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Honda CR-Z Hybrid
Honda has announced that its lightweight hybrid sports
car, the CR-Z, is going into production. Already, the CR-Z hybrid is available in Japan, and is scheduled to hit the US market on August 24.
Honda's latest hybrid will be the first hybrid to be offered in two transmissions: an automatic CVT and a 6-speed manual transmission.
Likewise the the Honda CR-Z hybrid will also come in 3 different trim levels, starting at just under $20,000 for the base package and $24,000 for the top level, which includes navigation.
According to Honda the CR-Z hybrid, which stands for Compact
Renaissance Zero, will offer a "unique value" as a sporty hybrid coupe.
So, is a two-seat sporty hybrid coupe just what the American market needs? We'll soon find out!
Although Honda has not yet released a lot of details regarding the CR-Z
hybrid, it is expected utilize Honda's current Integrated Motor Assist
powertrain, and it will probably pair a 1.3-liter
four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, like the
rest of Honda's hybrid vehicles.
Still, the third generation of the Honda Civic hybrid
will probably begin hitting the streets in 2011 and
whatever updates Honda makes to the Integrated Motor
Assist will probably make their way into the CR-Z
hybrid as well. Nonetheless, Honda has not indicated
any serious updates to its current hybrid system.
In any case, the
Honda CR-Z hybrid should be one of the first hybrid
sports-cars.
Early reports
indicate that the CR-Z will have a price tag of more
than $20,000. In fact, it seems there is a good chance
that the CR-Z will be Honda's most expensive hybrid
vehicle.
For more information on
the Toyota Prius hybrid, Click here. |
