Honda CR-Z Concept

By Leroy Brown on October 10th, 2007

The CR-X is on it’s way back - only this time, it’s crazy cool looking and called the CR-Z. Honda says that CR-Z stands for “Compact Renaissance Zero”, but there’s no question that the CR-Z is really the modern-day interpretation of the CR-X. I didn’t care for the CR-X personally - I thought it was ugly, and the fact that most CR-X’s on the road were equipped with double-decked sky high wings and Folger’s exhaust cans didn’t help. But no matter - the past is past.

The most likely candidate for a powertrain in the CR-Z is the current Civic Hybrid setup - a 1.3 liter 4 banger mated with Honda’s fantastic IMA hybrid-electric system. This setup is already extremely efficient in the Civic Hybrid - it should be significantly moreso in the CR-Z due to the smaller size and lighter weight.

This car has enormous potential - the great looks will attract buyers, as will the potentially amazing fuel economy ( think better than the Prius ). Performance should also be quite impressive, since Honda will be focusing on keeping the weight low. More details will be released in about two weeks - and I can’t wait.

honda-crz-3

Categories: Concepts, Honda

10 Responses to “ Honda CR-Z Concept”

NSX-R on Oct 10th, 2007 at 9:50 am

Aww man! There actually making a concept! SWEET! I’ve been waiting for this. I always wanted to get my hands on the old CR-X because, it’s small, light, and sporty. I hope they do come out with this one. They should share the same drivetrain of the euro 3door Civic Type-r HatchBack. That will be one lean mean machine.
Leroy Brown on Oct 11th, 2007 at 10:51 am

If Honda has the cajones to make this ( and keep it close to concept ), they’ll sell a TON. I wonder if it’s a straight 2 seater or 2+2?
NSX-R on Oct 11th, 2007 at 7:50 pm

Yah, they better have some gumps to do this, I mean the market is perfect for a car like this. VW, Mini cooper, Scion are prime examples, shoot they need to make this a top priority, especially with Mazda working on the Mazda 2. But it does look like it might be a 2+2 seater. That would be even better. Sporty, conveint, cheap, and fun to drive. This would be the best move honda has made, as you say if they follow through with it.
Mugen-R on Oct 28th, 2007 at 2:47 pm

wow this car looks cool and hopefully mugen will do a version (cant wait).it looks so much better than the uk civic. all they need is a type R version ,forget the hybrid stuff. i would deff buy one in type R flavour
NSX-R on Oct 30th, 2007 at 10:10 pm

Hmmm… How about a 2.2l diesel anyone?
CivicDriver on Nov 4th, 2007 at 9:13 am

No, I would definitly want one with a K20a engine or maybe with a RWD type of powerplant like the S2000 but a lot cheaper…

Anyway a K20a engine should work really fine, keeping in mind that the car is lighter than the civic… anyway 2009 will be the year of truth, and I can’t wait!!!
NSX-R on Nov 4th, 2007 at 10:22 am

I believe for a car like that it should stay FWD. It sounds like it’s going to be a hybrid, like the Honda insight. But it hasn’t been confirmed just yet if they are going to follow through with it.
fourdoordemon on Nov 8th, 2007 at 9:22 am

SOOO HHOOOOTTTT, it would be nice to get an exciting looking car from honda that doesn’t cost 30K, hopefully honda will offer it in hybrid and regular form.
Kevin S on Nov 14th, 2007 at 11:25 am

My predictions for future–FWD with possible LSD standard or at least optional a la Civic SI. 1.3-1.6ltr 4cylinder DOHC plus battery similar to Civic hybrid, ~120+hp and 200+ lb/ft. 60+mpg. Glass roof will go away and go metal. 19-22k usd, 2500lbs,fabric seats similar to Civic SI, 10 gallon gas tank, possible start/stop technology, 17-18 in wheels, two versions -one high MPG and one SI like. Thoughts?
Trackback: Honda will not build plug-in hybrid
Oct 24th, 2007 at 6:43 pm

[...] Honda’s CEO doesn’t believe that plug-in hybrids will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and isn’t interested building them. Instead of a plug-in hybrid, Honda is continuing to develop their fuel cell technology. In the meantime there are two traditional hybrid vehicles in the works -the global small hybrid as well as the CR-Z concept. [...]

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