-out sports cars.
after having been revealed at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The price in the United Kingdom
starts from .
As of the end of August 2010, more than 19,000 CR-Z were delivered and sales orders received are three times higher than expected, which led to Japanese media comparing its success with the NSX in the 1990s, another sports car from Honda.
In an interview in early February 2011, a Honda executive disclosed that Honda produces around 200,000 hybrids a year in Japan.
started on August 24, 2010. The 2011 CR-Z is offered in three trim levels: base, EX, and EX with navigation. The base CR-Z starts at , the CR-Z EX starts at and the EX with navigation trim is priced at . The CR-Z pricing is similar to the Honda Insight
and has a lower price than the market leader Toyota Prius
.
After its launch in late August 2010, there were 3,349 Honda CR-Z sold as of end of October, 2010. It ranked as the fourth most sold hybrid in the U.S. for September and October of that year. U.S. sales for year 2010 reached 5,249 units, and ranked 11th in hybrid sales for that year. For year 2011 cumulative sales of the CR-Z in the U.S. reached 9,635 units through August, ranking number four in hybrid sales in 2011 and outsold only by the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Honda Insight, and Toyota Prius
.
In addition to commercials airing during sporting events, Honda held a marketing competition available to universities throughout the United States. This competition allowed students to create public relations and social media campaigns for the vehicle. A team from Syracuse University
won first place in the competition, followed by runners-up New England School of Communications
and University of LaVerne.
are scheduled to begin on the 30th of August 2010 at a price of R
299,999 (~) making it slightly cheaper than the entry level Prius for the South African market.
115,000. The introduction of the CR-Z was as a response of the announcement of the Malaysian Budget 2012 by the federal government that offers 100% import and excise tax cuts to imported hybrid vehicles. The 6-speed manual model is offered first, when the CVT version will arrive next year.
Compact car
A compact car , or small family car , is a classification of cars which are larger than a supermini but smaller than or equal to a mid-size car...
hybrid electric automobile
Hybrid electric vehicle
A hybrid electric vehicle is a type of hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle which combines a conventional internal combustion engine propulsion system with an electric propulsion system. The presence of the electric powertrain is intended to achieve either better fuel economy than a conventional...
manufactured by Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
and marketed as a "sport hybrid coupe." The CR-Z combines a hybrid gasoline-electric
Hybrid electric vehicle
A hybrid electric vehicle is a type of hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle which combines a conventional internal combustion engine propulsion system with an electric propulsion system. The presence of the electric powertrain is intended to achieve either better fuel economy than a conventional...
powertrain
Powertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive...
with traditional sports car
Sports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
elements. The CR-Z is regarded as the spiritual successor to the second generation Honda CR-X
Honda CR-X
This article is about the first and second generations of the CR-X. For the third generation, see Honda CR-X del Sol.The Honda CR-X, originally launched as the Honda Ballade Sports CR-X in Japan, was a front-wheel-drive sports compact car manufactured by Honda. The first generation CR-X was sold in...
in both name and exterior design.
In the U.S., it is one of the least polluting vehicles available and is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) as defined by the California Air Resources Board
California Air Resources Board
The California Air Resources Board, also known as CARB or ARB, is the "clean air agency" in the government of California. Established in 1967 in the Mulford-Carrell Act, combining the Bureau of Air Sanitation and the Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board, CARB is a department within the...
(CARB). CR-Z is the only gasoline-electric hybrid model offered by any automaker that can be equipped with a manual transmission.
CR-Z represents the sixth unique version of Honda's IMA technology since the technology was first launched in the first generation Insight 3 door hatchback.
Sales of the CR-Z began in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
in February 2010. Sales in the U.S. began in August 2010.
History
The design and production of the CR-Z followed two other Honda hybrid concept carConcept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
s: the Honda Remix, introduced at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the Honda Small Hybrid Sports, introduced at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.
The Honda CR-Z was first introduced as a concept vehicle
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
on October 23, 2007 at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Honda explained the name "‘CR-Z’ stands for ‘Compact Renaissance Zero’— an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals." At the show, CEO Fukui stated that a production model
Production vehicle
A production vehicle is one that is put into mass production, as a model produced in large numbers and offered for sale to the public. It is the vehicle you can actually go out and buy ....
is "in the works" and that the car was intended to be "sporty, incredibly efficient
Fuel economy in automobiles
Fuel usage in automobiles refers to the fuel efficiency relationship between distance traveled by an automobile and the amount of fuel consumed....
and inexpensive".
The CR-Z was first shown in America at the 2008 Detroit North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
. In the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show
Tokyo Motor Show
The is a biennial auto show held in October-November at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association , it is a recognized international show by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs...
, Honda displayed a revised "CR-Z Concept 2009".
In January 2010, Honda introduced the production CR-Z at the 2010 North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
in Detroit.
Automotive News reported in June 2010 that since its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the CR-Z Web site has had 1 million hits. Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
has been promoting the 2011 model from the Facebook game
Facebook Platform
The Facebook Platform provides a set of APIs and tools which enable third-party developers to integrate with the "open graph" — whether through applications on Facebook.com or external websites and devices...
