Widebody, mid-engine Honda CR-Z coming to SuperGT?

The GT Channel crew have snagged a handful of shots of a widebody Honda CR-Z being built for an unknown venue, and while it could just be an elaborate show car for this January's Tokyo Auto Salon, it's possible Honda is prepping the CR-Z for a run in Japan's SuperGT touring car series.

With one of the Honda HSV-010 teams holding down second place in the GT500 class this season, HoMoCo could be looking to capitalize off its success – and the popularity of the hybrid hatch in Japan – by fielding a CR-Z is the GT300 class. The engine and chassis restrictions are less rigid compared to the top-tier SuperGT racers, so the mid-mounted V6 (or V8?) shown in the gallery below is a-okay with JAF (the regulating body behind SuperGT) – even with a set of turbos.

If the build is taking place now (check the carbon fiber doors coming out of the autoclave), Honda or one of its racing affiliates is likely to start testing the CR-Z racer this fall before the new season kicks off in March of 2011.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/26/widebody-mid-engine-honda-cr-z-coming-to-supergt/

2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid is a sporty eco-activist

I've spoken to a few Honda people that have driven the CR-Z already and they were pleasantly surprised....
The CRZ has a far more aggressive stance than other gas-electrics on the market and shows off its road-hugging ability. (Don Kelsen, Los Angeles Times / June 28, 2010)

Cars typically force drivers to make a choice: sporty but piggish on fuel or efficient and underwhelming.

With its 2011 CR-Z, Honda Motor Co. is playing with a new concept. It's called responsible indulgence, and Honda's debuting the idea with a two-seat "sporty hybrid coupe" that's got some spunk but doesn't force drivers to check their environmental consciences at the door. Starting at $19,200, the CR-Z offers conservationist virtues and Kardashian curves on a Kmart budget.

The latest gas-electric powertrain from Honda is slightly larger than the one used in its slow-selling Insight hybrid. The CR-Z has 0.2 liters of additional displacement and twice as many valves on its inline four cylinders. As a result, its 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and 10-kilowatt brushless electric motor are slightly less fuel efficient, rating 39 miles per gallon on the highway for the automatic and 37 mpg for the one I tested — a six-speed manual transmission, a first for a hybrid car.

Fuel economy varies, of course, depending on how a car is driven. In that arena the CR-Z provides options that go beyond the usual accelerator and brake-pedal inputs. The 3-mode drive system switches the balance of performance and fuel economy, letting drivers choose between the bridled torque of "econ," just-the-facts-ma'am "normal" and "sport," which is quite frisky for such a small engine.

Taking it on serpentine stretches of the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway (a.k.a. the 110 freeway near Pasadena), I was impressed with the CR-Z's handling in sport mode, and how well this little hybrid hugged the road.

The CR-Z never lets the driver forget its environmental mission. Each drive mode rings the tachometer in a different hue of neon light, kind of like a mood ring: green for economy, blue for normal and red for sport. When an up- or down-shift would help the car achieve better fuel economy, a light on the 3-D dash display in the manual version let me know. And if I didn't get the message while I was flooring it, the car's Eco Assist feature pointed it out in no uncertain terms. It actually assigned me an "eco" score that was presented with a botanical-themed graphic, rather than numbers. The more efficient my driving, the more "leaves" that appeared on the dashboard.

How'd I do? Uh, time to up my contribution to Carbonfund.org.

The CR-Z is primarily designed to appeal to the young and single — or anyone, really, who wants to roll lean and green. Part of what enabled Honda to keep the cost under $20,000 is the car's Integrated Motor Assist, a system that mounts the ultra-thin electric motor between the transmission and gasoline engine and metes the flow of electricity to and from the motor.

Design-wise, the CR-Z is quite the looker. Its teardrop body shape makes it clear the car is a hybrid, but it has a far more aggressive stance than the upstanding-citizen look of other gas-electrics on the market. Although the CR-Z looks similar to the Insight and other products in the Honda portfolio, it's related in the same way Khloe, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian look like sisters — only the CR-Z has the pedigree and the personality and the curvaceous, come-hither bod all rolled in to one.

