Autoblog

SEMA Preview: Wraptivo Honda CR-Z Type-F

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:27:00 EST

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

Honda CR-Z Type-F - Click above for high-res image

Nearly one year later, we're still digging the idea behind Meguiar's Wraptivo system. For under $2,000 you can design and have a professional installer wrap your car in vinyl, complete with custom graphics and textures. And to drum up more interest in the program after its debut at last year's SEMA show, Meguiar's has picked up a 2011 Honda CR-Z and enlisted the tuning talents of RJ De Vera and rendering artist Jon Sibal to show what it has planned for the 2010 show.

Naturally, the CR-Z Type-F Concept is focused on the matte black and "carbon fiber" wrap, but the real party pieces are underneath the vinyl.

A supercharger will be fitted to the anemic 1.5-liter four-pot, with a custom exhaust system and a Hondata ECU used to extract maximum power. Accessories from Honda's performance line will join a Tein suspension, HKS components and some Volk TE37 wheels, while the inside will benefit from a pair of Recaro buckets, Alcantara trim and a new shift knob. And while it might be easy to dismiss the Type-F (which apparently stands for "Fun") as a SEMA show queen, Meguiar's plans to enter it in Source Interlink's annual Super Lap Battle the week after the show. Get all the details in the press release after the jump and check out Sibal's high-res rendering above.

[Sources: Jon Sibal, Motorworldhype]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Wraptivo Honda CR-Z Type-F

SEMA Preview: Wraptivo Honda CR-Z Type-F originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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Deep Dive: Getting intimate with the 2010 Honda CR-Z's powertrain

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Technology, Honda, Deep Dive

When the 2011 Honda CR-Z hits the streets this Fall, it will feature the latest iteration of the company's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) mild hybrid system. The basic concept of IMA hasn't changed since the original Insight debuted in 1999, but it has been refined to improve performance and efficiency while reducing overall cost.

There's a wide spectrum of hybrids in the market, ranging from low-end, belted-alternator-starter (BAS) mild hybrids to the full-blown power-split strong hybrids at the top. The latter category includes systems from Toyota, Ford and General Motors (two-mode), while Honda's IMA provides a healthy boost in overall efficiency compared to a conventional powertrain, but falls well short of the best power-splits. Read on to learn more about the IMA system and how it's implemented in the CR-Z.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z Powertrain

Continue reading Deep Dive: Getting intimate with the 2010 Honda CR-Z's powertrain

Deep Dive: Getting intimate with the 2010 Honda CR-Z's powertrain originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Fifth Gear takes a crack at the Honda CR-Z

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Videos, Honda

Fifth Gear road tests the 2010 Honda CR-Z - click above to watch the video

So far in early drives of the new 2010 CR-Z hybrid coupe, Honda's latest has been getting decidedly mediocre to middling reviews. It's not really quick enough to be a proper sports car and not efficient enough to be considered a challenger to the Toyota Prius or even its sibling, the slow-selling Insight. In other words, it's a big bundle of compromises. And yet, a lot of reviewers have said that despite the CR-Z being slow and only modestly efficient, it's still fun-to-drive in its own way. In much the same manner, the kids at Fifth Gear have published their own video review of the CR-Z and they're actually rather fond of it, warts and all.

In the report, Fifth Gear considers the CR-Z's closest European competitor to be the Volkswagen Scirocco TDI, and the Honda comes in several thousand dollars cheaper. The UK testers preferred the interior of the Honda but were disappointed that the engine didn't have the rev-happy nature of most sporting Hondas. As in the Insight, the Eco mode really takes the edge of the steering and powertrain performance in the name of efficiency and is not recommended for those looking for some fun. Check out the video after the jump.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Europe

[Source: Fifth Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Fifth Gear takes a crack at the Honda CR-Z

Video: Fifth Gear takes a crack at the Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Rumormill: More powerful Honda hybrid coupe in the works?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Honda, Rumormill

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

A mainstream hybrid that's fun to drive. That's a novel concept, to be sure, and one targeted by Honda in the marching papers of its recent CR-Z coupe, which is offered with a sporty six-speed manual gearbox and is supposed to be the spiritual successor to the much-loved CRX hatchback from the 1980s.

