Autoblog

Honda Performance Development CR-Z ready to hit Le Mans

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

Honda Performance Development CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda is heading to Le Mans. No, we're not talking about the Acura ARX-02a that competes against Audi and Peugeot in the LMP class. Honda Performance Development is taking its race-prepped CR-Z to the 24 Hours of Le Mans to run exhibition laps before the start of the big show.

Currently, the HPD CR-Z serves as pace car for the Speed EuroSeries. It's also spent time running on American soil, when Honda entered the hybrid racer in the Spinal Tap of endurance racing, the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. The car ran wonderfully, finishing 2nd in its class.

The stripped-down racing CR-Z produces 200-horsepower and 201 pound-feet of torque. That energy is funneled through a six-speed manual gearbox, and we're pretty certain the whole setup rotates rather nicely thanks to the 7kWh Li-ion battery pack in the back. Check out more details in our gallery and in the official press release after the jump.

Continue reading Honda Performance Development CR-Z ready to hit Le Mans

Honda Performance Development CR-Z ready to hit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: More details on Honda's hotter CR-Z come to the fore

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

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

To hear Autocar tell it, Honda has confirmed that it's working on a faster version of its disappointing CR-Z hybrid. Having suffered the slings and arrows of enthusiast who thought they were getting another CRX, Honda has said they will have a quicker version of the car out when the next-generation IMA hybrid system arrives.

They're keeping mum about what engine the augmented CR-Z will rock, but speculation is that the new model will put down about 160 hp between its gas and electric powerplants. Honda R&D chief Tomohiko Kawanabe says the company is leaning away from a turbo engine because a naturally aspirated set up will work better with the hybrid drive.

Kawanabe also indicates Honda won't let the power increase take away from the current car's fuel efficiency and C02 production numbers, so expect most of the new power to come from an improved electric motor.

The as-yet unnamed sportier CR-Z is still at least a year away, which makes sense, as the new hybrid system isn't expected on our shores until 2012, when it's due in the new Civic. Watch for updates as details emerge.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z: Review

Images copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Report: More details on Honda's hotter CR-Z come to the fore originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mugen promises "Type R-like" performance from hotted-up Honda CR-Z

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

Mugen Honda CR-Z sketches - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not to be a total buzzkill, but before we tell you about Mugen and its plans to create a hotter Honda CR-Z hatchback, there's one little line in the automaker's press release that needs to be noted in italicized type:

At this stage, the CR-Z Mugen is being developed purely as a one-off prototype, with no plans for a production version.

Drat.

Honda may call its 2011 CR-Z a "sport hybrid," but ever since our first time behind the wheel, we've felt more than a little disappointed. It's an enjoyable enough steer, but remains in dire need of some more oomph, and even with the automaker's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system on board, the resulting fuel economy isn't as great as one might expect for a car of its size and utility.

Honda tuning house Mugen Euro is set to rectify the need for a CR-Z with more spice - in concept form, anyway - with a hotted-up hatch that will debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. Mugen will offer enhancements for the CR-Z's 1.5-liter engine and IMA system to boost both horsepower and torque - creating "Type R-like performance" - while new brakes and suspension geometry will better communicate the added power to the driver. Mugen even says that these changes could result in improved fuel economy, though no official statistics have been divulged as of this writing.

So what if there aren't any plans for production (just yet). At least we know Honda has heard our cries. Follow the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: Mugen Honda CR-Z Sketches

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z: Review

Live images copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: Mugen Euro]

Continue reading Mugen promises "Type R-like" performance from hotted-up Honda CR-Z

Mugen promises "Type R-like" performance from hotted-up Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW Jetta TDI tops Consumer Reports eco roundup, Honda CR-Z scores too low to recommend

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:54:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Volkswagen, Diesel

Fuel efficiency is rapidly becoming one of the most influential determining factors when new car shoppers go looking for their next vehicle. And, as our friends at Consumer Reports correctly point out, earning top fuel efficiency marks generally means shopping in one of three categories: diesels, hybrids or subcompacts.