Like the sport cars that provided its inspiration, the bonnet and, more importantly, the engine and motor beneath it are both situated low for a more sporty performance. The double spoiler is in the front to provide better aerodynamics. Overall, the CR-Z's profile is lean and low slung, and its seat will make drivers feel like trolls.

The driver's seat can be moved upward. It just has to be pumped by hand, and pumping it too much nearly cranked my cranium into the roof. Luckily, we're not living in the 1980s, because big hair would be squished.

There's no way to seat anyone in the back. Although the Japanese and European versions of the CR-Z have a rear seat, the American CR-Z is a two-seat coupe. At least it has a rear storage area. With the push of a button, the rear cargo "console," as Honda calls it, can be flattened, providing 25.1 cubic feet of space for the loads of dirty laundry single guys tend to haul home to their mothers, or a couple of pony kegs of beer, which will be unloaded at their apartment.

Although it has two seats, the CR-Z seems designed for solo driving. That's evident from the curvature of the car's controls, which are angled in toward the driver, almost cup-like. The shape not only beckoned me to become one with the CR-Z, but improved the ergonomics, making it easy to operate the 360-watt stereo and satellite-linked, voice-activated navigation system of the EX version I tested.

For such a low price, I was relieved Honda didn't cheap out the interior. The seats aren't leather, but the textiles and other touch points were soft, the color scheme a pleasing metallic and black.

My EX came with a manual transmission, but the automatic would have been my preference because manuals are a pain in L.A. traffic and the automatic's outfitted with paddle shifters. More fun. Less work.

Both versions offer far less fuel economy than the Toyota Prius, which has the best of any car currently on the market — 51 mpg city and 48 highway. That lands the CR-Z in the mpg and price realm of sporty mini- and sub-compacts like the BMW Mini and Honda Fit, market segments that are also gaining momentum and are likely to be competition for the CR-Z.

Overall, I wish the CR-Z felt a bit torquier and sportier, and that the fuel economy was more Prius-like, but the design and concept are both spectacular. I look forward to the CR-Z, generation two.

Source;
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-car-review-20100729-56,0,2236112.story

No big hurry on introduction of next Honda Civic

Honda is laying out its schedule for new model introductions, and don't look for it be in a big hurry to liven up the market with a new version of its popular Civic compact.

The Civic was already delayed a year, now due to show up in 2011, but the decision was not a "kneejerk" response to the sluggish economy. Rather, writes Honda PR guy Kurt Antonius, it was more about wanting to take a little more time with the new model. Word of the decision surfaced last October. What's the big hurry, he reasons, when the current model is selling well enough?

"The reality is that it is the success of the current model that enabled us to consider changing the launch timing of the upcoming model," Antonius writes in a posting on Honda's U.S. media website. "The current Civic continues to offer customers a very competitive combination of style, fuel economy, safety and value - and Civic's current sales numbers support the point."

So, while we all tap our toes, Honda is offering:

-A stylish, new 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan debuts this fall with a V-6 engine that offers higher fuel economy than a four-cylinder engine.

-Accord will be a revised 2011 model in August, with up to 3 miles per gallon in higher fuel economy.

-CR-Z, the sport hybrid, shows up next month for less than $20,000.

Source;
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/07/no-big-hurry-on-introduction-of-next-honda-civic/1

First Look: Honda's CR-Z Hybrid Is a Blast to Drive. No Really

Hybrids are many things. Efficient, yes. Practical? Sure. Attractive? Hmm, well, maybe. Sporty? You're kidding, right? No one in their right mind would call hybrids sporty.

Until now.

Honda delivers much-needed excitement to eco-friendly driving with the CR-Z, an attractive, affordable hybrid that's a genuine hoot to drive. It isn't, contrary to the buzz, the second coming of the venerable CRX and you aren't going to see it tearing up any tracks, but the CR-Z is, dare we say it, sporty.

The thing is, the CR-Z doesn't feel like a hybrid. There's no lag when the 10-kilowatt electric motor hands off to the 1.5-liter engine. The responsive antilock brakes lack the mushiness found in other hybrids, and the continuously variable transmission is smooth.

There's a paddle-shifting slushbox available if you want to row through the gears, but the six-speed manual — a first in a hybrid — is the way to go. It's much more fun. Trust us on this.
We spent several hours exploring some of our favorite back roads north of San Francisco, and the CR-Z showed its athletic side with nimble handling and reasonably brisk acceleration. The chassis is tight, the suspension is firm and there's a hint of understeer. The car feels a bit heavy — the six-speed model weighs 2,630 pounds — but most of the bulk is down low, and the CR-Z is fairly easy to toss around.

