Autoblog

Honda CR-Z enjoying high early demand in home market?

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

The new Honda CR-Z has only been on sale in Japan for two weeks, and already the automaker has received over 7,000 orders for the small hybrid. This represents about 60 percent of the 12,000 units that Honda anticipated to sell domestically in the hatch's first year of production. If this trend continues, Honda may have to ramp up production of the CR-Z in Japan to meet the high demand.

The CR-Z's fortunes in other markets will be every bit as interesting to watch, of course. In the United States, for example, doubters (full disclosure: ourselves included) question whether Honda's idea of a sports hybrid that takes just under 10 seconds to hit 60 miles per hour might not be what the doctor ordered, especially when paired with surprisingly disappointing fuel economy figures. Of course, that's largely just what the online enthusiast community is saying at the moment, and not necessarily any indication of the car's eventual marketplace success whatsoever.

As fans of the long-gone CRX, we sincerely hope that the new CR-Z carries the torch in a way that does not appear to be conveyed by these early performance numbers. Either way, watching the CR-Z's long-term sales prospects both at home and in other markets will be far more important to the model's fortunes than an early sales boom in Japan and pre-launch online skepticism.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z

[Source: MarketWatch]

Honda CR-Z enjoying high early demand in home market? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yes, There's More: 2011 Honda CR-Z video captures leak out

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:51:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z video stills - Click above for image gallery

As the 2011 Honda CR-Z gets prepares its assault on your heart and pocketbook, it is showing its face in more and more places.

This time, the 126-combined-horsepower hybrid eco-runner has been spotted in a video, from which a number of stills have been taken. While there aren't any additional specs to come with it, you can at least see what you'll look like driving down the road while you get somewhere above 50 miles per gallon. We note that while we still look forward to its tidy packaging and (hopefully) nimble dynamics, the front-end looks rather unfortunate with a U.S.-sized number plate.

The car is expected to bow for the first time in Japan sometime next month, but we hear it could show up earlier at the Detroit Auto Show. In the meantime, find all the images below in the gallery.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z video stills

[Source: Gazoo via Carscoop]

Yes, There's More: 2011 Honda CR-Z video captures leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coupe Scoop (Scoupe?) - Hyundai's Veloster concept headed for production... and America!

Chris Paukert — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai, Misc. Auto Shows, South Korea

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2007 Hyundai Veloster concept

Back at the 2007 Seoul Motor Show, Hyundai somewhat quietly unveiled a slick little coupe concept dubbed Veloster. The chunky, funky two-door then proceeded to make the rounds that show season, including stateside debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Thanks in part to good feedback, there was considerable speculation in 2007 that the front-drive showcar was being considered for production as a possible Scion tC fighter. In the intervening years since those rumors surfaced, however, Hyundai has gone on to roll out both concept and production versions of the Genesis Coupe, a development that seemingly extinguishing the Veloster's star. But all is not so - we have just learned from well-placed sources within Hyundai that the coupe (also known as the HND-3) has been given the green light. Furthermore, the car will not only reach production, it will find its way into U.S. dealerships, likely as a 2011 or 2012 model.

We expect the Veloster to keep its front-drive, two-plus-two layout, and it would make sense for the car to generate less power than the more performance-oriented 2.0T Genesis Coupe - a car that has 210 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. The Veloster showcar was powered by Hyundai's 2.0-liter inline-four, and the production car figures to do the same. For reference, the corporate powerplant makes 141 hp in the new Elantra Touring, although a few more ponies would likely find its way into the barn for the sportier Veloster. If the Korean automaker can keep the concept's tidy packaging (it's nearly 21 inches shorter than the Genesis Coupe), performance should still be quite sprightly while returning attractive fuel-economy figures.

Interestingly, this news may also help explain why Hyundai chose to pass over branding the Genesis Coupe as a Tiburon. The Veloster's production name has reportedly not yet been decided upon, and as the shark moniker still has some brand equity - and the model itself has always been configured as a front-drive and four-cylinder - it's possible that the name could live on with this new model.

With the Genesis Coupe, Hyundai appears to have given disenfranchised import performance enthusiasts something of a successor to now-legendary rear-drive performance cars like the Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and the Toyota Corolla GT-S (AE86). Could the Velostar be Korea's answer to a latter-day Honda CRX? Cross your fingers...

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept

Coupe Scoop (Scoupe?) - Hyundai's Veloster concept headed for production... and America! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Honda CR-X CR-Z Concept

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda

Click the image above for live and press shots of the Honda CR-Z concept.

Honda's CR-Z concept has plenty of enthusiast potential. Small, lightweight, and packing a hybrid powertrain, it's all about striking a balance between performance and sustainability. While the first round of press shots sent warm tingles down our neck, seeing it in person did little to excite the senses. It's attractive, and the combination of a powerful stance and sloped profile is the business, but the CR-Z struck us as a bit anonymous.