As such, the consumer-oriented magazine has pitted four fuel-sippers against each other in their upcoming January, 2011 issue: the 2011 Ford Fiesta, Honda CR-Z, Mazda2 and Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI. Of these four models, the Jetta is the only one that's currently Recommended - the Fiesta and Mazda2 are too new to have adequate reliability data and, though expected to be reliable, the last-place CR-Z scored too low in CR's own road testing to recommend.

CR tested two versions each of the Mazda and Ford subcompacts, one with a manual transmission and the other with an automatic. The Fiesta was ranked slightly higher than the Mazda2 overall, though the magazine seems to like both vehicles. Of the Honda, CR writes that "the ride is choppy, noise levels are high, and on-limit handling can be tricky." Couple those unfavorable traits with lower-than-expected fuel mileage of 35 mpg and limited utility, and it's understandable why CR wasn't particularly impressed with the CR-Z.

Though somewhat pricey at $27,204, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI performed admirably, delivering 36 mpg overall and a superb 49 mpg on the highway in the hands of CR's testers. As an aside, CR also took a look at the Fuel Doctor FD-47 fuel-saving device, and rather predictably, found that it basically did nothing at all. Check out the full press release after the break, check out CR's thoughts about the CR-Z, or just wait until the January 2011 issue hits the newsstands for the complete results.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading VW Jetta TDI tops Consumer Reports eco roundup, Honda CR-Z scores too low to recommend

VW Jetta TDI tops Consumer Reports eco roundup, Honda CR-Z scores too low to recommend originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Honda planning turbocharged, non-hybrid CR-Z

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda, Rumormill

Honda CR-Z Hybrid R concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

As much as Honda wants us to believe that its CR-Z hatchback is some sort of "sport hybrid," the truth is that it doesn't exactly live up to our expectations. It's a decent steer, but it's not exactly a sports car, and its meager fuel efficiency is easily bested by the majority of non-hybrid B-segment offerings. According to a report from Autocar, however, Honda is rumored to be working on a CR-Z that ditches its conventional hybrid powertrain in favor of a small-displacement, turbocharged mill.

The proposed new engine is an all-new 1.6-liter unit that will produce around 160 horsepower. Autocar states that a higher-output CR-Z Type R may follow shortly thereafter, rumored to produce around 200 hp. This new powerplant is reportedly slated for use in the Honda Jazz (Fit), Civic and Accord, and could provide the basis for the next-generation Civic Si engine.

We saw a preview of Honda's hot hatch intentions at this year's SEMA show in the form of the CR-Z Hybrid R concept. That show car featured a turbocharged version of the Honda's current 1.5-liter engine, but it shows that Honda is indeed serious about reworking the CR-Z's sporting image.

Sales of the hybrid CR-Z have started to fade in Honda's home market, despite the hatch being named the Japanese Car of the Year. Honda hopes that a turbocharged CR-Z would broaden the vehicle's appeal in other key markets, as well, such as the United States and Europe.

Gallery: SEMA 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid R Concept

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Honda planning turbocharged, non-hybrid CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Paris 2010: Honda CR-Z gets Euro-cessorized

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda, Design/Style

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

Honda's big introduction at this year's Paris Motor Show may have been the 2011 Jazz Hybrid, but that doesn't mean the Japanese automaker didn't bring some other automotive fodder for us to look at. Here, for example, is the new CR-Z hybrid hatch wearing some of Honda's optional visual accessories.

Honda is really trying to emphasize that the CR-Z is a sport hybrid. By adding things like larger wheels, a mesh grille, unique blue-tinged headlights, carbon fiber trim and a rear spoiler, the little hybrid's visual sportiness has indeed been improved without falling prey to the over-modded tuner look. This CR-Z may certainly look the part of a new-age hot hatch, but even the fanciest of body jewelry won't help the not-entirely-sporty and not-so-efficient hybrid powertrain under the hood.

Click your way through our gallery of live images below to see and judge the added visual modifications for yourself.

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z w/ Accessories

Paris 2010: Honda CR-Z gets Euro-cessorized originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Widebody, mid-engine Honda CR-Z coming to SuperGT?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:23:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Honda, Racing

Widebody Honda CR-Z Prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

The GT Channel crew have snagged a handful of shots of a widebody Honda CR-Z being built for an unknown venue, and while it could just be an elaborate show car for this January's Tokyo Auto Salon, it's possible Honda is prepping the CR-Z for a run in Japan's SuperGT touring car series.

