2013 Honda CR-Z gets new Facelift and Power Increase

The Honda CR-Z was released in 2010 with the aim of creating a new breed of hybrid cars called the Sport Hybrd. Although it offers commendable handling and performance, the CR-Z just misses the mark if you were thinking of a sports car with hybrid-like fuel economy.

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For 2013, Honda will be bringing out an improved CR-Z with a host of updates including a mild facelift to give better performance and driving dynamics.

Honda has responded to criticism about the CR-Z’s engine lacking a bit of punch. So, the engine control unit (ECU) has been remapped and the variable valve timing (VVT) has been revised to raise power output from the 1.5 -litre engine from 85 kW to 90 kW.

The 2013 CR-Z will also use a new Lithium ion battery pack in place of the old Nickel-metal hybrid battery. Combined with a revised electric motor, the new CR-Z churns out a total of 102 kW and 190 Nm of torque, an increase of 11 kW and 16 Nm over the 2010 model, without compromising the orginal fuel economy figures.

An interesting new feature of the 2013 CR-Z is a new Plus Sport button on the steering wheel. If the battery is at least 50-percent full, a press of the +S button engages additional electric boost for up to ten seconds (think of the nitrous button for you Fast & Furious fanboys).

The exterior of the 2013 CR-Z gets a mild refreshed with new front bumper, revised headlights and rear diffuser. Inside, the new CR-Z spots new interior trim and LED lighting.

2013 Honda CR-Z at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

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2013 Honda CR-Z Press Release

Honda has updated the sporty CR-Z hybrid with a range of improvements focusing on style and performance. Subtle revisions to the exterior and interior enhance the styling of the car whilst the power of both the petrol engine and electric motor has been increased without comprising fuel economy or increasing exhaust emissions. The car also features a Lithium Ion battery for the first time. The revised CR-Z will go on sale in January 2013.

The 2013 CR-Z can be identified by a range of styling upgrades that emphasise the coupe’s sporty appeal. Style conscious motorists will appreciate the CR-Z’s new front bumper design, which frames a revised grille. This is complemented at the rear by a new aerodynamic diffuser design, while striking 17inch alloy wheels fill the wheel arches of the GT model. Two bold new colours, Energetic Yellow and Aurora Violet, further enhance the CR-Z’s stylish looks. Honda has updated the hybrid’s interior with a new colour scheme, while revisions to the door casings improve cabin storage.

The CR-Z’s 1.5-litre petrol engine has been updated with changes to the variable valve timing system and Engine Control Unit (ECU). An anti-vibration knock sensor has been introduced and the material of the crankshaft has been upgraded. The peak power output has been increased from 114 PS to 121 PS.

The electric motor system has also been improved. The change from a Nickel-metal hybrid (Ni-MH) to a Lithium Ion battery has been accompanied by an increase in power from 14 PS (10 kW) to 20 PS (15 kW).

Working in unison, the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system now delivers a combined output of 137 PS at 6600 rpm (+13 PS) and 190 Nm of torque (+16 Nm). The 0-62 mph sprint time falls from 9.7 sec to 9.0 sec and top speed is 124 mph. The combined consumption is 56.5 mpg and 116 g/km of CO2.

To help the driver make the best use of this sporty performance, Honda has introduced a Plus Sport (S+) boost system. If the battery is more than 50 per cent charged, the driver can activate this system using the S+ button on the steering wheel. When the accelerator is pressed the electric boost begins, delivering increased acceleration for up to ten seconds. A flashing gauge on the dashboard indicates when the system is active. S+ can be used in ECON, Normal or Sport modes.

The revisions to the 2013 CR-Z enhance its sporty appeal without compromising its impressive fuel economy and low exhaust emissions.

Technical Specifications

  • ENGINE 1.5 SOHC i-VTEC
  • 4 valves per cylinder
  • Bore x stroke mm 73 x 89.4
  • Capacity cc 1497
  • Compression ratio 10.4 (Honda internal figure)
  • Max. Power (Engine) kW/PS 89/121 @ rpm 6600
  • Max. Torque (Engine) Nm 146 @ rpm 4800
  • Max. Power (Electric Motor) kW/PS 15/20 @ rpm 2000
  • Max. Torque (Electric Motor) Nm 78 @ rpm 1000
  • Max. Power (Combined)* kW/PS 101/137 @ rpm 6600
  • Max Torque (Combined)* Nm 190 @ rpm 1000-2000
  • Fuel system Honda PGM-FI Electronic Injection
  • Fuel rating Unleaded, 95 RON
  • FUEL CONSUMPTION (1999/100/EC) 1.5 SOHC i-VTEC
  • Urban mpg 47.1 (Sport) / 46.3 (GT)
  • Extra Urban mpg 64.2 (Sport) / 60.1 (GT)
  • Combined mpg 56.5 (Sport) / 54.3 (GT)
  • CO2 emissions g/km 116 (Sport) / 122 (GT)
  • PERFORMANCE
  • Top Speed mph 124
  • Acceleration 0-62 mph sec 9.1 (Sport) / 9.5 (GT)
  • WHEELS AND TYRES
  • Wheels 16x6J (Sport) / 17×6.5J (GT)
  • 195/55R16 (Sport) / 205/45R17 (Sport)

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