Honda CR-Z

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 carelements. 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 less 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.

Powertrain

Rear view of the Honda CR-Z.

The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5 L (92 cu in) i-VTEC SOHC inline-4 engine, designated as LEA, with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (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 (91 kW; 124 PS) at 6000 rpm and 128 lb·ft (174 N·m) at 1000 to 1500 rpm (123 lb·ft (167 N·m) on CVT-equipped models). The gasoline motor itself contributes only 111 bhp (83 kW; 113 PS) at 6000 rpm and 106 lb·ft (144 N·m) 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 economy ratings are 4.0 litres per 100 kilometres (59 mpg_-US) for CVT and 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres (53 mpg_-US) for MT in 10•15 mode; and 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres (53 mpg_-US) for CVT and 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres (48 mpg_-US) for MT in JC08 mode.

 

The 2011 CR-Z U.S. EPA ratings are 31 miles per US gallon (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg_-imp) for city and 37 miles per US gallon (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg_-imp) for highway with manual transmission. The model with CVT transmission has a rating of 35 miles per US gallon (6.7 L/100 km; 42 mpg_-imp) for city driving cycle and 39 miles per US gallon (6.0 L/100 km; 47 mpg_-imp) 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 (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpg_-imp) for city driving and 56 miles per US gallon (4.2 L/100 km; 67 mpg_-imp) for highway. However, according to EPA's 2008 revised procedures, the CR-X rating is 41 miles per US gallon (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg_-imp) city driving, and 49 miles per US gallon (4.8 L/100 km; 59 mpg_-imp) 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.

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 (130 kW) and 155 lb·ft (210 N·m) 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 (149 kW) and 175 lb·ft (237 N·m) 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 (397 kW). This is what the hybrid engine could withstand in terms of power.