When you consider that even Honda says the design of its game-changing CR-Z hybrid is “evocative of video games,” it makes perfect sense that the car is scheduled for a pre-production debut at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. After all, the event is one of the video-gaming industry’s most important trade shows, attracting thousands of people to see the latest in high-tech entertainment.
And that’s a pretty good description of the CR-Z. Honda’s newest hybrid showcases a futuristic wedge-shaped profile wrapped around a package that uses cutting-edge technology to deliver both a highly entertaining driving experience and some highly impressive fuel-efficiency numbers.
This is great news for Honda Dealers across the country such as this Honda Dealer near Glen Burnie.
It all starts with Honda’s latest hybrid powertrain, which combines an advanced 1.5-liter internal combustion engine with the sixth generation of the automaker’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. First introduced on the original Honda Insight hybrid in 2000, the IMA benefits from years’ of research and development to provide a very effective 122 hp and 128 lb.-ft. of torque. But what really sets the CR-Z apart from the crowd—especially from the growing crowd of “me too” hybrids—is a driver-oriented high-performance suspension featuring MacPherson struts up front and H-shaped torsion beams at the back. It’s a setup that allows Honda’s hybrid sports coupe to handle like, well, a sports coupe. Honda Washington says there are customers who are as interested in performance as they are fuel economy and don’t want to sacrifice either.
The fun-to-drive quotient can be upped even further by using the standard three-mode driving system. Selecting the “sport” mode automatically adjusts key CR-Z operating systems to provide quicker throttle response, improved steering feel and enhancements to the electric-motor assist. But that same driving system can also be set to “normal” or “econ” modes for better or optimum fuel efficiency, further proof the CR-Z brings the best of both worlds. Driver selectable modes are a popular feature, according to Radcliff Honda.
In fact, the CR-Z is capable of achieving 36 mpg city/38 mpg highway with a continuously variable transmission or 31 mpg city/37 mpg highway with a six-speed manual.
The CR-Z will be available at Honda dealerships across America later this summer.
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