Honda: CR-Z News **Facelift Revealed (page 31)**
#1201
Azine Jabroni
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VR1 (03-18-2015)
#1203
Expected to be marginally bigger than the current CR-Z, the new model will borrow design cues from the new NSX and the Civic Type R. Under the hood will be a detuned version of the Type R's turbocharged, 2.0-liter VTEC 4-cylinder pumping out more than 280 horsepower. In fact, it looks as if the CR-Z will be positioned and marketed as a high-performance coupe version of the next-generation U.S. Civic, which means it may be called the Civic CR-Z.
But that'd be too smart of a move which means Honda won't do it.
Would naming it CR-X be any worse than slapping Civic in front of CR-Z to help drive sales?
Last edited by AZuser; 03-19-2015 at 11:31 AM.
#1204
If I was Honda, I'd ditch the CR-Z name (will remind people of the original CR-Z hybrid) and revive the CR-X name, especially if this is going to be borrowing design cues from the NSX.
But that'd be too smart of a move which means Honda won't do it.
Would naming it CR-X be any worse than slapping Civic in front of CR-Z to help drive sales?
But that'd be too smart of a move which means Honda won't do it.
Would naming it CR-X be any worse than slapping Civic in front of CR-Z to help drive sales?
Anyway, I don't believe this turbocharged CR-Z will happen within the next three years. We will probably see a detuned 2.0T here with 240 hp in TLX and RDX. Even that would be at least two model years away. By then the 330i/340i will be around 290/350 hp.
All we will get in the American Civic platform is a 200 hp 1.5L turbo.
#1205
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Wow if they build that as is it will be what the CR-Z should have been from the start. Now just call it the CR-X instead this time.
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RPhilMan1 (03-24-2015)
#1207
Team Owner
But I guess the Civic is a highly desirable car... I mean, it's been a best seller for 8635190 years in a row now
#1208
Team Owner
The CR-Z is already a mega failure.
The CR-X has been a past success.
Putting a turbo on a Z may not do as well as on an X, in terms of sales, oddly enough. It's just how we humans work.
#1209
Azine Jabroni
I dunno if I agree with that 100%. A well known, valued name helps build brand cache.
The CR-Z is already a mega failure.
The CR-X has been a past success.
Putting a turbo on a Z may not do as well as on an X, in terms of sales, oddly enough. It's just how we humans work.
The CR-Z is already a mega failure.
The CR-X has been a past success.
Putting a turbo on a Z may not do as well as on an X, in terms of sales, oddly enough. It's just how we humans work.
#1210
Safety Car
Thread Starter
AutoNews
Honda Motor Co. hopes a facelift will give a sales lift to 1 of its weakest entries: the CR-Z sporty hybrid.
A revamped version will go on sale in Japan in October and is expected to hit U.S. showrooms sometime the following month.
The update gets a more sculpted front fascia with a wing-like lip that cups the grille and flares around enlarged fog lights.
Similarly dynamic flourishes adorn the rear, while the back tires are pushed out to give it a more planted, solid stance.
Inside, designers swapped the lever-style parking brake between the front seats for an electric 1. That enabled them to add a diver’s armrest. Engineers also bumped up the size of the disc brakes to 15 inches, from 14 inches, and rolled out new, more open wheel designs to better show off the new hardware.
Chief engineer Terukazu Torikai said the upgrade shows Honda’s commitment to the low-volume CR-Z, which is Honda’s slowest seller after the Insight hybrid and Ridgeline pickup, both of which were discontinued for the 2015 model year.
Fun and green
The CR-Z is a signature Honda car because it embodies the company’s mission to engineer fun-to-drive environmentally friendly cars, Torikai said at its unveiling today in Tokyo.
“It basically has no competitors, it the only sports hybrid,” Torikai said. He said it has small but fanatical following.
Critics say the CR-Z is a compromise car: Not sporty enough for a sports car, nor green enough for a hybrid.
U.S. sales of the CR-Z dropped 34% to 1,562 vehicles through July. The CR-Z was outsold both by the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle and the Chevrolet Volt range-extender hybrid.
Torikai said he hopes the facelift will keep the nameplate’s annual U.S. sales into the range of 3,000 to 5,000 vehicles.
Honda sold 3,562 CR-Zs in the U.S. last year.
No LEDs
1 Japan-market upgrade the U.S. overhaul won’t get is a new set of all-LED headlamps. U.S. product planners passed on the LEDs in order to keep costs down, Torikai said.
The wider rear stance, newly sculpted nose and armrest should be enough to stoke interest in the minor model change, he said.
Other additions include a touch-panel audio screen and active noise cancellation technology to reduce road noise.
But that doesn’t mean Honda always wants a quiet cabin. The new sound system also has an engine amplifier that pumps in revving sounds for extra exhilaration when you punch the gas. Honda hopes that will deliver more pulse-quickening rides, despite the fact the drivetrain remains unchanged, with around 130 hp.