You've got a choice of three driving modes to suit your style. Sport — where we spent most of our time — gooses the output of the electric motor, optimizes throttle response and gives the electric power-steering a tighter feel. Econ shifts the equation toward maximum fuel efficiency. Normal splits the difference.

The gasoline engine does most of the work regardless of the mode. The small (5.7 ampere-hour) nickel–metal hydride battery and 10-kilowatt electric motor are there to boost acceleration and ease the load on the engine when cruising. The gas-electric combo gives you 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque.

Set the car in normal mode and it'll get 35 mpg in the city and 39 on the highway (37 combined) with the automatic tranny. Chose the six-speed and you'll see 31 city, 37 highway, 34 combined. Yeah, you might expect a hybrid to do better, but the CR-Z skews ever so slightly toward performance end of the spectrum over efficiency. Still, Honda says it's among the top-five fuel misers in America (based on combined fuel economy figures of 2010 models).

Around town, the CR-Z trudged through an afternoon commute without complaint. The cabin is relatively spacious and nicely appointed. Our car had the optional seven-speaker, 360-watt audio system and the optional navi (with 6.5-inch screen). Both were easy to use and performed reasonably well.

The seats are supportive, and there's plenty of leg and headroom for all but the tallest people. You've got up to 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, and a huge hatchback makes it easy to use it all.

When Honda unveiled the production version of the CR-Z at the Detroit auto show earlier this year, it all but called it CRX 2.0. It has toned down the comparisons, but the Z bears a strong resemblance to the X. It's wide and low, and at 160.5 inches long and 54.9 inches tall about the size of the Honda Fit. Honda claims it's more aerodynamic than the Toyota Prius.

The car is not without its flaws. The instrument cluster, though comprehensive and easy to read, is laughably futuristic. "Aluminum-style" interior trim always looks cheap. The shifter feels limp — a mortal sin in a car with sporting pretensions. And the rear quarter windows are useless, with blindspots about the size of an SUV.

But those are minor quibbles in a car that'll run less than $20,000 or so when it goes on sale Aug. 24. Choose all the options that came with our test model, and Honda says you'll pay less than $24,000. (Honda hasn't finalized pricing.)

As nice as the CR-Z is, those who truly enjoy driving will want a bit more power and handling prowess. Honda has "nothing official" to say about whether we'll see a sportier Si version, but the tuner crowd already is developing parts. If the CR-Z isn't the second coming of the CRX, it might soon be.

Until then, Honda has done something remarkable. It's made an affordable hybrid that's actually fun to drive, even sporty.

Source;
http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_honda_crz?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29

THE HONDA CR-Z SPORTY HYBRID COUPE

Pure eye candy....this car is looking better and better the more I see it....
THE HONDA CR-Z SPORTY HYBRID COUPE

The Honda CR-Z is a unique new car, combining the advantages of a clean, efficient petrol electric hybrid powertrain with a 6-speed manual transmission and a stylish coupe body.

This exciting new coupe will change current perceptions of hybrids, with its driver-focussed, chassis and responsive 1.5-litre engine.

-All-new, sporty, aerodynamic, 2+2 coupe form
-Wide track, short wheelbase chassis for agile and responsive handling
-Unique 3-Mode Drive System to tailor steering, throttle response and IMA assistance to the driver's needs
-1.5-litre i-VTEC engine coupled to the Honda IMA parallel hybrid system with CO2 emissions of 117 g/km and 5.0 l/100km fuel economy in combined mode
-World's first 6-speed manual transmission combined with a hybrid drive train
-Driver focussed cockpit design with 3D gauges
-European market cars to be equipped with flexible 2+2 seating arrangement

INTRODUCTION

The CR-Z‘s exterior styling is formed around a "one-motion wedge" concept with a low bonnet line and wide stance giving the car a confident, athletic look. Signature Honda design features, such as the split level rear glass hatch and aerodynamic, shallow raked roofline have been referenced in the design of the sleek coupe and then combined with a curvaceous and deeply sculpted exterior form.

