The Honda CR-Z is a compact hybrid sports car manufactured by Honda and marketed as a "sport hybrid coupe." The CR-Z incorporates a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain with traditional sports car elements, especially having a 2 2 seat arrangement and a standard 6-speed manual transmission. CR-Z is considered as the spiritual successor to the second generation Honda CR-X both in name and exterior design.
In the US, this is one of the most polluting vehicles available and rated as an Advanced Emissions Technology Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) as determined by California Air Resources Board (CARB). The CR-Z is the third gasoline-electric hybrid model offered by Honda (after 2000-2006 Insight and 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid) which can be fitted with a manual transmission, and the only one in the same class that every automaker has to offer.
The CR-Z is the unique sixth version of Honda Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology since this technology was first launched in the first generation of the 3-door Insight hatchback. CR-Z sales began in Japan in February 2010. US sales began in August 2010.
Video Honda CR-Z
History
The design and production of the CR-Z follows two other hybrid Honda concept cars: the Honda Remix, introduced at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, and Honda Small Hybrid Sports, introduced at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.
Honda CR-Z was first introduced as a concept vehicle on October 23, 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007. Honda explained the name "CR-Z" stands for 'Compact Renaissance Zero' - an expression intended to capture the idea of âârenaissance in a compact car design that started from the beginning. "At the event, Fukui CEO stated that the production model is" in the works "and that the car was meant to be" sporty, very efficient and inexpensive ".
CR-Z was first shown in America at the 2008 Detroit North American International Auto Show. At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda featured a revised "CR-Z Concept 2009". In January 2010, Honda introduced the production of CR-Z at the 2010 North American International Automotive Exhibition in Detroit. On his introduction in 2010, he won the Japanese Car Award of the Year.
Automotive News reported in June 2010 that since its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the CR-Z Web site has had 1 million visits. Honda is promoting the 2011 model of the Facebook Maps Honda CR-Z
Security
The CR-Z model has received an average rating for collision safety, excellent rating (5 of 5 stars) for rollover, and a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for frontal crash safety for 2012 and newer models. The 2011 model has an average frontal collision security rating (3 out of 5 stars).
Development
The project leader, Norio Tomobe, previously worked as chief engineer at Mobilio Spike and Elysion.
The basic concept of the CR-Z is to create a fun sports car by driving with the characteristics of Honda. In a video, Torikai, chief chassis engineer of CR-Z, explained that during the development process "the car was brought to Europe at every stage of the prototype to be tested under various road conditions to evaluate whether the desired performance had been achieved."
Norio Tomobe believes the hybrid element will make it a sports car without guilt.
Powertrain
The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5 liter (92 à ° c) SOHC inline-4 i-VTEC engine, designated as LEA, with Honda Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. Six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available. The system provides a combined peak output of 121 bhp (90 kW, 123 PS) at 6000 rpm and 128 lb ft (174 N) at 1000 to 1500 rpm (123 lb ft (167 N) in the modeled CVT. The petrol engine contributes 111 bph (83 kW, 113 PS) at 6000 rpm and 106 lb ft (144 N) at 4800 rpm. The initial road test of the CR-Z Japanese market generates 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and a quarter of a mile in 17.6 seconds. Inside Line performs the same 0-100Ã, km/jam test in 8.8 seconds, and Trend Motor, in 8.3 seconds.
On November 21, 2012, Honda released the 2013 CR-Z to the US market, which in addition to minor cosmetic changes, including stronger electric motors (from 10 to 15 kilowatts), and new higher voltage (144V), 0.6 kWh lithium ion battery. The 2013 CR-Z delivers a combined peak output of 130 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque (127 pound-feet on a CVT-equipped model), eight horsepower gain and 12 pound-feet of torque equipped CVT).
The new Sport Plus system is standard. If more than 30 percent of the battery is charged and CR-Z travels more than 18 mph, the driver can press the "S" button on the steering wheel to give an accelerated acceleration of up to five seconds. The manual transmission version also receives a larger coupling and lower final drive ratio. EPA-rated fuel economy figures increase by 1 mpg city for models equipped with CVT, and 1 mpg highway for those with a six-speed manual transmission.
Fuel economy
Japan's fuel economy rating is 4.0 liters per 100 kilometers (59 mpg -US ) for CVT and 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers (53 mpg -US ) for MT in 10o15 mode; and 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers (53 mpg -US ) for CVT and 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (48 mpg -US ) for MT in JC08 mode.
