The new NSX is a goner – which Matt Master isn’t happy about – and there won’t be another S2000. But all is not lost for fun Hondas. Foreman has been getting answers about the new CRZ coupe. It’s a hybrid, but it should be fun.
It goes on sale late next year. And it’s more than just a dollied-up Insight. I spoke to a Japanese engineer involved. He looked at me very seriously, like his honour was at stake, and said they want people like us to want one not because it’s green but because it’s fun.
They even thought about building a non-hybrid version of the CRZ, but decided against it. Honda is royally cheesed off that Toyota gets seen as the king of green car companies, so to rebuild its tree-hugging image Honda wants to build a set of hybrid-only cars. The Insight and CRZ are the first two.
The CRZ’s engine is spunkier than the Insight’s. It’s a 140bhp 1.8-litre. The ‘integrated motor assist’ system – that is, the hybrid gubbins of motor, battery and electronics – will be as per the Insight.
Our engineering mole went on: ‘It must be fun to drive. Must remind you of the original CRX.’ I said it couldn’t really be like that with the dull CVT transmission. He began to crack a smile, looked at the bottle of wine we’d drained, and said: ‘CVT is fine for the most people. But we are Honda! We must have manual!’
What’s it look like? Not far from the lovely little Tokyo show concept, we’re promised.
With that light body, lots of electric-assist torque and a revvy petrol engine, we ought to end up with something well worth a steer in.
I spent a lot of time looking over this at the British Motor Show and thought the design and details were pretty much perfect, although I’d be amazed if it made it to production looking like that – the glass hatch alone would probably be vetoed by the beancounters, and I can’t see the grille meeting pedestrian safety requirements. Good to see that Honda still have their design mojo working though; could we even imagine a point in the near future where the designs of the entire Honda range are more cutting edge than their competitors? They need to continue in their efforts to shake off shopping-car-itis.
I spent a lot of time looking over this at the British Motor Show and thought the design and details were pretty much perfect, although I’d be amazed if it made it to production looking like that – the glass hatch alone would probably be vetoed by the beancounters, and I can’t see the grille meeting pedestrian safety requirements. Good to see that Honda still have their design mojo working though.. could we even imagine a point in the near future where the designs of the entire Honda range are more cutting edge than their competitors? They need to continue in their efforts to shake off shopping-car-itis.
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Wow! I want one. If it is all those things and doesn’t cost too much.
That’s the way I’d do a green car – make it a car first, then do the Eco bits. It looks great, and Honda can do fun & FWD really well (Integra R, Civic R, CR-X).
Someone forgot that the CRX was fast, because it was light – this has an electric motor plus batteries that will probably last for 10kms of slow driving and then just serve as balast.
Looks good though.
Looks like the next gen civic, not an S2000 replacement
Mitoman: it’s funny you should say that – when we were at the motorshow and everyone was looking at the OSM Concept as an S2000 replacement, the I said the proportions were too Civic like for it to end up as anything else. Judging by some comments from the Honda camp, it looks like I was right
It’s neither – it’s a model in its own right. The next Civic (due in 2010) is supposed to look something like this:
http://indianautosblog.co m/2008/10/2010-honda-civi c
I really like the idea of a fast, fun hybrid car that looks really cool. And there making it! But i dont think it will look like that when it comes out unfortunetly. Anyway, this isnt conected to the subject but how fast could an Aston Martin DBRS9 go round the top gear test track?
Now if they could only build a Type R with the S2000s engine as a base…
A manual is a pretty good thing though.
Where do I sign? I wasn’t really keen on the first CRX, owing to it’s woeful safety record. For many years I thought C stood for coffin, but when the CRZ sails I’ll be on board.
looks pretty good.
I’m disappointed to hear that the S2000 is being shelved as well, if you’ve got sense you’ll get one and keep it in mint condition because surely that is a future classic.
