Thursday, December 9, 2010

Honda CR-Z convertible being developed!

CR-ZSportHybrid.com
First it was a die-cast model of the Honda CR-Z convertible (see photos below). Now comes word that Honda is working on the real deal! A convertible Honda CR-Z! In fact, it’s rumored that the convertible was developed in conjunction with the hardtop.
A convertible hybrid would be another first for the industry. Check out the article below and let us know what you think!
The Honda CR-Z so far is getting mixed reviews from many publications. While the Consumer Reports says it can’t even recommend the hybrid hatchback after giving it low ratings, Top Gear Magazine named the car it’s 2011 Green Car of the Year. Whatever the case may be, Honda has some big plans for the CR-Z in the future.
Following reports of a 4-cylinder turbo gasoline model, we hear today that Honda is working on a drop-top CR-Z. Apparently, the Honda CR-Z hatchback and the convertible CR-Z were developed side-by-side. Of course, being a convertible would mean that the drop-top CR-Z will be a heavier car. With that in mind, sources say engineers are considering a beefier 200-hp gasoline-electric combination seen in the Hybrid R Concept.
The model will end up being the world’s first convertible hybrid and will take some inspiration from the Honda Open Study Concept.
When can we expect to see a drop-top CR-Z? We’d say sometime after 2012.
Source: egmcartech

Friday, November 5, 2010

Honda CR-Z Mugen Accessories Now Available in U.S. Direct From Honda!

Honda CRZ Forum
Visit us at CR-ZSportHybrid.com
It was unveiled at 2010 SEMA and now you can check out the Honda CR-Z with Mugen accessories officially; Honda is showing off the Mugen Accessories for the CR-Z on their U.S. website.

Mugen Accessories on Honda Website


Sport Hybrid with an emphasis on Sport. Genuine MUGEN Accessories, coming soon for the CR-Z. 
The CR-Z is not your typical hybrid. That much is clear. Its aggressive styling already sets it apart from other cars on the road and especially from other hybrids. But starting in the spring of 2011, those who wish to take it up a notch or two will be able to visit their local Honda dealer and pick from a long list of Genuine MUGEN accessories.
Here’s a look at the exclusive MUGEN accessories available:
EXTERIOR:
MUGEN Front Grille
  • Painted gloss black
  • Integrated license plate mounting location
  • MUGEN Emblem
MUGEN Body Kit
  • Color-matched to original factory specifications, for a custom-finished look
  • Injection-molded polypropylene for high durability and perfect fit to the vehicle
  • Installs to the vehicle using factory presets and mounting locations
MUGEN Wing Spoiler
  • Color-matched to original factory specifications, for a custom-finished look
  • Multi-piece injection molded ABS for high durability and a perfect fit to the tailgate
  • Attaches to the vehicle using factory presets and mounting location
INTERIOR
MUGEN Sports Mats
  • Durable nylon fabric
  • Factory positive-retention system for driver’s side sports mat
MUGEN Shift Knob
  • Machined aluminum
  • Black anodized coating and MUGEN logo
MUGEN Oil Filler Cap
  • Machined billet aluminum with vehicle factory-oil specifications
  • Uses factory oil-filler cap gasket
MUGEN 17″ XJ Aluminum Wheel
  • Black Metal Coat finish
  • Twin Air Valve system allows for separate “In” and “Out” valve system
Honda CR-Z Mugen Front Grill
Quote:
The MUGEN Front Grille is a direct replacement for the factory CR-Z front grille. The upper air inlet duct, lower mesh grille and integrated emblem are distinctly MUGEN.
Honda CR-Z Mugen Body Kit
Quote:
The MUGEN Body Kit adds an aggressive look and stance to the CR-Z. Kit includes the front under spoiler, side spoilers and rear under spoiler.
Quote:
MUGEN touches can be appreciated from all angles.
Honda CR-Z Mugen Wing Spoiler
Quote:
The MUGEN Wing Spoiler adds an extreme look to the CR-Z styling.
Honda CR-Z Mugen Shift Knob
Quote:
The MUGEN Shift Knob is made from special edition black aluminum.
Honda CR-Z Mugen Emblem
Quote:
MUGEN stamp of authority can be displayed on the side of the CR-Z.
Honda CR-Z Mugen Oil Filler Cap
Quote:
The MUGEN Oil Filler Cap is machined from billet aluminum.
Honda CR-Z Mugen Sports Mats
Quote:
The MUGEN Sports Mats feature six stripes with red stripes for the driver’s side mat representing “Dou” (move) and gray stripes for the passenger mat representing “Sei” (calm).
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Thursday, November 4, 2010

SEMA 2010 - Year of the Honda CR-Z!



Honda has gone all out with the CR-Z at this year's 2010 SEMA! In their effort to highlight the sporty side of the Honda CR-Z SPORT hybrid, this year's SEMA was packed with CR-Z's from several of the top tuners.

