Honda has releases the all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. These collection of cars show the different faces of the CR-Z and what could be possible with a little bit of imagination and careful planning.
The Mugen Honda CR-Z Hybrid features a custom body kit, a new grille, a rear wing spoiler and 17 inch aluminium alloys together with new floor mats, an aluminium shift knob and a billet aluminium oil-filler cap. Production for the Mugen Honda CR-Z Hybrid will be limited to 300 exemplars and in terms of performance no upgrades have been performed.
To amp up the CR-Z Racer, Honda engineers upgraded the IMA hybrid system and equipped the 1.5-liter petrol engine with a turbocharger. Thanks to these tweaks, output climbs to an estimated 200 hp (149 kW / 203 PS) and 175 lb-ft (237 Nm) of torque.
Set to star at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race in December, the HPD CR-Z Racer concept rocks both a turbocharger and upgraded IMA hybrid system that culminates in 150 kilowatts of power and 237Nm of torque. Of course muscle isn’t everything so HPD also grafted in a performance clutch; limited-slip differential; “circuit-tuned” suspension; upgraded brakes and various aerodynamic components. Personally, as a bit of a CR-Z fan.
Press Release
2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Dominates 2011 SEMA Show
Twelve modified 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupes are featured prominently in the Honda booth at the 2011 SEMA Show, which opens today. As the first available sport hybrid, the CR-Z demonstrates new opportunities for vehicle personalization among the import tuner community. Several significant vehicles are being unveiled at the show, including a 2011 CR-Z equipped with MUGEN* accessories, the Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD) CR-Z Hybrid R Concept, the HPD CR-Z Racer and several vehicles equipped with Honda Genuine Accessories.
"With the CR-Z sport hybrid coupe, drivers can achieve the great efficiency of a hybrid car without giving up the fun that many demand from a sporty car," said Bruce Smith, vice president of Parts Operations for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The combination of greener practicality with style and fun makes this vehicle a perfect fit for young, environmentally conscious buyers looking to further personalize their cars."
A 2011 CR-Z equipped with MUGEN accessories is also being revealed, and Honda announced that in the spring of 2011, it will begin sales of a limited-edition MUGEN accessory kit for the vehicle. Limited to only 300 complete kits, the package includes: a full MUGEN body kit; a front grille; a rear wing spoiler; 17-inch "XJ" aluminum wheels; sport mats; a unique black aluminum shift knob and a billet aluminum oil-filler cap. Further, after purchase, each owner will receive a unique serial-number plaque designating each kit as one of 300 available. All of the painted parts will come color-matched to each of the five available CR-Z colors. Pricing details will be made available closer to the on-sale date.
Also unveiled today were two concept vehicles from HPD: the CR-Z Hybrid R Concept and the HPD CR-Z Racer. Though neither vehicle is intended for sale, HPD, Honda's North American racing company, was determined to demonstrate the potential of the CR-Z for both street and racing performance. Both vehicles share many performance enhancements, with the CR-Z Hybrid R Concept highlighting Honda-designed street styling and the HPD CR-Z Racer opting for serious racing capability. To demonstrate that capability, HPD will campaign two HPD CR-Z Racers at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race in December. HPD enhancements to both cars include: a turbocharger and upgraded IMATM hybrid system, resulting in an estimated combined 200 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. of torque; performance clutch; limited-slip differential; ‘circuit-tuned' suspension; upgraded brakes and aerodynamic components.
Two vehicles were on display to demonstrate currently available Honda Genuine Accessories. For the CR-Z, Honda displayed a vehicle equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels; side, front lip and tailgate spoilers; a rear diffuser; an illuminated door-sill trim and an interior armrest. Additionally, a 2011 Accord Coupe equipped with dealer-installed Honda Factory PerformanceTM (HFPTM) components melded a distinctive, custom appearance with an enhanced level of handling performance. All Honda Genuine Accessories offer the same 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as the rest of the vehicle, when installed at the time of new vehicle purchase, and are engineered to be fully compatible with each Honda vehicle.
On display as a demonstration concept only, the Accord Crosstour HFP Concept features 19-inch HFP wheels; a full HFP body kit and front grille; a prototype lowered HFP sport suspension; color-matched door handles and special black-out door sash trim.
Reaching out to the import community, Honda invited six independent vehicle tuners to build and display their CR-Z hybrid concepts at the SEMA Show. Tuners were asked to push the limits to improve fuel economy and performance with their builds, and the vehicles on display show the variety of directions in which a personalized sport hybrid can go. Beyond this group, both the Los Angeles Auto Show and Honda Tuning Magazine displayed their CR-Z special project cars in the Honda booth.