The CR-Z 2011 E-AS rating is 31 miles per gallon US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg -imp ) for the city and 37 miles per gallon US (6.4 L/100 km); 44 mpg -imp ) for highway with manual transmission. Models with CVT transmissions have a 35 miles per gallon (US 6.7 L/100 km; 42 mpg -imp ) rating for the city's driving cycle and 39 miles per gallon (6.0 L/100 km ; 47 mpg -imp ) for the highway. Beyond US EPA estimates, among drivers reporting real-world fuel economy, the CR-Z averages nearly 39 mpg overall.
When comparing fuel economy with older CR-Z cousins, according to fueleconomy.gov, the Honda CR-X HF-powered 1988 has an EPA rating of 41 miles per gallon US (5.7 L/100 km, 49 mpg -small ) driving in the city, and 49 miles per US gallon (4.8Ã, L/100Ã, km; 59Ã, mpg -imp ) driving the highway. CR-Z is ranked number four on the list of top ten EPA 2011 vehicles from fuel-efficient vehicles for models equipped with CVT and number ten for models equipped with manual transmissions.
Performance
Path and Track editor, after nearly a year of long-term tests, said "the car scored well in gearboxes, steering, handling, and styling categories" and "CR-Z did a good score in the material economy burn and, as expected, in keeping with Honda's quality and reliability reputation. "
Prices and sales by region
Japanese
CR-Z sales began in Japan on February 26, 2010 with an initial price of à ¥ 2.3 million (~ US $ 25,340 ) before government subsidies. Honda announced that in less than a month had received orders for more than 10,000 vehicles, far exceeding its sales forecasts.
At the end of August 2010, more than 19,000 CR-Zs were shipped and sales orders received three times higher than expected, which led to Japanese media comparing its success with the NSX in the 1990s, another sports car from Honda. In an interview in early February 2011, a Honda executive revealed that Honda produces about 200,000 hybrids a year in Japan.
North America
Sales in North America begin on August 24, 2010. CR-Z 2011 is offered in three trim levels: base, EX, and EX with navigation. The base CR-Z starts at US $ 19,950 , CR-Z EX starts at US $ 21,510 and EX with navigation trim at US $ 23,310 . The price of CR-Z is the same as the now-discontinued Honda Insight, and has a lower price than the Toyota Prius market leader.
After launching at the end of August 2010, there were 3,349 Honda CR-Zs sold at the end of October 2010. It ranked fourth most-sold in the US for September and October of that year. US sales for 2010 reached 5,249 units, and ranked 11th in hybrid sales for the year. For 2011 CR-Z's cumulative sales in the United States reached 9,635 units through August, ranking four in hybrid sales in 2011 and sales only by Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Honda Insight, and Toyota Prius.
In addition to advertisements aired during sporting events, Honda held marketing competitions available to universities throughout the United States. This competition allows students to create public relations and social media campaigns for vehicles. A team from Syracuse University won first place in the competition, followed by runners-up New England School of Communications and University of LaVerne.
Europe
CR-Z was launched in the European market in mid-2010 after being revealed at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.
South Africa
Sales in South Africa are scheduled to begin on August 30, 2010.
Malaysia
CR-Z was launched for the Malaysian market on November 3, 2011, making it the first in Southeast Asia to offer a three-door hybrid. Within a month, Honda has received more than 300 orders, more than triple its target. The introduction of CR-Z is the result of the 2012 Malaysian Budget that extends the full import duty and exemption of import duties for imported hybrid vehicles and electric cars until 31 December 2013. 6-speed manual models have been offered, with plans to bring the CVT version in 2012; In addition to white, three more colors will be offered in early 2012.
Australia
Honda announced it will import CR-Z in mid-2011 after showing the car at the Australian Motor Motor Show 2011 in June but its launch was delayed due to earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
CR-Z was finally launched in December 2011 with a base price of A $ 34,990 plus on-road charges in two classes: Sport and Luxury. The value is identical except that Sport is only available with manual transmission while Luxury is only available with CVT automatic transmission and the addition of satellite navigation and glass roof.
In January 2015 Honda announced that it was no longer selling CR-Z in Australia on the grounds of rationalizing its hybrid model but CR-Z did not sell well in the Australian market with only 86 sales reported in 2014.
New Zealand
Launched in New Zealand in December 2011.
Indonesia
Introduced at Indonesia International Motor Show 2012 in September 2012, the CR-Z was launched in February 2013. Honda CR-Z is the third hybrid car to be released in Indonesia after Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry Hybrid. Transmission is offered in 6-speed manual or auto CVT.
Philippines
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. introduced the hybrid CR-Z coupe to the Philippine market in August 2013. Honda CR-Z is offered in three variants; standard trim, Modulo, and Mugen.
Pakistan
Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited introduced the hybrid CR-Z coupe to the Pakistani market in December 2013 with the official price tag of Rs.3.269.000 for manual transmission and Rs. 3,419,000 for Auto. Rs extra. 80,000 charged for Pearl/Metallic Colors only.
