Some numbers and specs provided by Car and Driver
Under the hood is the 1.5-liter SOHC four-cylinder also found in the Fit, but the CR-Z adds a small, 10-kW (13-hp) electric motor. The combined output of the engine and the electric motor is 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque (CVT-equipped models make 123 lb-ft). When power is routed through the standard six-speed manual transmission, the CR-Z is said to achieve 31 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Opting for the CVT bumps fuel economy to 36/38. For reference, the Fit is rated as high as 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
The CR-Z offers three driver-selectable modes (Sport, Normal, and Econ) that alter throttle response, electric power-steering assist, and electric-motor assistance. Switch to Sport mode and the tachometer illumination switches from blue to red, the throttle becomes more sensitive, the steering becomes heavier, and the electric motor is more willing to quickly discharge the 100-volt nickel-metal hydride battery. CVT-equipped models get paddle shifters with six preset ratios that can be selected when in Sport mode. Push the Econ button and the throttle becomes lazier, the steering lightens, and the tachometer glows either blue or green depending on how gingerly the car is driven. The A/C is said to reduce its load on the engine, as well. As you’d expect, Normal mode occupies the middle ground between Sport and Econ.
The CR-Z will be available in base or EX flavors. The six-speed stick is standard on both, as are stability control, a USB-capable stereo, auto climate control, and power windows and locks. The EX gets automatic HID headlamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, fog lamps, and a 360-watt stereo with a subwoofer. Nav can be added to the EX.
We were a bit surprised that Honda’s preliminary numbers put the CR-Z’s weight at 2670 pounds for the manual version and 2720 pounds for the CVT model.
Sales are scheduled to begin at the end of the summer, and prices should start below $20,000.
Information from PR Newswire
The front MacPherson strut suspension and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension settings are tuned to provide a sporty, solid and dynamic driving experience. All models are equipped with 16x6-inch aluminum wheels with 195/55 R16 86V tires. Accessory 17x7 alloy wheels with 205/45R17 84V tires with are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area further contribute to a low center of gravity, which is key to the new CR-Z's responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves efficiency.
The Goods:
Engine: 1.5 Liter SOHC w/ 10-kW (13-hp) electric motor
HP: 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque (CVT-equipped models make 123 lb-ft)
MPG: 31 (city) / 37 mpg (hwy) - CVT 36 (city) / 38 (hwy)
Weight: 2670 and 2720 for CVT
Price: ~$20,000
(approx.)
Release Date: End of summer
(approx.)
Models:
Base:
Six speed manual is standard and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available, stability control, a USB-capable stereo, auto climate control, remote entry, cruise conrol and power windows and locks
EX:
Six speed manual is standard and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available, automatic HID headlamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, textured aluminum pedals, fog lamps, and a 360-watt stereo with a subwoofer. Nav can be added.
Drive Modes:
Normal: Provides standard settings for steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning. Similar to Econ mode, the tachometer ring transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in normal mode, with the green representing more ecological driving. Like the Honda Insight, the CR-Z offers an Eco Guide and Eco scoring feature to help drivers track progress of efficient driving styles.
Sport: The tachometer illumination switches from blue to red, the throttle becomes more sensitive, the steering becomes heavier, and the electric motor is more willing to quickly discharge the 100-volt nickel-metal hydride battery.
Econ: Throttle becomes lazier, the steering lightens, and the tachometer glows either blue or green depending on how gingerly the car is driven.
