2011 Honda CR-Z Review

The exterior design of the Honda CR-Z is formed around a corner of a movement "concept with a low hood line and position of the scale giving the car a sporty look. Design Honda has signed so that the glass rear door on two levels, aerodynamic roof surface slope referred to in the elegant cut design and then combined with a curvilinear shape and deeply sculpted exterior.

The general performance of the engine and the IMA system is a healthy 124 hp and 174 Nm of torque. maximum torque figure is the same 1.8-liter Civic and arrives at just 1500 rpm, at a level where previously only turbo engines deliver maximum. Even if the couple directly comparable with the Civic, Honda CR-Z releases 35 g / km less CO2 than its traditionally powered cousin. Other exhaust emissions are extremely low, and Nickel Metal Hydride battery can be recycled at the end of Honda dealers in the life of the vehicle.

For the first time, fuel, low emission hybrid is connected to a parallel high-precision 6-speed manual transmission. Manual gearbox is an integral part of the driver of Honda engineers wanted to bring the model of Honda CR-Z. The flexibility of the Honda into a single parallel hybrid IMA system allows its use with a variety of objects, not just the CVT-based transmissions.

The manual transmission is completed with an engine of 1.5 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder, which is new in Europe and is a key element in the uniqueness of the Honda CR-Z. This engine is powerful and effective, but based on the engine fitted to some versions of non-European jazz. The wait for the revolution of the engine type of the average capacity is increased by the additional 78 Nm of torque of the electric motor PS 14, which is located between the engine and clutch. The electric motor increases torque at low revs and medium enterprises, which gives flexibility Honda CR-Z, usually associated with turbo engines.

If you want to maximize the choice of the driver and increase the daily drivability of the car, the Honda CR-Z is equipped with 3-mode drive system. This unique feature allows the driver to select three driving modes that change throttle response, steering, air conditioning and the level of service to the IMA system. In developing this new opportunity, Honda, the driver can change the settings of the street car to enjoy, to maximize economy, or to find a balance between the two.

Sport buttons have become common, usually provides a sharper gas, but Honda 3-Mode Drive system is different. The new system changes the behavior of the hybrid transmission and care of the steering and throttle mapping between the three modes.

When the Honda CR-Z, the driver is out of town and want to enjoy the open road, may be "Sport" mode of the car. This sharpens the throttle to change the behavior of IMA hybrid system in an electric motor to provide more help and more emphasis on electric power steering.

Honda recognizes that even the most enthusiastic driver can regularly experience heavy traffic, which maximizes fuel economy is preferable to a complete line through a corner. In these situations, the ECON mode, you can choose what to give priority to fuel economy of operation of the throttle valve drive-by-wire, the ECU, air conditioning and a hybrid system. For those times when the busy driving is not possible or desirable, Eco Assist with the ECON mode, the driver can enjoy the best economy rating of their way to work, or in heavy traffic.

At all times the car can be run in normal mode, which offers a balance between performance, fuel economy and emissions, and is suitable for most situations.

Lighting and the speedometer is used in the same way as the Insight guide the driver to drive more economically and ecologically. In addition, Eco Assist, Honda CR-Z meter is connected to the 3-mode. In normal mode, and speed ECON state indicator is lit blue, bright green when the hard economically. ECON mode is back in Green Eco-Flower symbol. When the speedometer is illuminated with a red light environment, this indicates that the Honda CR-Z is a Sport mode.

Careful thought about the design of exhaust gas to ensure that, in addition to being efficient, the Honda CR-Z is a car that encourages enthusiastic driver and sounds instead of the previous compact hybrid. Other parts, including engine mounts and the shock has been tuned to the elements of this sport exhaust heard the driver, but less desirable sounds associated with sports exhaust were weak.

Aspect of the Honda CR-Z consciously to mind the iconic style of the 1980 CR-X, which was originally developed to provide a small, elegant car that can not achieve the spectacular economy. Signature property CR-X, as the rear door glass on two levels and low-low roof slope has been referred to the design of an elegant coupe and then together, and very shapely sculpted appearance.

