Posts Tagged ‘CR-Z’

Honda CR-Z – Huge Orders Top 8,000 CR-Z’s

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

The 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid, slated for a 2010 summer release, made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The hybrid coupe which offers consumers a sleek aerodynamic exterior and tight handling achieves this while keeping an eye on the environment. Customers are taking notice and can’t wait to experience Honda’s newest hybrid.

Honda’s third hybrid model grants customers 122 horses and 128 lb-ft of torque from the 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) systems DC brushless electric motor. According to Honda “the i-VTEC system controls the opening and closing of one intake valve per cylinder to enhance combustion at low RPMs. The 10-kilowatt electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency.”

Fuel economy comes in at 36 mpg in the city and 38 mpg highway. Customers that opt for the two-passenger CR-Z get a three-mode drive system giving the driver the option of selecting between Sport, Econ (Economy), and Normal driving modes’.

Honda’s press release details the exterior design and trim levels:

The CR-Z visually appears as a ‘one motion” wedge form originating from a low-slung hood that forms a broad forward stance. This ‘one motion’ wedge is available in two trim levels: the CR-Z and the CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on the 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is optional.

The CR-Z comes with the following standard features: Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more.

The CR-Z EX adds, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, center console with an armrest and storage compartment, and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition.

Honda presents another environmentally friendly winner and its hybrid customer base waits impatiently for the first test drive.

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The New 2011 Honda CR-Z

Friday, January 8th, 2010

honda cr-z[image: from world.honda.com]

Honda’s new CR-Z Hybrid could be making it’s way to the US bringing back the look and feel of its predecessor the CR-X which was produced from 1984 to 1991. Although, these smaller cars are yet to become a highly popular vehicle of choice here in the US, some may be willing to make the switch when they see the sporty CR-Z in action.

The CR-Z is making good on the old saying good things come in small packages. The other good news here is that the CR-Z would likely be a great choice for a car priced in the low $20,000’s that gets an upper 30’s in the mpg department.

The engine is a 4 cylinder, 1.5L that combines Honda’s own Integrated Motor Assist technology and would come equipped with a 6 speed manual transmission. The fun factor in having a quick and sporty hybrid that is comfortable in the budget and a joy to drive.

In fact, some sources claim that the CR-Z could be making it’s official appearance at the Detroit Auto Show which would bring more indication that Honda is considering this model for US production. If sources are correct then look for the CR-Z to be on display in Detroit and expect to hear some reactions as the Press gets to see it up close and personal.

These types of vehicles are what the future holds in terms of being sporty, efficient and easy to afford. It’s quite the car for the price and it should do well here in the US should they consider offering it. Honda’s likely to get some really good sales from this car considering the popularity of the CRX and it’s loyal fans.

When companies bring back cars that were once successful they are able to leverage the existing enthusiasts who would be excited to hear the news of a reintroduced version of the CRX that combines the fuel efficiency needs and attractive design.

The compact cars serve particular needs such as commuters who travel for their job, companies that have mobile sales teams and a younger generation that can appreciate the value this car would bring. Saving money on gas, and driving a vehicle that looks good and feels good will be a popular combination, so odds are we’ll see the Honda CR-Z travelling on US roads in the not too distant future.

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