Honda CR-Z hybrid *production* version

[NeilBlanchard]

Hello,

I'm sure that this car will appeal to a lot of folks!

(click on image for link)

[KITT222]

Looks like an updated version of the original Insight. It'll be interesting to see a comparison of fuel economy between the Insight and the CR-Z.

[cfg83]

Neil -

I really like it. Because of the large hood, it seems like it's channeling "VW Scirocco" to me. I am interested in these blurbs :

...
The system delivers an estimated combined peak output of 122 hp (91 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft (174 N·m) of torque at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 lb-ft on CVT-equipped models). Preliminary fuel economy estimates are anticipated to result in an EPA rating of 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon on CVT-equipped models. Manual transmission models are anticipated to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 city/37 highway miles per gallon. The CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).
...
The CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Economy and Normal driving modes. The system is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel.

* The Sport mode enhances multiple vehicle systems for performance including the engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist. The inner ring of the tachometer illuminates red when the vehicle is in Sport mode.
* During Econ mode operation, the engine’s responsiveness is tuned for optimal economy, the electric motor assist gives priority to fuel efficiency and the air conditioning system can reduce its overall load on the engine. The inner ring of the tachometer transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in Econ mode, with the green representing more ecological driving.
* Normal mode provides standard settings for steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning. Similar to Econ mode, the tachometer ring transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in normal mode, with the green representing more ecological driving. Like the Honda Insight, the CR-Z offers an Eco Guide and Eco scoring feature to help drivers track progress of efficient driving styles.

My question is, what mode did they use for the EPA test? At first I thought it would be normal mode. However, I would hazard to guess it was the Sport mode, because that would be the lowest MPG rating available to the driver.

CarloSW2

[Cd]

I notice that the roofline angle is now more like a hatchback than a Kammback.
I wonder what this will do for the cars wake and Cd.
The open mouth grill looks mean, but I wonder how much drag it creates by swallowing in all that air.
I hope that the top portion is actually plugged up and there for looks.
I like the look though - looks like the S2000.

[cfg83]

Cd -

Originally Posted by Cd

I notice that the roofline angle is now more like a hatchback than a Kammback.
I wonder what this will do for the cars wake and Cd.
The open mouth grill looks mean, but I wonder how much drag it creates by swallowing in all that air.
I hope that the top portion is actually plugged up and there for looks.
I like the look though - looks like the S2000.

Oooh, I see what you mean. I don't care if it's plugged because that's LHF (low hanging fruit) for us to exploit. What I'd really like is an aftermarket belly-pan and/or wheel skirts. Looks like we can remove the rear-wiper (and the shark fin antenna?) too.

CarloSW2

[NeilBlanchard]

Nah, it's pretty much a Kamm back:






From ABG: http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/11...joy-to-the-hy/

[cfg83]

Cd -

Originally Posted by Cd

I notice that the roofline angle is now more like a hatchback than a Kammback.
I wonder what this will do for the cars wake and Cd.
The open mouth grill looks mean, but I wonder how much drag it creates by swallowing in all that air.
I hope that the top portion is actually plugged up and there for looks.
I like the look though - looks like the S2000.

I think you are right :



I think it is plugged between the three horizontal slats and partially plugged above the top slat (for the air intake?!?!?).

CarloSW2

[tasdrouille]

Love the handles. But what's with that shark fin antenna? I don't understand why cars still need to have external antennas like that.

[RobertSmalls]

Originally Posted by KITT222

Looks like an updated version of the original Insight. It'll be interesting to see a comparison of fuel economy between the Insight and the CR-Z.

That's one thing it's not. This is an updated version of the CRX-Si, not the CRX-HF. The fuel economy numbers are completely disappointing.

Preliminary fuel economy estimates are anticipated to result in an EPA rating of 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon on CVT-equipped models. Manual transmission models are anticipated to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 city/37 highway miles per gallon.

The standard six-speed manual transmission is engineered for optimal acceleration performance in gears one through five and for optimal fuel economy in sixth gear.

I am surprised at this car's mediocre EPA fuel economy, considering its excellent aerodynamics and 2500lb curb weight. It's a stick-shifted hybrid, so it's got great potential in the hands of a skilled driver.

This car is a disappointment to the fuel economy crowd, but I think it'll also be a disappointment to the go-fast crowd. Why not throw in the 197HP K20 engine out of a Civic Si?

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

Didn't the CR-X HF weight something like 1,800 pounds? This is a crappy result for a hybrid. Look at Honda's own Fit: 4+1 seating, tons of storage, virtually the same weight, and fuel economy nearly as good...