The sloping roofline and sharply truncated shallow tail of the Honda CR-Z is a feature shared with the past and present for many of Honda, including the CR-X, 1999 Insight and FCX Clarity. All these vehicles were designed to cut the air with as little disruption as possible to reduce the drag to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Honda CR-Zs headlamps are accentuated with time of day to LED lights, which are placed in the bottom of the headlights. This is the first LED lights have been applied to the front of a Honda automobile production and help to focus on the direction of the range of new hybrid sports coupe.

The interior of the car production was influenced by the cab of Tokyo Motor Show 2007 Honda CR-Z Concept, especially the speedometer and rider 3D model. The cockpit instrument rather than high technology to all commonly used controls near the driver's hands, allowing full concentration on the conduct of all time.

The dashboard of the new coupe has a complex form and interesting, with a black top seems to float on a light gray lower section of dashboard that has continued in the middle of the inner door panels.

level of equipment on the Honda CR-Z is generous with all the qualities to take six airbags, active head restraints, vehicle stability assist and Hill Start Assist. All CR-ZS will also be equipped with air conditioning, CD player with 6 speakers, iPod ® USB link and a button to start the engine. middle and senior ranks of the benefits of leather seats, steering wheel audio controls and alloy pedals. Top grades get Bluetooth ® hands-free phone control, cruise control, panoramic glass roof, HID headlamps and 360W high power sound system - including a boot-mounted sub-woofer.

The elegant decor is a 2 +2 layout that opens the possibility of smaller adults or children small distances for long journeys. One-touch folding rear seats motion to open a baggage compartment with a flat bottom, which gives an amazing 382 liters of cargo space, tied with the most C-segment sedans, which allows a wider range of bags to carry . The area also has a flexible luggage area in-boats from 19 liters to store extra load or store items out of sight.

The chassis has been an important factor in the development of the new car, with the pleasure of the pilot at a central part of the design brief. The shares of platform elements of Jazz and Insight models, but the wheelbase, track width and set-ups are all unique to the new hybrid. Overall, the Honda CR-Z has a wheelbase of 115 mm shorter and shorter as 310 mm in overall length of the Insight increase agility, and reduce the empty weight of 57 kg compared to its 5-door Five-seat family car cousin.

The suspension of Honda CR-Z unique springs and shocks and adjustment tolerances are also unique. A major change in detail is the adoption of a forged aluminum lower arms in the MacPherson front suspension to replace the elements of the penetration of pressed steel. This reduces the weight of 2 kg each triangle and also increases the strength to cope with the width of the wider track and tires.

Exterior Styling and Body

Honda CR-Z was created by a project to create a sports coupe in the second decade of the 21st century. The compact, lightweight construction and aerodynamics provides a dual advantage of improving performance, but also reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The design has hints of the history of Honda's window split-level and shallow pitched roof, combining them with complex curves and deeply scalloped panels that would have been impossible to mass produce just a few years ago .

modern car design has many limitations, with the increasing number of rules and policies that affect the design of new models. The challenge, says the designers and engineers Honda has been to keep the design small thin cover initial design studies, while adopting a 1.5-liter engine with IMA system and meet the requirements of pedestrian protection. Honda engineers have worked tirelessly with the designers to reduce engine height, and work on suspension and points hard body to allow clearance for the deformation of the hood.

The wide track and low strengthens against unusual piece of a grid that extends above and below the front bumper. This network is a key element of the order of "face" with a surface marked up the hood of his right under the top line to the base of the windshield. Sharp headlights, the day fire elegantly integrated into the lower edges, extending to the edges of the fenders badly burned.

The angle of curvature at the edge of the windshield of the Honda CR-Z is the largest of all current Honda models, and mixed almost seamlessly into the A-pillars and side windows. This effect is only possible to wrap the rain gutters revolutionary integrated in front pillars that significantly reduce the usual way between the edge of the windshield and the pillar of 50%. In addition to creating a distinctive visual effect, reducing this stage has obvious benefits and reduces aerodynamic turbulence in this important area. The eye gloss finish accented with black integrated surface applied to the columns, creating the illusion of a single piece of glass.