The CR-Z is manufactured at Honda’s Suzuka factory in Japan.
Despite persistent speculation that Honda may 1 day offer a non-hybrid version of the CR-Z equipped with a more powerful gasoline engine, Torikai said keeping it hybrid is key.
Of a souped-up all-gasoline variant like the old school CR-X, Torikai said: “There are no plans for that whatsoever.”
Last edited by TSX69; 08-28-2015 at 06:44 AM.
#1213
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
omfg!
keeping the ricer image intact! loud but not fast.
The new sound system also has an engine amplifier that pumps in revving sounds for extra exhilaration when you punch the gas. Honda hopes that will deliver more pulse-quickening rides, despite the fact the drivetrain remains unchanged, with around 130 hp.
keeping the ricer image intact! loud but not fast.
#1214
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
WTF
#1215
Chief engineer Terukazu Torikai said the upgrade shows Honda’s commitment to the low-volume CR-Z, which is Honda’s slowest seller after the Insight hybrid and Ridgeline pickup, both of which were discontinued for the 2015 model year.
Torikai said he hopes the facelift will keep the nameplate’s annual U.S. sales into the range of 3,000 to 5,000 vehicles.
Torikai said he hopes the facelift will keep the nameplate’s annual U.S. sales into the range of 3,000 to 5,000 vehicles.
Probably not.
#1217
#1218
#1219
Azine Jabroni
This is just horrible.
#1220
Senior Moderator
Chief engineer Terukazu Torikai said the upgrade shows Honda’s commitment to the low-volume CR-Z
The wider rear stance, newly sculpted nose and armrest should be enough to stoke interest in the minor model change, he said.
The wider rear stance, newly sculpted nose and armrest should be enough to stoke interest in the minor model change, he said.
More proof that The people at Honda are Clueless.
#1221
Azine Jabroni
It sucks that Honda isn't held accountable for failures like this simply because they sell boatloads of Accords, CR-Vs, and Civics.
#1222
I drive a Subata.
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#1223
Team Owner
“It basically has no competitors...”
Critics say the CR-Z is a compromise car.
U.S. sales of the CR-Z dropped 34% to 1,562 vehicles through July. The CR-Z was outsold both by the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle
Honda sold 3,562 CR-Zs in the U.S. last year.
Other additions include a touch-panel audio screen and active noise cancellation technology to reduce road noise.
But that doesn’t mean Honda always wants a quiet cabin. The new sound system also has an engine amplifier that pumps in revving sounds for extra exhilaration when you punch the gas. Honda hopes that will deliver more pulse-quickening rides, despite the fact the drivetrain remains unchanged, with around 130 hp.
Of a souped-up all-gasoline variant like the old school CR-X, Torikai said: “There are no plans for that whatsoever.”
1. It has no competitors because no one else is retarded enough to build such a retarded car.
2. 3500 units sold last year? This is worth Honda's time? In the last 5 months, I think I've seen ONE CR-Z on the road.
3. Why does a "sports" car have noise cancellation? It's supposed to be a fucking sports car!!
4. Fake engine sounds and 130hp? Seriously?
5. I finally understand Honda's thought process on this car. "Why imitate or build on the very successful CR-X? Why have a truly fun car, with more power than in the past, while building on its own pedigree and create something people actually want to buy? Let's build the complete fucking opposite and laugh at the suckers who do buy this thing!!"
Last edited by TacoBello; 08-30-2015 at 01:25 AM.
#1225
Team Owner
it's actually an attractive car, at least in my mind. The only thing that drives me bonkers about the interior is that passenger side vent blows RIGHT in the passenger's face.
#1226
Team Owner
I really thought CR-Z had potentials. Offers a great alternative buy to Civics/Corolla/Sentra.
But Honda really did not offer anything "more" to convert any of those buyers.
At least for the time being, the name hybrid is really not a selling point since rarely you would find the hybrid trim outsells its gas model counterpart.
People who really want a hybrid will get Prius.. that has already been established.
Honda buyers who really want a "cheap" fun car will get Civic Si (problem with the Si is a different subject)
Unless they change CRZ's fundamental problem, Honda should just discontinue CRZ and save their R&D $$ for the face lift. Invest more into the Si instead.
But Honda really did not offer anything "more" to convert any of those buyers.
At least for the time being, the name hybrid is really not a selling point since rarely you would find the hybrid trim outsells its gas model counterpart.
People who really want a hybrid will get Prius.. that has already been established.
Honda buyers who really want a "cheap" fun car will get Civic Si (problem with the Si is a different subject)
Unless they change CRZ's fundamental problem, Honda should just discontinue CRZ and save their R&D $$ for the face lift. Invest more into the Si instead.
