Honda CR-Z

[Allch Chcar]

Originally Posted by tranzformer

I think the CR-Z is actually closer to 2850lbs than 2600.

Goshdarnit Tranz, it's 2650!
http://www.edmunds.com/honda/cr-z/20...tyle=101336201

And the combined BHP is 122BHP o.O

Edit: Honda says 2650lbs for the 6spd, 2700lbs if you opt for the CVT.
http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/specifications.aspx

[tranzformer]

Allch, thanks. I must have been thinking of another car that was closer to 2800lbs. But those batteries do add weight to the CR-Z. Still for a hybrid, it is a fairly solid package (compared to Prius or Insight).

[Allch Chcar]

Originally Posted by tranzformer

Allch, thanks. I must have been thinking of another car that was closer to 2800lbs. But those batteries do add weight to the CR-Z. Still for a hybrid, it is a fairly solid package (compared to Prius or Insight).

No prob tranz!

The battery pack for the Honda hybrids are pretty small even compared to the Prius. I'm not 100% sure but I think they've gotten the whole system down to <100lbs including the 14HP Motor that is strapped to the engine block. The best part about the battery pack as far as weight is that it is over the rear axle so it gives a better weight distribution albeit at the cost of cargo/passenger room. Granted I'm not as big a fan of the hybrid system itself other than it allows people that would otherwise not consider an engine downgrade for FE to do so without losing too much performance. Hybrids seems to perform just fine in California traffic .

The Honda IMA hybrid system is a big compromise for price and fun over MPG anyway. The only other notable advantage to the Honda IMA system is that it allows for a manual gearbox which makes it even cheaper and in some cases more efficient eg. the first gen insight was more efficient with a manual(partially due to lean burn) than the CVT. And no one claims that the Prius with Synergy is more fun to drive than the Honda IMA, not even hypermilers.

If Honda of America can redo the CR-Z with a bit more power/MPG and offer back seats(even if they only fit small children), I think the CR-Z will do just fine for the rest of it's generation life.

[SharedProphet]

I'm sure it's got little in common with the production version, and it's the Insight rather than the CR-Z, but I thought this article was interesting, with some potential significance for future sporty hybrids:

Originally Posted by Kelly Blue Book

Hybrid Honda rally car booted for being too fast
Posted Today 12:16 PM

Here's a switch. Oaktec, a British racing team the competes in the UK's Formula 1000 Rally Championship, has been asked to withdraw its entry due to complaints from other competitors that while complying with the rules, the modified Honda Insight Hybrid was a bit too competitive for its class. Fitted with a "tuned" version of the factory's gas/electric powertrain backed by a special CVT automatic developed by Bosch, the Oaktec Insight -- aka the world's greenest rally car -- had recorded two wins and one second place in thee outings this year. Besides its exceptional quickness, the car is stunningly efficient. Oaktec boss Paul Andrews reports the one-off Insight has regularly returned over 100 mpg in internal testing and recently averaged 82 mpg in an organized econo run, narrowly edging out its closest diesel-powered competitor by a mere 17 mpg.

While less than delighted, Andrews remains philosophical about the situation. "It was a bit of a shock when I got the call as after six years of hard work we finally had our chance for a bit of glory. But I fully understand the perspective of the organizers and their wish not to spoil the sport for the other drivers. Formula 1000 is a great championship and they were really supportive by allowing us to compete with these new hybrid technologies in their rallies; and we always agreed that if we had a clear advantage we would step aside. It's a shame it had to happen mid-season but it's the risk you face in going against the grain and trying something radical." He indicates that the team will consider entering the car in a higher-level racing class.

Source: http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-...eing-too-fast/

[vh_supra26]

More race focused version

Honda has surprised crowds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this past weekend with a another CR-Z Concept. Following the MUGEN CR-Z Concept design study model, this second model designated "RR" represents a more race focused version.

The MUGEN CR-Z Concept RR features an exclusive body kit including a front aero bumper, front aero fenders, side spoilers, rear aero bumper, rear wing and specially developed 18-inch wheels.

Mugen makes no mention of performance specs, but we already know the MUGEN CR-Z design concept features a supercharged 1.5-liter engine and an IMA hybrid system good for 200 PS (147 kW / 197 hp) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) comes in at roughly 6.6 seconds.

Hopefully, when Honda releases full details we'll see a decent power output increase too.