The positions of the screen wrapping A-pillars further in lateral profile, giving the hood look longer and lower. Curved glass on the sides of the car was Honda's engineers have managed to obtain excellent forward visibility, an important factor in safety and driving enthusiast.

Aerodynamic

Exterior mirrors are very aerodynamic shape, keeping fit with the wing, which combines the visual appeal, design and aerodynamic drag. Extensive testing has led to the aerodynamic design team for the final formulation, which combines the thin end of the indicator repeater watch.

The slope of the roof and the length is important for overall performance and aerodynamics of a vehicle designers and engineers worked together to create the largest possible length of the deck, without compromising overall visual balance of the car.

The rear of the Honda CR-Z is a particularly important role to play in the aerodynamics and many hours of wind tunnel tests was to enhance the final design. Broke back arches strongly we feel proud of the bodywork and the candles in the rear door glass on two levels, a common understanding with the second generation CR-X, 1999 model FCX Clarity and Insight.

The curvature and shape of the tailgate and the area of ​​glass is part of the measures relate were used in the design of the Honda CR-Z and bring a fresh perspective to a design feature Honda's signature. Much attention has been given to maximize the visibility through the rear hatch and the size and location of the fin, which separates the two areas has been very carefully studied and tested.

masks rear diffuser exhaust Honda CR-Z, a balanced view behind the truck and contribute to the efficient management of the air flows back of the car. The diffuser is made of a material containing aluminum flakes to give the appearance of a metallic finish.

Body structure

To achieve a radical look Honda CR-Z Concept, we need innovative solutions to ensure that the style does not compromise the availability or response dynamics Honda CR-Z. Engineers wanted to create a rigid unit to ensure a dynamic response design creates expectations. To achieve this goal, metal reinforcements are used in critical areas around the front and rear suspension turrets solid foundation for the excellent suspension control. Moreover, the "performance of wand" in the form of H is designed for the back to add stiffness to the rear fuselage. Stiffening of these efforts is a figure similar to the rigidity of the Civic Type R. European

As with all Honda models in recent years, the CR-Z has a structure EngineeringTM Advanced Compatibility Engineering body (ACETM). This unique technology was developed by Honda of years of testing at the Honda Center in Tochigi R & D where cars crashed in real life situations. The front frame to distribute the load on the structures of a frontal collision the Honda CR-Z offers maximum protection for impacts with vehicles of different bumper heights.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The interior styling of the Honda CR-Z concept was warmly welcomed and the Honda engineers and designers were keen to take this into account in the production car.

The cockpit of the Honda CR-Z has been designed around a theme of the cabin, the consolidation of critical controls near the driver, creating a sense of purpose and reduce distractions. The upper section of the dashboard contains all the controls and brand and is a RIM (reaction injection molding) molded black plastic, which has never been used for a panel before Honda. This new plastic offers a nice surface to touch the edge of table.

At the bottom of the dashboard is made of light gray material that gives the appearance of a floating top. Smaller, lighter period lasted almost without interruption in the doors, the cabin is wrapped around the driver and passenger. The doors are equipped with two beautiful colors, most of the texture and color corresponding to the top "float" of the media and devastated by the coordination of the lower part gray. Door to grab some types are treated specially coated metal that is used for the first time cars for internal use. This film is glossy coated metal evaporated to create a unique composition of the upper class cars.

The seats are designed to support the driver in a freeway, with particular attention to the inclination of the seat relative to the pedals. Angle, which allows the driver to sit in the car a bit 'and maintain a position of practical and useful guide. Half-cushions and seats are designed to support various sizes of people, and is optimized for seat on the size of a person. Courtesy of reach and tilt adjustable steering wheel, driver's seat is 50 mm in different height adjustment, driver and passenger with a 240 mm between the front to support the movement.

One element that has been reflected most strongly in the production car is the design of the dashboard, which has a catchy design and 3D instrument tech. The mark of the Honda CR-Z is designed to be more than attractive, the lighting of the dials to play a key role in the system 3-mode drive and Eco Assist functions.

Instrumentation

Forms tachometer cornerstone of the dashboard with speedometer back into the center of the disc. The tachometer performs a scale from zero to maximum and back to start, drawing the eye of the driver's cockpit instrument when you put the car on.

