Production Honda CR-Z breaks cover

Year's_End · 09-30-2009, 12:34 AM

Tokyo Preview: Honda CR-Z, the Production-Ready Concept Car

Here's another instance of Honda calling a car a concept when it's actually mere inches away from production. This is the 2011 Honda CR-Z, and it is a reborn 1983-92 Civic CRX. It goes on sale in Japan in February 2010, with the U.S. following a few months after that.

Compact and sleek, this 161-inch long coupe/three-door hatch was first shown as a real concept at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. Now two years on, the 2009 show car is "95 percent" of the real thing, according to Honda officials. The final, final production version will be unveiled at the 2010 Detroit Show in January.

We know that the 2011 CR-Z will be powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC inline-4 combined with Honda's IMA hybrid powertrain, tied to a 6-speed manual gearbox -- essentially the sportiest drivetrain setup the company has offered in a hybrid to date. However, we still think it's likely that Honda will broaden the appeal of the CR-Z line by offering several drivetrain options -- perhaps a price-leader base model with just the 1.5-liter gas engine and perhaps, perhaps a CR-Z Si with a slightly larger, revvier engine.

The CR-Z's busy, compact 2+2 cabin is now virtually production ready and it's believed the car's Ni-Mh battery pack lies beneath the rear floor, as per the Honda Insight, on which it's is based. Even the wheels on this "concept" look production-spec, and if the "lack" of exhaust pipes on the CR-Z gives you pause, just have a look at the tail of a production Insight -- the pipes are concealed on that car, too.

More photos after the jump.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightlin...hotopanel..2.*

NewSong · 09-30-2009, 12:45 AM

It's not offensive.

Not bad.

san~man · 09-30-2009, 12:48 AM

That's a horrible blind spot in the back. Front looks audi-ish

Year's_End · 09-30-2009, 12:49 AM

Compared to the recently unveiled Accord Crosstour, it's a DB9.

Year's_End · 09-30-2009, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by san~man

That's a horrible blind spot in the back. Front looks audi-ish

I find the front more California-esque imo.

BK · 09-30-2009, 12:56 AM

Reminds me of my old CRX. Funny that this is a brand new green car, hybrid and all, and I bet my old CRX got better gas mileage than this will get.

touareg · 09-30-2009, 12:57 AM

I'm not completely sold on the looks, guess I'll have to wait and see what the last 5% of the changes will be. Not a fan of hybrids in general from a "green" perspective (I don't think they are really green at all), but I don't mind it here. So it should be light, hopefully rev-happy, good on gas, and fairly inexpensive...sounds like a pretty good combo

Los Angeles · 09-30-2009, 02:59 AM

The front looks good.

The sides look good.

The rear looks TERRIBLE!!!!!!

ptack · 09-30-2009, 07:47 AM

The CRX was a classic because it was such a blast to drive. I hope Honda hasn't emasculated this with the hybrid drive train. Let's all hope this is not just a 2-door Insight.

BForbes · 09-30-2009, 07:57 AM

You beat me to it BimmerLoyalist(srry). I LOVE IT!

gonzo · 09-30-2009, 08:01 AM

Not bad.

I had a CRXsi many moons ago. I loved that little car. Tank.

ENINTY · 09-30-2009, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by san~man

That's a horrible blind spot in the back. Front looks audi-ish

Look how loooong the side mirrors are.

blue2fire · 09-30-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK

Reminds me of my old CRX. Funny that this is a brand new green car, hybrid and all, and I bet my old CRX got better gas mileage than this will get.

Most definitely, just like the old insight gets more MPG than the new one. The idea is to bring it up to date in terms of safety and creature comfort probably.

blue2fire · 09-30-2009, 08:36 AM

Maybe we should hold off on the Brabus Smart till we get the whole story on this. I would love to have a Honda in the garage again.

Muffnbluff · 09-30-2009, 09:08 AM

I really like the front end, the back of the car makes me want to punch something.

It looks like the seats have some decent bolstering, hopefully that's a sign this car is ready to take some fast turns.

datbimmerdoe · 09-30-2009, 09:32 AM

EWW!

A ford focus looks waaaaay better. (not)

NeueKlasse · 09-30-2009, 10:09 AM

I fail to see how one would drive a 6-speed manual hybrid, unless Honda's hybrid technology is like Ford in that it is not part-time gas.

blue2fire · 09-30-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeueKlasse

I fail to see how one would drive a 6-speed manual hybrid, unless Honda's hybrid technology is like Ford in that it is not part-time gas.

IMA is full time engine with electric assist.

NeueKlasse · 09-30-2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue2fire

IMA is full time engine with electric assist.

Thought so. Fake hybrid.

Hula-Hula · 09-30-2009, 11:22 AM

Wow this is awesome! I really like the 6-speed manual with the hybrid. A little sportier alternative to the boring hybrids on the market atm.

hks786 · 09-30-2009, 12:13 PM

Loved the first concept and this looks great too. Perfect.

ENINTY · 09-30-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeueKlasse

Thought so. Fake hybrid.

How is it fake?

