Honda's desperate-to-be-sporty hybrid, the CR-Z (or Compact Renaissance Zero... what?) will be going on sale, Friday, February 26th in its domestic market with a local sales goal of 1000 units per month. For those not in the know, that would be Japan, aka the JDM.
Just a recap: according to Honda, this the CR-Z will be the world's first hybrid vehicle with a 6-speed manual transmission, and it's also the manufacturer's first vehicle to feature a three-mode system which allows the drive to choose among Sport, Normal, or Econ settings.
It is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 102 horsepower and an electric motor generating an additional 20HP for a combined output of 122bhp and 128lb ft of torque that arrives at just 1500rpm. The CR-Z will go on sale in Europe and North America this summer.
In what concerns the JDM version, at launch, we're looking at:
- two models (α and β),
- seven exterior colors (2 all-new, Dark Pewter Metallic and Horizon Turquoise Pearl),
- two interiors (Medium Gray or optional Light Gray leather),
- two transmissions (clutch-equipped 6-speed and paddle-shifted CVT),
- a usable cargo area of 214 liters (rear seats up) or 382 liters (seats down),
- front-wheel drive, and
- price ranging from ¥2,160,000 - ¥2,379,048 before taxes and options (with current exchange rates, that's about US$24,000 - $27,000).
Admittedly, the Modulo accessories look spiffy, and they play their make-up department roles well. The Recaros look comfortable, and it's clear that Honda is trying to make a go of a hybrid sports car with the available sport suspension and hi-po brake pads. Too bad they're not trying the same with the CR-Z's powertrain...
- By Phil Alex
13 Comments:
SuperStriking!
That thing is horrible
wonder if the name Compact Renaissance Zero will end up reflecting the actual sales on this latest dog from Honda.
"SuperStriking!"
Like how i want to strike it with a hammer for being so fucking awful?
The more I see it, the more I like it. I just hope the Type-R version has more power than my 19 year old CRX
2.0 L V-TEC for me, thanks, and hold the the electric motor
--JORGE
"like how i want to strike it with a hammer for being so fucking awful?"
-Check into rehab.
^ drink liquid bleech.
...why God, why?
I just hope Hyundai's Veloster-thingamabobber is beter than this.
Why can't Honda manage to style the rear of their cars properly??? Why??? (e.g. EURO civic; civic Si; Insight; CRZ; crosstour, ...)
whats wrong with the back end of the civic si????does it always piss you off its crapping on what ever you drive!!!!
why not a k20 engine in that thing!
is there a difference in power or weight between the cr-z 6mt, cvt and modulo ???
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