We've yet to drive the CR-Z and we're already questioning if the 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque on tap from its 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder with Integrated Motor Assist will be enough to qualify the car as sporty.

According to Motor Trend, though, Honda has a much sportier model waiting in the wings that would use either a V6 or a large 2.5 liter four mated up with the familiar IMA hybrid system. Citing rumors from Japan, MT says the future car will be roughly the size of the Accord coupe.

In related news, that aforementioned V6 hybrid powertrain is reportedly slated for both minivans and SUVs for the American market. Further, Honda is currently working on an extended-range electric system similar to the one featured in the 2011 Chevrolet Volt except using a capacitor-based energy storage system. If true, we can expect to see that system featured in a future Accord.

Gallery: Mugen Honda CR-Z

[Source: Motor Trend]

Rumormill: More powerful Honda hybrid coupe in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Autoblog Podcast #169: Wagons and SuperDuty and NASCAR, Oh My!

Dan Roth — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Safety, Acura, Cadillac, Ford, Honda, Toyota, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #169 of the Autoblog Podcast has arrived, and it's Chris, Sam, Alex, and Dan again this week. As usual, the Autoblog Garage starts us off, this time with a couple Suzuki Kizashis, a Ford Transit Connect, and the Cadillac SRX. The first topic for discussion are the latest developments in the ongoing Toyota Recall issue. The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon catches our fancy next, and we stay on the wagon tip to talk about the Acura TSX Wagon, which will debut at the New York International Auto Show. Honda's CR-Z is next, before we go big and talk about the 2011 Ford SuperDuty. Wrapping up on a sporting note, we offer totally uninformed commentary on the Carl Edwards NASCAR wreck before taking a few listener questions and calling this turkey done. Thanks for listening!

Direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #169: Wagons and SuperDuty and NASCAR, Oh My!

Autoblog Podcast #169: Wagons and SuperDuty and NASCAR, Oh My! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mugen accessories for the Honda CR-Z officially revealed

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda, Design/Style

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

Honda says its new CR-Z hybrid hatchback is supposed to hearken back to the days of its sporty little CRX, so it's anything but surprising that Mugen, the Japanese automaker's tuning company of choise, is showing off its package of accessories for the model ahead of its official sale date. Sadly, none of the bits or pieces will make the car much faster... but at least the CR-Z can look like a proper hot hatchback, right?

Included in the kit are the expected updates to the front and rear fascias, side skirts and an all-conquering roof-mounted wing that looks as if it could serve double-duty as a picnic table at your next tailgating session. There's also a new grille with optional LED lamps, triangular rear exhaust tips, and at least five different alloy wheel options. And we'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention the carbon fiber license plate holder.

Inside you'll find an aluminum gearshift knob, a three-gauge central cluster, floor mats and, wait for it... a carbon fiber rear-view mirror cover. Fortunately, there are a few extras that will improve the car's driving dynamics somewhat, including a cat-back exhaust system, upgraded springs and shocks and a full set of brake pads. Perhaps those pieces will restore enough performance to offset the added weight of the bodykit? See for yourself in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Mugen Honda CR-Z

[Source: Mugen]

Mugen accessories for the Honda CR-Z officially revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Honda engineer talks CR-Z, says Lotus Elise was an influence

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Videos, Hatchback, Honda

Click above to view the video after the jump

Take a look at the specs and it's easy to dismiss the 2011 Honda CR-Z out of hand. Despite its hybrid drivetrain, the 1.5-liter four coupled with its electric motor churns out a lackluster 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque and only nets a combined 37 mpg. That's far from enough to set enthusiasts hearts aflutter or goad hypermilers out of their Prius and into what's essentially Insight 2.0 (ignoring Honda's four-door Toyota-fighter for the moment).

The only (cold) consolation for enthusiasts desperate for a CRX redux is a six-speed manual taking the place of the optional CVT. And we've yet to get an official curb weight for the NA-spec model. So...

