Hybrids never fail to bore people unless they're nerds who love to talk all day about how they work or compare how many batteries their hybrid has. However, Honda's revelation of the CR-Z changed the world's perception of hybrids. What used to be stereotyped as slow and aesthetically boring is now sporty and rather handsome. Now there are plans to create another version to stuff the shoes into the mouths of hardcore petrol-heads, behold the CR-Z Type R.
The CR-Z already had head turning looks but now with Mugen on the team, the Type R version is set to look even better and more aggressive than before, in short, it doesn't look like it has a ton of batteries in its belly. The coupe-like body is now matched with a red Honda badge, a body kit which will surely be scraped on speed humps, and even the Audi original day time running lights on the front lip. The most obvious difference between the standard CR-Z and the Type R is the blacked out hood and side mirrors against the Alpine White paint. This is sure to separate the men from the boys.
Under the bonnet, the standard CR-Z glides with a 102bhp 1.5 litre engine with a 20bhp electric motor on board bringing the total number of horses to 122. But with Mugen, things are meant to go a little bonkers. There have been speculation that the Civic Type R's 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine could be the CR-Z's powerplant and the electric motor will be bumped up to produce 50bhp giving the CR-Z a total combined horsepower of 200 and a 0-100 timing of 6 seconds. The standard CR-Z will then be pale in comparison with a pedestrian 0-100km/h time of 9 seconds. All this speed with the fuel consumption of a camel at 20km/l which is quite amazing even though this is still all in theory.
Along with the changes under the hood, the Type R will have an additional button on the dash labelled, 'Sport Plus' which makes everything feel faster and more exciting. It sharpens the throttle response, steering and the timing of the stop-start system and the electric motor will be set to work at full power to provide maximum performance. Better brakes and suspension will also be included to turn the standard CR-Z into a blazing mean machine..
The Type R is currently being prepared to make its debut in the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show before it hits the showrooms in Japan late in 2011.
honda, crz, hybrids, coupes and 2 more...
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