Honda CR-Z hybrid *production* version

[ac6404]

Damn, I do wish the mpg was better, even in eco mode it is less than it could be.

Could you fit this with a MIMA mod?

Do an A/C delete, belly pan, moon disc, interior mirrors, w/e aero mods float your boat and it might not be half bad.

why can't there be production line cars that do 100mpg? I mean...silly question, but it does break my heart sometimes.

[RobertSmalls]

Originally Posted by ac6404

Damn, I do wish the mpg was better, even in eco mode it is less than it could be.

Could you fit this with a MIMA mod?

I believe Mr. Dabrowski is working on a MIMA system for the 2010 Insight, which probably uses the same IMA system as the CR-Z. However, until the electrical manual comes out and there's been time for some engineering, no MIMA.

Originally Posted by ac6404

why can't there be production line cars that do 100mpg? I mean...silly question, but it does break my heart sometimes.

It's a very good question, the answer to which saddens me deeply, and drives me to mod. Carmakers could build them, but most new car buyers aren't willing to give up versatility, comfort, money, and compliance with fashion trends, which would be required to deliver a 100mpg car.

[Allch Chcar]

The HP is acceptable for such a small/light car, the 6 spd is a very good choice, and the powersteering with different modes is inGenius. But there's nothing sporty about a one off Front Engine FWD. Especially when it has a cheapo semi-solid rear suspension.
"The front MacPherson strut suspension and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension settings are tuned to provide a sporty, solid and dynamic driving experience."
Whatever happened to Full independent front and rear suspensions? Did it fall off the technology list? It'll probably handle worse than the old Escorts.Which if it's not about acceleration or handling and the MPG is only so-so for a mild hybrid what are they selling it for? looks?

I saw the link on Honda-tech and the only good comments I could find were regarding how it looked which as I've read is that it looks even better in person. Now excuse me while I cry about how much the automotive world hates me, har har .

[PaleMelanesian]

For the record, the Porsche 911 has MacPherson struts. I don't hear any complaints about its handling.

[Allch Chcar]

The CRZ only has a MacPherson FRONT suspension the rear is torsion beam aka semi-solid rear axle. It's a pretty standard Honda suspension design, it's cheap, not effective.

And the Porsche 911 isn't a transverse FWD. MacPherson full independent front suspension are very common on econoboxes and compact cars alike. But you don't see them making the distinction. The Front suspension is only half of the overall suspension.

[ac6404]

sounds like in japan after the release it supposedly gets close to 60mpg. Better than 33!

[RobertSmalls]

Originally Posted by ac6404

sounds like in japan after the release it supposedly gets close to 60mpg. Better than 33!

Got link?

Is that in the hands of a hypermiler, or no?

[Allch Chcar]

Apparently the CR-Z is a semi-popular subject on Honda-Tech.

Spoon Testing Parts for CR-Z - Honda-Tech

I actually like the Spoon version very much just for the looks. AeroHatchbacks, aero simply being a prefix to mean more aerodynamic than the sedan version of which hatchbacks are usually less aerodynamic than. Of the few AeroHatchbacks I've seen that's actually the best looking.

Pg2 there is an intriguing discussion of the MacPherson strut suspension. The commentators have suggested that when the car's body is dropped the suspension ends up hitting the bump stops due to soft springs. This isn't a problem on a stock Porshe 911 but it is on a modified Honda.

I'd like to drive one with a completely different drivetrain and front and rear suspension and a wide geared dbl overdrive 6spd. The Body is awesome and the Engine is plenty powerful enough with the IMA system, it's just a shame it gets the cheapy cheap suspension and utterly predictable FWD. It's not like the Full independent suspension is alot more expensive but it'd cut into the base price advantage Honda has over Toyota which is also the reasoning for duplicating a FWD platform. The CRZ's only saving grace is the manual transmission but I don't doubt they put a really short geared setup together and called it a day. Just nit picking here, it's got potential it does.

[ac6404]

Cant find where I originally read that, but it is here as well. Not a lot of info though.

"Honda said the home-market version of the CR-Z with continuously variable transmission will average 59 mpg on Japan's 10-15 mode cycle"

Honda CR-Z Priced in Japan From $25,500

[wdb]

Motor Trend got their hands on one:

2011 Honda CR-Z First Drive - Motor Trend

Holy smokes - a Honda with low-end grunt! Me want test drive!!