Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe Sales to Start in Japan in February 2010, Jazz - Fit Hybrid at the end of 2010

For some twisted reason, Honda likes to remind us every once in a while that the CR-Z hybrid sports coupe and the hybrid version of the Jazz - Fit will enter production. But to completely fair, at least this time the Japanese automaker released some new information in the form of the JDM launch dates. According to Honda, customers in Japan will be able to buy the CR-Z from February 2010 and the Fit Hybrid (Jazz in Europe) sometime before the end of 2010.

Honda added that the start date for European sales of the spiritual successor of the CR-X coupe that is based on the 2007 Tokyo Show CR-Z concept car will be released toward the end of 2009.

And what about the Jazz Hybrid? Well, Honda's exact words were "the IMA system will also be introduced into the award-winning Honda Jazz within the next few years." In other words, don't expect to see the hybrid supermini arriving at Honda's European showroom any time soon.

READ MORE - Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe Sales to Start in Japan in February 2010, Jazz - Fit Hybrid at the end of 2010

2011 Honda CR-ZX: Production Version of the CR-X's Hybrid Replacement Rendered

The bad news for Honda fans is that the NSX's V10 successor has been canned while a replacement for the S2000 roadster that will end production this year is nowhere in sight (aside from magazine centerfolds, that is). The good news is that the CR-X will return, though in a somewhat different form tailored to meet the needs of today's 'eco-frenzy' world. In other words, the CR-X's successor will be a dedicated hybrid model - something in the likes of the Insight.

In its most recent issue, Japan's Best Car magazine features an artist's impression of the production version of the CR-Z concept car, which is mentioned as the CR-ZX. Not surpassingly, the cosmetic changes suggested are limited compared to the prototype model.

The report supports that the so-called CR-ZX will be powered by a tweaked version of the Insight's mild-hybrid drivetrain combining either a 1.3-liter or a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a more powerful electric motor. We remind you that the Insight is equipped with 1.3-liter gasoline four-pot and a 13HP electric motor generating a combined output of 98HP.

We must note that reports from this side of the Atlantic are suggesting that the CR-ZX will mate a more lively 1.8-liter engine to the electric motor. Could be that both sides are right as Honda may develop different versions for Japan and the US / Europe.

The magazine mentions that the CR-ZX will be making its production debut at this October's Tokyo motorshow with the first examples of the compact coupe arriving at domestic dealerships early next year. In a recent statement, Honda said that the CR-ZX will be available in most markets by the end of 2010.

Via: Best Car

READ MORE - 2011 Honda CR-ZX: Production Version of the CR-X's Hybrid Replacement Rendered

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe with 122HP and up to 38mpg Unveiled in Production Form at Detroit

The long-awaited 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid sports coupe made its world premiere in production guise at Detroit Motor Show today. Compared to last year's Tokyo show concept, the U.S.-spec model seen here has remained more or less the same with changes limited to the different alloy wheels, the larger exterior mirrors, the Honda logo that has moved from the grille to under the bonnet and the revised tail lamp crystals.

The strictly two-seater CR-Z also retains the concept model's lightly futuristic interior boasting a multi-layer dashboard and three-dimensional instruments with a blue color scheme.

The coupe also gets a mid-ship console behind the front seats to optimize cargo space while a hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.

At the heart of the coupe is a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda's compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system.

The CR-Z's 10kW electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to further improve efficiency.

The hybrid system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft. of torque at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm with the standard six-speed manual gearbox and 123 lb-ft when combined with the optional CVT.

The CR-Z also gets a three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles. The system, which affects the settings for steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning, is activated through three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel.

While Honda did not announce performance figures for the U.S.-spec model, a leaked brochure of the JDM CR-Z makes word of a 0-100km/h (62mph) time of 9.7 seconds, which if true, isn't exactly what you'd expect from a car that's the spiritual successor of the CR-X.

What the Japanese automaker did reveal are the preliminary fuel economy estimates. Honda anticipates that the CR-Z will achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 36 city/38 highway mpg for the CVT-equipped models and 31 city/37 highway mpg (7.6 lt and 6.4 lt/100km respectively) for the manual cars.

Again, nothing to be excited about. For example, the latest Toyota Prius that is powered by a 134HP hybrid powerplant and can sprint from 0 to 60mph in 9.8 seconds returns 51mpg city and 48mpg highway. Heck, even the BMW 335d sedan with its mighty 260HP diesel achieves 36mpg on the highway.

When the CR-Z arrives at Honda's U.S. dealers later this summer, it will be offered in two trim levels, base and EX.

Standard features on the base model include Vehicle Stability Assist, an audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control.

The CR-Z EX will add High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer and Bluetooth, and perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel.

READ MORE - 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe with 122HP and up to 38mpg Unveiled in Production Form at Detroit

2010 Honda CR-Z Sales Brochure: The Full Monty in Pictures

From what we know, Honda will toss the covers off the production version of the CR-Z hybrid coupe at the Detroit Show on Monday afternoon. And even though we've shown you brochure images of both the standard and MUGEN variants, as well as still video shots of the CR-X's spiritual successor, Carscoop reader S.Z. pointed us to a Japanese blog that just posted more than 30 scanned pictures of what is said to be the domestic market sales leaflet. Hit the jump to check out the complete set of photos.

Via: Gazoo G-blog - Hat tip to S.Z!

READ MORE - 2010 Honda CR-Z Sales Brochure: The Full Monty in Pictures