Honda’s Little Secret – The 2011 CR-Z
Across the pond in Japan the Honda CR-Z has been available for awhile now. Although here in the states, not much has been said about this new sporty hybrid. You most likely have not heard about the CR-Z, unless you are interested in automobiles. but chances are, you will soon.
Honda is shining the limelight on the CR-Z as it did in the past with the Acura NSX and Honda S2000; which both revolutionized the Honda lineup.. With the hopes that the CR-Z will entice the sports car crowd, Honda is taking a bit of a risk. From first looks the 2011 Honda CR-Z seems like a confused car. Yes it is identified as a hybrid sports car, but it does not get that great of gas mileage nor is it very sporty.
The CR-Z has an underwhelming 122 HP and fuel economy figures are 36 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. For comparison; the S2000 delivered 200 HP and the Civic Hybrid provides 40 MPG city and 45 MPG highway. Although small the CR-Z is not very light for a two seater car. It weighs in at 2560 lbs. It’s powered by a 1.5 liter engine taken from the Honda Fit, this combined with an electric only generates 122 HP and a mere 128 lb-ft of torque.. But, what 2011 Honda CR-Z is missing in power it makes up with a stiff chassis and great suspension.
As with any new Honda, you can purchase extra options, but this can increase the price to upwards of $28k. The modest 1.5 liter engine features an aluminum block with Hondas famed DOHC V-tech. The compression ratio is 10.4:1. This makes for 111 HP and 106 lb-ft. torque from the engine. The additional power from the electric motor increases horsepower by 11 and adds 22 extra lb-ft. torque very low in the RPM range which helps off the line acceleration. The CR-Z also has Honda’s integrated motor assist which is present in all Honda hybrids. Honda start/stop technology is on board as well, to turn off the engine during normal times of idle. . The engine is activated again by simply hitting the accelerator pedal. The continuously variable transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot.
The modest 1.5 liter engine features an aluminum block with Hondas famed DOHC V-tech. The compression ratio is 10.4:1. This makes for 111 HP and 106 lb-ft. torque from the engine. The additional power from the electric motor increases horsepower by 11 and adds 22 extra lb-ft. torque very low in the RPM range which helps off the line acceleration. The CR-Z also has Honda’s integrated motor assist which is present in all Honda hybrids. The CR-Z also has start/stop technology which in essence turns off the engine any time you are idle. The engine is activated again by simply hitting the accelerator pedal. The continuously variable transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot.
The 2011 Honda CR-Z does 0-60 mph in 10.6 seconds, and finishes the quarter mile in 17.6 seconds. Which is not an impressive record, however, the corners are where the CR-Z shines. Millions of sports car owners can attest to the fact that power alone does not make for a good track car. With excellent steering and braking ability the Honda CR-Z is a treat to drive. The suspension consists of MacPherson struts with stiff springs. There are also anti-roll bars and torsion beams. The Honda CR-Z does well on the highways and only time will tell if this little $20k sports hybrid will perform on the track. So is there a market for the CR-Z? We will know soon enough.
Written by Windy Reigns: Los Angeles Honda Dealer, New Hondas, Atlanta GA, Certified Used Hondas in Palm Springs
Tags: Cars, certified pre owned honda, honda cars, honda cr-z, honda dealers, honda dealership, honda financing, new cars, new honda, used cars
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