Honda CR-Z Version 2.0: Advanced Sensual Bullet
Honda is showing a new, near-production version of its forthcoming CR-Z hybrid sports coupe at the Tokyo Auto Show. According to this video, Honda is calling its design language “Advanced Sensual Bullet.” You feeling it? If not, research is already underway on modifications to make the neo-CRX look more like the ur-CRX. And styling aside, the contrast between the CR-Z (1.5-liter I-4 with IMA mild hybrid, FWD and a six-speed manual) and the Toyobaru FT-86 (2.0 boxer four, RWD and a six-speed manual) should make for some interesting road tests and endless internet debates. In 2011. Or perhaps even 2012. Still, these are encouraging signs for those of us who might have been tempted to declare the age of the entry-enthusiast car at an end.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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Nose/front overhang is a bit much, but otherwise, I'd consider one until I know more. The main problem of the CR-Z is the incompatibility of sporty and hybrid. Anyone that's driven a current Civic Hybrid or Insight knows that neither is remotely sporty, yet that's the rumored drivetrain for the production CR-Z. Making the CR-Z significantly lighter than other Honda hybrids could make it sportier, but using advanced materials would drive the cost well above an entry level price. I'm not sure what it costs to take one home today, but my 2006 Civic Si was $19,995, and it's both efficient (30 mpg highway) and fun to drive. My Fit is fairly fun to drive, and it always gets at least 35 mpg, with a high of 47.5 mpg (highway) a few weeks ago. IMO, Honda either needs to step up to Prius level fuel economy or get out of the hybrid game. Honda's non-hybrid drivetrains cost much less, and for the average driver, offer nearly the economy of their hybrids. Honda has all of the parts to make very sporty, efficient, relatively inexpensive, two & four seat coupes, without resorting to a hybrid drivetrain. Why they don't is a mystery. K20a Insight K20a Fit
Cadillac has "art and science" BMW has "Bangle butt" Honda has "fast and furious" Honda really needs to fire the "fast and furious" designers - pronto. -ted
Well, Honda has a few different groups. You got your Power Plenum Group You got your Fast and Furious Group and then You got your Crosstour Group I'd keep the F&Fers and send the rest back to GM.
Honda has a great looking hybrid on their hands. And they are picking up a huge market that is being missed....a sporty hybrid car. I'm convinced the young generation wants to jump on the hybrid movement, but there is no 'sporty cars'. Once again the price point is the big factor, could make or break the CRZ. Have an interesting thread over at CRZForum.com about pricing for the CRZ, seems like most users think its gonna be around $25,000, check it out if interested here Nonetheless in less than 2 weeks we should finally know a firm release date and firm pricing from Honda. I myself can hardly wait, bring on Tokyo!