Note: Goodwood photo shows MUGEN CR-Z Concept design study model.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11107053...#ixzz1RLFpmvJC

[vh_supra26]

Just the Facts:
The details continue to trickle out of Honda (U.K.) about its most recent collaboration with Mugen Euro — a 198-horsepower supercharged edition of the CR-Z hybrid.

Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system has morphed into Mugen's Integrated Centrifugal Forced-induction, or iCF, system.

An upgraded powertrain, aero body kit, uprated chassis components and extensive use of lightweight materials have transformed the standard CR-Z into a sport compact with performance specs similar to those of the Mugen-tuned Civic Type R.

LONDON — Honda (U.K.) and tuning partner Mugen Euro have issued a full complement of photos — and a few more details — ahead of next month's official unveiling of the one-off CR-Z Mugen at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The photo blast follows last week's release of the first video footage of the car, which was created "to prove hybrid cars can be exciting to drive," according to Honda.

This hybrid appears to have the goods. Starting with Honda's 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine and IMA electric motor, Mugen has bolted on a supercharger, upgraded the electronics, replaced a number of the engine's internal components and added a sport exhaust, resulting in a serious boost in output and torque, to 198 horsepower and 181 pound-feet, respectively. Mugen has dubbed its revamped powertrain iCF, for Integrated Centrifugal Forced-induction.

To take advantage of all that additional power and torque, Mugen has fitted the chassis with such improvements as five-step adjustable shocks, stiffer springs, larger brake discs and four-pot monobloc calipers, 17-inch Mugen GP forged-alloy rims and a limited-slip differential.

The cockpit sports lightweight Recaro sport buckets and Mugen accessories, including temp and pressure gauges, a weighted gear knob and carbon rearview mirror cover.

Naturally, the exterior has been dressed up with a Mugen body kit, which packages front and rear under-spoilers, side skirts and a rear wing. The body has been painted Brilliant Orange Metallic, with carbon-fiber doors and hood contributing to the weight-reduction regimen.

Inside Line says: Although Honda and Mugen say they have no immediate plans to build even a limited edition of the CR-Z Mugen, customers in the U.K. can order a number of the components through authorized dealers.

http://www.insideline.com/honda/cr-z...r-z-mugen.html

[vh_supra26]

The CR-Z We've Been Waiting for
By Alistair Weaver, European Correspondent | Published Jun 29, 2011

There is something gloriously irreverent about the Honda CR-Z Mugen. The exhaust is obnoxiously loud, making the kind of noise a child might make while pretending to be a car. It's not what you expect of Japanese engineering, but this Mugen wasn't designed to be subtle.

Commissioned by Honda U.K., Mugen has spent more than $250,000 imagining what could be achieved if you add spice to the CR-Z's homely recipe. It's a marketing stunt, but it's also a taste of what's to come when Honda finally gets around to producing a hot version of its hybrid coupe.

The Honda CR-Z Mugen will be officially unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed at the end of the month, but Inside Line was invited to an exclusive test of the car at the Rockingham Motor Speedway in the heart of England. Just 10 years old, Rockingham blends an oval with an infield section reminiscent of Daytona.

The Mugen Experiment
Mugen is in an enviable position. Founded in 1973 by Hirotoshi Honda, the son of Honda founder Soichiro Honda, it has always posed as the mother ship's naughty sibling. While technically independent of Honda Motor, Mugen is owned by the Honda family and Hirotoshi's baby enjoys a special relationship with dad's creation.


"We can try things that Honda can't," says Colin Whittamore, general manager of Mugen Euro. "We'll often be used to test a concept. If it doesn't work, they can always say it was Mugen's idea."

Whittamore heads a six-strong team of engineers in Mugen Euro's U.K. headquarters. Having successfully engineered limited-edition versions of the European-spec Civic Type R, his team began work on the Honda CR-Z Mugen last October. The brief was simple: to create a CR-Z capable of matching the performance of the outgoing Civic Type R.

Hybrid Rules OK
Mugen took an early decision to persist with the IMA electric motor system. "The advantage of an electric motor is that it gives you instant torque early in the rev range," says Whittamore. "The plan was then to increase the torque provided by the engine in a progressive manner." While the standard CR-Z's torque peaks at a lowly 1,500 rpm, the Mugen maxes out at 6,000 rpm.

The Mugen boss likes to describe his baby as "a Type R with a conscience.

The key to this transformation lies with the introduction of a Rotrex supercharger. Whittamore admits that Mugen looked at several different options, including turbocharging, before settling on a blower. "We wanted an integrated, engineered solution. We see ourselves as sitting between the aftermarket and an OEM."

