Concept Cars Home
2012 CR-Z Image Right
 

Image credits: © Honda.

2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe news, pictures, and information

Production Version of 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Makes Official Debut

All-new hybrid model set to go on sale in the Ú.S. this summer

The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe, making its Ú.S. production debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, introduces sleek styling and sporty handling to the hybrid §egmènt, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

'The CR-Z is a personal sport hybrid coupe for people wîth a spirit of adventure and an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment,' said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. 'It's the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy.'

Set to go on sale late summer in the Ú.S., the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine wîth Honda's compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes.

The exterior's distinctive 'one-motion' wedge form originates from its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance. A side profile wîth a deeply inset beltline conveys a dynamic tension, while the short wheelbase and large, wide front grille accents the vehicle's athletic presence.

Vital Stats
Engine : 1.5 L., 4-cylinder
Power: 122 hp
Torque: 128 ft-lbs

CVT, 6-speed Manual
The futuristically styled interior offers a high-tech appearance and ergonomically intuitive controls. Instrument panel meters illuminate wîth a three-dimensional, vibrant blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. Set against a motif of textured black materials and aluminum-style trim accents, the upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wrap-around cockpit environment. The passenger zone offers an open, comfortable space. Premium sport-oriented cloth seats are designed to provide excellent lateral support along wîth everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space. A hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.


The two trim levels include the well-equipped CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/ÚSB audio system wîth 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 wîth Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system wîth seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped §teering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is available wîth the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System1 wîth voice recognition.

The CR-Z represents the sixth unique version of Honda's original IMA technology since the launch of the 2000 Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available in North America in December 1999. The foundation of the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain is a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single overhead cam engine wîth 'intelligent' Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the IMA system's DC brushless electric motor. 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.

The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower2 at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft. of torque2 at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 lb-ft on CVT-equipped models). Preliminary fuel economy estimates are anticipated to result in a rating of 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon3 on CVT-equipped models. Manual transmission models are anticipated to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 city/37 highway miles per gallon3. The CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

The standard six-speed manual transmission is engineered for optimal acceleration performance in gears one through five and for optimal fuel economy in sixth gear. When starting on steep inclines from a stop, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch (for a duration of approximately 1.5 seconds). The available CVT provides the convenience of an automatic transmission wîth a seamless transition between minimum and maximum ratios, while also keeping the engine within an optimal RPM range for overall efficiency. To increase the performance potential of the CVT, paddle shifters located on the §teering wheel allow the driver to manually simulate the stepped holding pattern. In Sport mode, the paddle shifters will hold and maintain a selected ratio.
The CR-Z's three-mode drive system allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles. The system is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the §teering wheel.

The Sport mode enhances multiple vehicle systems for performance including the engine throttle responsiveness, electric power §teering effort and the electric motor power assist. The inner ring of the tachometer illuminates red when the vehicle is in Sport mode.

During Econ mode operation, the engine's responsiveness is tuned for optimal economy, the electric motor assist gives priority to fuel efficiency and the air conditioning system can reduce its overall load on the engine. The inner ring of the tachometer transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in Econ mode, wîth the green representing more ecological driving.

Normal mode provides standard settings for §teering, 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, wîth 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.

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 wîth 16x6-inch aluminum wheels wîth 195/55 R16 86V tires. Accessory 17x7 alloy wheels wîth 205/45R17 84V tires wîth are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) wîth 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 §teering enhances §teering performance and improves efficiency.

In addition to being environmentally responsible, the CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags wîth passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

1 The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the CR-Z EX in the Únited States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

2 Preliminary estimate provided by Honda. Final specification is subject to change.

3 Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Úse for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle
.

Source - Honda
For more information and related vehicles, click here

Land Rover Celebrates 65 Years Of Technology And Innovation
SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF LAND ROVER From our earliest days, the desire to create a vehicle that will tackle any terrain has made Land Rover famous around the world. Over the past 65 years, the Land Rover family has grown into the highly respected range of vehicles that are sold in record numbers today. As Land Rover continues to go from strength to strength, we thought it was time to look back at the milestones in our history that have got us here. The last 65 years have been an adventure. ...[Read more...]
Mazda Cx-5 Named 'Top Family Choice Vehicle' By Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association
 WASHINGTON, April 29, 2013 -- The Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association (GAAMA) yesterday named the 2013 Mazda CX-5 its 'Top Family Choice Vehicle' and the all-new 2014 Mazda6 'Best Green Family Choice Vehicle' at its first annual Family Choice Challenge. GAAMA President Nick Palermo said, 'The CX-5 was the clear winner for the overall 'Top Family Choice Vehicle' award. It's stylish, affordable, has comfortable seating and great fuel economy and is fun to drive.' The 2013 CX-...[Read more...]
2014 Corvette Stingray Starts At $51,995
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe will have a suggested starting retail price of $51,995, and the Corvette Stingray Convertible will start at $56,995. Both prices include a $995 destination fee but exclude tax, title, and license. 'The 2014 Corvette Stingray perfectly embodies Chevrolet's mission to deliver more than expected for our customers,' said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. 'The Corvette Stingray delivers a combination of performance, design and technology t...[Read more...]
2014 MAZDA6 NAMED TO WARD'S ‘10 BEST INTERIORS' LIST
 The all-new 2014 Mazda6 today was named to WardsAuto World's 10 Best Interiors list, as chosen by the publication's editors. The redesigned mid-size sports sedan features Mazda's new design language called KODO 'Soul of Motion,' which translates muscular movement and power into agile proportions, detailed sculpting and expressive character. The Mazda6 also was recently named one of the top three vehicle designs in the world for 2013 by the World Car Awards. 'The automotive industry, regardl...[Read more...]
VOLKSWAGEN CLAIMS BEST HIGHWAY FUEL EFFICIENCY, WITH SEVEN MODELS THAT ACHIEVE MORE THAN 40 MPG
• New Jetta Hybrid earns EPA fuel economy rating of up to 48 mpg; the first compact hybrid available with a turbocharged engine
Herndon, VA - With EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 48 mpg on the highway, 42 mpg in the city, and a combined rating of 45 mpg, the Jetta Hybrid becomes the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Volkswagen lineup and the seventh model capable of more than 40 mpg on the highway. With sales of the Jetta Hybrid beginning later this month, Volkswagen wil...[Read more...]

Arrow Right 2011 Honda models
Honda Accord
Honda Accord HFP
Honda Civic
Honda Civic GX
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-Z Hybrid R Concept
Honda Element
Honda FCX Clarity
Honda Fit
Honda Insight
Honda Jazz Hybrid
Honda Odyssey
Honda Pilot
Honda Ridgeline
2011 Honda Concepts
Honda Brio Concept
Honda Civic Concept
Honda Civic Si Concept
Honda Fit EV Concept Electric Vehicle

Similar Automakers
JaguarNissan
SaabSubaru
ToyotaVolkswagen
Volvo
 
Honda: 2011-2020
Similar Automakers
Other models by Honda
Manufacturer Website

Related Articles and Event Coverage
2010 Detroit Auto Show

Honda
Monthly Sales FiguresVolume
April 2013117,100 
March 2013121,938 
February 201396,623 
January 201384,137 
December 2012116,740 
November 2012104,334 
October 201294,810 
September 2012102,845 
August 2012115,675 
July 2012104,119 
June 2012109,438 
May 2012119,411 
(More Details)

 
Accord
Civic
CR-V
CR-Z
CRX
Element
FCX Clarity
Fit
Insight
Odyssey
Pilot
Prelude
Ridgeline
S2000
S600
S800

2012 CR-Z Image Right
© 1998-2012. All rights reserved. The material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.