I do hope the CRZ makes it into production because it will give hybrids a good name hopefully. Honda is dead right to attack Toyota’s share of the hybrid market because they at least know how to race, have fun, and build interesting exteriors and interiors, unlike most Toyotas (except my old 83 rwd Starlet!)
i like the looks of this
to be honest i think some of japan’s cars are the coolest
this looks way better han anything germany has to offer
I think honda defo got it right with the design of this car its brilliant a modern classic maybe………….
i like it, it looks nice
FINALY, a car from Honda that isn’t as bland and boring as a piece of paper. It looks great. WELL DONE.
Ok so its the new CRX, only heavier, probably no more aero dynamic and not going to get much more MPG (my ‘88 CRX gets over 40mpg when being thrashed and does 50mpg when driven carefully).
Plus it has a 1.8 engine with 140bhp. The old 1.6 16V had that and the VTEC had 160bhp. Come on Honda you made a better and more enviornmentally sound (a 2nd drive system with batteries and electric motors is not green!) car than this 20 years ago!
looks fantastic, shame about the fact that even saxos will make you sweat at the lights due to the 140bhp… more juice plz !!
I dunno if I’ve missed loads of other posts on this, or I’m the only one who’s noticed but – (deep breath) Honda’s abrupt, short-termist canning of the NSX, scrapping the S2000 and dropping out of F1 (although the latter is somewhat understandable given the economy currently looking like the Dog’s dinner) flys in the face of there not-too-long-ago ad campaigns of dreaming the impossible dream. If Honda want to be seen as an innovator, pushing the envelope and actually striving to produce anything other than cars for coffin dodgers, then they surely have to see the NSX through to completion, and build a successor to the S2000. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for making cars more environmentally agreeable, but Honda’s recent moves seems to have cut its nose off to spite its face. They have no flagship model now – or at least none that I care to think of. Nothing to say “Look world! We’re Honda! We can do this!” (and no Asimo, you don’t count, so pipe down!) Nissan has the GTR, Toyota/Lexus will (eventually, assuming metaphorical plugs aren’t prematurely pulled) have the LF-A… and Honda SHOULD have had the NSX. I can only see that they will only be damaging their own brand image by focusing solely on the glorified shopping trolleys of this world, undoing any good that their previous models have done. How long before the Type R becomes a hazy memory and happier times lost? That doesn’t sound so very unlikely anymore.
MSDosser, Honda canned all RWD plans (including a few Acuras) because the risk of making expensive sports cars in the current climate has been considered too great – especially as Honda isn’t exactly the first name in sports/supercars and the NSX was rarely taken seriously outside of Japan.
For now, I guess the Legend is their flagship, but I think they’re only being conservative until things are a bit brighter, so the NSX and S2000 replacements will eventually turn up. Just not now that no-one has any money. Besides, the CR-Z will do for now. It looks fun.
I was just thinking, Honda have every right to be annoyed about Toyota’s halo-headed image. Honda have made a hydrogen car, arguably the first step to a way out of fossil fuels. Tesla (Grrr) and Fisker have made half-decent electric cars. Honda actually invented the hybrid in the first place. And a solar car. Saab do biofuels. Hell, Koenigsegg do biofuels (CCXR)!
But what do Toyota do?
“Aha, look at the new Prius! It’s a Hybrid! It’s green! See? You can get Lexii like this too if you have money. So?” Um, no good Toyota (especially as the batteries they use have nickel in them that needs to be mined). And the electric iQ concept from Detroit doesn’t count, because that’s just a concept.
So Honda should be regarded as the Green Queen instead.
I kinda see what you’re saying Mikeado, but I think you’ve missed my point. Yes, the NSX never really got the attention in the west that it really deserved… which certainly doesn’t mean it was a bad car. It’s quite a saught after modern classic these days. So surely then, seeing as Honda has already invested in the project to produce a new version, why write all that work off? I understand that Honda has no plans to start the NSX project back up at all, irrespective of financial climate. As for the S2000, I’ve not heard any more on that. But this is the short-termist mentality I speak of, which is so uncharacteristic of a Japanese company, and is indicative of a company in trouble. I guess that ultimately, sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good. If its really a case of making duller cars and keep in business or produce a slightly more rock n roll car than normal, then go under, then it’s a no-brainer. But it does just seem like a waste of its development work to date in my eyes, if the NSX is gone for good.