The net result was the somewhat pretentiously titled Mugen Integrated Centrifugal Forced-induction system, or iCF for short. By rewriting the ECU, Mugen was able to integrate the different systems and retune the IMA system to be more performance-focused. The standard 1.5-liter engine was also stripped and rebuilt and although Whittamore is cagey about the details, he admits the pistons and rods are new.

The system is still under development but the most recent dyno figures show 197 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 161 pound-feet of torque. That's 75 hp and 33 lb-ft more than a standard CR-Z. And there is, says Whittamore, much more to come.

More Than Just a Motor
Mugen might be most famous for its engines — the company even won the Monaco Grand Prix with Ligier — but this is not just a dyno job. The Mugen CR-Z sheds more than 100 pounds and is down to 2,392 pounds, thanks to the junking of the rear seats and the introduction of a carbon-fiber hood and doors. The doors each weigh 34 pounds less than their steel equivalent, but Whittamore admits they're prohibitively expensive and could never become a production reality. The forged Mugen GP 17-inch rims, though, are surely a must-have.

Also joining the party are Mugen front and rear spoilers, side skirts and a laughable rear wing pinched from the Japanese aftermarket catalog. The normally effeminate CR-Z wears the spoilers and skirts well, although we're less convinced by the wing. With no trunk to latch onto, Mugen stuck it to the top of the roof, where it looks like an afterthought and compromises the squat, pert aesthetic. For what it's worth, we're not too keen on the triangular tailpipe either, but such things are always a matter of taste.

Inside, chunky Recaros replace the standard seats, there's a "weighted" aluminum gear knob, a carbon rearview mirror and a triplet of analog dials displaying the temperature of the oil and water and the oil pressure. They perch periscopelike on the fascia and are a constant reminder, should such a thing be needed, that you're driving something special.

The Experience
Enough of the technical chat — let's hit the circuit. Given that this is the only car in existence and it's needed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in a few days, the decision to let an enthusiastic hack loose on a track seems like an extraordinary act of bravery, but one that's to be admired.

By the end of the pit lane, the impact of the changes is self-evident. The modest response of the standard CR-Z has been replaced by something much more urgent. There are no official performance figures for this car but Mugen reckons it should match the European Civic Type R's 0-60 sprint of 6.6 seconds, and that feels about right. It's sport compact quick, not sports car rapid.

It takes a little time to get acclimatized. Despite the combination of an electric motor and a supercharger, the Mugen still needs working hard to deliver its best. It doesn't really spring to life until you hit 4,000 rpm and tails off dramatically above 6,000 rpm, 500 rpm before the rev limiter intervenes. Mugen may have been anxious to avoid a car with a "pronounced VTEC" effect and instead produced an engine with a relatively narrow performance band. It's a relief to discover the manual gearbox is as slick and positive as ever.

While Whittamore admits that the engine "is at the beginning, not the end of its development," the brakes are nothing less than superb. Mugen introduced four-piston front calipers and 12.6-inch grooved and vented front discs. Even after 15 minutes of provocation on a circuit that's heavy on brakes, they showed little sign of fade.

Although the brakes are unique to this car, the suspension components were plundered from Mugen's parts catalog and were originally developed at the Motegi circuit in Japan. The front track has been widened, while stiffer springs all-round are matched with five-way adjustable dampers. The latter offer five different "clicks" and change both compression and rebound damping. They help control the movement of the Yokohama AO48 track-day tires, measuring 215/45 R17 front and rear.

Now It's a Sport Coupe
These changes are enough to transform the character of the CR-Z. The electrohydraulic steering — inert in the standard car — is brought to life and turn-in is much sharper. It can also now be steered on the throttle. A subtle lift on turn-in is enough to coax the rear around a few degrees and set the Honda up for the apex. It's fun without being unruly, and it's a trait that should translate well to the road.

Given the rubber, it's no surprise to discover a dramatic increase in grip, at least in the dry. The Mugen still understeers, of course, but it hangs on remarkably well. It's also happy to be hustled, especially in slow corners. We only drove on the track, so it's difficult to judge how the ride would play out on the road, but the adjustable shocks should help.

