The question of the 'Hot' CR-Z : the official Honda answer

The 'new' CR-Z, actually the mid-term MMC for the CR-Z was officially launched in Malaysia on February 21st last week. This is actually very fast as the MMC was launched in Japan barely a few months away. When the CR-Z was first launched here, I asked a question to Norio Tomobe-san, the LPL for the CR-Z which it seems was quite widely circulated. I asked him about the rumours of the 'hot' CR-Z which was continously making its rounds especially in the internet and on UK magazines. At that time, he gave me a 'thumbs up' which I took it to mean 'YES' and excitedly reported it. Unfortunately nothing happened at all for more than a year. To be honest, I had more or less gave up and had written Honda off for making a fake promise. 

When the MMC for the CR-Z was launched, I saw that it endowed the CR-Z with 12ps more along with a few other 'performance' upgrades. Suddenly it struck me, that I might have misinterpreted Tomobe-san's answer all along. It seems quite likely that Tomobe-san might well have been thinking about this MMC when he gave me the thumbs up, while I was actually referring to rumours of the CR-Z Type-R and such. 

So during the press conference for this MMC, I decided to ask the same question again. But this time more directly and more bluntly. And this time, instead of publishing my understanding of his answer, I took a video of him answering (and the translator's answer in english) and posted that video up so you can listen to the answer yourself and make your own judgement and interpretation of it. This time, the PA system is quite clear and I hope you can hear the answer much better.

I only video'ed what I will call the 'official Honda answer' to my question. To give you the whole picture, below is roughly the question I asked to Tomobe-san:

Firstly, congratulations to Honda for launching this 'new' CR-Z MMC. It is much needed to help ensure the continued success of the CR-Z here in Malaysia (Asia).

Ever since the CR-Z was launched a few years ago, there have been incessant talks and rumours about a 'hotter' version, a high performance version. A couple of years ago, the U.K. magazines Autocar and Auto Express published articles stating Honda officially confirms that a hot high performance version of the CR-Z is being developed and will be launched soon. Auto Express claims that a CR-Z Type-R will debut at the end of 2011 and as we all know, nothing happened at all. When the CR-Z was launched here in Malaysia, I also asked the same question directly to you, Tomobe-san, to which you also confirmed the rumour. So my question to you now is this : is this 'new' CR-Z MMC that 'hotter version' ? Or NOT ?

The video of Tomobe-san's answer is below. An additional info which is relevant to this answer is that I have been told that as R&D engineers goes, Tomobe-san is very senior in the organization and thus well respected and very influential. So at one time it was suggested to me that whatever Tomobe-san wishes to do, management typically lets him do it.

So do your own interpretation from the video and we welcome you to share and discuss it here.

'New' CR-Z coming to Malaysia this month

For Malaysian enthusiasts who might have been waiting eagerly, the 'new' (i.e. MMC) CR-Z will be launched here in Malaysia this month itself, the 21st, in fact right after the 'Chinese New Year' week (i.e. next week), less than 2 weeks away. 

My understanding is we will be getting the JDM-spec version, with the 'new' 136ps engine and not the lame one used in the 'new' USDM CR-Z. Following this, the rest of ASEAN will of course be getting this car as well. In the media gathering, I overheard that there will be a private Q&A session with the CR-Z LPL the day before the launch but reserved for selected people only so expect news of the 'new' CRZ to start coming out on the 20th. We will be asking our questions during the press conference in the launch day itself.

Launch date of CR-Z MMC for ASEAN

With the recent launch of the MMC for the CR-Z, especially a more powerful 135-136ps engine, the most asked question now will have to be when it will make its debut here in Asia. My current understanding is that this MMC CR-Z will start showing up early next year, i.e. around the 1st quarter of 2013. Honda has already announced an 'around February' date for Indonesia and the rest of ASEAN date should be around that time as well.

