Honda design boss discusses changes to production CR-Z
by Sam Abuelsamid on Oct 25th 2009 at 7:05PM 
Honda global design director Nobuki Ebisawa - click above for high-res image gallery
For the first time in its history, Honda invited a select group of North American media to visit to its design studio this week following the Tokyo Motor Show. While we didn't see any secret new cars today, we did sit down for a chat with Nobuki Ebisawa, general manager of global design for Honda. Among other things, we discussed the styling of the new CR-Z hybrid sport coupe.
Honda unveiled an updated concept version of the CR-Z at the show that's merely a thinly-veiled version of the production model slated to debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The new concept remained on the show floor while the original 2007 concept was on display in the studio along with two quarter-scale clay models. One model was of the original proposal from early 2007, while the other model was the 2009 concept. Both are the work of Motoaki Minowa, while the actual concept that was built in 2007 was produced by Makoto Iwaki. Read on to learn more about the changes.
Gallery: Honda CR-Z design studio
Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z concept
Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
In many respects, the production car is closer in detail to the 2007 Minowa model than to the 2007 full-size Iwaki concept, particularly in the character lines on the flanks that yield a bit of a cutout in the middle of the car. The Iwaki design has flatter sides.
There are other differences between both original designs and the production car. The sides of the greenhouse have been made more vertical than the concepts' inward-sloping tumblehome. This was done to provide a more spacious-feeling interior for the car's occupants. Further aiding interior space is a higher roof. The other big change was the shortening of the production-car's wheelbase, although we don't have exact dimensions.The result is a longer front overhang on the production car, while overall length remains constant.
2007 Honda CR-Z Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ebisawa-san explained that this was done for several different reasons. The longer overhang provides more crush space to help with crash safety performance. It also allows for greater tapering of the front corners (when viewed from above) which aids both pedestrian safety performance and airflow for reduced aerodynamic drag. Another benefit that Ebisawa-san highlighted was the nimbler handling that results from the production CR-Z's shorter axle span.
2009 Honda CR-Z Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ebisawa-san also answered our question about the grille shape of the CR-Z and the similar nose of the SkyDeck concept, which also debuted in Tokyo. We asked if this design would become the new Honda standard. Ebisawa-san explained that unlike Acura, Honda won't be using a single face for its entire lineup. Instead it will have different looks for different families, just as the light truck/SUVs already differ from cars in the States. That said, the CR-Z style scoop grille will be reserved for sporty models.
Gallery: Honda CR-Z design studio
Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z concept
Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Soccer Mom 7:08PM (10/25/2009)
Now we know how the guy who must be fired looks like.
Reply
Benn 7:10PM (10/25/2009)
I don't think the design is THAT bad.
Aprime 7:10PM (10/25/2009)
What's wrong with the CR-Z? :
StickShift 7:53PM (10/25/2009)
There's nothing wrong with the CR-Z - its the rest of the lineup that that he should get the axe for. Crosstour anyone?
zamafir 9:04PM (10/25/2009)
I'm with everyone else, the '07 concept looks and feels fine, the '09 looks fine in photos. it's a good design direction for honda, much nicer than the previous civic si hatch.
Peter 9:52PM (10/25/2009)
lol, your name says it all... go back to consumer reports' minivan forum, the CR-Z is a beautiful car that I might be in the market for (since I graduate from college around that time...) when it comes out.
MyCRZ.com 11:39PM (10/25/2009)
Nice article! I am excited for the production at Detroit. I don't know why they chose Detroit over LA ;(
For those of you who wanted to chat more about the CRZ please join our community at
http://MyCRZ.com
Monica Dickey 1:59AM (10/26/2009)
I think it looks cool. Kind of reminds me of the Prius in a way, but actually cool. I wish they would change it to look like this, maybe hybrids wouldn't get hated on so much.
RG 7:15PM (10/25/2009)
What about wheel size and stance?
This thing looks aggressive now, but with 15s rolling on 70 series rubber is really going to kill the image.
I know it can be addressed in the aftermarket, but still...
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Aprime 7:30PM (10/25/2009)
with chromed wheel hubcaps amirite
naggs 3:41AM (10/27/2009)
15" tires, we can only dream
im sure it will be 17 w opt 18, as if anything w under 200 hp needs that much rubber or brakes
this car would be fun w the fit 1.5, that car would be something i would be interested in, hundreds of pounds of hybrid weight completly kills the point of a crx type car. it instantly defeats the whole reason tiny hatches work.
Motor_Yakuza 7:20PM (10/25/2009)
I got an idea, how about a RWD Accord coupe with those lines and a nice V6?
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Dave 10:01PM (10/25/2009)
Doesnt Hyundai already build that?
Jason E. 7:54PM (10/25/2009)
What is "pedestrian safety performance" and how is it measured?
http://www.buggyhound.com/
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Bacchus1976 5:48PM (10/26/2009)
It means when you run a dude over with your car they get pushed to the side instead of pulled under. Think cow-pusher.
naggs 9:54PM (10/26/2009)
its a european thing, they do measure it and insurance companies take it into account
there is a minimum level that all cars have to meet
Jimbo 7:42PM (10/25/2009)
Autoblog: FIX YOUR F&$(#$@ GALLERIES!!!!!
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d-man 7:48PM (10/25/2009)
Please!
LK 10:39AM (10/26/2009)
I third his opinion!!
Westside T.O. 2:04AM (10/26/2009)
Yup! When i click on a specific image in the preview in the post I expect to see that picture! :@
You guys clearly are NOT working on this, as I have been quietly waiting for it to be fixed since its inception.