O I C.
I guess you’re right about wasting effort and money (plus the old NSX is a great car). But I’m still doubtful of its ultimate demise, especially as there have been prototypes spotted.
If it is really dead though, then new tech and important bits like the engine (albeit probably with 4 cylinders lopped off) will show up in future Hondas and Acuras (Acura is no longer extending to Japan or Europe).
IMHO, I’m actually sort of glad it isn’t around. Not for green reasons, it’s just that the NSX is supposed to be nimble and mid-engined, not a big muscular V10 FR trying-to-be-a-599. At least when Nissan went in a totally new direction with the GT-R, they dropped the Skyline name. I think that NSX should’ve become ASC or HSC or something. Either way, it probably would’ve been great…
Hello evryone i love top gear and series 13
comes out in june. i read it in top gear magazine i love top gear magazine. i subscribe to it its exelent value. i know you might think my blog is a bit pointless but dont stop readding.PLEASE DONT STOP READING. Right now im watching the simpsons it is the best. ive love them the one im watching the one with angry dad. it is really good
Hello im stupid
You realize the “NSX” isn’t some chasis # or model name. It’s Honda’s terminology for “NextGen Sportscar Xperimental.”
Nothing in the name says it has to be “V6 MR” or “FF V12″ or whatever. The name makes it clear the NSX is an experiement in performance. The scientic findings might offen yield a V10 FR with AWD.
now it looks great but a FWD 1.8 with only 140BHP
somehow i dont think this could be even be close to replacing s2000…they should definetly find an engine substitute i mean like d electric motor and batteries are going to pile on a good bit of weight so that punny power will not be noticed…
well then again though i think they should just keep this like an eco car lower the engine ant have it as a prius rival…now in all fairness thats one ugly car and this would definetly beat it and design something that could beat the s2000 not stay behind it!
@27. OK fair enough (and I did realise it was merely a name, not a chassis code), but laying it out completely differently, making a whole new platforn and carrying over precisely no styling cues doesn’t, in my mind, justify using the same name. That’s all I’m saying.
they need a car like the s2000 as a draw. it gets people who wouldn’t otherwise look at the now sedate honda lineup in the door. they may drive out in a CR-V, but that’s not the point
unless they plan to somehow make this a sporty twist on green
i’ll give them the benefit of the doubt
Charlie Sheen Is The Stig!!!1!!1!
See ‘The Rookie’ for evidence.
elo, please please can you feature this on the show – 2009 SSC ULTIMATE AERO – this is an amazing car and to see it perform would be like eatin cream cakes off the back of selma hiyak in teh eye of a tornado, refreshing.muchos gracius
The CRZ looks amazing but will it put VW’s ‘rocco to shame, yes honda have been making such futeristic cars (bar the CR-V)yet VW is sticking with its antique trademark, understated and classy, i think the honda is far too flash, back to the drawing board for honda then ehhh?
33…Too many automakers are going for the retro look. They aren’t moving on. This is a new generation… We need to move on to new and better things…We need change.
We need change in F1 too.
i cant read plus i cant be botherd reading about an old gezzer driving driveing a honda
Ever tried to find some snow chains or winter tyres for the Q7 with 20inch wheels? They don’t make them! Audi UK says the car is fit for purpose in the UK- obviously they’re not bothered about the Channel Tunnel, Europe and us driving to ski resorts- I got fined 350 Euros last week when the car couldn’t get up a snowy mountain!
i have a vw touareg altitude 3.6 petrol and after trying to px it have found that i cannot get altitude money because it does not have standard features of the altitude ie satnav leather etc.i purchased this car from new at vw at altitude price and they say it is on their database as an altitude and therefore is one. i have scoured the internet for an answer or another car like mine and cannot find one.i am obviously very annoyed and now out of pocket,the dealer is quoting phrases like sold as seen yes from a vw sales manager.Do you know my rights? or a way out of this mess?.
my uncle thinks this could be a car for him as it takes less fuel. but i still think the ferrari f430 is the best
billo talk to a solicitor, write to watchdog or learn to live with it, you´ve been ripped off..
