Autoblog

REPORT: Honda goes back to drawing board for smaller, lighter next-gen Civic

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Honda

2009 Honda Civic - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you introduced an '80s-era Honda Civic to its modern counterpart, it couldn't recognize what it's become. But after decades of growing dimensions, Honda's going back to the drawing board for the next-gen Civic.

The change in direction was reportedly ordered last year before the global economy took a nose-dive by product chief Tsuneo Tanai who observed a rise in oil and raw metal prices. Once the financial sector hit rock bottom, the Civic emerged as a strong player, out-selling the Ford F-Series pickup as the number one vehicle in the United States in May 2008. Not satisfied with sitting back and seeing how things shape up, though, Tanai ordered his engineers and designers to scrap their plans and redesign the next-gen Civic to be smaller, cheaper, lighter and more fuel efficient.

The move coincides with Honda's re-strategizing vis-a-vis hybrids and electric vehicles, not to mention the cancellation of its V8 and rear-drive programs. But despite having put more people on the job, the decision to restart the Civic's development halfway through the process is sure to be a major setback for the company's lifecycle schedule. And not just for the Civic itself, but also for vehicles that share its platform, including the CR-V crossover, the Element sport-utility-box, the JDM Stream and European-market FR-V minivans, to say nothing of the upcoming CR-Z, Acura RDX, and of course the all-important Canadian-market Acura CSX.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Civic

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Honda goes back to drawing board for smaller, lighter next-gen Civic originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Honda design boss discusses changes to production CR-Z

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Honda, Design/Style

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

Continue reading Honda design boss discusses changes to production CR-Z

Honda design boss discusses changes to production CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z coming to America next fall with six-speed manual!

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:50:00 EST

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

Honda CR-Z concept 2009 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda fans of all sorts have cause to celebrate today with the reveal of the 2009 iteration of the CR-Z coupe. In typical Honda fashion, this CR-Z remains a concept in name and detail only. What you see here is essentially the production coupe that will go on sale in Japan next February and then arrive in North America in the Fall.

The cool scoop-like grille from the original 2007 concept has been largely carried over, with the biggest changes being a somewhat taller roof and a more upright windshield with blacked out A-pillars - concessions to the fact that real people will have to fit into the production car. On the exterior, the only elements likely to change once it hits the assembly line are the side mirrors, which will probably be a bit larger, along with the internals of the light clusters.

The good news for fans of the much-loved 1983-1991 Civic CR-X is that the CR-Z should have significantly better performance than the disappointing new Insight, a car that is geared more toward fuel economy than performance. In any case, the CR-Z coupe gets a bump in displacement up to 1.5-liter and - wait for it - a six-speed manual gearbox! This will be the first hybrid with a row-it-yourself six-speed.

Unfortunately, we probably won't hear any official numbers on the drivetrain's output or its mileage until closer to the Japanese launch, but color us excited - and you can share some of our joy by checking out the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z concept

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z coming to America next fall with six-speed manual!

Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z coming to America next fall with six-speed manual! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Walk around of Toyota FT-86, Honda CR-Z ahead of Tokyo show

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota

Click above to view video after the jump

Although the Tokyo Motor Show is just a week and half away, Japan's largest automakers have already previewed their biggest debuts (save one) to their hometown media. So until we can lay eyes on the Toyota FT-86 "Concept," Honda CR-Z Hybrid "Concept" and Mitsubishi PX-MiEV 'ute, we'll have to make do with this brief video walk around.

Shot by Motor Magazine out of Japan, the video after the jump also gives us another glimpse of the Mazda Kiyora concept originally shown in Paris, along with the Nissan Leaf EV we explored in detail back in August. Enjoy and expect full impressions from the floor in Tokyo later this month.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept

Gallery: 2009 Honda CR-Z Concept

[Source: YouTube via Carscoop]

Continue reading VIDEO: Walk around of Toyota FT-86, Honda CR-Z ahead of Tokyo show

VIDEO: Walk around of Toyota FT-86, Honda CR-Z ahead of Tokyo show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Near-production Honda CR-Z "Concept" unveiled

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:19:00 EST

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

2009 Honda CR-Z Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the most highly-anticipated new model releases scheduled to debut at next month's Tokyo Motor Show would have to be the production version of Honda's CR-Z hybrid hatchback. That's not happening. Instead, we're getting a concept version of the production car. First unveiled at the Tokyo show back in 2007 in pure concept form, the sporty two-passenger CR-Z is slated for production early next year in Japan. We expect the CR-Z to hit the States sometime thereafter.