Mugen is keen to present the car as a road tool that can double as a track-day toy. It has therefore retained the three-mode system from the standard car. In Sport mode you get the full-fat Mugen experience; Normal offers something reminiscent of Sport in the standard CR-Z; while Eco neuters everything to minimize consumption. "The supercharger is still active in Eco," admits Whittamore, "but everything's been optimized for low consumption."

The Mugen boss likes to describe his baby as "a Type R with a conscience."

What Now?
Although Honda has committed to building a sportier version of the CR-Z sometime in the future, it is probably a couple of years away. For now, Mugen offers the quickest route to market for an exciting, semi-official car, and there is a clear precedent. Last time Mugen produced a "one-off" for Honda U.K. it turned into a limited-production run of first 20 and then 200 cars.

You get the impression that both parties would like this concept to succeed, but there is a problem. To build the concept, Mugen had to buy a finished car and junk high-cost components, such as the brakes, suspension and seats. That's both expensive and environmentally dubious. Mugen parts are also far from cheap. The body kit (including the wheels) currently retails for $4,200, while the suspension costs $10,400, and that's before you consider the engine conversion, the interior bits and the carbon-fiber doors.

Nevertheless, Whittamore is optimistic that Mugen could offer a production reality modeled on the concept for around $50K, compared with the $28,300 entry price for a CR-Z in the U.K. At such a price, the Honda CR-Z Mugen would compete against such European luminaries as the VW Scirocco R and the Audi TT. It is less powerful and sophisticated, but it would offer greater exclusivity and, arguably, more character.

It's hard to imagine that Honda wouldn't find customers for such a car. The global interest in tuned CR-Zs is huge and reaffirms the loyal fan base that continues to exist for hot Hondas. Given the draught of performance models from the mother ship, fans are looking for inspiration and in Mugen, they might just have found a winner.

http://www.insideline.com/honda/cr-z...n-concept.html

[vh_supra26]

Speed Read

Vehicle Tested:
Honda CR-Z Mugen concept
Base Price:NA
Engine: 1.5-liter four-cylinder supercharged hybrid
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Power: 197 hp @ 6,000 rpm
EPA Rating: NA
On Sale: NA

Specs & Performance

Vehicle
Year Make Model Honda CR-Z Mugen Concept
Vehicle Type Concept
Estimated MSRP To be determined
Assembly location Northampton, U.K.
Drivetrain
Configuration Transverse, front engine, front-wheel drive
Engine type Inline four-cylinder SOHC, supercharged
Displacement (cc/cu-in) 1,497/91
Compression ratio (x:1) 10.4:1
Fuel type Gasoline
Hybrid type IMA
Electric motor rating (kW) 10.3
Combined horsepower (hp @ rpm) 197 @ 6,000
Combined torque (lb-ft @ rpm) 161 @ 5,000
System voltage 100DC
Battery type NiMH
Battery capacity, rated (kW-hr) 5.75ah
Transmission type Six-speed manual
Transmission ratios (x:1) Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.143, 2nd: 1.870, 3rd: 1.303, 4th: 1.054, 5th: 0.854, 6th: 0.689, Reverse: 3.307,
Final-drive ratio (x:1) 4.11
Differential(s) Limited-slip differential
Chassis
Suspension, front Five-position adjustable
Suspension, rear Five-position adjustable
Tire make and model Yokohama A048
Tire size, front 215/45R17
Tire size, rear 215/45R17
Wheel size, front 17-by-7 inches
Wheel size, rear 17-by-7 inches
Wheel size 17 inches
Wheel material Forged alloy
Brakes, front Four-piston monobloc caliper, 12.6-inch rotors, grooved and vented
Brakes, rear OEM
Track Test Results
0-60 mph, mfr. claim (sec.) 6.3 seconds
1/4-mile, mfr. claim (sec. @ mph) Not tested
Fuel Consumption
Fuel economy, mfr. est. (mpg) 29-41 (dependent on driving mode selected)
Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) 10.6
Dimensions & Capacities
Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) 2,392
Length (in.) 162
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 54
Wheelbase (in.) 95
Track, front (in.) 61
Track, rear (in.) 59.1
Max cargo volume behind 1st row (cu-ft) 25.1

[vh_supra26]

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The Honda CR-Z maybe one of the greenest sports coupés, but it certainly isn’t one of the meanest. Now though, tuning company Mugen has bolted a supercharger onto the CR-Z’s 1.5-litre petrol-electric powertrain taking power and torque up to 197bhp and 245Nm respectively.

There are also some unique styling details to make the car look for aggressive. But the big news is the improvement in acceleration: 0-60mph now takes just 6.6 seconds.

