Honda CR-Z concept

What the hell I posted it on RacePA I’ll post it here too. Basically the rumors finally came true and Honda is rolling out whats basically a CRX concept at the Toyko motor show.





More pics and info.

PRESS RELEASE:

Honda Announces Automobiles to be Displayed at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007

TOKYO, Japan, October 9, 2007–Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will exhibit production and concept automobiles and a number of technologies at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show (sponsored byJapan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.), to be held from Saturday, October 27 to Sunday, November 11, 2007, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

The theme for Honda’s automobile booth for this year is: “For the endless joy of mobility on our earth”. Based on this theme, Honda will display a variety of advanced environmental technologies that address environmental issues such as a reduction in CO2 emissions, together with the fun of mobility.

Two concept models will make their world premiere at the motor show. The CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight sports car equipped with Honda’s original gas-electric hybrid system which achieves both clean performance and a high level of torque. The PUYO is a fuel cell vehicle which was designed based on out-of-box thinking to provide fun for both the vehicle owner and people around them as well. Also on display will be a model of the i-DTEC next-generation diesel engine, first announced in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which delivers both outstanding environmental performance and engine performance characteristics.

Moreover, the all-new Fit, which will go on sale in Japan in late October, will be on display. Since it was first introduced in 2001, the Fit has been widely acclaimed for its style, functionality, and outstanding fuel economy, with worldwide sales topping two million units. The all-new Inspire equipped with a new Variable Cylinder Management system, scheduled to go on sale in Japan later this year, will also be on display. Honda will exhibit a total of 18 vehicles representing 11 different models, including vehicles already on the market, those soon to be introduced, and future concept models.

In addition, a “Next Energy” display will showcase Honda’s latest initiatives in new energy development, including technology for producing bio-ethanol from rice straw and the environmentally responsible next-generation thin-film solar cells, which will go on sale nationwide in Japan. Moreover, Honda’s F1 and other racing machines that symbolize the challenge to realize new dreams and other advanced environmental technologies that enable people to enjoy mobility into the future will also be on display. Through these exhibits, Honda will propose a new direction for the future of mobility.

CR-Z
‘CR-Z’ stands for ‘Compact Renaissance Zero’-an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals.

This design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint.

Exterior design
Designed to be ‘Futuristic and Dynamic’, the CR-Z combines powerful performance in a compact form with a futuristic image. For its frontal view, an over-sized grill with a high-performance look is offset by openings on each side that lighten the overall feel. In the rear, tube-shaped rear combination lamps ensure better rearward visibility. Design details emphasizing the CR-Z’s advanced image include door mirrors that provide high visibility in a stylish form, LED headlights patterned after luminous bodies to convey a sharp impression, and jauntyfin-shaped

Interior design
The key words for the CR-Z’s interior design are ‘Hi-tech and Sporty’. The goal was to create an all-new sporty interior that fuses the liberating feel of airy spaciousness with an advanced interface that brings out the fun of the drive. Mesh material on a simple framework construction is used throughout the interior to convey a light, sophisticated image without being oppressive. In the cockpit, the meter unit conveys the image of advanced technology ensconced in a piece of glass artwork, offering the functionality of immediate recognition while enhancing the driving experience with a futuristic and exhilarating feeling.

like everything except the interior, all that futuristic crap

ehhhh… like most concept cars it looks cool now. Could be worse.

cool, but the corolla is better!

i like it besides that blue interior shit.

Yea considering most Honda show prototypes have 23" dub wheels, glass covered self illuminating interiors, and brembo brakes on everything. I’m hoping that people like this car enough that they will make a production friendly prototype. I’m not sure how I feel about the huge grill up front, but the rest it it works nice. Here are two other shots I liked.

Nice side profile

Reminds me a bit of a S2000 when you see how far the front flares go out.

sure has a lot of curves for a honda… not bad though

Could work and people might like it, but I would be willing to bet that it will look nothing like that once it goes into production (if it does)

Justifying a new model takes some serious market room and if this thing is just running the same hybrid system as the Civic Hybrid sedan it’s not going to cut it.

That said, it looks pretty cool except for the “Lost in Space” interior. Front grill is looking Audi-ish.

I think its ugly as shit. I will be ashamed of Honda if they produce that car. Hopefully it stays as a concept and nothing more.

I don’t think it looks too bad.

it has some crappy hybrid engine, and the lack of shifter on the console says it has a poopomatic tranny so it sucks bad.

would be nice if it was mid-engined like the orignal crx concept

will never happen.

This car is going into production as a hybrid that they are still calling a “sports car.” Supposed to be available in 2009.


curious to see what the pricing is going to be like and if we’ll even see it over here, the only thing I see is the mention of North America which could mean only Canada eh