The Honda CR-Z, a two-passenger, gasoline-electric hybrid car with a sporty bent, goes on sale this fall (third quarter 2010) in U.S.
The CR-Z is not a sports car and will not replace the Honda S2000 that was discontinued in 2009. Rather, it's the descendant-apparent to Honda's CRX of 20 years ago.
CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero, among the more believable interpretations) is based loosely on an existing Honda small-car platform. Relative to the subcompact Honda Fit, the CR-Z is shorter and five inches lower but wider, lending a hint of low and wide that characterizes sports cars.
A four-cylinder gasoline engine, probably an advanced 1.5-liter tuned to 115-120 hp, and a small electric motor (approximately 13 hp/55 lb-ft) will use the integrated motor assist (IMA) architecture of other Honda hybrids, sandwiching the electric motor between the gas engine and the transmission. The CR-Z is the first hybrid to use a six-speed manual gearbox, though Honda has experience with manual hybrids in the previous Civic and knows how to build a good shifter.
CR-Z's mission is to make a fun-to-drive, economical, clean car with modern conveniences and safety equipment requirements. That's a tall order, but Honda's Insight hybrid will rotate in a corner if you push it. The original Honda CRX, the Mazda Miata and VW GTI have shown one doesn't need huge power and speed to make a car that's thoroughly enjoyable to drive.
An inverted gull wing lower front spoiler and angular light housings fit right into Honda family styling cues, giving a clean leading edge to a stocky wedge, and triangular rear side windows and wraparound taillights make the rear pillar the shape of a boat's radar arch. As on the Honda Insight the rear window is split between the fastback on top and a vertical panel above the rear bumper.
Expect an instrument panel with central tachometer and inset digital speedometer framed by graphics for engine info, warning lights and economy data. Most controls will be on stubby pods on the sides of that panel or the multifunction steering wheel, for an uncluttered dash. Despite the diminutive fastback styling, Honda's clever packaging should allow enough cargo space to hold some overnight bags, if not the ubiquitous two sets of golf clubs.
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