Finally a hybrid not for geeks, and it’s here in Malaysia. To be officially unveiled next Thursday on the 3rd of Nov, it’s the hybrid world’s best looking hybrid, has the genes of the successful Honda Insight and is very tunable both aesthetically and in performance.
People are starting the accept hybrids and it’s about time they sell a sporty hybrid such as the CR-Z that caters to drivers who, want fuel efficiency, are trying to be environmentally friendly, but do not want that stereotypical look of hybrid cars.
Facts
- Zerotohundred: 10 seconds
- Top Speed: 200km/h
- Engine: 1.5L 4-cylinder + 13bhp Electric Motor – IMA (Integrated Motor Assist)
- Power: 122bhp / 6000 rpm
- Redline: 6300rpm
- Torque 128nm (6-speed manual) 123nm (CVT)
- Weight: 1140kg
- Fuel: 4L / 100km (6-speed manual) 4.4L / 100km (CVT)
- Wheels: –
- Tyres –
- Price: RM120,000 (unconfirmed)
Cutaway of the CR-Z’s 1.5 litre motor assisted engine. Notice the IMA motor that looks like the insides of giant Tamiya Motor.
The CRZ’s interior. Surprisingly not boring at all. Especially if it comes with the 6-speed shown above.
You get Optimus Prime’s left eye as an instrumental gauge too. How cool is that.
The official pics are everywhere, but what people like us here, want to see are the tricked out versions currently available for inspiration, so here they are.
Honda Malaysia has announced next week’s launch and Malaysia is in fact the first country in Southeast Asia to launch the Honda CR-Z. The CR-Z will also be cheaper with the Malaysian government’s extension of the of import duty and excise duty exemption until December 2013.
There is no reason why the CR-Z won’t thrive locally, but for Honda Malaysia, it was the Insight’s overwhelming response from the public since it was launched last year which encouraged them to bring the CR-Z to Malaysia. After all, close to 34,000 units were sold worldwide since last December. Question is, will the CRZ be priced at the RM120,000 people are anticipating, or will they bring in the 6 speed manual transmissions?
More modified CRZ continues:
How about a CR-Z “Type-R” like this one from Hong Kong?
The above is a real K20A conversion in a CR-Z from LHT Performance
Stock mostly, this is a comparison between the CRZ and the legendary CRX. Related in design somewhat, but given a 100V jolt in spirit.
How about a 533bhp Turbo CR-Z that retains the car’s 3 different driving modes? A project by Bisimoto
“This is a tuning sweep of the the most powerful street hybrid in the world: the Bisimoto CRZ. Making over 533 hp and 330 ft/lbs of torque, the 1.5 litre Bisimoto CRZ hybrid retains all the drivability, economy, and reliability of the stock engine, but with full Bisimoto internals, can withstand the rigors of high horsepower. Items on board include, but are not limited to, Bisimoto level 2.4 cam, Bisimoto springs and retainers, AEM Series 2 EMS, Turbonetics Billet 64mm turbo, BOV and wastegate, Arias pistons, Bisimoto steel rods, golden eagle intake, 70mm tb, ngk spark plugs, 1000cc injectors, custom Bisimoto turbo manifold, Bisimoto TiO2 wheels, rywire haness, Action clutch, Falken Azenis tyres, and torco oil.”
“Honda tell us that it’s the world’s first sporty hybrid coupe with an electric motor assisting its 1.5 litre petrol engine. And with claims of 56 miles per gallon and exemption from the London congestion charge, it sounds pretty tempting. In this video, Graham from the Office heads to the Netherlands to be one of the first to drive the new CR-Z.”
Cwest’s product line up for the CR-Z
And finally, while on the topic of Honda’s here’s a lemon/lime refreshing S2000. Honda’s purest 100bhp+ per litre, front engined rear wheel drive roadster. In time shall give way to the onslaught of hybrid and electric Hondas. Before the full transition however, we’d sure like to see some hybrid performance engines from them. A 300bhp K20A + IMA in the next Type-R perhaps?