With one of the Honda HSV-010 teams holding down second place in the GT500 class this season, HoMoCo could be looking to capitalize off its success - and the popularity of the hybrid hatch in Japan - by fielding a CR-Z is the GT300 class. The engine and chassis restrictions are less rigid compared to the top-tier SuperGT racers, so the mid-mounted V6 (or V8?) shown in the gallery below is a-okay with JAF (the regulating body behind SuperGT) - even with a set of turbos.

If the build is taking place now (check the carbon fiber doors coming out of the autoclave), Honda or one of its racing affiliates is likely to start testing the CR-Z racer this fall before the new season kicks off in March of 2011.

Gallery: Widebody Honda CR-Z Prototype

[Source: GT Channel]

Widebody, mid-engine Honda CR-Z coming to SuperGT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Honda CR-Z goes on sale August 24, starting at $19,200

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

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

We've driven the 2011 CR-Z and now Honda's slapped a sticker on its hybrid hatch before sales begin August 24.

The CR-Z is available in three trim levels, with the base price of the six-speed manual-equipped model coming in at $19,200 (plus a D&D charge of $750). Option up for the EX and a 360-watt stereo, Bluetooth integration and a leather wrapped wheel are yours for the taking for $20,760. Tack on the navigation system ("Navi" in Honda parlance) and the price swells to $22,560.

If you absolutely must - and we'd seriously advise against it - you can equip the CR-Z with the CVT for $650, complete with seven faux ratios and a slight boost in fuel economy. Make the jump for the details and a complete pricing breakdown.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Continue reading 2011 Honda CR-Z goes on sale August 24, starting at $19,200

2011 Honda CR-Z goes on sale August 24, starting at $19,200 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda, First Drives

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

Let's get this out of the way right now: the 2011 Honda CR-Z is not a CRX redux. To compare the two - no matter how much Honda may want to - is to misunderstand the former and besmirch the latter.

No, the hybrid CR-Z is an entirely different beast. Despite its three-door shape and two-seat configuration, it has about as much in common with the O.G. hatch as a big-screen remake of your favorite childhood TV show. The basic components are there, but the whole concept has been throttled to within an inch of its life with high-tech gadgetry, odd casting decisions and a questionable demographic.

But to Honda's credit, its rhetorical comparisons to the CRX have died down considerably since the CR-Z debuted in concept form and then progressed into a production model. Honda may have recognized after a lukewarm introduction outside the U.S. that glomming onto nostalgia will only get you so far (see: Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro). And to make something special - a vehicle that transcends the emotional baggage of its predecessor - you've got to evolve the concept and avoid relying on rose-tinted sentimentality.

To an extent, that's exactly what Honda has created. It hasn't built another hot hatch - the lightweight, K20-powered three-door enthusiasts crave - and instead it has attempted to meld the technology of the moment into a greenified competitor to the Mini Cooper. Think of it as the rogue lovechild of the original and current Insight, with a few sporting genes spliced into its DNA. But can a hybrid hatch be an entertaining steer? We took to California's twisties and clipped a few cones to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Originally published at 3:00AM EST 06.18.10.

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Honda CR-Z

First Drive: 2011 Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Honda hires ex-Top Gear presenter Barlow for CR-Z film

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Honda

Jason Barlow in the Honda CR-Z in Japan - Click above to watch video after the jump

Honda snagged former Top Gear presenter and current Top Gear mag and Sunday Times writer Jason Barlow for a drive around Japan in the Honda CR-Z. He starts his shtick by putting the car in context "It's not a gas-guzzling V-eht," (watch the vid, you'll see), but "a different kind of car for a different kind of road trip."

We're fine with that. But when he opines a little later that "It's a car that car enthusiasts have been waiting for, rather than being made to drive a car that looks like a little spaceship," well, we wonder who did the writing on the one. See, we have a nagging feeling that if he were reviewing the CR-Z for Top Gear, well, the script would have read slightly differently... Follow the jump to see what he thinks and how he goes on his "journey of discovery."

