Honda CR-z Performance Hybrid - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

rgathright · 09-29-2010, 10:49 PM

What do you think of this car?

2011 Honda CR-Z - Performance - Official Honda Site

autoteach · 09-29-2010, 10:57 PM

What if you removed the weight of the hybrid system (battery, motor, controllers, etc)? How far off would the performance be? Are these car companies making cars solely to meet tax brake criteria written by some clueless douche elected by the collective group of clueless. I would have to say that if you go rid of the crap that doesn't belong on a performance car, the little 1.5 probably has enough power to provide just as much excitement.

rgathright · 09-30-2010, 09:01 AM

You hit my points exactly.

The real problem with this car is that the electric motor does not produce enough torque to make it exciting!

What if it could put out an extra 150lbs of torque when needed? That would mean some neck snapping power that us performance starved hybrid drivers are looking for.

Of course, I understand that power would only last for a brief amount of time... but still!

Daox · 09-30-2010, 09:05 AM

Most car reviewers would disagree with you (keep in mind people that have actually DRIVEN the car). It also handles great according to reviews I've seen.

The 1.5 surely has more than enough power, but it is marketed as a sporty car. The benefit of the hybrid addition (which really doesn't add much weight at all, you're talking less than 200 lbs) is a big increase in low rpm torque which gives you sportyness and regenerative braking. The car also gets pretty good mileage.

IMO its very nice. If I was looking for a two seater, this would definitely be in the running. So what if the specs don't look amazing, go drive one.

gone-ot · 09-30-2010, 10:39 AM

...it's all about the mathematics -- splitting its "functions" (ie: 50% sporty and 50% eco), then neither is 100% of what it's touted to be.

...although, I will give Honda *credit* for being bold enough to explore the "sporty Eco" market!

RobertSmalls · 09-30-2010, 10:48 AM

I was hopeful it would deliver high fuel economy, but it's just a sporty car. I don't care about it.

Well, actually, I hope it catches on, because it is smaller and much less thirsty than its competition (other sporty cars, not other hybrids).

busypaws · 09-30-2010, 01:23 PM

Just think four or five years down the road when they start to show up here as ecomodding cars. Maybe we can try the pull the batteries and electric motor and see what the 1.5 will do. Or get a 1.2 or 1.3 liter from Europe Hondas. I'm sure the ricing crowd will figure out how to push it to its sporty limits. A few of us here can figure out how to push it to its eco limits.

gone-ot · 09-30-2010, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by busypaws

Just think four or five years down the road when they start to show up here as ecomodding cars. Maybe we can try the pull the batteries and electric motor and see what the 1.5 will do. Or get a 1.2 or 1.3 liter from Europe Hondas. I'm sure the ricing crowd will figure out how to push it to its sporty limits. A few of us here can figure out how to push it to its eco limits.

...ie: "seed" vehicles for the next generation of DIY ecomodders!

rgathright · 09-30-2010, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by busypaws

Just think four or five years down the road when they start to show up here as ecomodding cars. Maybe we can try the pull the batteries and electric motor and see what the 1.5 will do. Or get a 1.2 or 1.3 liter from Europe Hondas. I'm sure the ricing crowd will figure out how to push it to its sporty limits. A few of us here can figure out how to push it to its eco limits.

Yeah, but since it is a hybrid it will likely never drop low enough in price to just treat like a toy.

Remember the Honda Insight? That car is selling for over $25K now on Ebay!

EDIT:

WOW.. Does anyone else see the similarities?

Why didn't they cover the rear fenders?