Official press release : Honda CR-Z MMC, Paris Motor Show

Honda has officially announced the debut of the CR-Z MMC in the Paris Motor Show will is being held over this weekend. Basically everything that our TOV/TOVA readers whom has 'contacts' told us before were accurate and to the dot. The function of the 'S+' button, which Honda calls the 'Plus Sport' button is really a KERS like function for overtaking just like our TOV/TOVA reader from Europe first told us. Also the power increase as told to us by another reader is almost on the dot - just out by 1ps.


The official press release follows.

2013 cr-z

137 PS for the Revised Sporty CR-Z Hybrid

Honda has updated the sporty CR-Z hybrid with a range of improvements focusing on style and performance. The 2013 CR-Z hybrid makes its debut at Paris Motor Show. 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 by introducing a new material for the seats and door lining and a new colour scheme. Revisions to the door casings improve cabin storage, while new LED lights create a high quality feel at night. On GT models, the sporty appeal of the cabin is further enhanced by the addition of red detailing on the steering wheel, gear knob, seat and door trim.

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 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint time falls from 9.7 sec to 9.0 sec and top speed is 200 km/h (124 mph). The combined consumption is 5.0 l/km (56.5 mpg) and 116 g/km of CO₂.*

* All figures for 2013 CR-Z S Model

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% 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. The result is a car with a desirable combination of style, performance and driving pleasure.

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)
Urban		l/100km	6.0
Extra Urban		l/100km	4.4
Combined		l/100km	5.0
CO2 emissions		g/km	116
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed	km/h		200
Acceleration 0-100km/h	sec		9.0
WHEELS AND TYRES
Wheels			16x6J 195/55R16

* 

Note : Combined power and torque figures are not the sum of the maximum figures for engine and motor. Because the engine and motor generate their peak figures at different rev ranges, the maximum figure is less than the two peaks and this gives a better spread of power and torque.

CR-Z MMC makes surprise appearance in Indonesia Motor Show

Eventhough Honda officially announced the debut of the CR-Z MMC for the Paris Motor Show on the 29th of this month, in a surprise move, the popular Malaysian car blog paultan.org reports from the Indonesia Motor Show of the display of an unit of the 'new' CR-Z MMC. Reports from paultan.org confirms the exterior changes to the CR-Z but the interior could not be checked out because the display car was locked. Official information from Honda Indonesia states a max power of 120ps for the MMC LEA engine and 20ps for the LiOn IMA electric motor with combined max power of 136ps for the 6MT version and 135ps for the CVT version. Max power point is at 6,600rpm and redline is 6,800rpm. These figures virtually confirms the scoop info that we saw last week. 

Meanwhile, official Honda publications like the Honda world site at world.honda.com is still announcing the 'world debut' of the CR-Z MMC at the Paris Motor Show.

Scoop photos on new CR-Z MMC : Power Comparison

TOVA reader Alan posted some photos to our TOVA Facebook (thanks Alan), the same photos being also posted on our TOV forums. It is likely these photos are taken off a japanese magazine due to the quality of the photos, as well as the layout of the last photo which seems to be more of a montage of photos. Nevertheless, these photos gives us very interesting info on the new CR-Z MMC to be launched on the 27th, just 10 days away from the date of this posting.

The first photo, which I look at in this post, is the power comparison. From this comparison, we can see that the MMC will nett power increases for the CR-Z as follows:

CR-Z 6MT

Max Power - 100kW/136ps at 6,600rpm, up from 91kW/124ps at 6,000rpm

Max Torque - 19.4kgm/190Nm at 1,000-2,000rpm, up from 17.7kgm/174Nm at 1,000-1,750rpm

CR-Z CVT

Max Power - 99kW/135ps at 6,600rpm, up from 90kW/123ps at 6,000rpm

Max Torque - 17.5km/172Nm at 1,000-3,000rpm, up from 17.0kgm/167Nm at 1,000-2,000rpm

The new redline seems to be set at 6,800rpm, up from 6,200rpm so the new rev-cut is likely to be at 7,000rpm.

