2011 Honda CR Z Hybrid

2011 Honda CR Z Hybrid

2011 Honda CR Z Hybrid

This past January, 2011 Honda CR Z Hybrid CEO Takeo Fukui revealed that a production hybrid based on the CR-Z Concept shown in Tokyo last year is going to be a reality. It currently looks as if the CR-Z will first be released in Europe, with a guesstimated US release date of sometime in 2011.
The original CR-X was a lightweight, and small, hatchback that managed to be a fun car, with a small efficient engine. The CR-Z coupe should also be small, fun and efficient, with the addition of Honda’s updated Integrated Motor Assist hybrid, to push the fuel efficiency to the next level.

2011 Honda CR Z Hybrid

2011 honda cr z hybrid coupe

The design team for the 2011 Honda CRZ Hybrid is based in Europe, where the majority of sales are expected. The CR-Z Hybrid is expected to be an anchor for Honda’s European line. Specifically, Honda’s UK branch is handling design, while engineering and testing are taking place at Offenbach in Germany.
The hybrid system in the CR-Z will be the same one used in the Fit Hybrid, to be released the end of 2009. That includes nickel based batteries, and a lack of plug-in adaptability.

2011 Honda CR Z Hybrid

The CR-Z itself is a replacement for the popular CRX which was pulled off the market recently. The concept car for the CR-Z has a similar profile to the CRX, as well as a glass rear. The new design also includes an oversized grill, aggressive wedge shape, and centrally mounted dual exhausts. The LED headlights are a nice touch, as are the electric side mirrors.
For the interior, Honda tried to combine modern high-tech with classic sporty design. The result includes an interesting mesh material on all fabric surfaces, and a lot of LED displays. The whole effect is both futuristic and funky. Unfortunately, I have to wonder if all the fun inside will be a distraction from the road.

2011 Honda CR Z Hybrid

In European countries for diesel engine editions is obtainable in 2 options: the R 2. and the U-II 1.7, which will be offered by November 2010. The R 2. will come in a choice of two outputs: high (184ps/40kg.m) and low (136ps/32kg.m) producing CO2 emissions of just 165g/km (2WD MT) and 158g/km (4WD MT), respectively. The U-II may have a rated output of 115ps with 26.0kg.m and will have class-leading CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km (2WD MT) when equipped with ISG. To achieve Euro-5 emission compliance, the R is fitted with a close-coupled diesel particulate filter and highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation with by-pass valve. Six-speed manuals are standard with both diesels while the R will feature the option of a six-speed automatic. Hyundai’s all-new six-speed automatic transaxle assists the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of sporty-type, manual shifting through the Shiftronic which is also new to the Hyundai ix35.
In addition to the new fuel-efficient engines and transmissions, the 2011 ix35 Hyundai features other innovations which contribute to lower operational costs. Nestled between the speedometer and tachometer, the “ECO” coach is a new feature designed to promote fuel-saving driving habits. In the manual transmission version, an icon on the LCD trip-ometer screen begins to flash when the optimum gear shift point is reached. The automatic uses an “ECO” icon backlit by LEDs with either the red, white or green LED lighting up in accordance with driving behavior. Fuel savings in the range of 15 to 17 percent are attainable with the automatic “ECO” coach and 7 to 9 percent with the manual.

2011 Honda CR Z Hybrid