Hot CR-Z will be a hybrid

[human668]

Hot CR-Z will be a hybrid

"Honda R&D chief Tomohiko Kawanabe has confirmed that the firm is working on a high-performance CR-Z hybrid.

In an exclusive interview with Autocar, Kawanabe admitted that development work on the more powerful two-door has started, and that — contrary to earlier reports — it will keep its IMA hybrid system.

“It’s true: we are working on a more powerful CR-Z,” he said. “Our problem with the car as it stands is that it looks very good, but it doesn’t have the performance some customers expect.”

Autocar’s sources suggest that Honda might turn to a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine for the new CR-Z, but Kawanabe refused to confirm this.

"The decision on the engine hasn’t been made,” he said. “Turbocharging is an option, but a high-compression petrol engine would work better in tandem with a hybrid assist system.”

It is highly likely that the faster CR-Z will use Honda’s next-generation IMA system, which will appear first in the US-market Civic Hybrid next year.

Featuring lithium ion batteries, the new IMA will be capable of producing twice as much power as Honda’s nickel-metal hydride system, without requiring a larger battery.

A more sophisticated coupling should also allow it to fully disengage from the engine during brake energy regeneration (something the current IMA system can’t do), allowing it to recapture more kinetic energy to recycle as electric power.

The problem for the CR-Z’s performance will be Honda’s efficiency targets. “It will not be acceptable for the new car to be less fuel efficient than the current one,” Kawanabe said. “The CR-Z must deliver low CO2 emissions, as well as be fun to drive.”

That being the case, a combined petrol-electric power increase to 160bhp is likely, delivered without compromising fuel efficiency thanks to that more powerful hybrid system.

Matt Saunders"

Full Article At: Hot CR-Z will be a hybrid - Autocar.co.uk

Wow, more power and same fuel efficient!!?? Is it going to replace the current CR-Z? Although some are expecting it to be just a "Type-R" version of CR-Z, now I think it's going to be a MMC or even a next generation.

[northbridge]

i hope its next gen so i can upgrade.

[j_praj]

damm! sounds pretty cool!

i guess i will be trading in my cr-z for this one once it drops!

[CrzyKly]

love/hate

[91CRXTC]

i hoping we can get a drop in battery to help the ima we have now.

[atteSmythe]

Not sure what to feel... I'm glad they're not willing to compromise on the efficiency goal, though, and I wouldn't mind some more power from time to time, but the price was also really really attractive to me. If this bumps the CR-Z up several grand, what new competition would it face?

[TinTin]

Apart from our resale value going down because we dont have the fast CRZ and just the slow one. As well as honda treating the current crz program as a mistake or a trial and error situation i just kinda feel used that i bought into their new hot hatch.

It would be great for them to upgrade us at least to a Li io battery and a remap for a special price to bump us up to the next crz and take care of us as customers.

Somehow though i highly doubt that. I just hope that our generation doesnt turn into the bastard generation no one wants. like the 7th gen civic.

[Scotty001]

Originally Posted by TinTin

Apart from our resale value going down because we dont have the fast CRZ and just the slow one. As well as honda treating the current crz program as a mistake or a trial and error situation i just kinda feel used that i bought into their new hot hatch.

It would be great for them to upgrade us at least to a Li io battery and a remap for a special price to bump us up to the next crz and take care of us as customers.

Somehow though i highly doubt that. I just hope that our generation doesnt turn into the bastard generation no one wants. like the 7th gen civic.

Always the chance one take with buying a 1st run vehicle. A lot of feedback and reviews hit the manufacturer and... oops there it is.

But agree, if it ends up being possible, a Li retrofit and remap to use that other 50% of the IMA at a discounted cost would be an interesting option.

[kmanatt]

Very Cool, But we still have the first ones in the States!

[alanchan]

but most of you guys first group of CR-Z owners are very much enjoying your newly CR-Z.
I almost bought one, due to delivery issues I back out.
I am still interested buying one today because the gas prices are going up like crazy here in my area.
hey will there be a shortage of CR-Z from Japan in the next few months?