BREAKING: Honda confirms production of CR-Z, Fit Hybrid in 2010
by Damon Lavrinc on Jul 13th 2009 at 8:58AM 
Honda CR-Z Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Honda has confirmed what's been suspected for some time: the Honda CR-Z is coming next year and the Fit Hybrid will be released in late 2010.
The brief press release (below the fold) touts the two hybrids as the latest expansion of the automaker's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, along with its focus on highly efficient, lightweight and compact conveyances.
The CR-Z, a sporty hybrid inspired by the CRX and unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007, will go on sale in Japan this February, with the Fit Hybrid hitting shores across the Pacific later next year. Honda hasn't explicitly announced whether the two models will be available in the States, but we'd expect a formal announcement when the production CR-Z and Fit Hybrid debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this October.
Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept
PRESS RELEASE
Honda to Begin Sales of Two More Hybrid Models in 2010
TOKYO, Japan, July 13, 2009 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced plans to begin sales in Japan of the CR-Z sporty hybrid model in February 2010 and Fit Hybrid before the end of 2010. By combining these two models with the currently available Insight and Civic Hybrid, Honda will further enhance its lineup of compact hybrid models, which leverage the unique characteristics of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), including compact size, lightweight and high efficiency. In addition, Honda is currently developing a new hybrid system which is intended to be installed on mid- to large-size vehicles.
Honda also announced that, in addition to the No. 1 line at its Suzuka Factory, the production of Insight also began on Suzuka's No. 3 line in mid-June 2009, leveraging Honda's flexible production system.
In order to continue contributing to the global effort to reduce CO2 emissions, Honda will continue to focus on research and development of technologies which improve fuel-efficiency and strive to deliver products with improved environmental performance to as many customers as possible by making such products more accessible to all people.
The CR-Z concept vehicle made its world debut at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. The CR-Z sporty hybrid will feature advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle's environmental footprint.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
RamblinReck89 9:09AM (7/13/2009)
I hope that by "sporty" they at least mean "comes with a manual option." Hybrids don't absolutely have to have CVTs, right?
Reply
nighttime__ 9:20AM (7/13/2009)
HAL knows best.
RamblinReck89 9:23AM (7/13/2009)
HAL can lick my ba....er... I respectfully disagree with HAL's decisions when it comes time to shift gears, or whatever you call it in a CVT.
gerrrg 10:09AM (7/13/2009)
Wouldn't (having a manual transmission) defeat the purpose of having a hybrid?
The engine automatically cuts itself off and turns itself on, depending on the situation, which seems to me to make a manual transmission impossible, unless you had the engine always turned on. In which case, you lose substantial savings on the intent of a hybrid engine.
RamblinReck89 10:19AM (7/13/2009)
I think it would depend on how they use the electric motor.
RamblinReck89 10:28AM (7/13/2009)
either way, I have no desire to actually purchase this car
downtoearth 11:16AM (7/13/2009)
RamblinReck89:
> I hope that by "sporty" they at least mean
>"comes with a manual option." Hybrids don't
> absolutely have to have CVTs, right?
Full hybrids like those from Toyota, Ford and Lexus have to have a power split device instead of a gearbox, which is very similar to a differential only with two inputs (coming from the engine and the electric motor) and single output (final drive). This makes them simple, durable, cheaper to make and allows very efficient manipulation of engine load as well as all electric ride. The device simulates a CVT gearbox.
Mild hybrids like Hondas or the new Mercedes S class have an ordinary gearbox, be it an automatic, automated manual like the DSG, a belt/chain-driven CVT. A manual is naturally possible only it may decrease efficiency slightly since the well programmed automatic could put the engine into its most efficient operation areas more frequently than the driver rowing throigh gears.
If you are for a more fun to drive hybrid, try the discontinued Honda Accord V6 Hybrid.
ChoadNamath 12:18PM (7/13/2009)
gerrrg - The original Insight came with a manual transmission option and still has auto-stop/start. I'd trade mine in for a CRZ assuming it gets 50+ MPG.
MyCRZ.com 8:01AM (9/30/2009)
Hey guys if you like the Honda CR-Z feel free to join us in discussion at
http://mycrz.com
Look forward to seeing you there!
Robert K. 9:12AM (7/13/2009)
This car should NOT BE A HYBRID!!! The original CRX was designed to me small, light, agile, and most importantly, inexpensive. Adding on a hybrid powertrain will almost automatically inflate the price between 2 and 3,000 bucks. If I'm purchasing a car like this, I don't want it to have low rolling resistance tires, or an auto start-stop feature, or none of that crap. If Honda wants to make a hybrid version, then fine. But they should also offer nonhybrid versions, in the same way that the Civic comes in hybrid and nonhybrid versions. I say slap in the engine from the Civic Si, or even the soon-to-be-dead S2000, give me a 6 speed manual, and call it a day!
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geo.stewart 9:16AM (7/13/2009)
get in line behind me for the Veloster then. it looks to be the true successor to the awesome CRX.
Bobmarley 9:26AM (7/13/2009)
Amen brutha...lol
...you spoke my mind
gerrrg 10:11AM (7/13/2009)
But you forget...that electric motors provide 100% torque the instant you step on the accelerator...
see for example, Plasma Boy's White Zombie Datsun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrHXdM9f13k
happyfun86 10:24AM (7/13/2009)
@ gerrrg:
Torque? In a Honda? Surely you jest! :-P
But seriously, I drive an '06 Civic Si because I wanted a Honda with a semblance of fun that wasn't gonna cost me an arm and a leg. Assuming this car could meet all the standard enthusiast requirements (RWD, 6-speed, low weight, etc.), I'd be all over it. But if it's solely going to be a FWD hybrid, then I think I'll pass. I just don't understand how conventional hybrids can have anything to do with "enjoyable driving."
naggs 5:46AM (7/14/2009)
i agree, not interested till they put a normal power-train in it
any added weight and complexity is the enemy
schhim 9:14AM (7/13/2009)
Make my Fit Hybrid in Blaze Orange please.
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Joe K. 9:15AM (7/13/2009)
So... How do they sell the Insight next to a hybrid Fit? Everyone is complaining about the Insight and saying they wish it was more like the Fit, does this mean they are rectifying their mistake with the Insight?
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zamafir 10:06AM (7/13/2009)
Agreed, very very odd. the insight's as close to a hybrid Fit as you can get without... you know... hybridizing the fit. There's a lot of overlap there. Maybe Honda's thinking an even cheaper sales price will make their mild hybrid drive more palatable for customers? It just seems like a really poor choice with the insight, again, being so closely based on fit components and architecture. odd.
As for the CR-Z, fantastic. Just, don't keep up the ugly train. Build it like the concept, as close as possible, we've been waiting since the S2000 for something as good looking as this CR-Z concept, here's hoping they don't mess it up.
gerrrg 10:18AM (7/13/2009)
I think the Fit Hybrid will suck the sales out of the Insight, and signal its death. The fight is on...
the Honda Fit Hybrid versus the Toyota Yaris Hybrid.
AndrewNoNumbers 2:00PM (7/13/2009)
Right now the Fit is miles ahead of the Yaris. But I guess when you put in a hybrid system it changes the target market.