Both sides of the speedometer and tachometer gauges and accessories are the display, the less critical data. To the right of the center is the fuel gauge and fuel economy meter and below these is the Multi-Display (MID). On the left is a key indicator, the IMA battery meter and charge / assist gauge that indicates when the engine is to help, or to charge the battery.

MID can display the time travel, fuel economy, average fuel economy and average speed. MID can also display the current engine and motor to provide power and Eco Assist Bar, which provides detailed information on driving style and avoiding excessive acceleration and braking, when the economy is goal. Drivers can also control the economy figures are achieved in their previous missions and their progress towards Eco Assist Awards.

Ski area is framed by two wings as an instrument hood extensions, which includes frequent inspections of equipment used, move close to the driver's hands. On the left wing, "controls the drive 3-mode system were merged with adjustable mirrors.

To the right "controls and display temperature control are placed together for ease of use. The wheel is the same design philosophy of other Honda models, audio controls on the left speaker and the cruise control (if ) on the right to speak. MID under the right to voice and speakerphone and voice activated satellite navigation controls HFT (if applicable) under the rays of the left.

Internal flexibility

The interior is elegant 2 +2 layout, which offers the opportunity to expand the availability, in addition to the two-seater and is equipped with ISOFIX child seat points. The rear seats have been designed to be folded easily and quickly to significantly increase cargo space. One Touch Business rear seats can be folded easily, even standing in the car, quickly reaches the standard 214 liters (VDA) of space. Folding seats opens flat luggage compartment floor, which is surprising given 382 liters (VDA window) of cargo space, the largest amount of baggage to carry.

There is also a boot-boot space of less than 19 liters to pay more load, or store items out of sight. This area is very deep, between the IPU and the rear bumper and can easily take a laptop or something like that. Boot of the region can be configured tonneau cover, or it may be removed and attached to the boot floor. This allows the user to point the boot lid forms a hidden partition in the boot lip, almost invisible from the outside. The third option is to secure the lid when rolled across the floor to remove the limitation on the load height when folded.

Team

levels of equipment for the Honda CR-Z is a generous, all the qualities to benefit from the six airbags, active head restraints, Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist. Once you begin the steep slope to stop, Hill Start Assist, temporarily prevents the vehicle from sliding backward and keep the brake pressure during the time between the release of the brake, clutch and pressure of gas (approximately 1 , 0 seconds).

All Categories Honda CR-Z is equipped with temperature control, CD player with 6 speakers with USB and iPod ® link motor start button. The dashboard has a semi-hidden box in the upper space in front of the shifter. This table is sized to accommodate an MP3 player containing the cable to connect compatible devices with the stereo in the Honda CR-Z. Customers will benefit from the ability to control the MP3 music players from the main stereo to maximize ease of use and minimize distractions.

Benefit middle and higher grades of leather seats, steering wheel audio controls and alloy pedals. Top grades make hands-free Bluetooth ® telephone (HFT) controls, cruise control, panoramic glass roof, HID lamps and 360W high power system sound - including a boot mounted sub-woofer.

Engine and the IMA system

The Honda CR-Z is the first car that combines an i-VTEC engine of 1.5 liters and the IMA system, providing excellent fuel economy and emphasis on driver enjoyment. The engine is 114 hp electric motor attached to a PS 14, which also increases the torque with an impressive 78 Nm at low to medium engine speeds. The peak power figure of 124 hp combined with a healthy 174 Nm of torque.

Performance and driver enjoyment can be seen as a conflict need good fuel economy and exhaust emission levels. CR-Z 1.5-liter 16-valve i-VTEC petrol engine gives the driver the pleasure of the engine note with enthusiasm, a willingness to rev, and a wide spread of torque. At the same time its modest capacity, increased the electric motor can achieve good fuel economy and low emissions overall, as the all important CO2 emissions. CR-Z hybrid Honda Insight is the first since the original uses a 1 liter four-valve per cylinder, the IMA system.