Check out the full photo coverage of the Honda CR-Z at this year 2010 SEMA.

Honda SEMA Press Release: Mugen CR-Z and Hybrid R Concept CR-Z

Latest SEMA 2010 Honda CR-Z Photos: 2010 SEMA CR-Z Photo Gallery


SEMA 2010 Video Coverage of the Honda CR-Z:

Meguiar's Wraptivo Honda CR-Z at SEMA 2010

Honda CRZ Forum
Visit us at CR-ZSportHybrid.com for full 2010 SEMA coverage!
Here is the SEMA 2010 coverage of the Meguiar’s Wraptivo Honda CR-Z.
Wraptivo, owned by Meguiar’s, retailer of designer car wraps, has wrapped the CR-Z in matte and carbon black wraps.
Those are Volk Racing wheels with BF Goodrich tires. And to put those Volk Racing wheels and tires to maximum use, the engine is blown by an HKS supercharger system with a coilover suspension package, an HKS ECU and much more.
The interior carries Recaro seats, numerous Honda genuine accessories such as illuminated door sills, an HKS sport shift knob as well as alcantara-covered panels.
Based on all the blown CR-Z’s at this year’s SEMA, it looks like forced induction will be a very popular aftermarket project for the CR-Z.
Check out the full story and coverage about the Wraptivo CR-Z at this year’s 2010 SEMA.

Unofficial "official" 2011 Honda CR-Z Thread



What is the CR-Z  unofficial "Official Thread"?

It is a thread which contains all the pertinent knowledge surrounding the 2011 Honda CR-Z, including specs, owner's manuals, brochures, wallpapers, videos and other media.

This thread is a community effort so feel free to add to as you come across CR-Z relevant info.

Thinking About Buying a Honda CR-Z:


Getting to Know Your Honda CR-Z:


CR-Z Do-It-Yourself Guides:


Get Involved in Our CR-Z Community:


Thinking About Modifying Your Honda CR-Z:


Honda CR-Z Wallpapers:

Honda CR-Z 3 Driving Modes Explained



The Honda CR-Z has 3 driver selectable driving modes - Econ, Normal, and Sport. It allows the driver to select how the car performs in real-time.

When the CR-Z is first started, it starts in normal mode with standard setting for all systems.

Sport mode has faster, more responsive steering. Throttle comes on stronger with tachometer glowing red. It is meant for more aggressive driving to explore the sport side of the CR-Z.

Econ mode is meant for those times when you want to optimize your mpg such as when you're stuck in traffic. The engines responsiveness is tuned for optimal gas mileage by modifying the throttle for efficiency. It also adjusts the climate control system to reduce its overall load on the engine. The tachometers transitions from blue to green to indicate you're driving efficiently.

Eco Assist is a system that shows how efficiently you are driving. It includes what is called Eco Scoring that grades your last two trips with a neat tree indicator. The more efficient the score, the tree "grows" more leaves. 

Here is the Honda's quick low down on the 3 modes:


Quote:
One of the CR-Z's more unique features is its 3-mode drive system. This allows the driver to tailor the driving experience to the actual conditions or personal preference.

The default position is Normal. So whenever you turn the key it will always start out in Normal mode, which provides standard settings for all systems.

Sport mode allows the driver to enjoy the performance side of the CR-Z to its fullest. In Sport mode, the CR-Z will use the electric motor more aggressively, providing quicker acceleration and throttle response. Sport mode also provides a sharper steering feel—great for a curvy stretch of open road.

If you're stuck in traffic on the freeway, you could push the ECON™ button. This will optimize vehicle power and accessory load for maximum efficiency.

The 3-mode drive system makes the CR-Z a versatile machine and gives the driver ultimate control over how the car should perform.

SPORT MODE:
For the CR-Z with 6-speed manual transmission, this mode heightens engine response and motor assist. For the CR-Z with CVT, it selects transmission ratios that heighten engine rpms and acceleration response. For both CR-Z versions, this mode also enhances EPS response for a sporty steering feel.

NORMAL MODE:
This mode leverages IMA's ample torque in the low rpm range for balanced everyday driving. EPS response is similarly balanced and smooth.

ECON MODE:
This mode reduces throttle response and optimizes motor assist for maximal engine efficiency. For the CR-Z with CVT, it selects transmission ratios that lower engine rpms. In addition, it runs the air conditioner more efficiently and lengthens idle stops. EPS response is the same as in Normal mode.
Also check out our Honda CR-Z Guides:

Bisimoto tuning of 533 hp turbo 1.5L CR-Z



533hp from a Honda CR-Z!?! 

Will keep an eye on this turbocharged CR-Z to see where it goes. In the meantime, check out this video...


Check out the video in our CRZ Forum Online Community at CR-ZSportHybrid.com