#1227
My friend has one and he likes it. He has two dogs but rarely has passengers, so he needed a practical, fun to drive commuter car. I've driven it a few times and I like it for what it is. The stock shifter and clutch is even nicer than my BRZ's stock setup, though I've never liked my clutch. A cool little feature I like is the different modes (ECON, Normal, and S). Steering and throttle response sharpens very noticeably in S mode. Another underrated, pleasant surprise is the low seating position, unlike other hatchbacks which sit very upright.
Power would definitely help, but it's a unique package. My biggest complaint is actually the rearward visibility.
Would I buy one though? No. If it had a K20, with IMA, and a factory LSD I would definitely change my mind.
Power would definitely help, but it's a unique package. My biggest complaint is actually the rearward visibility.
Would I buy one though? No. If it had a K20, with IMA, and a factory LSD I would definitely change my mind.
#1228
And somehow, the dashboard and windshield seem even deeper and more raked than my old Camaro's windshield.
#1229
I really thought CR-Z had potentials. Offers a great alternative buy to Civics/Corolla/Sentra.
But Honda really did not offer anything "more" to convert any of those buyers.
At least for the time being, the name hybrid is really not a selling point since rarely you would find the hybrid trim outsells its gas model counterpart.
People who really want a hybrid will get Prius.. that has already been established.
Honda buyers who really want a "cheap" fun car will get Civic Si (problem with the Si is a different subject)
Unless they change CRZ's fundamental problem, Honda should just discontinue CRZ and save their R&D $$ for the face lift. Invest more into the Si instead.
But Honda really did not offer anything "more" to convert any of those buyers.
At least for the time being, the name hybrid is really not a selling point since rarely you would find the hybrid trim outsells its gas model counterpart.
People who really want a hybrid will get Prius.. that has already been established.
Honda buyers who really want a "cheap" fun car will get Civic Si (problem with the Si is a different subject)
Unless they change CRZ's fundamental problem, Honda should just discontinue CRZ and save their R&D $$ for the face lift. Invest more into the Si instead.
#1230
Team Owner
The CR-Z actually slots in nicely with Honda's lineup. The MSRP is around $2,700 less to start, and they're fundamentally different enough. I honestly would rather have the CR-Z. Can't stand the Civic Si's 4x4 stance. I noticed one parked next to an older Camry and the roofline on the Si was a few inches higher.
The problem CR-Z is not within the car itself. We all know it is a fun little car BUT people do not see it as a fun little car, rather they see it as A hybrid.
The hybrid crowd is different. Look at the freaking Prius.... So unless CR-Z can offer 50mpg with an auto tranny and fit 5 people comfortably and even that happens (look at insight), it will be a tough sell. Hybrid ppl will not buy CR-Z.
Now you left with the "regular young buyers" and with 130hp, it will not attract many.
So what is the selling point for CRZ?
#1231
It's a sporty hybrid. I definitely see the appeal behind a car that's cheap, fun to drive, with good gas mileage. The Golf TDI has been relatively popular throughout the years by virtue of those same principles. CR-Z is even cheaper and more fun to drive, IMO. The only other thing comparable is the Prius C, which is nowhere near as sporty but sells surprisingly well.
I'm not saying Honda did a great job either. As mentioned, I wouldn't get one. I think like most of the niche/higher end offerings, they somehow mucked up the marketing aspect. But I completely get what they're trying to get at. I still think it's a more appealing package than the ZDX. Or Crosstour.
I'm not saying Honda did a great job either. As mentioned, I wouldn't get one. I think like most of the niche/higher end offerings, they somehow mucked up the marketing aspect. But I completely get what they're trying to get at. I still think it's a more appealing package than the ZDX. Or Crosstour.
#1232
Team Owner
if you really wanted to do a sport hybrid. add those battery to the SI's K24 and lose 200 lbs to offset the added weight.
Done. It is a MUCH more appealing package than a 130hp CR-Z.
Done. It is a MUCH more appealing package than a 130hp CR-Z.
#1233
I get you though, the CR-Z has polarizing styling. I still remember my brother's friend's CRX back in the early '90s. Even as a kid I thought it looked kinda weird.
#1234
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Long time no see. Guess what arrives in my driveway next week or so...
I bought the LAST 2016 Honda CR-Z in white/ebony leather with navigation. The plan is to supercharge it as soon as the ECU is unlocked (the '16's have slightly different equipment). The S2000 will become the garage queen.
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#1235
Moderator
Welcome back!
#1236
Long time no see. Guess what arrives in my driveway next week or so...
I bought the LAST 2016 Honda CR-Z in white/ebony leather with navigation. The plan is to supercharge it as soon as the ECU is unlocked (the '16's have slightly different equipment). The S2000 will become the garage queen.
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#1239
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