Honda CR-Z to send only 117 g / km of CO2 in the EU test cycle and consumes only 5.0 l/100 km of fuel. This figure is only 1 CO2 g / km higher than the original Civic Hybrid, an incredible achievement considering more than 30 horsepower advantage of the CR-Z is more than his ancestor sedan.

The Honda CR-Z used is based on the Jazz unit of 1.5 liters with changes in valve timing for intake valve should be turned off at low revs. This creates a whirlpool effect that allows the rapid combustion further and higher gas recirculation. The effect of this additional turbulence to reduce emissions and improve fuel consumption. At high speeds, both intake valves open to increase power.

Many small modifications to the engine depending on the characteristics of the Honda CR-Z, the IMA system integration and installation in the body cut. The original engine because it was installed in the Jazz would not fit under the hood of the car low in its current form. The development engineers have developed a new intake manifold and a set of dishes cleaner air, providing enough space and provide space for pedestrian impact protection.

Engine 1.5-liter i-VTEC was not seen in a car before European specification, and was chosen for its combination of low weight, fuel consumption and compact size. Block 1.5-liter engine is similar to other engine variants and Jazz Insight means that the IMA system integration is simplified. Because the layout of the basic block is shared with the 1.3 liter engine Insight was the sump pan that has been developed for this car passed. This helped the team in the task of reducing engine height and lower position in the cabinet.

IMA System

IMA system is divided into Insight hybrid, but the software and settings have been changed in interaction with the 3-mode drive and manual transmission. Although the operating cycles are very different from the manual car, the Honda IMA flexibility of a parallel hybrid system makes the integration of different engines and transmissions, much easier.

Extensive testing was done to ensure that sustainability impressive hardware Insight IMA has not been compromised in any way by the addition of a manual gearbox. Emphasis was placed on the possibility of over-revving the engine due to lost gear changes and the implications this may have on the system

The electric motor provides maximum torque immediately from the start, taking the low-end torque of the Honda CR-Z more than 70 Nm, better initial acceleration. The torque curve of the new hybrid is particularly flat for a naturally aspirated engine, with the peak reached just 1500 rpm, allowing for flexibility at all engine speeds.

Battery for Honda CR-Z is a 100.8-volt nickel metal hydride units, which provides an excellent balance of power, reliability, security and price. Like the rest of the system, the battery is divided into an incredibly reliable model Insight, which has proven to be the lowest warranty claims of all Honda cars sold in Europe in 2009. When the battery life of the vehicle can be recycled through Honda dealers.

Design and Tuning exhaust

To ensure that drivers will enjoy driving the Honda CR-Z on the road, the development team has spent much time and thought to the design of the exhaust pipe. The brief was to create not only an effective unit allowing engine operation to minimize emissions and to generate the target power level, but also to produce a pleasant sound. Due to the diversity of environments, pilots and the speed of the CR-Z was designed, engineers would not be satisfied with an exhaust system having a capacity of slightly less quiet.

Much development time has been devoted to the design of the exhaust to give it a sporty note when the engine was working hard but not too much noise while using the highway or city. For this, the team has spent time setting of the other components, including engine mounts and noise insulation, sound insulation unpleasant, and allow the market more pleasing sound of exhaust gases can be heard in silence, without reduced too far.

3-Drive System

Honda CR-Z is designed for the car, which connects the driver enjoy excellent driving performance and economy of the city. Two of the important role of the car can sometimes be made with the characteristics of strong opposition, such as gas, and more guidance to give greater weight to the satisfaction of the driver driving on the open road, but perhaps proving to be frustrating traffic and bumper to bumper.

Honda engineers have developed a 3-Mode Drive System Honda CR-Z, which allows the driver to change the properties of the car, depending on their needs and the environment inside the car is driven by significantly alter responses to new system of a car CR-Z allows the driver to adapt to different road and traffic situations.

The new feature allows the driver to select between three driving modes that alter the response of the accelerator, climate control steering, and the level of assistance that the IMA system.

In developing this new facility, Honda allows the driver to decide whether to maximize the sportsmanship, the economy or the best balance between the two.

Sport Mode

Sporting buttons have become commonplace, often provide a sharper throttle response, but the Honda system of 3-mode is different. The new system changes the behavior of the hybrid powertrain and steering assistance as well as the mapping of gas between the three modes.

