2011 Honda CR-Z Unveiled at
2010 Detroit Auto Show
DETROIT — The long-awaited production version of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, already previewed inconcept form and widely disseminated on the Web, makes its official debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The new sport hybrid goes on sale in late summer in the U.S.
The target market for the car seems odd — what Honda refers to as "people with a spirit of adventure and an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment."
The two-passenger CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, mated to a version of the IMA hybrid-electric system from the Honda Insight and fitted with a new three-mode drive system. Buyers can choose from a standard six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable automatic (CVT) with paddle shifters and a sport mode. Peak output is 122 horsepower, and peak torque is 128 pound-feet (123 with the CVT).
Honda projects EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of 36/38 mpg with the CVT and 31/37 with the manual.
For the U.S. market, Honda will offer a base CR-Z and an uplevel CR-Z EX. Standard features include stability control, a CD player with USB connectivity, automatic climate control, power windows and locks, remote entry and cruise control. The EX version adds high-intensity-discharge headlamps, foglamps, a 360-watt premium audio system, a perforated-leather-wrapped steering wheel and a center console with armrest.
Honda is offering a satellite navigation system with voice recognition only on the CR-Z EX.
