Honda planning turbocharged, non-hybrid CR-Z. Type R?

[Mr. Incandenza]

Autocar: Hot petrol Honda CR-Z planned

Honda is set to provide its CR-Z with an all-new, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine option as part of plans to broaden the compact coupé’s appeal in key world markets, including the UK.
Currently available with just the one engine option — a hybrid that mates a 112bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 14bhp electric motor — the CR-Z is earmarked to receive an all-new turbocharged 1.6-litre powerplant that is currently undergoing development at Honda’s Tochigi R&D centre.

The new engine, which is also planned for the Jazz, Civic and Accord, forms an integral part of a downsizing program instigated at Honda. With forced induction and Honda’s patented VTEC-i fully variable camshaft timing system, it is aimed at providing the performance of a typical 2.0-litre engine from a capacity of just 1.6 litres.
Autocar sources in Japan say the new engine is likely to come in two guises: a standard 160bhp model and a highly tuned 200bhp version aimed at matching the now defunct 2.0-litre VTEC engine in the Civic Type R. This more potent spec is likely to form the basis of a CR-Z Type R, tentatively due out late next year.

Plans for more than a hybrid engine for the Japanese Car of the Year come as sales of the two-door coupé have started to sag in the firm’s all-important home market.
Honda first hinted that it was planning to add another petrol engine when it unveiled the CR-Z Hybrid R concept at the recent SEMA tuning show in Las Vegas. Unlike the proposed production version, though, that car ran a turbocharged version of the CR-Z’s existing 1.5-litre engine rather than the new 1.6.

Greg Kable

Hot petrol Honda CR-Z planned - Autocar.co.uk

[NW.R]

Rumormill: Honda planning turbocharged, non-hybrid CR-Z

As much as Honda wants us to believe that its CR-Z hatchback is some sort of "sport hybrid," the truth is that it doesn't exactly live up to our expectations. It's a decent steer, but it's not exactly a sports car, and its meager fuel efficiency is easily bested by the majority of non-hybrid B-segment offerings. According to a report from Autocar, however, Honda is rumored to be working on a CR-Z that ditches its conventional hybrid powertrain in favor of a small-displacement, turbocharged mill.

The proposed new engine is an all-new 1.6-liter unit that will produce around 160 horsepower. Autocar states that a higher-output CR-Z Type R may follow shortly thereafter, rumored to produce around 200 hp. This new powerplant is reportedly slated for use in the Honda Jazz (Fit), Civic and Accord, and could provide the basis for the next-generation Civic Si engine.

We saw a preview of Honda's hot hatch intentions at this year's SEMA show in the form of the CR-Z Hybrid R concept. That show car featured a turbocharged version of the Honda's current 1.5-liter engine, but it shows that Honda is indeed serious about reworking the CR-Z's sporting image.

Sales of the hybrid CR-Z have started to fade in Honda's home market, despite the hatch being named the Japanese Car of the Year. Honda hopes that a turbocharged CR-Z would broaden the vehicle's appeal in other key markets, as well, such as the United States and Europe.

I currently own 1998 Integra Type R and I for one would be first in line if they announced a Type R version of the CR-Z. Give it turbo power while not adding weight and rework the suspension and chasis into something adequate of the "Type R" namesake and this can be an amazing machine.

[bizzybear]

:yawn:

i need more reliable sources to actually believe this one or anything close to it...

1st flaw - some of these articles state that Honda is making this new engine option to compete with other companies and their small displacement/turbo charged vehicles... when has Honda EVER gone with the flow of things?? they are leaders of innovation and not followers...

2nd flaw - the CR-Z is selling either above estimates or exactly on par with what they expected... in their eyes it's a proven formula so why would they make something just to add a couple sales/year?? that's an unnecessary risk that i doubt Honda will take...


i just go off of what i've read/heard from Honda directly, that the CR-Z was designed to always be a Hybrid... the car was specifically balanced, the suspension arrangement, etc was ALL designed to handle the battery weight in the middle/rear part of the car... removing that will disrupt the balance of the CR-Z and cause for more rework/redesign than just simply putting a new engine in there...

if anything, i would see Honda using the new plug-in Hybrid system they developed recently... and at the earliest, that would come around MMC, but most likely the FMC...

[TinTin]

every time i go to see one of these posts I always hear turbo. Honda isnt about turboing their vehicles. They havent done stock turbos in years. other than the RDX.

Its just not their philosophy, they dont turbo their cars.

I will eat my words when it happens but i dont see it happening anytime soon.

[lldsandsll]

this is like what, the 50th time this rumor has been posted? i heard kia is going to offer methanol injected spectras too.

[MikeCR-Z]

Originally Posted by lldsandsll

this is like what, the 50th time this rumor has been posted? i heard kia is going to offer methanol injected spectras too.

It does seem the like rumor keeps going around the internet ever since the CR-Z was released. I'm sure this won't be the last we see of a similar news article.

[northbridge]

CR-Z, Crosstour, Insight sales hurting - Odyssey lone bright spot among new Honda models — Autoblog

Although it hasn't been on the market that long, early sales for Honda's new CR-Z hybrid coupe aren't any more encouraging. Automotive News reports that Honda had conservatively intended to sell around 15,000 of the two-seat hybrids per year, but so far, only 4,373 have made their way off of dealer lots and another 3,000 are currently sitting in inventory. Thankfully, there is one bright spot in the Honda stable – the 2011 Odyssey. The minivan bowed in September, and it's performing well against a minivan segment that has heated up with a range of new competitors.

honestly, id be upset if they made such a radical change to the car that made it more desireable so soon after release but i guess they have to do what they have to do if sales dont meet expectations. I thought the CRZ was doing well though?...

[northbridge]

Originally Posted by TinTin

every time i go to see one of these posts I always hear turbo. Honda isnt about turboing their vehicles. They havent done stock turbos in years. other than the RDX.

Its just not their philosophy, they dont turbo their cars.

I will eat my words when it happens but i dont see it happening anytime soon.

i hope youre right.

[alollini]

I was in Versailles, Paris 6 & 7 November, invited by test S.A.

I have no idea of Honda plans, however, 25 people, owner of CR-Z were questionned about car satisfaction, and a lot of other questions.

a question was raised :
"and what if Honda make a non-hybrid 200hp Cr-Z ?"

23/25 people gave answer "NO!" and when asked further, everyone wanted more hp, but by a mixture of electric and fuel engine boost.



most french asked for more rpm from a honda, non-turbo, 8000rpm redline
150hp thermic, 25hp electric, would be enough for most users, in this statistic, and the consensus was very strong (in this case 23 people out of 25)
the two remaining were not against a type R 2liter 200hp with no hybrid, but also agreed to buy a 175hp hybrid compromise, and admit that the second choice would be more psychologically compfortable because of the "green" factor.

The groups were 50/50 on the targa option priced euro 1000.

My personal opinion is also for keeping hybrid and having a more HoOOonda! engine.
I had the oportunity to talk with the Japanese, and did my best to pressure them into this "hybridmore" direction, and away from 4 seats.

More, i really don't beleive honda can make a non hybrid R cr-z : all the models exposed featured enhancement on the electric part, especially prototype Mission Motors Li-ion battery pack featuring transformation to 12V accessory voltage, removing the need for lead battery under the hood and, removing up to 50kg to car weight.

The total drop of all non-hybrid solutions by honda, in the years to come is a more beleivable option. (except diesel engines.... for france )

[Touge]

This motor would be a little OTT but an interesting drive none the less.

Honda introduces new 2.8L turbo V6 for 2011 LMP2 race cars — Autoblog