CR-Z: the Sporty Hybrid Coupe by Honda

Honda has revealed further details on its CR-Z Sporty Hybrid Coupe. The new model of the Japanese brand is getting to the markets and 2010 and will be combining a clean, efficient petrol electric hybrid powertrain with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The CR-Z will be powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, the first to combine with Honda’s IMA system, and by a 14 PS electric motor. Together the two engines produce a combined output of 124 PS and a maximum torque of 174 Nm.

In terms of CO2 the CR-Z will have emissions of 117 g/km on the EU test cycle, consuming 5 l/100 km of fuel.

The CR-Z will be the first hybrid to feature a 6-speed manual gearbox, allowing drivers to have maximum control over the combination of the 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine and the IMA motor.

Drivers will be able to choose between three driving modes, thanks to the 3-Mode Drive System that has been fitted to the CR-Z. Opting between the Normal, the Econ or the Sport mode will alter the responses of the throttle, steering, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system. This gives the driver a chance to adapt the car’s settings to enjoy their favourite road, maximize economy or reach a balance between the two.

In terms of design the CR-Z was developed around a "one-motion wedge" with the low bonnet line and the wide stance being the main features of its look. The hybrid coupe also shows some of Honda’s signature design features such as the split level rear glass hatch and the aerodynamic, shallow raked roofline.

One of the main challenges in the development of the CR-Z was to maintain the sleek low bonnet design of the initial design studies, while adopting the 1.5-litre engine with IMA system. To do so, Honda’s engineers worked with the designers to reduce the height of the engine and also worked on the suspension and body hard points to get sufficient clearance for bonnet deformation.