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z

[Source: YouTube via Carscoop]

Continue reading Video: Honda hires ex-Top Gear presenter Barlow for CR-Z film

Video: Honda hires ex-Top Gear presenter Barlow for CR-Z film originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Honda CR-Z ad gets crazy with the fog machine

Chris Shunk — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Honda

Click above to watch the video after the jump

There has been plenty of debate about the Honda CR-Z around the Autoblog water cooler. Does Honda's sport-inspired mild hybrid have the style, power (122 horsepower), sales appeal and fuel economy numbers (36 miles per gallon city, 38 highway) to make it a legitimate successor to the CRX? We'll have to drive the CR-Z to get the answer to most of our questions, and we'll have to wait for a few months after launch to see whether car buyers will welcome the mild little hybrid with open arms (and wallets).

One thing we do know for sure, though, is that the post-jump European Honda CR-Z promo has too much fog, too many lasers and way too many 1990s-style effects to be cool. That said, it beats the heck out of those bizarre-looking animated jazz videos used to market the Accord Crosstour. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself and to check out the official press release.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z

[Source: Gaucho Productions via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Honda CR-Z ad gets crazy with the fog machine

Video: Honda CR-Z ad gets crazy with the fog machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda takes this whole dog thing very seriously

Alex Nunez — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Minivan/Van, Truck, Etc., Japan, Hatchback, Honda

Hondas with dogs - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda Japan's oddly compelling and inherently fascinating Honda Dog website includes useful consumer tidbits such as a visual guide to how well your poodle will fit in the CR-Z's front passenger seat. (Before you start yelling how it's the only passenger seat, know that in Japan, the CR-Z is a 2+2.)

That's not all, however. There's stuff to entertain as well, including a whole page of desktop wallpapers featuring Hondas with various dogs that you can find below. Seriously. Vintage stuff, too. Civic RS with a Corgi? Prelude with a Doberman? All present and accounted for. Check out a few samples in the gallery below, and head to the Honda Dog wallpaper site for even larger sizes.

Gallery: Hondas with Dogs

[Source: Honda Dog]

Honda takes this whole dog thing very seriously originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Japan, Videos, Hatchback, Honda

Noblesse-tuned Honda CR-Z on-track - Click above to watch video after the jump

A couple of days ago, we wrote about the specs for the 2011 Honda CR-Z, and most commenters weren't all that impressed. Spoon then let a little bit slip about what it was doing to make the hybrid coupe a little more engaging, but those were merely words. Now we have what is said to be track footage of Japanese tuner Noblesse in one of their tuned CR-Zs at Suzuka, and it might put people in a mind to at least reserve judgment.

It's all in-car video, and yes, Noblesse is primarily known for their bodykit work, not for actual performance parts. All which makes this footage a little tough to gauge, but there were moments when we did find ourselves thinking, "Hey, this could be something." And yes, we will only accept fully blacked-out CR-Zs from now on. Follow the jump for some Suzuka lapping, and have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below. Thanks for the tip and images, Chris!

Gallery: Honda CR-Z tuned by Noblesse at Suzuka

[Source: Six Sylinder]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video]

Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Honda CR-Z Type-R in the works

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda, UK, Rumormill

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

The rumormongers at AutoExpress are at it again, donning their speculative fedoras and suggesting that a 200-horsepower Honda CR-Z Type-R is on the way. But if you were hoping for a K20 swap to ditch the hybrid setup, you're in for a disappointment.

In stock form, the production CR-Z unveiled in Detroit makes due with a 102 hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder mated to an electric motor good for an additional 20 ponies. If AE is to be believed, Honda and its internal tuning partner, Mugen, plans to up the output of the stock four-pot to approximately 150 hp. Since the CR-Z was designed from the onset to be a hybrid, apparently Honda just can't swap in the 2.0-liter engine from the Euro-Civic and call it a day. Instead, a beefed-up electric motor will be fitted - reportedly good for another 50 hp - and bringing total output up to 200 hp.

Naturally, the transformation won't just be under the hood. A reworked suspension, upgraded brakes and a smattering of body mods will be included in the package, along with an additional driving mode (bringing the total to four), "Sport Plus" which will reportedly modify throttle response, steering, the start-stop system and the electric motor assist.