There's plenty of pics in the gallery below and head on over to our original post for the full press release.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept

Tokyo Motor Show: Honda ~~CR-X~~ CR-Z Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Custom-bodied Honda CRX Si

Siddharth Raja — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:34:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Honda

Looking kind of like a cross between a Ferrari 550 Maranello and a Daihatsu Copen, this unique 1991 Honda CRX Si is the creation of Tabor Lovasz, the owner of Gulf Coast Motors in Toronto. The project involved a full upgrade to the original car's mechanical package including H&R springs with Koni adjustable shocks and a Ractive Superflow intake, but the focus of the car's development was its unique body.

According to its developers, the paint is the same silver used by Mercedes and the back window and electronic sunroof is borrowed from a Mazda Miata. The wheels look they came from a Porsche, as well. Other than that, the car is basically stock. There's roughly 78,000 miles on the clock and the original four-cylinder and five-speed manual is the same as when it was bought new.

Thanks to David for sending in the tip.

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Custom-bodied Honda CRX Si originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2007 Preview: Honda showing CR-Z Concept

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 02:15:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback

click above image for 15 high-rez pics of the Honda CR-Z Concept

Honda will have 18 different vehicles gracing its stand in Tokyo, and one of the more accessible is the CR-Z Concept. The pseudo-acronym is an obvious play on the Godfather of the sport compact movement during the late 80s, the glass-hatched CRX, but Honda insists that it stands for "Compact Renaissance Zero." Fine by us, as we've been looking fondly on the past when it comes to the automaker's small-sized offerings.

The CR-Z finds it inspiration with a balance of entertaining driving dynamics and a hybrid power train that fuses lightweight chuckability with a clear environmental conscience. And it's doable to, as the hybrid power train sounds as if it's the same one found in the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The exterior styling is some of the more dynamic and attractive we've seen come out of Honda's design department in recent memory, eschewing the bulbous and boring with more aggression and vitality. The oversized grille and raked hood are mildly reminiscent of a fully formed Se7en, and the upkicked swage line tapers into powerful rear haunches, ending with tube-shaped tail lamps.

Inside, Honda was shooting for an airy atmosphere that marries high-tech with high-style, something that seems to have been handily achieved.

We're looking forward to seeing the CR-Z in person when it debuts less than two-weeks from now, and if the concept is as handsome in person as it is in the pics, we hope that it'll reach dealers sometime after the turn of the decade.

[Source: Honda]

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept

Continue reading Tokyo 2007 Preview: Honda showing CR-Z Concept

Tokyo 2007 Preview: Honda showing CR-Z Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CRX successor coming to Tokyo?

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda

The Scooper of Cars seems to have it on good authority that during Honda's press conference in Tokyo, the Big-H plans to take the wraps off a new compact, rumored to be a successor to the CRX.

Originally, it was thought that the Remix concept that debuted in L.A. would foretell the future of Honda's hatch revival, but due to the chilly reception afforded both it and Geneva's Sports Coupe Concept, Honda designers were sent back to their respective cubicles to hone the shape further.

We'll be on hand in Tokyo when Honda rolls out its debuts, but until then, we're still looking for a yellow 1989 model, preferably with an Si logo on the glass hatch.

[Source: Carscoop]

Honda CRX successor coming to Tokyo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Oct 2007 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CRX successor in the works?

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Honda

Our brethren over at Winding Road have it on good authority that Honda is in the midst of developing a new CRX, based off the current Fit's platform. The decision to bring back the much-loved hatch was spurred on by vehicles like the MINI, whose size and sportiness has been attracting consumers of all stripes.

The demise of the CRX in 1991 was a blow to those who loved its small size and chuckability, but its descendent, the Del Sol (CRX in Japan), didn't garner much love from enthusiasts. Because of past fits and starts, Honda hasn't made a serious attempt at bringing back a suitable successor, however, a dedicated group of gearheads within the automaker may finally get a chance at returning the CRX to its former glory. Peter Nunn at Winding Road maintains that a "serious design proposal is underway" and that an internal decision is expected in the next few months.

[Source: Winding Road]

Honda CRX successor in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Nothing very Civic minded about this big block CRX

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Budget, Japan, Videos, Honda

Thanks to Jalopnik for sharing this clip. Because of it we were able to rekindle memories of our youths, when kustom kreations filled our matchbox collections and Ed "Big Daddy" Roth had Rat Finks driving around in massively overmotored rods with giant rodents behind the wheel. Not sure about the driver of this particular CRX, but this thing can probably steal the cheese in any compact tuner showdown. If anybody has any info about how fast this thing is, let us know.

[Source: Jalopnik]

VIDEO: Nothing very Civic minded about this big block CRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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