The Honda CR-Z is a compact hybrid electric automobile manufactured by Honda and marketed as a "sport hybrid coupe." The CR-Z combines a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain with traditional sports car elements. The CR-Z is regarded as the spiritual successor to the second generation Honda CR-X in both name and exterior design.In the U.S., it is one of the least polluting vehicles available and is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) as defined by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CR-Z is the only gasoline-electric hybrid model offered by any automaker that can be equipped with a manual transmission.
CR-Z represents the sixth unique version of Honda's IMA technology since the technology was first launched in the first generation Insight 3 door hatchback. Sales of the CR-Z began in Japan in February 2010.Sales in the U.S. began in August 2010.
The design and production of the CR-Z followed two other Honda hybrid concept cars: the Honda Remix, introduced at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the Honda Small Hybrid Sports, introduced at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.The Honda CR-Z was first introduced as a concept vehicle on October 23, 2007 at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Honda explained the name "‘CR-Z’ stands for ‘Compact Renaissance Zero’— an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals." At the show, CEO Fukui stated that a production model is "in the works" and that the car was intended to be "sporty, incredibly efficient and inexpensive"
The CR-Z was first shown in America at the 2008 Detroit North American International Auto Show. In the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda displayed a revised "CR-Z Concept 2009". In January 2010, Honda introduced the production CR-Z at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.Automotive News reported in June 2010 that since its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the CR-Z Web site has had 1 million hits. Honda has been promoting the 2011 model from the Facebook game Car Town.
The project leader, Norio Tomobe, worked previously as chief engineer on Mobilio Spike and Elysion.The basic concept of CR-Z is said to create a fun-to-drive sports car driving characteristics Honda aspired from that of the Elise, as well as the Mini and Volkswagen Scirocco. In a video, Torikai, the chief chassis engineer of CR-Z, explained that during the development process “this car was brought to Europe at each prototype stage to be tested under various road conditions to evaluate whether the desired performance had been achieved.”
Norio Tomobe believes the hybrid element will make it a sports car without guilt.
Road and Track reports that the handling is good, with mild under-steer and firm suspension. One might say in spite of front wheel drive and (space saving) MacPherson strut front suspension, neither of which is typical of full-out sports cars
Two Honda Performance Development CR-Z Racers entered the 25-hour of Thunderhill endurance race held on December 4–5, 2010 at Willows, California. The car, first shown to the public at 2010 SEMA Show, is fully stripped down with lowered suspension. A turbo charger is bolted to the engine raising output to 175 hp (130 kW) and 155 lb·ft (210 N·m) of torque, furthermore, the Integrated Motor Assist setup is modified utilizing components from San Francisco's Mission Motors and a push-to-pass function is added, making a total of 200 hp (149 kW) and 175 lb·ft (237 N·m) of torque when the button is pressed. One of the two entrants battled from a near 10-lap deficit to finish second in the Endurance 3 class, after suffering early in the race from two five-minute "stop-and-hold" penalties caused by refueling problems. The other entrant scored pole position of the class but failed to finish the race. The Honda CR-Z was one of the most showcased cars during the SEMA show earlier in the year and one of the cars produced 533 hp (397 kW). This is what the hybrid engine could withstand in terms of power