When the Honda CR-Z is far from the city and want to enjoy the road, you can put the car in Sport mode. This sharpens the throttle response, changes the behavior of IMA hybrid system for electric motor assist and increase the weight of the electric power steering.

ECON mode

Honda recognizes that even the most enthusiastic driver can regularly experience heavy traffic, which maximizes fuel economy is preferable to a complete line through a corner. In these situations, the ECON mode, you can choose what to give priority to fuel economy of operation of the throttle valve drive-by-wire, the ECU, air conditioning and a hybrid system. For those times when the busy driving is not possible or desirable, Eco Assist with the ECON mode, the driver can enjoy the best economy rating of their way to work, or in heavy traffic.

ECON mode reduces sensitivity to smooth throttle inputs and this action is facilitated by using a different engine map that emphasizes fuel economy. The climate control system is also influenced by the mode of Economic and Monetary Affairs of the air circulation and reduce the compressor to reduce power consumption. Using the engine to assist the gasoline engine is overridden by the priority given to fuel economy does not improve performance.

NORMAL mode

At all times the car can be run in normal mode, which offers a balance between performance, fuel economy and emissions, and is suitable for most situations.

Eco Assist

With the ECON mode, the CR-Z uses a manual function that can be used to obtain high energy efficiency and reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

During the race, there are two main elements in the system: a bar "Eco-Drive 'flag in the multi-information display (MID) and meters around the screen behind digital speedometer Both instruments are synchronized to provide real-time information on fuel consumption. and provide advice on how to change your driving style.

The "eco guide in MID is a solid bar icon that moves from each side of a trunk. The idea is to run in a manner that holds the bar in the middle and outside shaded areas on both sides.

When you drive safely, efficiently and, therefore, the bar is near the center of the indicator to move slightly to the right when accelerating gradually and slightly to the left when braking gently. Under these conditions, the environment back behind the speed meter to display the green color seems to be the best eco-driving performance.

Under a greater acceleration, braking and moderately, the bar moves in the MID to one end of the scale, which shows the use of more fuel, and the meter room is lit with a green / blue.

With the aggressive acceleration or sudden braking, the head of the indicator bar to the right or left, the shadows of the scale to show greater fuel consumption and the meters surrounding blue respectively.

To get the best fuel, the pilot is designed to keep the bar in the middle and the green light screen as much as possible throughout each trip.

To help motivate drivers on each trip, another screen above the bar indicator awards grants to more efficient driving. If successful, it leaves little to "grow" above the bar to see the economic engine courses, with more leaves and, finally, a flower added to the system records a "perfect" he says.

In addition, pressing the Info button on the steering wheel and scrolling displays MID, drivers can not only watch their average fuel consumption of going to class, but can also get their average fuel economy for the last three rounds .

The Honda CR-Z features a shift indicator (SIL), which warns the driver to switch between optimum efficiency up or down the point. As shown in the light, together with advice on Aid driving can improve fuel economy up to 10%, reaffirming the commitment of Honda to improve fuel economy every day.

Eco Scoring

Once the trip is over, and the ignition is off, ecological changes MID guide for "an echo score. Now, the symbols of the leaves at the summit, a report on driver behavior during the season Last, while the bar and symbols on the bottom of the screen show a score to life. This is shown in three stages with the plant and flower, due to the right of the bar that shows the highest score .

If the pilot has improved over recent trip to the recognition of a symbol of the wreaths will be displayed. At the end of the third phase of the award indicates progress.

Conversely, if the driving style is worse, the regression score and life and on stage, so that the symbol of recognition of a plant is wilting.

Normal mode - normal - which ensures a balance between performance, economy and emissions in general suits all driving situations. Normal operation of the system balances the IMA, control of temperature and gases between the economy and maximum driver enjoyment is the default Honda CR-Z to business creation. In this mode, the address settings are the same as ECON. All certification tests are performed in the normal way, as it is the default mode of the car to start. Between different modes, each mode icon appears on the MID for two seconds before returning to pre-selected information.

Scramble-Assist

Scramble-Assist is a control strategy that detects driver calls for the acceleration of the accelerator pedal movement and increases the amount of motor assistance. SPORT mode assists proportionately larger for a given pedal movement, resulting in better acceleration compared to normal.

Motoren-Assist is a control mechanism in which the electric motor takes over when the accelerator is pressed. It can be divided into four situations: the Eco Drive-Away Assist stampede support and 70-80% for gas. SPORTS committed with fashion, there is a performance improvement over the scramble for assistance.

ECON cruise control

When the cruise control is set during normal operation, it is removed too quickly when driving on a flat and descending a hill, to improve fuel consumption. However, the slope of the change, you too can accelerate the traditional system, causing increased fuel consumption. ECON Cruise Control to reduce unnecessary gas openings in these situations. ECON Cruise Control soften the responses to an increase of the slope and speed enables small to reduce consumption. Allied with the ECON mode, this cruise control reduces fuel consumption without sacrificing comfort.

Cruise control function of the traditional options are available in Sport or Normal mode, as it is expected that the premises used for the driving conditions in which the vehicle speed varies greatly throughout the journey.

TRANSMISSION

The RZ is Honda's first hybrid to be fitted with a gearbox 6-speed manual, which allows pilots to control the maximum combination of engine torque 1.5-liter i-VTEC and IMA.

For the European market with a manual transmission is considered essential and a gearbox 6-speed considered optimal for the economy and sportier driving. As a parallel hybrid system, is easy to adapt the Honda IMA system to work with a variety of hardware as indicated in the original 1999 Insight, a manual can work very well with good hybrid technology.

The manual gearbox give the CR-Z is a very different hybrid models and the driver to a new level of interaction.

The gearbox is designed for the enthusiast driver in mind, thanks to a short and firm action of light, but that encourages the driver to change regularly. Tolerances for components moving mechanism have been optimized to reduce the free play in the system. The timer is a component that controls the movement of the shifter, and this area has undergone considerable attention to achieving a positive click in each gear change.

Even with a gearbox and six-speed transfer action sports, there is no need to continually work the gearbox Honda CR-Z. The ample torque at low engine speed and the IMA system is synonymous with flexibility in the process is also impressive.

FRAME

The development of the chassis of the Honda CR-Z will always be the cornerstone of the nature of the car. From the beginning, the basic platform will be shared with the hybrid Honda Insight, but with significant changes in the length, size, components and parameters.

The most significant change is the frame, reducing the wheelbase is 115 mm to increase flexibility and reduce the overall length of the CR-Z is 310 mm. Together with the reduction in width of the track pitch is increased by 20 mm (front) 25 mm (rear) offers greater stability.

Basic structure of a suspension of the Honda CR-Z is similar to Insight which shares the platform architecture. Changes were made to the components suitable for the nature of the sport Honda CR-Z, and to maximize the driving pleasure. Springs, dampers and anti-roll bars are unique in the new coupe to adapt to the different characteristics of the Honda CR-Z.

To complement the broader issue and lower weight, lower control arm front suspension with MacPherson struts are formed from forged aluminum instead of steel used for the arms Insight. These aluminum spacers for a total of 4 kg lighter than steel components, and the ongoing strengthening of support to the largest forces generated by the increase in road width and tire size.

The rear suspension is H-shaped torsion bar, which is built on the concept of design as the Insight offers excellent control of the rear wheels, creating space for the installation of low-IMA battery and control unit. The installation of the IMA, the batteries in the trunk, and low and the Honda CR-Z is a clear benefit from treatment, lowering the center of gravity of a coupe. Wishbone is the Honda CR-Z has been amended to increase the width of the carriageway and strength.

Director

In a first for Honda, a new advanced control EPS provides a more linear feel and natural management has been implemented. The new software combined with the possibility to choose the level of support from the system drive of 3 mode gives the Honda CR-Z in a totally different feel to other Honda hybrids.

All the qualities of the Honda CR-Z is equipped with 16-inch light alloy series, which is shod with 195/55R16 tires. 17-inch wheels are available from dealers as an option for customers who wish to further customize their cars.

