The exterior's wedge shape originates from its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance.
The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe made its U.S. production debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit today. CR-Z maintains the sleek styling of previous concept versions, while bring what Honda calls sporty handling to the hybrid segment.
Due in dealer showrooms during the late summer in the U.S., the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda’s compact Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes.
“CR-Z is the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.
CR-Z is the sixth unique version of Honda’s original IMA technology since the launch of the 2000 Insight in December 1999, the first hybrid vehicle available in North America.
CR-Z’s hybrid powertrain is a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single overhead cam engine with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the IMA system’s DC brushless electric motor.
The i-VTEC system controls the opening and closing of one intake valve per cylinder to enhance combustion at low RPMs. The 10-kilowatt electric motor assists in acceleration and acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency.
Original CR-V fans should be delighted!
The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 ft.-lb. of torque at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 ft.-lb. CVT-equipped models). Preliminary fuel economy estimates are 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon on CVT-equipped models.
Manual transmission models are estimated at 31 city/37 highway miles per gallon.
The CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).
The standard six-speed manual transmission is engineered for optimal acceleration performance in gears one through five and for optimal fuel economy in sixth gear. When starting on steep inclines from a stop, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch for approximately 1.5 seconds.
An optional CVT provides the convenience of an automatic transmission while also keeping the engine within an optimal RPM range for overall efficiency. To increase the performance potential of the CVT, paddle shifters located on the steering wheel allow the driver to simulate manually the stepped holding pattern. In Sport mode, the paddle shifters will hold and maintain a selected ratio.
Two trim levels include the well-equipped CR-Z and the more expensive CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. The CR-Z EX adds, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition.