[TSX69]

2013 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Gets Peformance Enhancements, Fresh Styling & Host of Feature Upgrades​

The 2013 Honda CR-Z goes on sale November 21, 2012, with a host of powertrain, styling and feature upgrades adding to its sleek appeal and sporty handling. More power from an all-new Lithium-Ion battery pack improves performance while also improving the CR-Z's already impressive EPA mpg ratings. Styling upgrades include revised interior trim along with a new front fascia, a new finish for the 16-inch alloy wheels, an aerodynamically functional new rear diffuser and 2 new exterior colors – Passion Berry Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

Standard features on all 2013 Honda CR-Z models include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with 6 speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control. To give drivers even more access to the CR-Z's performance capabilities, the 2013 Honda CR-Z is also equipped with a new Plus Sport System, which allows additional on-demand electric boost via a steering wheel-mounted "S+" button.

With a starting MSRP of $19,9751, 2 CR-Z models are offered for 2013, including the well-equipped base CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. The up-level CR-Z EX adds Auto-On/Off High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with 7 speakers including subwoofer, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is also available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 with FM traffic and voice recognition, Pandora® Interface and an SMS text messaging function.

The improved horsepower and torque on the 2013 Honda CR-Z does not come with a fuel-economy penalty, as the new, more powerful Lithium-Ion battery pack helps boost EPA-rated fuel economy figures by 1 mpg city for CVT equipped models, and 1 mpg highway for CR-Z models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission.

Summary of Changes for 2013

Revised front fascia styling
New 16-inch alloy wheel finish
New rear diffuser
New Lithium-Ion battery pack
Increased horsepower and torque
New Plus Sport System
Revised interior trim
Available 2-tone combi (black/red) seats
StandardExpanded View Driver's Mirror
Standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
Standard Bluetooth® Audio
Standardrearview camera
Available Pandora® Interface and SMS text message function
Available LED daytime running lights (DRL)
New Passion Berry Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic exterior colors​

Powertrain
The CR-Z hybrid powertrain is a unique variation of Honda's original IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) technology, which debuted on the 2000 Honda Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available for sale in North America. The system in the CR-Z utilizes a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single-overhead cam engine with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system's DC brushless electric motor.

The hybrid CR-Z's electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the new Lithium-Ion battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency. When starting on steep inclines from a stop with the manual transmission, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch.

For 2013, assist from the electric motor has jumped from 10 kW to 15 kW, thanks to the new higher voltage (144-volt) Lithium-Ion battery pack. The CR-Z now delivers a combined peak output of 130 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 140 lb-ft. of torque (127 lb-ft. on CVT-equipped models), a gain of 8 horsepower and 12 lb-ft of torque (4 lb-ft on CVT equipped models). Manual-transmission versions also receive both a larger clutch and a new lower final drive ratio.

Even with better performance, EPA fuel economy3 ratings for the 2013 Honda CR-Z have improved. On CVT-equipped models, the EPA city/hwy/combined rating is up 1 mpg city to 36/39/37 mpg, while models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission see an EPA mpg rating of 31/38/34, a gain of 1 mpg highway. The CR-Z is also rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial 0 Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

To help drivers make use of this improved performance, a new Plus Sport System is standard on the 2013 Honda CR-Z. If the battery is more than 50 percent charged and the CR-Z is traveling over 19 mph, the driver can activate this feature using the "S+" button on the steering wheel. When activated and the accelerator is pressed, electric boost begins, delivering increased acceleration for up to 5 seconds. A flashing gauge on the dashboard indicates when the Plus Sport System is active. The Plus Sport System can be used in Econ, Normal or Sport modes.

Enhanced 3-Mode Drive System
Activated via 3 backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel, the CR-Z's 3-mode drive system allows the driver to choose among 3 individual performance modes:

Sport mode enhances engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist.
Normal mode standardizes steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning settings.
Econ mode can increase the potential for enhanced fuel efficiency by optimizing throttle angle for smooth acceleration, lower engine rpm and limiting power and torque by approximately 4-percent (except at wide-open throttle). It can also reduce the air conditioning's overall load on the engine and modify the cruise control to operate more efficiently.​

Body
The CR-Z's "1-motion" exterior wedge shape begins at its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance, with its side profile's deeply inset beltline adding a dynamic element. For 2013, a new front fascia and mesh grille help widen the presence of the CR-Z, and this effect is increased by the new "floating" lower front spoiler lip. New brighter chrome plating on the headlight assemblies tinged with blue clearcoat hint at the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain. The new rear diffuser mimics the floating lip of the front spoiler while also improving aerodynamic performance, and the lower portion of the tail lights receive the same blue clearcoat treatment. Exterior colors include Crystal Black Pearl, Milano Red, North Shore Blue Pearl, Premium White Pearl, new Passion Berry Pearl (exclusive to the Honda CR-Z), and new Polished Metal Metallic.

Chassis
The CR-Z's front MacPherson strut and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension are tuned to provide a sporty driving experience. All 2013 CR-Z models are equipped with new darker-tinged 16x6-inch aluminum wheels with finished spoke tips and 195/55R-16 tires, while accessory 17x7 alloy wheels with 205/45R-17 tires are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height, short wheelbase and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area further contribute to a low center of gravity and responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves efficiency.

Interior
A high-tech appearance and intuitive controls define the CR-Z's newly revised interior. For 2013, interior changes include new metallic trim on the door pulls and latches, center console, speaker grilles and lower steering-wheel spokes. The inner door panel has been redesigned to provide easier access to the storage space, with the horizontal bar on the speaker housing eliminated, and a bottle holder added to the pocket. The door-pad trim has also been upgraded with a new, more upscale lamination. For 2013, CR-Z EX and Navi trims will provide an all-new black and red interior trim combination that adds new 2-toned combi seats, and colored accents to the door panels and floor mats.

