Honda CR-Z at Detroit Auto Show
The new Honda CR-Z is displayed during the first press preview day at the 2010 North American International Auto Show January 11, 2010 at Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images) Credit: Getty/STAN HONDA
What do you get when you cross one of the most modded/tricked out cars of our generation with one of the most boring cars you'll ever see? The Honda CR-Z.
The CR-Z's inspiration comes from Honda's much-loved CRX two-seater from the 1980s and the much maligned Insight coupe of the 1990's.
Honda’s executive VP John Mendel calls the CR-Z “the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to fuel efficiency and economy.”
As far as style, is a hit and miss. The two-seater rides at about the same height as the Insight, and features that not-so-great hatch back door and widnow. The front hood and windshield have a steep aerodynamic slope, with a big Fiat-like grill.
>> Photos: Detroit Auto Show
The CR-Z shares many of its underpinnings with the 2010 Honda Insight and is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine i-VTEC engine, that produces 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the CR-Z.
Fuel economy is actually on the so-so side, considering it's a compact vehicle, with a small engine, with low hp. The CR-Z gets 31 mpg city, 37 highway.
The 2011 Honda CR-Z will hit showroomos this summer and will include two trim levels. Standard on the CR-Z models are electronic stability control, automatic climate control, keyless entry, cruise control, and a six-speaker sound system with USB interface. The higher trim EX models add HID headlamps, fog lamps, Bluetooth, leather trim, and upgraded 360-watt audio. A navigation system with voice recognition is optional.
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