Sri Lanka
Honda CRZ launched in Sri Lanka at the same time launched in Japan
Refresh
In 2016, Honda CR-Z received a little refresher. It accepts changes to the front and rear bumper, as well as a slightly revised interior. It also gets EX-L trim from refreshment with a slight rise in price. The base price of LX trim starts at $ 20,295 with manual transmission, and $ 20,945 with continuous variable transmission or CVT. Trim EX increased to $ 22,140 with manual transmission, and $ 22,790 with CVT. The new EX-L trim starts at $ 24,440 with manual transmission, and $ 25,090 with CVT. Refreshments have changed some colors as well. The color of the North Shore Blue Pearl is transformed into Aegean Blue Metallic color, Crystal Black Pearl color has been transformed into Jet Black color, and Premium White Pearl has been transformed into Gading Mutiara. In the EX trim, the red color of the secondary interior has turned orange. CR-Z also get some new wheel design for refreshment. Honda has previously confirmed that the second generation CR-Z is in development, probably for the 2018 model year.
Termination
On June 17, 2016, Honda announced that the CR-Z will be discontinued at the end of the year to make room for the Hybrid and Clarity Accord.
Racing
Two Honda Performance Development CR-Z Racers entered the 25-hour Thunderhill endurance race held on 4-5 December 2010 in Willows, California. The car, first shown publicly at the SEMA Show 2010, is completely stripped down with a derived suspension. The turbo charger is bolted to a machine that boosts output to 175 hp (130 kW) and torque of 155Ã, lb? Ft (210Ã, N? M), furthermore, the Integrated Motor Assist setting is modified using components of Mission Motors and push-to. The added function adds a total of 200 hp (149 kW) and 175? lb? ft (237Ã, N? m) torque when the button is pressed. One of the two players battling from a 10-lap deficit almost finished second in the Resistance 3 series, having suffered at the start of the race from two "stop-and-hold" five-minute penalties caused by refueling problems. The other participants got the leading position in the class but failed to finish the race.
The Honda CR-Z was one of the most exhibited cars during the SEMA show at the beginning of the year and one of the cars produced 533 hp (397 kW). This is what hybrid engines can survive in terms of power.
CR-Z Mugen
The sportive and faster variant of the CR-Z, the so-called CR-Z Mugen comes with many aftermarket parts from Honda's Motorsport division, Mugen. Sections include the Mugen Aero Package, a tweaked sports suspension, a special glossy black grille with daytime running lights, triangular sports exhausts, carbon fiber knobs and a 17-inch bronze/silver Mugen wheel set in 7-spoke and minor interior cosmetic parts.
This car will be powered by a 1.5 liter engine that has been equipped with a supercharger and a revised ECU. Thanks to this tweak, the hybrid is rumored to have power 178 hp (133 kW/180 PS) rather than the concept of 197 hp (147 kW/200 PS). It is reportedly will allow the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, before reaching a top speed of over 130 mph (209 km/h).
CR-Z Mugen is scheduled to be launched early 2012 with a base price of around Ã, à £ 23,000 ($ 35,820/EUR26,780).
CR-Z Mugen RZ
Honda Motorsport Division Mugen has announced plans to offer Honda CR-Z high-performance in Japan. Production will be limited to 300 units.
Nicknamed Mugen RZ, this model features an aerodynamic body kit with front spoiler, revised grille and modified side skirts. It also features a rear diffuser, adjustable wings and a sports twin exhaust system. Other highlights include adjustable suspension, high-performance brakes, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The cabin will have two-tone seats, carbon fiber gear knob, boost meter and individual numbered plaque.
Power is provided by a 1.5-liter supercharged engine that produces 156 HP (115 kW) and torque of 185 Nm (136 lb-ft). It is powered by an IMA hybrid system that develops 20 HP (15 kW) and 78 Nm (58Ã, lb-ft) torque.
Awards and acknowledgments
- Japanese Car of the Year 2010-11
- Good Design 2010 Award from Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization
- The Year 2010 Friendly Car of the Year is awarded by Motoring UK
- Most Economical & amp; Green Sports hybrid in 2010 RAC Brighton to London Future Car Challenge
- The 2011 Car Wheel of 2011
- Selected by Mother Earth News among "Best Green Cars" of 2011.
Gallery
See also
- Honda Civic Hybrid
- Honda Insight
- Hybrid electric vehicle
- Honda FCX Clarity
- List of hybrid vehicles
References
External links
- CR-Z at Honda Worldwide
- Honda Worldwide - Hybrid Words
- Honda Pakistan - CR-Z
Source of the article : Wikipedia