I don’t normally get excited about hybrids. They’re pretty humdrum if you ask me, and I was into performance vehicles way before I was into alternative fuels. The Prius is boring, the Fusion is just a Fusion, and the Insight and downright ugly.
But Honda seems to have been listening, having announced that the aggressively styled CR-Z concept hatch will make it into production as a 2011 model for Japan and America. This is a hybrid car I could actually see myself driving.
What you see here is a not-quite-production model of the two-seat CR-Z hybrid. If differs from the 2007 CR-Z concept in that is loses the unrealistic glass-and-plastic rear hatch and tiny backseats. The CR-Z (which stands for Compact Renaissance Zero, implying more than one perhaps?) is based on the old CRX from the late ’80s, a car that was both sporty and fuel efficient.
What really helps the CR-Z stand out from other hybrid competition will be the offering of a six-speed manual transmission gearbox. So far as I know, no other hybrid on the market offers a manual transmission (due perhaps to the complicated nature of their drive trains). A six-speed transmission and hybrid drivetrain will net great fuel economy numbers, perhaps even outdoing the Prius though nothing official has been announced. You can read about Gas 2.0′s exclusive interview with Honda Chief Engineer Mr. Yamamoto regarding the CR-Z earlier this year.
Honda is waiting for a full unveil until the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Perhaps they’ll even include a sporty “torque dump” mode for the electric drive train for an extra shot of go-fast off the line? That might be wishful thinking, but still…
Source: Honda
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About Christopher DeMorro
Christopher, I agree with you 100%. This is a sweet looking car. I really like the aggressive styling. Far exceeds the look of the Prius. The only other hybrid that I really like, styling-wise, is the Aptera, but I’m getting tired of waiting for it. I did like the Focus hybrid and thought that I might end up in one of those, but this has changed my mind.
Christopher, I agree with you 100%. This is a sweet looking car. I really like the aggressive styling. Far exceeds the look of the Prius. The only other hybrid that I really like, styling-wise, is the Aptera, but I’m getting tired of waiting for it. I did like the Focus hybrid and thought that I might end up in one of those, but this has changed my mind.
I cannot wait for this car!! I have a 2006 Insight and have waited a long time for Honda to bring out the next generation. As many Insight owners know, they will do 120 mph in 3rd gear. The Gen 2 Insight will not and does not have the sports car feel of the Gen 1 Insight nor of the CRX. With the same basic platform but the 1.8 liter and IMA, this car should scream!! That mustang that passed me last week on the way to the office needs to be taken down a notch and this is the car to do it! Thanks, Honda!! – but I will rebadge it with an Insight decal as soon as I get it.
I cannot wait for this car!! I have a 2006 Insight and have waited a long time for Honda to bring out the next generation. As many Insight owners know, they will do 120 mph in 3rd gear. The Gen 2 Insight will not and does not have the sports car feel of the Gen 1 Insight nor of the CRX. With the same basic platform but the 1.8 liter and IMA, this car should scream!! That mustang that passed me last week on the way to the office needs to be taken down a notch and this is the car to do it! Thanks, Honda!! – but I will rebadge it with an Insight decal as soon as I get it.
This is by far the most exciting Honda since the NSX, and I can’t wait to park one next to me Honda bikes. Great find!
This is by far the most exciting Honda since the NSX, and I can’t wait to park one next to me Honda bikes. Great find!
I haven’t been excited about an upcoming Honda vehicle for a long time. I just hope that Honda will change the idea of just releasing a 2 seater for the North American CR-Z.
There is a poll and some discussions about Honda’s decision here:
http://www.crz-craze.com/forum/index.php?topic=142.0
Hope to see some of you who are interested in the CR-Z over there with your opinions on a 2 seater.
I haven’t been excited about an upcoming Honda vehicle for a long time. I just hope that Honda will change the idea of just releasing a 2 seater for the North American CR-Z.
There is a poll and some discussions about Honda’s decision here:
http://www.crz-craze.com/forum/index.php?topic=142.0
Hope to see some of you who are interested in the CR-Z over there with your opinions on a 2 seater.
Me, too – I cannot wait for this car! It is exactly what I’ve been looking for to replace my 1991 CRX.
Me, too – I cannot wait for this car! It is exactly what I’ve been looking for to replace my 1991 CRX.
After seeing the concept photos from the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, I placed my order in January 2008. Only a year to go…I can hardly wait.
After seeing the concept photos from the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, I placed my order in January 2008. Only a year to go…I can hardly wait.
six-speed manual transmission gearbox I love manuals and the electric motor will add a interesting shifting experience
six-speed manual transmission gearbox I love manuals and the electric motor will add a interesting shifting experience
@ Don,
where did you place that order!?
@ Don,
where did you place that order!?