This 12ps is definitely coming from improvements to both the petrol engine and the IMA electric motor, as confirmed in Honda's own press release for this CR-Z MMC in the Paris Motor Show. Bear in mind that Honda has also confirmed that this CR-Z MMC will be using the new Lithium-Ion (LiOn) IMA battery and the matching IMA electric motor is more powerful (running at a higher voltage than the old NiMH IMA motor).

It is not known if this CR-Z MMC will be using the same IMA electric motor as the new 9Gen Civic Hybrid but the Civic Hybrid's motor is rated at 23hp at 1,546-3,000rpm and a torque of 78lbft (approx 10.7kgm) at 500-1,546rpm. For comparison, the current (pre-MMC) CR-Z's IMA electric motor is rated at 13hp at 1,500rpm and 58lbft (approx 8.0kgm) at 1,000rpm, exactly the same as the Insight which uses the same motor. 

As it is likely the CR-Z MMC will now use the same IMA electric motor from the 9Gen HCH, it suggests that the power increase from the petrol engine alone should be very little, a few horses only which matches to info we have heard so far. There have been guesses that the engine will now be DOHC instead of SOHC but the quantum of the power increase does not support this guess. Also the max-torque rpm range, especially for the CVT variant, is now much wider. But the fuel consumption and emissions remains the same according to Honda's press release. So this suggests that the engine should remain largely the same except for some mods to improve air-flow, especially to cater for the slightly higher 6,800rpm redline.

The new CR-Z MMC's power chart shows some very desirable improvements to the driving performance. The 9G HCH for e.g. has surprisingly good overtaking power, with a mild 'push against the seat' when the throttle is opened to WOT for overtaking. So the new CR-Z MMC should offer an even better performance in this area especially the 6MT. Of intrigue is whether Honda will change the gear ratios for the 6MT, though history has shown that they are likely to do so. The extra 600rpm will allow a higher/shorter ratios to be used and Honda is likely to continue to spec 2nd gear to hit 99kph at redline.

Paris Motor Show

The Paris motor show will be held on the 27th of September (i.e., this month at the time of this post). The show promises the debut of a few cars of interest to Honda enthusiasts. Top of the list will be the CR-Z MMC, also called the '2013 CR-Z'. This MMC promises some minor, yet very important updates to the CR-Z which has been getting some very good, yet also some negative reception. The new 4Gen CR-V which has already been launched to great success in the U.S. will debut in this show as well. And finally, but not least, the new diesel Civic with a 1.6l i-DTEC engine will also debut in this show. The official press release from Honda of Europe follows.

We also have a little bit of extra details on the CR-Z MMC and the Civic which we will be publishing on different posts afterwards.

Honda CR-V and CR-Z Take Centre Stage at Honda's 2012 Paris Motor Show Display

14 September 2012

Honda has revealed its 2012 Paris Motor Show line-up consisting of the new CR-V and the all-new 1.6 diesel engine in the Civic, plus an updated CR-Z.

New CR-VThe new fourth generation British-built CR-V makes its European debut at the Paris Motor Show 2012. Building on the success of its predecessors, the new CR-V has improved quality, practicality and refinement. For the first time in Europe, the compact SUV will be offered with a choice of both two- and four-wheel drive, while improvements to both the petrol and diesel engines have resulted in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

Civic 1.6L i-DTECShown for the first time at Paris Motor Show, Honda has introduced a new 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine in the Civic hatchback. The first engine in Europe to feature Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series, it combines strong performance (120 PS) with CO2 emissions of only 94 g/km* helping the Civic to achieve a combined consumption of 78.5mpg*.

* All figures for 16”wheel size.
2013 CR-ZThe CR-Z features revisions to the exterior and interior enhancing 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. Details of performance and the on the sale date will be announced at Paris.

Honda EV-STER Honda is also exhibiting the EV-STER, next-generation electric small sports concept model.

40th Anniversary of the CivicThis year, Honda celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Civic which was first introduced in 1972. Since then sales have exceeded 20 million units worldwide. Honda is marking this anniversary by displaying an original first generation Civic at the Paris Motor Show alongside the latest generation Civic.

The Honda Press Conference will take place at 16.30 on Thursday 27 September.