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CR-Z Styling: Sporty, Yet Environmental at the Same Time

Honda designers envisioned the CR-Z as a highly personal coupe that symbolizes a new era of style that is sporty yet environmental at the same time. The one-motion wedge form, compact dimensions, light-weight construction and aerodynamic design help to improve performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The progressively raked roofline and sharply truncated tail of the CR-Z is a feature shared with many Hondas past and present, including the CRX, first-generation Insight and the FCX Clarity. All of these cars have been designed to cut through the air with minimal disturbance, reducing aerodynamic drag to increase efficiency.

Interior Styling and Features

The interior of the CR-Z has been influenced by the cabin of the Tokyo Motor Show CR-Z Concept, especially the three-dimensional meter layout and driver-focused cabin. The high-tech instrument panel places many of the commonly used controls close to the driver's hands, allowing for full concentration on driving. The dashboard of the new coupe takes on a complex and immersive form, with a dark upper portion appearing to float above a matte gray lower dash section, which is continued into the center of the inner door panels. All models receive automatic climate control, six-speaker audio system with compact disc player, USB input for iPod, power windows and locks, and keyless entry. The CR-Z EX adds a 360-watt high-power audio system that includes a subwoofer, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, alloy pedals and more. The Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System with Voice Activation and 6.5-inch screen is available on the CR-Z EX. Different from CR-Zs in Europe and Asia, the North American model is exclusively equipped with a rear cargo console directly behind the seats. The hidden storage area can accommodate small items such as briefcases, laptops or duffle bags.

IMA Powertrain Technology

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. The foundation of the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain is a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single overhead cam engine with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the IMA system's 10- kilowatt DC brushless electric motor. The i-VTEC system controls the opening and closing of one intake valve per cylinder to enhance combustion at low RPM. The electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that can recharge the 100.8-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops (idle stop) to improve efficiency.

The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 128 lb-ft of torque at 1,000 to 1,750 RPM (123 lb-ft at 1,000 to 2,000 on CVT-equipped models). EPA estimated fuel economy is 35/39/37 city/highway/combined miles per gallon on CVT-equipped models. Manual-transmission models achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31/37/34 city/highway/combined miles per gallon.

When compared to the 250-plus nameplates of all currently available 2010 model-year automobiles in the U.S. (the most-recent data available at the time of printing), the 2011 CR-Z's combined EPA fuel economy rating of 37 mpg for the CVT-equipped version would place it among the top five of all models. Plus, with the addition of the CR-Z to the lineup, Honda offers three of the top five highest-rated vehicles for combined EPA fuel economy currently available as either a 2010 or 2011 model:

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 CR-Z uses regular unleaded fuel.

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. The available CVT provides the convenience of an automatic transmission with 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 steering wheel allow the driver to simulate a stepped holding pattern like a manual transmission (seven increments total).

3-Mode Drive System with Eco Assist

The CR-Z's 3-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 steering wheel. The Sport mode enhances multiple vehicle systems for performance including the engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort, the power delivery curve for the electric motor power assist and the CVT (available) ratio control. 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, with the green representing more efficient driving. Normal mode provides standard settings for steering, 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, with the green representing more efficient 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.

Chassis

With a low center of gravity and a wide track, 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 with 16x6-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 195/55 R16 86V tires. Accessory 17x7-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 205/45 R17 84V tires are available as a dealer-installed accessory.

The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with 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 for responsive, sporty handling. Electric Power-assisted rack-and-pinion Steering (EPS) improves overall vehicle efficiency compared to a conventional hydraulic power steering system and is tuned in the CR-Z for a firm driving feel and communicative steering feedback - even more when Sport mode is selected. New EPS programming algorithms being introduced on the CR-Z add a new dimension of feedback control (in all modes) that can optimally match the assist and self-aligning forces related to the driver's input with the vehicle's path through a corner. When starting on steep inclines from a stop in manual transmission-equipped CR-Zs, hill start assist temporarily minimizes the potential for the vehicle to roll backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch (braking force tapers off after a duration of approximately 1 second).

Safety Technology

In addition to having a low environmental impact, the CR-Z demonstrates the Honda commitment to safety in the vehicle's design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure is designed to help protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include standard dual-stage, multiplethreshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with 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.

Features and Equipment

The two trim levels include the well-equipped CR-Z (base) and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A sixspeed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available on both models. Standard features on the CR-Z include 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 a 360-watt AM/FM/CD high-power audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System2 with Voice Recognition.

Honda CRX Heritage

The exterior design of CR-Z deliberately evokes the iconic style of the 1980s and 1990s Honda CRX, which was originally developed to provide a small, stylish car that could achieve excellent fuel economy. Signature features of the CRX, like the split-level rear glass hatch of the second generation model and the low, shallow raked roofline have been referenced in the design of the sleek coupe and then combined with a curvaceous and deeply sculpted exterior form.

The Honda CR-Z, in addition to the Civic Hybrid and Insight, is produced at the Suzuka Factory in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. In 2008, the factory added a second engine line to expand production of IMA hybrid system motors.

Honda CR-Z: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications