Honda’s compact coupe, the CR-Z, is out to prove that driving enjoyment doesn’t have to come at a heavy cost at the fuel pumps. The car has a hybrid system with a small four-cylinder engine but gives it a twist, thanks to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Apparently it’s the first time a hybrid has been mated to a manual tranny.
In conjunction with the IMA hybrid system a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine sits up front. The system output is 91kW and 174Nm of torque. Honda says the torque curve is so flat that twist is accessible from as early as 1500rpm. C02 emissions are 117g/km.
A new 3-Mode Driving System adjusts the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system. What it does is to allow the driver to choose if he wants performance, fuel economy or a combination of the two, a sort of middle ground.
Some of the design elements include daytime running lights with 8 LEDs (European spec), a two-level construction dashboard, and rear seats that can be completely flattened.
It is quite safe to assume the Honda CR-Z hybrid will go into production soon, perhaps as soon as late 2010. South Africa could even see very limited numbers being brought into the country.
No comments:
Post a Comment