The overall power output of the engine and IMA system is 124 PS and a healthy 174 Nm of torque. The peak torque figure is identical to that of the 1.8-litre Civic and arrives at just 1500 rpm, a level where previously only turbocharged engines deliver their maximum. Even with torque levels directly comparable with a Civic, the CR-Z emits 35 g/km** less CO2 than its conventionally powered cousin. Other harmful exhaust emissions are also very low and the Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack can be recycled through Honda dealers, at the end of the vehicle's life.

For the first time, a fuel efficient, low emission parallel hybrid system is combined with an ultra precise 6-speed manual gearbox. The manual gearbox is a core part of the driver engagement Honda's engineers wanted to bring to the CR-Z model. The flexibility of Honda's unique IMA parallel hybrid system allows it to be used with a range of transmissions, not just CVT-based gearboxes.

The manual transmission is complemented by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine, which is new to Europe and is a key component in the CR-Z's unique character. This powerful, yet efficient engine is based on the engine fitted to some non-European versions of the Jazz. The eager to rev nature of the medium capacity engine, is enhanced by the additional 78 Nm of torque provided by the 14 PS electric motor, which is situated between the engine and clutch. The electric motor boosts torque at low and medium revs, which gives the CR-Z in-gear flexibility more usually associated with turbocharged engines.

To maximise driver choice and enhance the day to day driveability of the car, the CR-Z is fitted with a 3-Mode Drive System. This unique feature allows the driver to choose between three driving modes, which alter the responses of the throttle, steering, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system. In developing this new facility, Honda allows the driver to adapt the car's settings to enjoy their favourite road, maximise economy, or strike a balance between the two.

Sport buttons have become commonplace, usually offering a sharper throttle response, but Honda's 3-Mode Drive System is different. The new system alters the behaviour of the hybrid drivetrain and the power steering assistance as well as the throttle mapping between the three modes.

When the CR-Z driver is away from the town or city and wanting to enjoy the open road, they can put the car into SPORT mode. This sharpens the throttle response, changes the behaviour of the IMA hybrid system to provide more electric motor assistance and increases the weight of the electric power steering.

Honda recognises that even the most enthusiastic driver may regularly experience heavy traffic, where maximising fuel economy is more desirable than the perfect line through a corner. In these situations ECON mode can be selected, which prioritises fuel economy in the operation of the drive-by-wire throttle, ECU, air conditioning and the hybrid system. For those times when spirited driving is not possible or desirable, the Eco Assist function, in conjunction with the ECON mode, allows the driver to enjoy beating their best economy score on the way to work, or in heavy traffic.

At all times the car can be run in NORMAL mode, which provides a balance between performance, economy and emissions and suits most driving situations. The ambient lighting of the speedometer is used in the same way as in the Insight to guide the driver in driving more economically and ecologically. In addition to the Eco Assist function, the CR-Z's meter lighting is linked to the 3-mode drive system. In NORMAL mode and ECON mode the speedometer is illuminated blue, glowing green when driven economically. In ECON mode it has a green eco flower lit in the mode indicator. When the speedometer is illuminated in a red ambient light, this indicates the CR-Z is in SPORT mode.

Careful consideration was given to exhaust design to ensure that as well as being efficient, the CR-Z is a car that encourages the enthusiastic driver and sounds quite unlike any previous compact hybrid. Other components including engine mounts and sound deadening were tuned to ensure that the sporting elements of the exhaust were heard by the driver, but less desirable noises often associated with sports exhausts were attenuated. The exterior design of CR-Z deliberately evokes the iconic style of the 1980s CR-X, which was originally developed to provide a small, stylish car that could achieve spectacular economy. Signature features of the CR-X, like the split level rear glass hatch and low shallow raked roofline have been referenced in the design of the sleek coupe and then combined with a curvaceous and deeply sculpted exterior form.

The shallow raked roofline and sharply truncated tail of the CR-Z is a feature shared with many Hondas past and present, including the CR-X, 1999 Insight and the FCX Clarity. All of these cars have been designed to cut through the air with minimal disturbance, reducing drag to lower fuel consumption and emissions. The CR-Zs headlights are accented with LED day time running lights, which are positioned in the lower section of the front lights. This is the first time LED running lights have been applied to the front of any production Honda car and help to emphasise the wide sporting stance of the new hybrid coupe.