A joint project by Honda and Euro Mugen, the car will be on show at the Goodwood Festival of Speed between July 1 and July 3. However, you can see and hear it in action right now in this video.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...#ixzz1RLKrHtLK

[vh_supra26]

From hybrid to high-performance! Honda’s new petrol-electric coupe, the CR-Z, is being readied for Type R treatment, and Auto Express can bring you the first exclusive images of how the hot new model is shaping up.

Revealed in production trim at this January’s Detroit Motor Show, the CR-Z has already caused quite a stir by marrying a sporty three-door body with a fuel efficient hybrid powertrain – creating the world’s first truly desirable sports hybrid in the process. But the Japanese firm is going one step further with this stunning Type R version, which boasts a raft of head-turning design cues, and a more powerful hybrid powertrain under the skin.

A tarmac-hugging bodykit will create a clear definition between the standard car and this high-performance variant, and includes daytime running lights in the front apron and a black rear diffuser with integrated exhaust pipes. But it’s the colour scheme that will be most recogniseable to Type R fans.

A black bonnet, wing mirrors and wheels set against an alpine-white paint scheme will make the CR-Z stand out in a crowd. Blacked-out A-pillars are a new styling cue - giving the impression of a glass area that wraps around the car.

The standard CR-Z uses a 102bhp 1.5-litre engine coupled to a 20bhp electric motor for a total output of just 122bhp - but the Type-R is set to offer much more than that! Mugen, Honda’s official tuning arm, is reportedly being lined-up to work its magic on the CR-Z and boost its performance credentials. There had been rumours that a reworked version of the Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine could make it into the CR-Z Type-R, but because the coupe has been designed as a hybrid from the outset, a petrol-electric powertrain is a must.

The front-wheel drive layout and six-speed manual gearbox will remain, but expect the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre engine to be cranked up to around 150bhp and mated to a larger 50bhp electric motor. The combined output of 200bhp will move the Type-R into serious performance territory with a 0-60mph time of close to six seconds, three seconds faster than the 122bhp CR-Z, and a top speed of 140mph.

The standard car’s three driving modes will also be extended to four, to include an additional Sport Plus setting. Select it and the throttle response, steering, timing of the stop-start system and the level of assitance from the electric motor will be set for maximum performance. Upgraded brakes and stiffened suspension will complete the package.

Our sources have revealed that the CR-Z Type R is already being prepared for a debut at next year’s Tokyo Motor Show before going on sale in Japan in late 2011. UK sales are set to commence a few months after that with prices starting from around £20,000.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...#ixzz1RLO3egdu

[bofa]

pretty neat.. just what this car needed. I wonder what the US price will be if/when released here. If its proportionate to the price pounds I don't think it will sell well here @ 30k.

[SUB-FT86]

I totally agree with everybody that hates this thing and I used to be a fan of Hondas when I was at a immature age 10 years ago. My neighbor owns one of the base models and all I can do is look at this thing and laugh at it. This is what Honda needs to do to get my attention.

Build a RWD Honda Integra with the engine from the RDX sport tuned to 280hp/270tq and a curb weight no greater than 3200 lbs and provide great handling with a starting price no greater than 24-25.5k.

Until then I wont be caught in a Honda dealership.

[tranzformer]

Originally Posted by SUB-FT86

Build a RWD Honda Integra with the engine from the RDX sport tuned to 280hp/270tq and a curb weight no greater than 3200 lbs and provide great handling with a starting price no greater than 24-25.5k.

We can all dream. Oh well.

[RRnold]

Originally Posted by vh_supra26

Honda has surprised crowds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this past weekend with a another CR-Z Concept. Following the MUGEN CR-Z Concept design study model, this second model designated "RR" represents a more race focused version.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11107053...#ixzz1RLFpmvJC

Going with the RR!

Originally Posted by vh_supra26

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...#ixzz1RLO3egdu

The CR-Z is starting to get a lot of attention! I'm still not a fan of the exterior but this Type R is starting to look a little ill!

Originally Posted by SUB-FT86

Build a RWD Honda Integra with the engine from the RDX sport tuned to 280hp/270tq and a curb weight no greater than 3200 lbs and provide great handling with a starting price no greater than 24-25.5k.

Until then I wont be caught in a Honda dealership.

A RWD Integra has been done and I think the guy even had it up for sale too.

But I do agree, it would be cool to see Honda release a rwd coupe.