Rendering: 2011 Honda CR-ZX hybrid
Honda has said for almost two years that the very good looking CR-Z hybrid concept would make it to production. We've heard that the production version of the CR-Z would harken back to the original two-seat CRX and would be more aggressive and sporty than the 2009 Insight. Now, Japan's Best Car magazine has tried to imagine what such a car might look like, even enlarging (it appears) the big front vent. The new dedicated hybrid's name will be the CR-ZX.
Best Car also says that the ICE portion of the hybrid powertrain would be a 1.3- or 1.5-liter gasoline engine, similar to what's used in the Insight. Car Scoop has heard that a 1.8-liter is also a possibility, especially outside of Japan. We should know more when the CR-ZX is unveiled, possibly at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.
Gallery: CR-Z hybrid concept
[Source: Best Car via Car Scoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tyler Durden 11:02AM (6/26/2009)
Best Car magazine has a horrible imagination...
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jay 11:08AM (6/26/2009)
^^ :agree:
looks like a catfish with its mouth open
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Mike!!ekiM 11:21AM (6/26/2009)
Honda, we don't need a gas guzzler hybrid. It would be nice to get some real handling in a hybrid, but don't forget the MPG.
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Robert 11:42AM (6/26/2009)
I thought Honda was going to make the CR-Z, not Mazda :P Looks like an RX-8 hatch back to me, not that I'm opposed to an RX-8 hatch.
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FitFan 12:02PM (6/26/2009)
I'd be surprised if that front grill opening makes it to production at even the size of the pics from Honda. That would be horrible for aerodynamics.
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Rick 1:25PM (6/26/2009)
That front grill can't seriously be taken serious now can it? Seriously?
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andrew 10:27PM (6/26/2009)
what i don't understand is why this car is taking so long to make it to production!!!
what's the hold up? Everyone wants one and the powertrain already exists!
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SumideXE 1:18PM (6/27/2009)
my thoughts exactly.. but if they just plop the 1.3 powertrain in there the car will be absolute crap..
i wonder if they have been waiting so long to announce the powertrain because they are still figuring out what to use. I hope this is the case.
::fingers crossed for DOHC atkinson cycle variant of r18 engine::
alexacoon 6:49PM (6/26/2009)
I'd go for the 1.3 if the electric motor had enough torque to help out, don't need that much power once its rolling.
My old CRX (an 87) had 90HP and it went just fine, I bet the 1.3 would best that easily enough.
I'm afraid its going to be too long in comming for me *sigh* I loved that old CRX
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SumideXE 1:17PM (6/27/2009)
Do remember that your CR-X was also about 1800-2000lbs, for which a 1.5l motor is fairly appropriate and has enough torque to keep the car going at highway speeds.
Honda's modern hybrid cars weigh in at something like 2700-2800lbs.. and a 1.3 has nowhere near enough juice to keep that car going. Also a 1.3 has to work very hard all of the time.. read reviews of the insight / civic hybrid.. main complaint is that the engine is loud and buzzy ( straining at high RPM ).
If they put a 1.3 in this car it will be a flop just like the civic hybrid and insight.
I hope they don't make this mistake a 3rd time because i really love the CRX and would gladly ditch my BMW 328i for one of these.. but only if it actually has a decent powertrain.