The interior of the production car has been influenced by the cabin of the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show CR-Z Concept, especially the 3D speedometer and driver focussed cabin. The high-technology instrument binnacle places all of the commonly used controls close to the driver's hands, allowing full concentration on driving at all times.

For the rest of the article, follow the link;
http://www.hondanews.eu/en/news/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,1461-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode

Production Version of 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Makes Official Debut

01/11/2010 - DETROIT -
The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe, making its U.S. production debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, introduces sleek styling and sporty handling to the hybrid segment, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

"The CR-Z is a personal sport hybrid coupe for people with a spirit of adventure and an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "It's the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy."

Set to go on sale late summer in the U.S., the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda's compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes.

The exterior's distinctive "one-motion" wedge form originates from its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance. A side profile with a deeply inset beltline conveys a dynamic tension, while the short wheelbase and large, wide front grille accents the vehicle's athletic presence.

The futuristically styled interior offers a high-tech appearance and ergonomically intuitive controls. Instrument panel meters illuminate with a three-dimensional, vibrant blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. Set against a motif of textured black materials and aluminum-style trim accents, the upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wrap-around cockpit environment. The passenger zone offers an open, comfortable space. Premium sport-oriented cloth seats are designed to provide excellent lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space. A hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.

The two trim levels include the well-equipped CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. The CR-Z EX adds, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System1 with voice recognition.

The CR-Z represents the sixth unique version of Honda's original IMA technology since the launch of the 2000 Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available in North America in December 1999. The foundation of the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain is a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single overhead cam engine with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the IMA system's DC brushless electric motor. The i-VTEC system controls the opening and closing of one intake valve per cylinder to enhance combustion at low RPMs. The 10-kilowatt electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency.

The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower2 at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft. of torque2 at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 lb-ft on CVT-equipped models). Preliminary fuel economy estimates are anticipated to result in a rating of 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon3 on CVT-equipped models. Manual transmission models are anticipated to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 city/37 highway miles per gallon3. The CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

The standard six-speed manual transmission is engineered for optimal acceleration performance in gears one through five and for optimal fuel economy in sixth gear. When starting on steep inclines from a stop, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch (for a duration of approximately 1.5 seconds). The available CVT provides the convenience of an automatic transmission with a seamless transition between minimum and maximum ratios, while also keeping the engine within an optimal RPM range for overall efficiency. To increase the performance potential of the CVT, paddle shifters located on the steering wheel allow the driver to manually simulate the stepped holding pattern. In Sport mode, the paddle shifters will hold and maintain a selected ratio. The CR-Z's three-mode drive system allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles. The system is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel.

The Sport mode enhances multiple vehicle systems for performance including the engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist. The inner ring of the tachometer illuminates red when the vehicle is in Sport mode.

During Econ mode operation, the engine's responsiveness is tuned for optimal economy, the electric motor assist gives priority to fuel efficiency and the air conditioning system can reduce its overall load on the engine. The inner ring of the tachometer transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in Econ mode, with the green representing more ecological driving.

Normal mode provides standard settings for steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning. Similar to Econ mode, the tachometer ring transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in normal mode, with the green representing more ecological driving. Like the Honda Insight, the CR-Z offers an Eco Guide and Eco scoring feature to help drivers track progress of efficient driving styles.

The front MacPherson strut suspension and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension settings are tuned to provide a sporty, solid and dynamic driving experience. All models are equipped with 16x6-inch aluminum wheels with 195/55 R16 86V tires. Accessory 17x7 alloy wheels with 205/45R17 84V tires with are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area further contribute to a low center of gravity, which is key to the new CR-Z's responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves efficiency.

In addition to being environmentally responsible, the CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

Additional Honda media information is available at Hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

1 The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the CR-Z EX in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
2 Preliminary estimate provided by Honda. Final specification is subject to change.
3 Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1097/releases/5355

Honda's latest is sexy, green and an Internet hit

The 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe is one of the most eagerly anticipated new cars, so much so that a Japanese consumer brochure has been leaked and posted on the Internet, where it's drawn hundreds of thousands of hits.

