Honda has been teasing fans of the dearly departed Honda CRX with the Honda CR-Z Concept, a hybrid-powered sports coupe with clearly defined CRX lineage, for more than a year. The production 2011 Honda CR-Z finally debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, promising a combined horsepower rating of 122 and maximum fuel economy of 38 mpg. Honda says the name of its new 2-seat hybrid sports coupe means “Compact Renaissance Zero,” and before we get into the details…
The 2011 Honda CR-Z’s exterior design clearly shows the influence of the CRX and the first-generation Honda Insight, the company’s first production hybrid model. The profile and overall proportions are similar to the second-generation (1988-1991) CRX with the exception of the CR-Z’s impressive front overhang, while the roofline bears a resemblance to the Insight. The two-piece rear window, with a second vertical pane stretched between the taillights, is lifted directly from the CRX and has also been used on the FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle, as well as today’s production Insight.Viewing the CR-Z from the front reveals more recent Honda design cues. The sharp lines of the headlights are strongly-emphasized versions of those found on the current Honda Accord coupe, while the pronounced snout is designed to help mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of an accident. Bold diagonal lines running from just behind the front fenders, under the side glass and straight to the back of the car—a look Honda calls a “one motion” wedge—resemble today’s Civic coupe design. Big 19-inch wheels on the CR-Z concept, strongly emphasized fender lines, and the towering rear end gave the concept car an aggressive, muscular look, but the standard 16-inch alloys on the production car lessen the effect.Unlike the concept car, the production 2011 Honda CR-Z will seat two people instead of four, on cloth sport seats designed for sporty driving. The dashboard is simple in appearance, taking cues from the Honda Insight. Primary controls are clustered around the steering wheel and gauges within fingertip reach of the driver, and Honda says the instrument clusters illuminate with a vibrant blue 3-D effect. Offset toward the passenger in the center of the dash is the available navigation and entertainment screen, and aft of the front seats are covered storage bins.
Honda will sell the 2011 CR-Z in standard and EX trim levels. Among the standard features are an automatic climate control system, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, 6-speaker stereo with CD player and USB port, and alloy wheels. The EX model adds automatic HID headlights, fog lights, Bluetooth hands-free wireless connectivity, 360-watt stereo system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A navigation system is optional on the EX, and Honda will offer upgraded 17-inch wheels as a dealer-installed accessory.
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