Honda CR-Z Hybrid R Concept, as displayed at SEMA. Image: Honda Motors America
It’s probably no secret that Honda Motors America didn’t buy into the “hybrid sports car” concept of the CR-Z. Give the enormous shoes the car had to fill, HMA predicted early on that the car would be a sales flop. Even in California, land of the Prius, sales of the two seat pseudo-sport coupe have been underwhelming. What the car really needs is an infusion of horsepower, some weight reduction and a switch to conventional (not regenerative) brakes. Honda’s working on just such an animal, but now comes rumor that Honda will fast-track the gas-only turbo CR-Z into production. If the “unnamed sources” are correct, the worthy successor to the CRX Si could hit dealer showrooms as early as next spring.
Two versions of the gas-only CR-Z will be manufactured; the base model will use a turbocharged 1.6 liter four to make 160 horsepower, while the tuned version (Si, presumably) will get 200 horsepower from the same displacement. That’s quite an improvement over the current CR-Z’s 112 horsepower, or 126 horsepower if you include the electric motor. Losing that motor, as well as the batteries and controller, should shave a few hundred pounds from the front of the car. Lighter weight, improved balance and more horsepower are exactly what the CR-Z needs to compete in the market, and I think the revised car has the potential of being a badly-needed home run for Honda. I can’t wait to drive one.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