Underhood will be a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to Honda's proprietary Integrated Motor Assist technology. Also on the menu will be a six-speed manual gearbox that will surely be a more entertaining partner for driving enthusiasts than the CVT used in the Insight hatchback.

While Honda is still calling the Tokyo-bound 2009 version of the CR-Z a concept, it's clearly one of those concept-in-name-only deals. Don't expect the attractive sheetmetal to be altered before the car hits the showroom floor, and that interior is pretty much the same one you'll be able to sample in 2010. That's fine by us - the car's wedge-shaped lines are very attractive and call to mind the seminal CRX from the early 1980s, though with a modern flavor reminiscent of the current Insight. See for yourselves in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Honda CR-Z Concept

[Source: Honda]

Tokyo Preview: Near-production Honda CR-Z "Concept" unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Honda confirms production of CR-Z, Fit Hybrid in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda

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

Continue reading BREAKING: Honda confirms production of CR-Z, Fit Hybrid in 2010

BREAKING: Honda confirms production of CR-Z, Fit Hybrid in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2012 Honda Civic details circulate

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

According to an article in Mag-X (via Temple of VTEC), Honda is hard at work wrapping up the design for the next-gen Civic that's expected to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. As is customary from Honda, the Japanese, European and North American markets are all expected to get their own unique versions of the popular Civic, with Americans getting their preferred sedan and coupe bodystyles and the other countries each receiving differing takes on the hatchback theme.

As you would expect, there will be a hybrid version of the 2012 Civic, and it's again slated to get a 1.5-liter gasoline-powered engine mated to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology. This powerplant will reportedly be shared with the upcoming CR-Z hybrid hatchback where it will be available with either an automatic CVT transmission or six-speed manual.

Hopefully, we'll see how accurate all of this is when the Tokyo Motor Show rolls into town this October, where a production prototype of the 2011 CR-Z is expected to be shown. Thanks for the tip, Jason!

[Source: Mag-X via Temple of VTEC]

Rumormill: 2012 Honda Civic details circulate originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CEO says Insight price won't be reduced further

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Honda, Toyota

2010 Honda Insight - click above for a high-res gallery

Honda's new Insight went on sale in hits homeland about a week ago, and already it's under attack. Before it hit the market, there were rumors that it would be much cheaper than the Toyota Prius. Toyota, however, has other ideas. The Insight is 1.89 million yen ($18,853 USD) in Japan, which is the same price as the current Prius. Toyota then priced the coming third generation Prius at 2.05 million yen ($20,437 USD) to keep it close to the Insight. Then Toyota said it would keep the second-generation Prius on sale in Japan, and there have been rumors that Toyota is also working on a cheaper Prius costing around 30% less than the current one. That would pit three Prius models against one Insight, all similarly priced.

In response, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said Honda will not lower the price of the Insight. Said Fukui, "I think that is something we can't do right now. We have to carefully examine the new Prius to know whether it is necessary for us to take certain measures. We have to think about the balance between cost and effectiveness." If Toyota does come out with three Japan-market Priuses, Honda will be thinking long and hard about those issues.

Unlike Toyota, though, Honda does have the CR-Z hybrid coming, which could give Honda some sporting hybrid credentials that Toyota doesn't yet have. Honda also said it is expanding its research and hybrid push into large sedans instead of counting on clean diesels for its bigger cars. Fukui feels that clean diesels are too expensive to develop be practical.

