Report: More details on Honda's hotter CR-Z come to the fore
 

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda

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To hear Autocar tell it, Honda has confirmed that it's working on a faster version of its disappointing CR-Z hybrid. Having suffered the slings and arrows of enthusiast who thought they were getting another CRX, Honda has said they will have a quicker version of the car out when the next-generation IMA hybrid system arrives.

They're keeping mum about what engine the augmented CR-Z will rock, but speculation is that the new model will put down about 160 hp between its gas and electric powerplants. Honda R&D chief Tomohiko Kawanabe says the company is leaning away from a turbo engine because a naturally aspirated set up will work better with the hybrid drive.

Kawanabe also indicates Honda won't let the power increase take away from the current car's fuel efficiency and C02 production numbers, so expect most of the new power to come from an improved electric motor.

The as-yet unnamed sportier CR-Z is still at least a year away, which makes sense, as the new hybrid system isn't expected on our shores until 2012, when it's due in the new Civic. Watch for updates as details emerge.



Images copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: Autocar]Report: More details on Honda's hotter CR-Z come to the fore originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Honda I am disappoint, I don't know why they are sticking with the hybrid-only system. Put a decked out K24 in there with power and call it the CR-Z SI. Sure it will cannibalize SI sales but at least it will make a name for itself and beef up a lackluster lineup.

10 years ago honda had too many sport-sided two doors esp when the S2k came out... Integra, S2k, CL, Accord, Prelude, civic SI coupe

Now they leave us with two, the accord and the civic. The accord being too husky for most to even consider sporty and the civic leaving us without a more powerful integra-esqe alternative. Honda, it's time to bite the bullet and start making coupes again.