sold as seen really protects the dealer more than you.. you should´ve had a checklist.., ps adolf h. comissioned the vw what did you expect ? a humane market philosophy ??
shame on vw delares.. very wery dodgy..
pizzaman feal your pain,,btw za fine was for having the wrong plates.. ie not french… typical frog thing to do..
ps my car was broken up last summer while we were having morning latés and freshly baked croissants in a cafe near Cannes. They left their moody footprints, a lighter( probably wiht fingerprints..)and took everyhting else including phones,passports,baggase you name it.. When the police finaly opened up their dungeonous little villa after being closed for their 9-14 siesta, they acused me of stealing mu own car given I didn´t have the papers to show proof it was mine because they´ve been nicked… lucky we weren´t arrested.. we were detained at the italian border for 4 hrs by za carabinerri though .. for the same reason… unlucky…
Even though it’s hijacking the priginal topic a bit – Billo: are you in the UK? If so, the phrase ’sold as seen’ has no legal weight outside of a private sale and even then it can occasionally be questioned. If you bought the car from a main dealer and he misrepresented the sale then you would have had the right to a full refund. I assume a fair amount of time has passed since then in your case and that might weaken your argument a bit, but if the original sale went agains the Sale of Goods Act then you might still get some results. Find a lawyer that does free short consultation sessions and have a chat.
http://www.adviceguide.or g.uk/index/your_world/con sumer_affairs.htm
billo, b4 you do anything READ your contract..if it includes a clause stating and describing the lack of standard options regularly included in the altitude pack, the contract hasn´t actually been breached which means you can´t make a case for misrep.. but ask a lawyer, you might be able to file a complaint to the dealer´s union at vw uk and get some free service out of it.. I wouldn´t expect a refund though…
These car makers have all jumped to produce hybrid cars as soon as things go tits up in the economic world..? why ? They won’t make them any more money. Saab spend 19 million a month just on research for their bio-fuel range.These firms can’t keep spending money hoping that all of a sudden everyone will buy a new car… It won’t work! I’ve had an early insight into the current second hand car market, and i’m afraid to say there’s nothing left. It’s gone. Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Suzuki, Merc etc.. have all dried up the market. Every second hand car is snatched up by the main dealers because they can’t shift the new stuff.. thats how bad it is. Main dealers who, last year, wouldnt buy anything older than a 56 reg are buying things from the 90’s, in a desperate bid o make some money ! It’s hell ! I just hope things like the new CRZ and Nissans wonder creations can, at least, bring back the 4000 jobs lost at Sunderland alone…
looks exstreamly ugly and shuld me exstreamly un cool
A BMW owner can have no opinion on beauty and style. Bangle sins etc.
Being a Honda fan for so many years, I’ve been a bit annoyed at what they’ve been doing lately; dropping the NSX, s2000, and the F1 team. But, I’ve come to realize what their true strategy is. Honda has used the financial crisis as an excuse to halt the nsx and s2000 research not entirely because of financial reasons but to buy them some time. I think the creative think-tank at Honda is having a very difficult time coming up with a new NSX that would trump the GT-R. Many of you would be rolling your eyes by now. But it’s a plausible theory. How can you build a car that would out-accelerate, out-corner, and look meaner than a GT-R yet cost less than a Porsche 911 Turbo? Nissan’s bar is high and Honda’s probably glad that this financial crisis has bought them 18 months to think about what to put out that would dazzle like the original.
I’m still hoping that when the economy returns to normal, the NSX will finally return as Honda’s flagship. Because really, the Honda Legend is no flagship. It’s a joke.
i always thought that honda’s design are not so good but i guess i was wrong this honda is really look is really stunning ( in a good way of course ) honda has gone off its limits and yet the result is good! good job honda
Eco sport car?What is happening in this world for the love of the god!?
NO,THERE ARE NO APSOLUTELY ANY CHANCES THAT THIS WOULD WORK!!!
Hybrid cars can’t be funny.If you want a sport car,don’t wait this,buy S2000 before it goes out of production!!!