09-30-2009, 12:34 AM	#1
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1138 Rep 12,444 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Production Honda CR-Z breaks cover - Looks good! Tokyo Preview: Honda CR-Z, the Production-Ready Concept Car Here's another instance of Honda calling a car a concept when it's actually mere inches away from production. This is the 2011 Honda CR-Z, and it is a reborn 1983-92 Civic CRX. It goes on sale in Japan in February 2010, with the U.S. following a few months after that. Compact and sleek, this 161-inch long coupe/three-door hatch was first shown as a real concept at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. Now two years on, the 2009 show car is "95 percent" of the real thing, according to Honda officials. The final, final production version will be unveiled at the 2010 Detroit Show in January. We know that the 2011 CR-Z will be powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC inline-4 combined with Honda's IMA hybrid powertrain, tied to a 6-speed manual gearbox -- essentially the sportiest drivetrain setup the company has offered in a hybrid to date. However, we still think it's likely that Honda will broaden the appeal of the CR-Z line by offering several drivetrain options -- perhaps a price-leader base model with just the 1.5-liter gas engine and perhaps, perhaps a CR-Z Si with a slightly larger, revvier engine. The CR-Z's busy, compact 2+2 cabin is now virtually production ready and it's believed the car's Ni-Mh battery pack lies beneath the rear floor, as per the Honda Insight, on which it's is based. Even the wheels on this "concept" look production-spec, and if the "lack" of exhaust pipes on the CR-Z gives you pause, just have a look at the tail of a production Insight -- the pipes are concealed on that car, too. More photos after the jump. http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightlin...hotopanel..2.* __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
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09-30-2009, 12:45 AM	#2
NewSong Just another jerk in a hat... 117 Rep 1,462 Posts Drives: 2005 Ford Focus Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Irvine iTrader: (0)	It's not offensive. Not bad. __________________ He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth.
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09-30-2009, 12:48 AM	#3
san~man Tired 131 Rep 2,673 Posts Drives: BMW-less Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (7)	That's a horrible blind spot in the back. Front looks audi-ish __________________ BMW-less
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09-30-2009, 12:49 AM	#4
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1138 Rep 12,444 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Compared to the recently unveiled Accord Crosstour, it's a DB9. __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
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09-30-2009, 12:56 AM	#6
BK Smiling politely 165 Rep 7,931 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	Reminds me of my old CRX. Funny that this is a brand new green car, hybrid and all, and I bet my old CRX got better gas mileage than this will get. __________________ E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT \| 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
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09-30-2009, 12:57 AM	#7
touareg Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 219 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	I'm not completely sold on the looks, guess I'll have to wait and see what the last 5% of the changes will be. Not a fan of hybrids in general from a "green" perspective (I don't think they are really green at all), but I don't mind it here. So it should be light, hopefully rev-happy, good on gas, and fairly inexpensive...sounds like a pretty good combo __________________ Currently: 2017 M2 MT LBB In a previous life: 2011 Z4 sDrive35i MT \| 2011 Mk6 GTI MT \| 2008 EX35 \| 2008 Cooper S MT \| 2009 135i MT \| 2002 A4 1.8T
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09-30-2009, 02:59 AM	#8
Los Angeles Steve Forte Rio 149 Rep 2,393 Posts Drives: 08' 328i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: 90036 iTrader: (0)	The front looks good. The sides look good. The rear looks TERRIBLE!!!!!!
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09-30-2009, 07:47 AM	#9
ptack Brigadier General 269 Rep 4,470 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	The CRX was a classic because it was such a blast to drive. I hope Honda hasn't emasculated this with the hybrid drive train. Let's all hope this is not just a 2-door Insight. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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09-30-2009, 07:57 AM	#10
BForbes Moderator 559 Rep 4,240 Posts Drives: BSM 135i/AW E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	You beat me to it BimmerLoyalist(srry). I LOVE IT! __________________ - 04 Honda S2000(gone)
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09-30-2009, 08:01 AM	#11
gonzo Lieutenant General 10202 Rep 14,398 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	Not bad. I had a CRXsi many moons ago. I loved that little car. Tank. __________________ Crazy Diamond
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09-30-2009, 09:08 AM	#15
Muffnbluff Redline Addict 21 Rep 783 Posts Drives: '14 BMW 335 xdrive Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: STL iTrader: (0)	I really like the front end, the back of the car makes me want to punch something. It looks like the seats have some decent bolstering, hopefully that's a sign this car is ready to take some fast turns.
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09-30-2009, 09:32 AM	#16
datbimmerdoe Lieutenant General 1277 Rep 17,493 Posts Drives: like I'M BOUT THAT LIFE Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: PARADISE aka CANES COUNTRY iTrader: (0)	EWW! A ford focus looks waaaaay better. (not) __________________ #datbimmerdoe #thatbimmertho FOLLOW @datbimmerdoe on INSTAGRAM
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09-30-2009, 10:09 AM	#17
NeueKlasse New Member 5 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 135i M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	I fail to see how one would drive a 6-speed manual hybrid, unless Honda's hybrid technology is like Ford in that it is not part-time gas.
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09-30-2009, 11:22 AM	#20
Hula-Hula Lieutenant Colonel 91 Rep 1,964 Posts Drives: ♥ Join Date: May 2005 Location: Nürburgring iTrader: (0)	Wow this is awesome! I really like the 6-speed manual with the hybrid. A little sportier alternative to the boring hybrids on the market atm. __________________
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09-30-2009, 12:13 PM	#21
hks786 Major General 2169 Rep 5,364 Posts Drives: * Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Loved the first concept and this looks great too. Perfect. __________________
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