2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrids at SEMA

By Suzanne Kane

Suzanne Kane

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Suzanne Kane is an editor at High Gear Media focusing on covering the latest product and other auto-related information for Family Car Guide... More

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1 2,105 views Nov 4, 2010

Honda CR-Z Mugen concept

Talk about getting some high-profile visibility for the all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid. Honda chose the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas (Nov. 2-5) to debut 12 modified CR-Z coupes.

As the industry’s first available sport hybrid, the CR-Z is an interesting mix, offering sporty green performance in a great-looking car. As a family-car – perhaps as a second vehicle or commuter car – the Honda CR-Z sport hybrid is definitely a head-turner.

Three of the 12 modified CR-Zs on display at SEMA include:

Check out the SEMA display concept (shown above). In spring 2011, Honda will begin sales of a limited-edition (only 300 kits will be sold) MUGEN accessory kit for the 2011 Honda CR-Z. What’s included in the package: full MUGEN body kit, front grille, rear-wing spoiler, 17-inch “XJ” aluminum wheels, black aluminum shift knob and billet-aluminum oil-filler cap. A unique serial-number plaque designating each kit as one of 300 available will be mailed to owners after purchase. All of the car’s painted parts will come color-matched to each of the CR-Z’s five available colors.

2011 HPD CR-Z Hybrid R Concept

One of two concept vehicles from Honda Performance Development (HPD), the 2011 CR-Z Hybrid R Concept is designed to demonstrate the car’s street performance potential. It is not intended for sale. The Hybrid R Concept highlights Honda-designed street styling.

2011 HPD CR-Z Racer

Complementing the 2011 CR-Z Hybrid R Concept is the second HPD concept, the 2011 HPD CR-Z Racer. Like its SEMA stablemate, the CR-Z Racer is not intended for sale and is designed to showcase serious racing potential. Race fans take note: Honda will demonstrate this capability with two HPD CR-C Racers in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance rally in December.

HPD enhancements in both CR-Z Hybrid R Concept and CR-Z Racer include a turbocharger and upgraded IMA hybrid system – which results in an estimated combined 200 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, limited-slip differential, performance clutch, special “circuit-tuned” suspension, aerodynamics components and upgraded brakes.

Summing up: It’s easy to see how consumers can personalize the production CR-Z to suit their tastes with these concepts as thought-starters.

The production 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid seats two, is the first six-speed sport hybrid, gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city/37 mpg highway, and provides a full complement of safety features including six airbags, ABS, stability and traction control, and much more. All for starting MSRPs of $19,200 for CR-Z and $20,700 for CR-Z EX. Just add CR-Z MUGEN accessories, coming soon, according to Honda.

As a family commuter car, the 2011 Honda CR-Z might just be on consumers’ consideration list. And don’t miss Bengt Halvorson’s drive report of the 2011 Honda CR-Z in The Car Connection.

[Honda]