Recycling the CR-Z

Honda CR-Z is 92% recyclable materials collected and Honda is constantly working on ways to improve the figure closer to full recycling. The battery is included in this figure, which means that Honda CR-Z is not less recyclable than a conventionally powered vehicle.

myth of mountain battery

Since the start of sales of Honda hybrids in 1999, raised the issue of batteries, if you ever need to replace the car or at the end of life. He was concerned that hybrid cars produce a mountain of used batteries, or fill up the landfills.

In fact, the batteries contain metals that still has a value at the end of its useful life and can be recycled economically to create new battery packs or other uses.

Honda dealers will backpacks, and they are either recycled locally by battery recycling plants in the country or who recycle batteries Umicore Honda key.

The metal recovered from the primary batteries, nickel is used in hundreds of applications and uses. The amount of nickel used in the production of batteries, is small relative to global consumption of mercury for the production of alloys such as steel. The economic value of nickel: the hostages out of the Honda network is almost certain to find its way into a recycling facility to recover recyclable materials.

Energy consumption in buildings through the life cycle

Because hybrid cars have more technology and materials, beyond what is found in a conventional car engine, it has been erroneously suggested that the energy consumed in their construction outweigh the energy savings in use. Honda's own research shows that even a small amount of extra energy used in the construction phase and the elimination of the life cycle, economies of the period of use is significantly greater than the extra energy.

A life cycle analysis of the Civic Hybrid presented here indicates that over a shorter life cycle than usual of only 100,000 km, the energy used is 40% less than a conventional Civic sedan 1.8 liter. This is due to the use phase of life cycle uses more energy (78%) than elsewhere and thus saving energy during this critical phase has a greater impact on the overall figure.

Honda is constantly working on reducing the impact of its plants in the environment in several ways. One of the longstanding goals of Honda, has been the development of technologies to ensure that the manufacturing process is not only the energy and cost, but produces no waste to landfills. This objective was stated by its founder Soichiro Honda in 1956: "After the materials are transported on the ground, nothing but products should be the same.

When Mr. Honda made the bold statement had little interest in global environmental protection. However, despite this, the founder strongly believes that Honda should avoid contamination of the environment in the manufacture or use of its products. Last zero waste to landfill has been a lengthy process and that the necessary innovation perseverance and commitment. All Honda factories in Japan have achieved this and all other Honda plants are planned to reach this point of interest in late 2010.

efficient use of energy is an essential element of the manufacturing philosophy of Honda's Suzuka factory and is an example of these ongoing efforts. The roof of the plant is covered with a large solar panel contributes to the energy needs of the plant, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The Suzuka plant also uses a giant cogeneration unit, which is used to heat the plant and produce electricity simultaneously. Using the energy of natural gas fuel more efficiently, the cogeneration unit reduces overall CO2 emissions by a combination of two methods. The production of electricity locally is much more efficient because it removes the power line losses are experienced when the electricity is used a great distance from where it occurs.

Heritage

Since the compact 2 +2 coupe with a double rear hatch window and the roof line low, the CR-Z has links with the CR-X, are clear. What is perhaps less obvious is your car and the objectives of the original design brief.

CR-X was launched in 1983 and received a warm welcome and a compact, nimble coupe, which Honda has changed opinions about the United States and Europe. What is less known is that the main purpose of the CR-X was to break the barrier of 50 mpg in the U.S. and the top ratings EPA fuel consumption. The design of the car was driven by the need to be compact and so light and aerodynamic needs.

Since the passage of a compact and lightweight, the CR-X has proven to be excellent handling and fun with a car. Current Honda President and CEO, Takonobu Ito, who has worked in the design platform for the CR-X, and recognizes the need for a new era in eco-car entertainment, "said 's 2010 Detroit auto show debut of the CR-Z: "The first task of the United States was in the early 1980s I was a young engineer, to develop a platform for the first. generation of Honda CR-X. You might remember that the "pocket rocket." I remember the CR-X of the vehicle to show that the machine can be both sporty and fuel. Times have changed ... but the idea of ​​developing vehicles that are both fun to drive and fuel consumption is alive and well. "