The manufacturer seems out to prove that green cars can also be sexy in the looks department. The final design is much the same as the concept version revealed last year, with some minor changes not immediately evident in the brochure.

The brochure reveals that the CR-Z is powered by a gas-fuelled 1.5-litre i-VTEC internal combustion engine that produces 114 hp at 6,000 revs as well as 145Nm of torque at 4,800 revs. The engine operates with a 14-hp electric motor with an output 78Nm of torque, matched to a six-speed manual transmission.

The CR-Z is expected to go on sale in Japan by February 2010, shortly before its launch in other major world markets.

-Viridian Joule hardly rolls off the tongue but in an online contest by General Motors, it garnered more than 3,000 votes as the signature colour for the new Chevy Volt electric/ gas car set for launch next year.

It also won the man who came up with the paint name, David Thomas of Florida, the first opportunity to drive a pre-production version of the new family sedan.

"I looked at the photo of the Volt on the contest website and thought it looked emerald in color, which led to jewel and then to an alternate yet appropriate play on that word -joule [a unit of electrical energy]," said 40-year-old Thomas.

Chevrolet also selected "EVergreen," offered by Devin McQuarrie, 30, and "environMINT," entered by Matthew Valbuena, 30, both of California.

"When our Volt marketing materials arrive in dealerships, you'll see 'Viridian Joule'as the official name of the silver exterior with an emerald hue," said Maria Rohrer, Global Volt and Global Marketing Director at Chevrolet.

The Chevy Volt is an electric vehicle capable of driving up to 100 kms between fill-ups on electricity. When the Volt's lithium-ion battery is depleted, an engine/generator operates to extend the range to about 480 kilometres before refueling or recharging is necessary.

-Fiesta Movement agents and their Twitter friends gathered at the Palladium in West Hollywood to set a new Guinness World Record for the "most attendees at a tweetup"

A tweetup is any gathering of two or more people who know each other through Twitter, and this unprecedented event brought together Fiesta Movement agents and Twitter friends.

Ford's Fiesta Movement Awards Celebration provided attendees with a sneak peek of the North American Fiesta.

100 young folks are test driving and living with a European-spec Ford Fiesta for six months, travelling as agents on special missions. They then go on to relate their experiences through a variety of social media sites.

These agents -picked from online contestants across the U.S.-have travelled more than 2.25 million kilometres and generated more than 6 million YouTube views, nearly 740,000 Flickr views and more than 3.7 million Twitter impressions of the car.

"Time and again, our Fiesta Movement agents have shown how social media, adventurous spirit and unbridled enthusiasm can bring people together in new, exciting ways," said Connie Fontaine, Ford brand content and alliances manager. "Never before has a group of car owners created such a sustained buzz for a new car."

Source;
http://www.kelowna.com/2009/12/11/hondas-latest-is-sexy-green-and-an-internet-hit/

2011 Honda CR-Z Mugen

Here are some shot's of the Mugen CR-Z. This looks like it's going to be a really nice car. Enjoy!

Temple of Vtec; Leaked: Official Japanese Brochure for CR-Z!

We just received the following email from one of our followers in Japan. Contained within are a number of photos of the official CR-Z Brochure, which were posted on various Japanese websites.

From what we can see, here are some of the specs: Length: 4080 mm (160.6 in.) Width: 1740 mm (68.5 in.) Height: 1395 mm (54.9 in.) Wheelbase: 2435 mm (95.9 in.) Engine: 1.5L i-VTEC + IMA Transmission: 6MT or CVT Power (ICE): 114ps@6000RPM Torque (ICE): 145 NM (107 lb-ft)@4800RPM Power (IMA): 14ps@1500RPM Torque (IMA): 78 NM (57 lb-ft)@1000RPM 0-100km/hr (0-62mph): 9.7 sec

Also notice the emphasis of LED lighting - in addition to the typical wing mirror indicators, it appears that the CR-Z will feature LED running lamps in the headlight cluster (pic 4).

UPDATE: In the comments below aznstuart has pointed out that the chart in pic 8 seems to indicate that the CR-Z will be offered in two versions, alpha and beta, with the alpha version apparently being a non-hybrid. . Upon taking a second look at the chart, it appears that while there will be alpha and beta trim levels, all trim levels will feature the IMA system (thanks danielgr).

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=866814