Gallery: ABG First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Honda CEO says Insight price won't be reduced further originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prius fighter: Honda reveals details about new global hybrid

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Paris Motor Show, Honda

Click on the image for more shots of the Honda FCX Clarity

Honda's upcoming dedicated hybrid model is expected to debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and a recent interview with Honda CEO Takeo Fukui revealed that the car will look similar to its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity. Although many upcoming hybrid models use lithium ion batteries (including the Chevy Volt and Honda's own FCX), Honda plans to stick with the tried-and-true nickel metal hydride technology for its new machine along with an engine derived from the Civic's, though smaller, lighter and with newly programmed electronics. Also like the Civic and Accord, the new hybrid model will use the same nameplate the world over; what that nameplate will be remains a mystery. Insight, anyone?

Expected to be priced below the Civic Hybrid, Honda hopes to sell 200,000 of its new hybrid model per year. We expect that the new machine will start an epic battle between Honda and Toyota for supremacy in the entry-level hybrid market, much as they already duke it out in the midsize sedan range with the Accord and Camry. Consumers only stand to benefit from the competition, so we look forward to more information as it becomes available.

Gallery: LA 2007: 2009 Honda FCX Clarity

[Sources: Hybrid Cars, Automotive News (sub. req'd), AutoblogGreen]

Prius fighter: Honda reveals details about new global hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Production Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe to hit Europe first

John Neff — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Europe, Green, Honda

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Honda CR-Z Concept

More news from the front lines of Honda's hybrid offensive. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui revealed in January that a production hybrid based on the CR-Z Concept shown in Tokyo last year was on its way. Looks like Europeans will be the first to partake of the spiritual successor to the much missed CR-X when it goes on sale there first around the end of the decade.

The original CR-X was a small, lightweight hatchback that by virtue of its size was a fun car despite its small, efficient engine. Likewise, we expect the production CR-Z coupe to be small, fun and efficient, but this time utilize Honda's updated Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system to make it happen.

Honda UK manager of product planning Mark Turner told Automotive News Europe that the production CR-Z hybrid would be priced around €25,000, with a high-end model cresting €28,000. Since Europe will be the car's most important market, Honda UK will have a voice in the car's development, including its design. Engineering for the car is also being carried out at Honda's R&D facility in Germany. Turner added that a gasoline version of the CR-Z would be considered if there were demand for it. The CR-Z will join Honda's upcoming ground-up global hybrid, as well as a new Civic Hybrid, in late 2009 or early 2010. If Honda hopes to sell half a million hybrids by 2011 like it claims, expect all three to also be available in the United States.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept

[Source: Automotive News Europe, sub. req'd, Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty]

Production Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe to hit Europe first originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda plans hybrid to rival Toyota Prius

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Honda

Toyota's Prius has been the perennial hybrid player for a few years now and Honda thinks it's about time to provide it with some competition. Honda has big plans for its next generation hybrid, with annual worldwide sales expected to be in the neighborhood of 200,000 - half of which are destined to find homes in the garages of North American consumers.

Unlike the Civic Hybrid which has put a very small dent in the Prius' success, the new model will only be available with a hybrid system and is rumored to take its styling cues from the FCX fuel-cell vehicle set to begin production next year. This new model will be joined by another hybrid based off the CR-Z concept that debuted in Tokyo.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Honda plans hybrid to rival Toyota Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda confirms production FCX and car based on CR-Z Concept

Alex Nunez — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Green, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda

click above image to view more pics of the Honda CR-Z Concept from Tokyo

Honda's green concepts on display in Tokyo are destined for showrooms. The automaker has officially confirmed that both the FCX and a car based on the CR-Z that was unveiled just hours ago will make the transition to production. Regarding the FCX, there won't be long to wait, as the automaker will pull the covers off tof he production-spec car at next month's LA Auto Show, with sales to commence sometime in 2008. In 2009, it'll be joined in showrooms by both a production car based on the spiffy CR-Z hybrid and a "global hybrid" family car, the latter of which which we know little about at this time. If the CR-Z makes the trip from concept to road car relatively unscathed (well, except for that aardvark-like schnoz) and lives up to its mission statement of ecologically responsible performance, both green car and sport compact fans should have something to look forward to a couple of years down the line.

[Source: Honda, lead photo by TORU YAMANAKA/AFP/Getty]

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept

Continue reading Honda confirms production FCX and car based on CR-Z Concept

Honda confirms production FCX and car based on CR-Z Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:29:00 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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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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