If the Type-R comes to fruition, expect it to debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, with the production version arriving sometime in 2012.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rumormill: Honda CR-Z Type-R in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Japan, Hatchback, Honda, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest issue of EVO hasn't dropped into our laps yet, but our favorite Brit pub apparently got the scoop on another variant of the Toyota FT-86 -- one that's supposedly track tuned and considerably cheaper than the model due to arrive in 2011.

Powered by the same Subaru-sourced, Toyota-tuned boxer four, this supposedly stripped out variant could dispatch some of the standard model's amenities and come equipped with upgraded brakes and suspension components specifically designed for track work and drifting duty. According to EVO, a fully optioned FT-86 would carry a price tag of around $27,000, while this budget-oriented performance model will retail for around $22,000 -- a similar setup to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe RSpec.

EVO goes on to report that Toyota's crosstown rivals are working on a one-make race series for the Honda CR-Z and plan to campaign the hybrid hatch at the 24 hours of Nurburgring enduro in May. The more the merrier we say...

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio

[Source: EVO via FT86Club via Jalopnik]

REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Another leaked brochure shows Honda CR-Z by Mugen

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

Honda CR-Z by Mugen - Click above for image gallery

With yesterday's leaked brochure of the production version of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, a Temple of VTEC member wasted no time uploading what could be the first Mugen variant of Honda's new hybrid hatch.

Details on the mods are minimal, but the tuner appears to be working on a dress-up package that includes a new front bumper/splitter, side skirts, rear bumper and wing. Naturally, a new set of wheels are part of the package -- what appears to be a set of 17-inch, seven spoke hoops, likely shod in stickier rubber.

Given Mugen's strong ties to Honda, expect the full kit to be available through dealers in Japan when the CR-Z goes on sale early next year.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z by Mugen Brochure

[Source: TOV]

Another leaked brochure shows Honda CR-Z by Mugen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda CR-Z brochure leaks out, production specs revealed

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

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

The variable valve-timing obsessives at the Temple of VTEC have scored a leaked brochure of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, and in addition to getting a glimpse of the production version of the hybrid hatch, some specs and trim details were included in the document.

We finally have hard figures on the 1.5-liter engine's output (in JDM spec), with the diminutive four-cylinder putting out 112 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) on its own and another 14 hp from its electric motor. Just as importantly, the engine creates 107 lb-ft of torque (at 4,800 rpm) with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system boosting that by another 57 lb-ft at an oh-so-low 1,000 rpm. Coupled with either a six-speed manual or CVT gearbox, the CR-Z nets a relatively uninspiring 0 to 62 mph time of 9.7 seconds.

The dimensions haven't changed much from the "concept" we saw at the Tokyo Motor Show earlier this year, with a 160.6-inch overall length, 68.5-inch width, 54.9-inch height and a wheelbase that spans 95.9 inches. Unfortunately, no word on curb weight.

Since efficiency is the name of the game, the CR-Z will benefit from LED daytime running lights and turn signal indicators in the mirrors, along with three driving modes - Eco, Normal and Sport - each controllable from a dash mounted switch and with a different color surrounding the gauges based on the mode.

Check out the pics in the gallery below for more and get the full story in our CR-Z post from Tokyo.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z Brochure

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Honda CR-Z brochure leaks out, production specs revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mugen reportedly considering tuning Honda CR-Z

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Honda

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

While the idea of a performance-tuned hybrid may have seemed nonsensical only a couple of years ago, as the earth-friendly vehicles become more mainstream, the sub-segment will undoubtedly grow to attract a fair share of our attention. Case in point: reports from overseas indicate that Mugen is seriously toying with the idea of creating a high-performance version of the upcoming Honda CR-Z.

The Honda tuner par excellence shares a close, even familial relationship with the factory, and it reportedly sees the electric motor in the hybrid drive as a sort of replacement for a turbocharger, offering a bit of low-end boost to small gasoline engines that are down on torque. The result could redefine the Japanese hot hatch as we know it.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z concept

[Source: Autocar]

Mugen reportedly considering tuning Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments