2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Sports Coupe

2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid sports coupe Review

"CR-Z hybrid sports is a personal cut for those with an adventurous spirit and a sense of responsibility towards the environment," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "He Hybrid is the first designed to maximize style and pleasure, in addition to efficiency and economy. "
 

Set to go on sale in late summer in the U.S., the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine, Honda's compact and lightweight engine integrated Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric. Two passengers CR-Z features a new three-mode system, which allows the driver to choose sport, ECON (Economics), and normal driving mode.

The exterior feature "movement" wedge-shaped stems from its low-cap position to form a wide front. A side profile of a waistline gives inserted a very dynamic tension and the short wheelbase and large, wide grille accents athletic presence of the car.
 

The interior has a futuristic look high-tech and ergonomically intuitive control. Meter panel illuminated by a three-dimensional, vibrant blue color theme results in a multi-layered appearance. Set against a textured pattern materials in black and aluminum-style trim at the top of the dashboard extends from the pilot to give flight control environment wrap-around. The passenger area has an open and comfortable. Premium cloth seats based sports are designed to provide excellent lateral support with everyday driving comfort. Console midship behind the front seats to optimize cargo space. A separator of hard-shell can be attached to create additional hidden storage.

Two trim levels include a well-equipped with the CR-Z and a wide range of CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual is standard, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available. Standard on the CR-Z is the Vehicle Stability Assist, AM / FM / CD / USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, electric windows, central locking, remote entry, cruise control and more. CR-Z EX increases, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights Auto-On/Off, fog lights, 360-watt AM / FM / CD Premium audio system with seven speakers including a subwoofer Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and more others. Honda CR-Z EX is available with satellite navigation with voice recognition System1.

CR-Z is the sixth single version of the original Honda IMA technology since its introduction in 2000 of the Insight, the first hybrid car in North America in December 1999. The base powertrain for hybrid CR-Z is a 4-cylinder 16-valve, single overhead cam engine with "intelligent" variable valve timing and lift electronic control (i-VTEC), which receives from additional supply of electricity by the IMA system brushless DC motor. I-VTEC system controls the opening and closing an intake valve per cylinder to improve combustion at low rpm. On 10 kilowatt electric motor provides acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture the kinetic energy that recharges the battery 100 volt nickel-metal hydride IMA. The gasoline engine is automatically shut off during stops of vehicles to improve efficiency.
 

The system produces a combined maximum power is 122 hp at 6000 rpm and 128 lb-ft. 1000 1500-rpm torque (123 Nm is a CVT-equipped models). Preliminary fuel-economy ratings should be reached Class 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon is a CVT-equipped models. Manual transmission models are expected to get an EPA estimated fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon can city/37 highway. CR-Z is classified as Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) states that meet the California Air Resource Board (CARB) standards of Zev (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 for all states).

The standard six-speed manual is designed for optimum performance in acceleration in one to five and the best fuel economy in the sixth. When starting on steep slopes to a stop, Hill Start Assist prevents the vehicle back up temporarily during the time between releasing the brake, releasing the accelerator and drop the clutch (for a period of approximately 1.5 seconds). Available CVT offers the opportunity of an automatic transmission with a smooth transition between the minimum and maximum, keeping the engine speed range for optimum overall efficiency. To increase the yield potential of CVT shifters on the steering wheel allow the driver manually to simulate the pattern timeout. In Sport mode, the paddles will conduct and maintain a relationship selected.

CR-Z three-way drive system allows the driver to choose between different forms of performance in sport, normal and economical driving style. The system is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel.

The sport mode improves system performance for several vehicles, including the responsiveness of the engine gas, electric power steering effort and the electric motor assistance. The inner ring of the speedometer lights red when the vehicle is in Sport mode.

During operation in Eco mode, the engine is tuned for optimal response to the economy, assisted by an electric motor and a given fuel efficiency air conditioning system can reduce the overall load on the engine. The inside ring tachometer transitions between blue and green, while the vehicle is in Eco mode, where the green is the most eco-driving.

The normal mode provides standard parameters to the response of the steering motor, motor assist and air conditioning. As in the ECON mode, transitions between the tachometer ring blue and green when the vehicle is in normal mode, the green is greener driving. Like the Honda Insight, the CR-Z offers a guide and role Eco Eco score to help the driver keep track of the styles of effective leadership.

MacPherson front suspension and rear leg H-shaped suspension settings torsion bar are set to give an athlete, the driving experience strong and vibrant. All models have alloy wheels with 16x6-inch 195/55 R16 86V tires. Alloy wheels with 205/45R17 tires with 17x7 Accessories 84V are available. The standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated discs front and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height and location of the battery components and other hybrids in the rear cargo area further contributing to a low center of gravity, which is the key to the new CR-Z is receptive, held road sport. Power-assisted rack and pinion steering improves handling and improves efficiency.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, the CR-Z demonstrates its commitment to safety in the design and construction. Advanced Compatibility Engineering ™ (ACE ™) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal impact. Security technologies are also available as standard two-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front side airbags as standard front passenger sensing system, the position of the occupants (OPDS); half-curtain airbags, active head restraints, ABS, Tire Pressure Monitoring system, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the vehicle in front.

Price $ 19.345