What was Honda's mindset when it created the CR-Z? If you can believe the marketing frippery in the video after the jump, it's all about "fun-to-drive." According to Terukazu Torikai, the chief engineer for chassis dynamics on the CR-Z, Honda benchmarked several vehicles during the development of its new hatch, and not only was Mini mentioned a few times, Honda drove everything from the Volkswagen Scirocco to the Lotus Elise. Torikai goes on to say that "the performance of the Elise kept on inspiring us throughout the whole development process." That bodes well from both a handling and steering perspective, but we remain lukewarm on the prospects until we finally get a stint behind the wheel.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Continue reading Video: Honda engineer talks CR-Z, says Lotus Elise was an influence

Video: Honda engineer talks CR-Z, says Lotus Elise was an influence originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap

Dan Roth — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Lincoln, Toyota, Volkswagen

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's a North American International Auto Show recap for Episode #161 of the Autoblog Podcast. Chris, Sam and Dan mull the top five of the show before speaking more in depth about some unveilings. The new Chevrolet Aveo gets us started before we move on to another sharply styled General Motors concept, the GMC Granite. We touch briefly on the Honda CR-Z, and then Toyota's FT-CH comes up next before we call it a night with the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Concept.

We'll be back again next week with more Autoblog Podcast goodness. Until then, fill in with Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap

Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Honda CR-Z promises to bring driving joy to the hybrid equation

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

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

After a few weeks worth of leaked images and brochure fluff, Honda has finally pulled the covers off its next new production hybrid hatchback. The Japanese automaker claims the CR-Z will bring back the kind of driving joy that hasn't been felt since the CRX last left dealer lots in 1991, saying that owners will embrace this new mild hybrid with both their hearts and minds. We certainly hope they're right.

While we're really digging the looks of the CR-Z and the way it hearkens back to the classic CRX and even the original Insight hybrid, we've gotta admit that we're a tad bit disappointed with the specifications. With 122 horsepower on tap and just 128 lb-ft of torque from the 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder with Integrated Motor Assist, shouldn't we expect more than 36 miles per gallon in the city and 38 on the highway from the CR-Z?

Let's just hope that the car's driving dynamics live up to the lofty standards to which Honda is eluding - at least there's an optional six-speed manual transmission to go along with the expected CVT automatic. We'll know soon enough know how it goes down the road, as the 2011 CR-Z is slated to hit the ground running in the summer. In the meantime, check out our live images below and click past the break for the press release.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Honda CR-Z promises to bring driving joy to the hybrid equation

Detroit 2010: Honda CR-Z promises to bring driving joy to the hybrid equation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Buick, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's Episode #150 of the Autoblog Podcast, and we raided the crypt to give you your buck-and-a-half's worth. Former podcast staples John Neff and Chris Paukert have been unearthed and join Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth for this milestone occasion.

A review of the Tokyo Motor Show starts things off, and then we drill down to talk more specifically about both ends of Toyota's sports spectrum: the Lexus LFA and the Toyota FT-86 concepts. Other Tokyo standouts like the Honda CR-Z and Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept weave into the conversation before we turn to the next-generation Honda Civic, rumored to be lighter and smaller. From there, things devolve entirely before this week's big crew wraps it up.

We'll hit your questions again next time around, keep them rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com. We appreciate you filling our survey with data, and remember, if you get lonely, there's always Joystiq and Engadget. Thanks for listening! You can also leave us a message at our new Google Voice number 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Who knows... we might even play it on the podcast!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Autoblog Podcast #148 with Jon Linkov from Consumer Reports

Dan Roth — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Tokyo Motor Show, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

For Episode #148 of the Autoblog Podcast, Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports managing editor for autos, fills Sam's chair and mulls some timely topics with Chris and Dan. First up is the wheels coming off Penske's deal to take on the Saturn brand. Honda's CRZ concept, holding great promise in its CRX-like bodywork, comes under scrutiny next, before talk turns to the Chevrolet Caprice police vehicle. There's a tire discussion in there somewhere that takes the 'cast on a tangent, and the Audi E-Tron surfaces briefly before we touch on some Buff Book tricks: The Motor Trend and Automobile effort 6 vs. 8, and Car & Driver's fun with Photoshop. As always, we wrap with some questions as we ride off into the sunset. Thanks for listening, drop us more fodder at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, and let us know how we're doing by adding a review at the iTunes page and filling out our survey. As always, when you get lonely for Weblogs, Inc, check out what the guys at Engadget and Joystiq are doing on their shows, and we'll see you back here next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #148 with Jon Linkov from Consumer Reports

Autoblog Podcast #148 with Jon Linkov from Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:15:00 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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