Could the 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid R Concept suggest what a Honda CR-Z Si or Type R might look like?
Fans of the beloved old Honda CRX Si may finally get what they want in its spiritual successor, the CR-Z.
The CR-Z has the look of a third-generation Honda CRX, xx years after Honda stopped selling it.
Now, Autocar, a British auto enthusiast publication is saying that Honda is working on a new powertrain that trades the current car’s hybrid powertrain for a turbocharged engine. How does a CR-Z Si sound? Or even a CR-Z Type R.
Autocar says its sources in Japan say Honda is working on a new turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder aimed at replacing the 2.0-liter from the defunct Civic Type R.
Click here to read Autocar’s report.
Sources have told Autocar that Honda is working on a turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder that could power CR-Z Si and Type R models.
Honda is reportedly developing two versions of the engine producing 160 and 200 horsepower.
Honda actually showed the CR-Z Type R Concept, a de-hybridized version of the CR-Z at SEMA in 2010. That car used a turbo version of the 1.5-liter four in the production CR-Z. The concept, which used an upgraded hybrid sytem, along with the turbo, produced 200 horsepower.
Besides serving as a high-performance option for the CR-Z, the new engine will also help Honda downsize its engine lineup for other vehicles, a strategy several automakers are using to meet more stringent fuel economy restrictions.
The production CR-Z is powered by a 112-horsepower version of the 1.5 combined with a 14-horsepower electric motor.
While many Honda enthusiasts have been enamored by the style and handling of the two-seater, acceleration can only be described as tepid.