Honda CR-Z hybrid *production* version

[shovel]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

Excuse me while I get offended at that. I believe the CR-Z would be a big economy improvement for you.

It's true, they haven't produced a hyper-MPG hybrid since 2006, but give them some credit. They produce vehicles in the countries where they are sold. They're advancing manufacturing, automotive, and robotics technology. Their emissions and economy is mostly class-leading. And when the CEO says, "But we are Honda! We must have a manual!", he earns points from me.

No, I want Honda to thrive. Even if their product portfolio for 2010-2013 has nothing that wows me.

I want them to thrive too, but an 81 escort bested these numbers with a 4 speed and steel bumpers. Here we are 30 years later and I guess the stereos and brakes have gotten better but... still boring mileage numbers.

[Cd]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

It looks okay to me. Besides, higher angles are achievable if the transition is gradual.
.

I'm sorry. Could you please explain that in another way ?
( I'm very tired -long day at work )

I would think that by having such a horizontal angle, it would result in a larger wake like the one on my hatchback.


Thanks

[AJI]

Originally Posted by shovel

I want them to thrive too, but an 81 escort bested these numbers with a 4 speed and steel bumpers. Here we are 30 years later and I guess the stereos and brakes have gotten better but... still boring mileage numbers.

The figures released are still essentially early estimates. It wouldn't surprise me at if they went up once production started and the cars start hitting the streets.

It's all in the way you drive it too. No doubt with care, it would easily best those figures. And if you choose to drive it like a sports car, I'm sure it'd be a lot of fun too.

Call me crazy, but I think I'd prefer a 2010 CR-Z to an 81 Escort no matter how close the Ford gets to the Honda's figures...

[pgfpro]

I'm really confused about the mileage also.

Its looks like a over engineered vehicle that lacks in performance and FE???

Honda what happen to you???

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

Originally Posted by tasdrouille

The EPA test do not always tell the whole story. The VW TDI also suffers from a unrealistically low EPA rating. I will wait for people to actually drive this car and report on its fuel economy before I say it is disapointing.

Sure -- but the new Insight gets a better EPA rating than this car. And so does the Prius. Both are bigger and heavier.

The EPA is not the best FE you can do, but it is a relative comparison.

[RobertSmalls]

Originally Posted by Cd

I'm sorry. Could you please explain that in another way ?
( I'm very tired -long day at work )

I would think that by having such a horizontal angle, it would result in a larger wake like the one on my hatchback.


Thanks

Correct me if I am mistaken, but I believe attached flow can be maintained at a rear glass angle greater than 15°, but it must start at a shallow angle and gradually steepen. Also make sure the angles are still good in a crosswind.

[MetroMPG]

You're not mistaken.

Cd: check the greatest angle on the teardrop template for example. Assuming good design upstream, you can go past 15. I believe 22 is about the limit, assuming attached flow. Phil could quote the studies, vehicles and researchers' names. I'm not that hardcore

[cfg83]

NeilBlanchard -

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Hi,

...

Sure -- but the new Insight gets a better EPA rating than this car. And so does the Prius. Both are bigger and heavier.

The EPA is not the best FE you can do, but it is a relative comparison.

That's why I asked my original question, which driving mode was used in the EPA test cycle? I am still guessing performance because that mode is *available* to the driver. If I were the EPA, I'd test it in that mode, unless Honda paid me to do a test cycle for each mode.

CarloSW2

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Daox

From the replies on the jalopnik site, they don't like it either.

Yikes. Autoblog commenters (180+) are overwhelmingly unhappy as well.

Detroit 2010: Honda CR-Z promises to bring driving joy to the hybrid equation — Autoblog

[AJI]

Yeah, seems to have got a bit of a panning, but again I suspect that the majority of Autoblog commenters are performance enthusiasts who were hoping that Honda would give the car the K20 engine from the Civic Si. That the estimated (still worth remembering that, and it's an interesting point that cfg83 brings up about the driving mode they used) fuel economy figures aren't that impressive alienates the efficiency crowd too.

I'm still going to reserve all judgement on that until people have actually driven the thing. Even then, it still wouldn't stop me wanting one.