I am a Honda fanatic. But making the CRZ hybrid only is an error from Honda. I will love if they have the 2 options
Love the original CRX and if this is a true 21st century alternative warm hatch it should be great. With the 1.8 petrol should go briskly and hopefully it will handle well. If it does I can see a lot of 20 and 30 somethings buying one of these, looks great.
I am a Honda fan and on looks I think this car is a winner, with a 1.8 v.tec engine ok but if its to have the same electric motor as the insight why bother? Look at the spec for the insight and you will see that the electric side of the power gives a max(PS) of 14 at 1500 rpm and max torque of 78 at 1000 rpm.
What good will that be to the performance; you might as well connect the windscreen wiper motors to the back wheels.
This might be ok for the Insight run about but not to power Honda’s one and only sports car.
Thought the golden rule for hybrids was the E power should be one third of the petrol engine the above is little more than a glorified starter motor.
If you want to be eco then why not go down to route of VW and Audi and stick in the 2.2 diesel, it has more power than the 1,8 and better fuel consumption.
Think the watch word here is choice Mr Honda
Going to Hondas Insight homecomming on earth day(have to have a GEN 1 Insight to go) what would be the best question for Honda about the CRZ? Most @ insight.net are PO that honda used the Insight nameplate for a auto of such insignificance(like getting 100 MPG). I bought a G2 Insight:)
Take a close look at the VW Scirocco and you can see the CRZ who copied who?
As the Scirocco is a production car and has been for some time think maybe Honda may have copied VW. The CRZ has the same lines as the VW right down to the windows, the front is not a million miles from apart in design ether.
The rear is better than the CRZ and with its wide track and its four seats is a better car.
With a choice of petrol or diesel the later giving 56 mpg and a sports performance think Honda have been caught with their pants down with the CRZ
The Scirocco has spent two years as a concept as has the CRZ the Scirocco has been in the market place for the last eight months.
I rest my case.
If you are fed up with waiting for Honda to bring the CRZ to its show rooms (like me) buy a VW Scirocco
I currently drive a 2006 Insight with a manual. I cannot tell you how Happy I am that Honda really appears to “Get It”!! Yes, I want a hybrid that gets high mileage, but since I have had my 2 seat Insight over 120 mph in 3rd gear at least a handfull of time, I would be terribly disappointed if Honda did not offer a real replacement for me. In my opinion, the 4 seat Insight is a follower of the Prius dog and not in the true CRX, Insight high performance/fun car lineage.
Again, Kudos to the team that “Gets It”. Hey!Maybe a Dual Clutch version like the Nissan GT-R or Bugatti? What do you think?
I owned, and modified a 1988 CRX, and am pleased to see the entry of the CR-Z. My only thought would be that 140 bhp is not enough and would like options for increasing the output. I am unsure of the alternatives that would be available with the integrated assist hybrid engine. That little puppy needs another 100 hp and 100 ftlb torque to really be a devilish car. And only a manual please, and a limited slip differential should be standard.
Hmm now lets see, will this car do over 132mph? (not modified) I had a 1989 G-Reg Honda and it was the most reliable and fastest cars I had. Standard 1.6 16 valve injection. I got 132mph out of this and it still had more to go but I had to slow that, it’s even faster my dad’s 2 litre Saab and that was a Turbo, injection and 16 valve. The 1988-89 CRX was the best CRX ever and I got it because I was sick of breaking down. I had a Rover bubble shape 214Si P reg and it was much newer BUT I was like break down king. Long live the CRX I don’t really know if this Honda CRZ is up to it.
The CR-Z looks to be a stunning reprise for ordinarily ugly hybrids. But I’d have to agree that the battery once drained serves no purpose other than to consume more fuel, unlike a fueltank which makes your car lighter the emptier it gets!
Frankly it would make more sense for manufacturers to make hybrid diesels but I believe the elite just want to milk the world of a bit more petrol money (and wars) before they pamper themselves with another S-class http://green.autoblog.com /2007/11/14/la-2007-merc edes-shows-off-s400-bluet ec-diesel-hybrid-concept/
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There is a Mugen brochure leaked out there
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