Car Town
Car Town
Car Town is a social network game developed by , a same developer which creates Nitto 1320 Legends. This game lets users collect and modify virtual cars. The object of the game is to win races and to build a collection of cars, while the focus of the game is more on collecting them. It currently...
.
Development
The project leader, Norio Tomobe, worked previously as chief engineer on Mobilio SpikeHonda mobilio spike
The Honda Mobilio Spike was a 1.5L compact-wagon that was designed with recreational activities in mind. The Mobilio Spike was released in Japan on September 19, 2002 and was Honda’s third model in the Small Max series. The Mobilio, according to Honda, attained the highest fuel rating in the...
and Elysion
Honda Elysion
The Honda Elysion is a minivan capable of seating up to 8 people that is sold only in Japan as a competitor to the Toyota Alphard and the Nissan Elgrand. It is related to the USA-spec Honda Odyssey but is not the same vehicle...
.
The basic concept of CR-Z is said to create a fun-to-drive sports car driving characteristics Honda aspired from that of the Elise, as well as the Mini and Volkswagen Scirocco. In a video, Torikai, the chief chassis engineer of CR-Z, explained that during the development process “this car was brought to Europe at each prototype stage to be tested under various road conditions to evaluate whether the desired performance had been achieved.”
Norio Tomobe believes the hybrid element will make it a sports car without guilt.
Powertrain
The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5 l (91.5 cu in) i-VTEC SOHC inline-4 engine, designated as LEA, with Honda's Integrated Motor AssistIntegrated Motor Assist
Integrated Motor Assist is Honda's hybrid car technology, introduced in 1999 on the Insight.It is a specific implementation of a parallel hybrid. It uses an electric motor mounted between the internal combustion engine and transmission to act as a starter motor, engine balancer, and assist...
(IMA) hybrid-electric system. A six-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
is standard equipment and a continuously variable transmission
Continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission is a transmission that can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. This contrasts with other mechanical transmissions that offer a fixed number of gear ratios...
(CVT) is available. The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 bhp at 6000 rpm and 128 lbft at 1000 to 1500 rpm (123 lbft on CVT-equipped models). The gasoline motor itself contributes only 111 bhp at 6000 rpm and 106 lbft at 4800 rpm. An early road test of a Japanese-market CR-Z resulted in 0-60 mph in 10.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 17.6 seconds. Inside Line performed the same 0-60 mph test in 8.8 seconds, and Motor Trend, in 8.3 seconds.
Fuel economy
Japanese fuel economyFuel economy in automobiles
Fuel usage in automobiles refers to the fuel efficiency relationship between distance traveled by an automobile and the amount of fuel consumed....
ratings are 4 L/100 km for CVT
Continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission is a transmission that can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. This contrasts with other mechanical transmissions that offer a fixed number of gear ratios...
and 4.4 L/100 km for MT
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
in 10•15 mode; and 4.4 L/100 km for CVT and 4.9 L/100 km for MT in JC08 mode.
The 2011 CR-Z U.S. EPA ratings are 31 mpgus for city and 37 mpgus for highway with manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
. The model with CVT transmission
Continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission is a transmission that can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. This contrasts with other mechanical transmissions that offer a fixed number of gear ratios...
has a rating of 35 mpgus for city driving cycle and 39 mpgus for highway.
When comparing fuel economy to the CR-Z's older cousin, according to fueleconomy.gov, the 1988 gasoline-powered Honda CR-X
Honda CR-X
This article is about the first and second generations of the CR-X. For the third generation, see Honda CR-X del Sol.The Honda CR-X, originally launched as the Honda Ballade Sports CR-X in Japan, was a front-wheel-drive sports compact car manufactured by Honda. The first generation CR-X was sold in...
HF had an EPA rating of 50 miles per US gallon (21.3 km/L) for city driving and 56 mpgus for highway. However, according to EPA's 2008 revised procedures, the CR-X rating is 41 mpgus city driving, and 49 mpgus highway driving.
It is ranked number four on 2011 EPA top ten list of fuel efficient vehicles for CVT equipped model and number ten for manual transmission equipped model.
Handling
Road and Track reports that the handling is good, with mild under-steer and firm suspension. One might say in spite of front wheel drive and (space saving) MacPherson strutMacPherson strut
The MacPherson strut is a type of car suspension system which uses the axis of a telescopic damper as the upper steering pivot. It is widely used in modern vehicles and named after Earle S. MacPherson, who developed the design.-History:...
front suspension, neither of which is typical of full-out sports cars.
Europe
The CR-Z was launched in the European market in mid-2010after having been revealed at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The price in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
starts from .