The CR-Z's ultra-modern instrument panel gauges illuminate with a 3-dimensional blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. The upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wraparound cockpit environment. Premium sport-oriented seats are designed to provide firm lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space, and a hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.

The CR-Z features a 6-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack for connection to a portable audio player, and all models include a USB audio interface4 for connecting an iPod®5 or other compatible audio device. Other audio features include speed-sensitive volume control and CD/MP3 text readout. The radio data system shows supplemental programming information from participating radio stations while also offering search-by-genre capability (not available on the CR-Z EX with navigation). Now standard, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a rearview camera further expand the CR-Z's appeal.

A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 is available on the CR-Z EX model and features a 6.5-inch screen and rearview camera display. For 2013, CR-Z EX Navi models add FM traffic, Pandora® and an SMS text messaging function. The navigation system database includes more than 7-million points of interest and integrates the audio system, while the voice recognition feature is capable of inputting numbers, street names and cities, in addition to more than 600 commands.

Safety
The CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include: standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS); a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

The Honda CR-Z earned a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and 4-star Overall Vehicle Score in federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests.

Warranty
The 2013 Honda CR-Z is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty, as well as a 15-year/150,000-mile emissions warranty when the vehicle is registered and normally operated in California and certain states that have adopted California 0-Emission Vehicle regulations.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): Honda Media Newsroom - CR-Z
For consumers: 2012 Honda CR-Z Overview - Official Honda Site
YouTube: The Honda Channel - YouTube
Flickr: Flickr: Honda News' Photostream
Twitter: Honda (Honda) on Twitter
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda
Pinterest: Honda (honda) on Pinterest
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Honda/posts​

 

[TSX69]

100k

Honda CR-Z Hits 100,000 Miles without Skipping a Beat​

A 2010 Honda CR-Z has hit the impressive landmark of clocking up 100,000 miles in just 3 years.

The car is part of a 10-strong fleet made up purely of Honda Hybrids, also including Jazz and Insight models, which has racked up an amazing half a million miles since 2010.

The fleet is owned and run by Renewable Solutions UK, national award-winning designers and installers of Renewable Energy Systems for business and domestic customers.

With the cars used on a daily basis in its work up and down the country, Mike Lowes, Managing Director of Renewable Solutions UK comments: "Honda hybrids are a perfect fit for our business, with the efficiency of battery power and the many environmental and financial benefits this brings. The fleet has worked very hard, every day, for both short and long journeys, but we've only ever had to pay for standard servicing and wear and tear costs, and no major breakdowns. They just keep going without skipping a beat!"

The fleet has been built up over the last 3 years with all of the cars bought from Greenacre Honda in Blackburn. Mike Lowes continues: "We have complete free rein in what we buy and where we buy it from, so the fact that we stick with Honda is testament to the trust we have in the brand. Honda hybrids are a reliable, no-compromise solution to our needs, and Greenacre have offered us great customer service and value for money."

Lee Wheeler, Manager of Corporate Operations at Honda (UK) comments: "We know that there are plenty of Honda hybrids out there racking up the miles, but it's always great to hear directly from customers who are seeing the strong benefits they deliver to fleets, even at mileages higher than usually seen with hybrid cars."

Renewable Solutions UK offers a complete range of Sustainable Energy Systems to domestic, commercial and agricultural clients. The company installs Wind Turbines, Solar Panels, Biomass boilers and Heat pumps. Working across the country and internationally, it offers a range of tariffs, grants and funding solutions to clients.

Honda (UK)'s range of petrol-electric hybrids, which currently includes the CR-Z, Insight and Jazz models, are an ideal solution for fleet customers, with their excellent environmental credentials and many financial benefits including fuel cost savings, zero road tax, congestion charge exemption and low company car tax rates.

The CR-Z is the world's 1st sporty hybrid coupe, delivering a combined 56.5 mpg with CO2 emissions of just 116 g/km. Sleek and stylish it features 3 driving modes and a 6 speed manual gearbox.

 

[TSX69]

AutoBlog

2015 Honda Civic Type R to Sire Next-Gen CR-Z

Salt shakers at the ready, boys and girls. There's a rumor out of Australia claiming the next Honda CR-Z will be based on the forthcoming 276-horsepower, turbocharged Civic Type R. Apparently Honda's research and development bigwigs have been unnerved by the reception of the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ twins and are eager to return fire.

Now, don't get too excited - Honda isn't following the Volkswagen model of offering virtually unchanged mechanicals in a different bodyshell (Beetle Turbo and GTI, for example). Instead, the report says the future CR-Z will retain its hybrid powertrain, albeit with a serious kick in the pants. A prototype is said to already be zipping around Japan with a turbocharged, direct-injected, 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine and the current CR-Z's electric motor and battery pack. With a reported 221 horsepower mated up to a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission (say buh-bye to the CVT and 6-speed manual) and the next-gen Civic platform underneath, the rumored CR-Z has all the makings of a hot hatch riot.

Of course, this all sounds wonderful. This is also the point where you should be enjoying that salt. We really like the idea of a properly hot CR-Z that can compete with John Cooper Works Mini models and the new Ford Fiesta ST, but the 3-door hybrid has been such a slow seller for Honda in the US that it might not field a 2nd generation here, no matter how improved it might be. Let us know what you think of an amped-up CR-Z in the comments. Is it a good idea, or is this 1 Honda model that's just too far gone?

 

[TSX69]

11/5