CR-Z Update

[NH Dan]

Honda’s Sporty CR-Z Hybrid Gets More Power

Honda has updated the sporty CR-Z hybrid with a range of improvements focusing on style and performance. Subtle revisions to the exterior and interior enhance the styling of the car whilst the power of both the petrol engine and electric motor has been increased to 137 PS without comprising fuel economy or increasing exhaust emissions. The car also features a Lithium Ion battery for the first time and a Plus Sport (S+) boost system to help the driver make the best use of this sporty performance. The revised CR-Z will go on sale in January 2013.

The 2013 CR-Z can be identified by a range of styling upgrades that emphasise the coupe’s sporty appeal. Style conscious motorists will appreciate the CR-Z’s new front bumper design, which frames a revised grille. This is complemented at the rear by a new aerodynamic diffuser design, while striking 17inch alloy wheels fill the wheel arches of the GT model. Two bold new colours, Energetic Yellow and Aurora Violet, further enhance the CR-Z’s stylish looks. Honda has updated the hybrid’s interior with a new colour scheme, while revisions to the door casings improve cabin storage. The CR-Z’s 1.5-litre petrol engine has been updated with changes to the variable valve timing system and Engine Control Unit (ECU). An anti-vibration knock sensor has been introduced and the material of the crankshaft has been upgraded. The peak power output has been increased from 114 PS to 121 PS. The electric motor system has also been improved. The change from a Nickel-metal hybrid (Ni-MH) to a Lithium Ion battery has been accompanied by an increase in power from 14 PS (10 kW) to 20 PS (15 kW). Working in unison, the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system now delivers a combined output of 137 PS at 6600 rpm (+13 PS) and 190 Nm of torque (+16 Nm). The 0-62 mph sprint time falls from 9.7 sec to 9.0 sec and top speed is 124 mph. The combined consumption is 56.5 mpg and 116 g/km of CO2.

To help the driver make the best use of this sporty performance, Honda has introduced a Plus Sport (S+) boost system. If the battery is more than 50 per cent charged, the driver can activate this system using the S+ button on the steering wheel. When the accelerator is pressed the electric boost begins, delivering increased acceleration for up to ten seconds. A flashing gauge on the dashboard indicates when the system is active. S+ can be used in ECON, Normal or Sport modes. The revisions to the 2013 CR-Z enhance its sporty appeal without compromising its impressive fuel economy and low exhaust emissions.

[RickHondaR]

Good write up Dan, I will be honest I highly rated the 1st CRZ and it was lot quicker than people gave it credit for but will say this should have had Lithium batteries from the start and I am sure the 50% increase in motor power will be very noticeable as for how little power the motor gave before you did notice this. I will also say I like the Kers (S+) idea and hopefully we will see this type of technology on the next CTR

[ash_rage]

Sounds good.

Got any pictures of how it looks?

[NeoFlare]

hmm i like the sound of the s+ button, dan wanna swap my car for a new one with all my shiny parts transferred onto it?

[bananas_33]

this sounds good, would love to see the yellow

[Loxy]

0-60 of 9 seconds and 56.5 mpg.

A first step in the right direction I suppose, but still a bit of a walk to where it could/should be IMHO.

[NeoFlare]

Originally Posted by Loxy

0-60 of 9 seconds and 56.5 mpg.

A first step in the right direction I suppose, but still a bit of a walk to where it could/should be IMHO.

I agree 100%

But then again, for what its worth, its still a jazz, and I would still buy one..

[coste1l]

Is the 9 seconds done using the boost?

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

[RickHondaR]

Originally Posted by coste1l

Is the 9 seconds done using the boost?

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

it will be done in sport mode with full throttle which will in turn use maximum motor power so in effect yes

[Jeza]

Thats not to bad better than a prius and better looking

[Alsone]

Originally Posted by Loxy

0-60 of 9 seconds and 56.5 mpg.

A first step in the right direction I suppose, but still a bit of a walk to where it could/should be IMHO.

I have to agree.

56.5mpg combined is not impressive.

Neither is 0-60 in 9 secs.

Why don' they adopt Mugen's supercharged 200bhp version given its allegedly fractionally more economical?

That would then give the performance it needs with at least the same level of economy as currently.

Of course what's really needed is more electrical power to save those MPG's