Japan
Sales of the CR-Z began in Japan on February 26, 2010 at a starting price of million (~) before any government subsidies. Honda announced that in less than one month it has received orders for more than 10,000 vehicles, far exceeding its sales forecast.As of the end of August 2010, more than 19,000 CR-Z were delivered and sales orders received are three times higher than expected, which led to Japanese media comparing its success with the NSX in the 1990s, another sports car from Honda.
In an interview in early February 2011, a Honda executive disclosed that Honda produces around 200,000 hybrids a year in Japan.
North America
Sales in North AmericaNorth America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
started on August 24, 2010. The 2011 CR-Z is offered in three trim levels: base, EX, and EX with navigation. The base CR-Z starts at , the CR-Z EX starts at and the EX with navigation trim is priced at . The CR-Z pricing is similar to the Honda Insight
Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by Honda and the first production vehicle to feature Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. The first-generation Insight was produced from 1999 to 2006 as a three-door hatchback...
and has a lower price than the market leader Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid electric mid-size hatchback, formerly a compact sedan developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation...
.
After its launch in late August 2010, there were 3,349 Honda CR-Z sold as of end of October, 2010. It ranked as the fourth most sold hybrid in the U.S. for September and October of that year. U.S. sales for year 2010 reached 5,249 units, and ranked 11th in hybrid sales for that year. For year 2011 cumulative sales of the CR-Z in the U.S. reached 9,635 units through August, ranking number four in hybrid sales in 2011 and outsold only by the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Honda Insight, and Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius (XW30)
The Toyota Prius is a mid-size hatchback that has been produced by Toyota. Toyota debuted the third generation Prius at the January 2009 North American International Auto Show, and sales began in Japan on May 18, 2009. Replacing the XW20 series, the XW30 represents the third generation of the...
.
In addition to commercials airing during sporting events, Honda held a marketing competition available to universities throughout the United States. This competition allowed students to create public relations and social media campaigns for the vehicle. A team from Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
won first place in the competition, followed by runners-up New England School of Communications
New England School of Communications
New England School of Communications is a private, liberal arts college located in Bangor, Maine. The school focuses exclusively on undergraduate education in communications....
and University of LaVerne.
South Africa
Sales in South AfricaSouth Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
are scheduled to begin on the 30th of August 2010 at a price of R
South African rand
The rand is the currency of South Africa. It takes its name from the Witwatersrand , the ridge upon which Johannesburg is built and where most of South Africa's gold deposits were found. The rand has the symbol "R" and is subdivided into 100 cents, symbol "c"...
299,999 (~) making it slightly cheaper than the entry level Prius for the South African market.
Australia
It is reported that Honda will release the CR-Z hybrid coupe in the Australian market in the middle of 2011.Malaysia
The CR-Z was launched for Malaysian market on 3 November 2011, with the price tag of RMMalaysian ringgit
The Malaysian ringgit is the currency of Malaysia. It is divided into 100 sen...
115,000. The introduction of the CR-Z was as a response of the announcement of the Malaysian Budget 2012 by the federal government that offers 100% import and excise tax cuts to imported hybrid vehicles. The 6-speed manual model is offered first, when the CVT version will arrive next year.
Racing
Two Honda Performance Development CR-Z Racers entered the 25-hour of Thunderhill endurance race held on December 4–5, 2010 at Willows, California. The car, first shown to the public at 2010 SEMA Show, is fully stripped down with lowered suspension. A turbo charger is bolted to the engine raising output to 175 hp and 155 lbft of torque, furthermore, the Integrated Motor Assist setup is modified utilizing components from San Francisco's Mission Motors and a push-to-pass function is added, making a total of 200 hp and 175 lbft of torque when the button is pressed. One of the two entrants battled from a near 10-lap deficit to finish second in the Endurance 3 class, after suffering early in the race from two five-minute "stop-and-hold" penalties caused by refueling problems. The other entrant scored pole position of the class but failed to finish the race. The Honda CR-Z was one of the most showcased cars during the SEMA show earlier in the year and one of the cars produced 533 hp. This is what the hybrid engine could withstand in terms of power.Awards and recognition
- Japan Car of The Year 2010-11
- 2010 Good Design Award from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization
- 2010 Green Car of the Year awarded by Top Gear
- Most Economical & Environment Friendly Sports hybrid in the 2010 RAC Brighton to London Future Car Challenge
See also
- Honda Civic HybridHonda Civic HybridThe Civic hybrid, based on the seventh generation Civic, was first introduced to the Japanese market in December 2001. Honda claimed it was the most fuel efficient 5-passenger gasoline-powered production vehicle in the world at the time. It was introduced to the U.S. in spring 2002 as a 2003 model...
- Honda InsightHonda InsightThe Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by Honda and the first production vehicle to feature Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. The first-generation Insight was produced from 1999 to 2006 as a three-door hatchback...
- Hybrid electric vehicleHybrid electric vehicleA hybrid electric vehicle is a type of hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle which combines a conventional internal combustion engine propulsion system with an electric propulsion system. The presence of the electric powertrain is intended to achieve either better fuel economy than a conventional...
- Honda FCX Clarity
- List of hybrid vehicles