The all new 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid

The all new 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid is now available for test-drives at Keeler Honda! When I went over to the Honda store to check it out (my office is in another building on our Keeler Motor Car campus,) I was first struck by the edgy lines of this car. It screams "i'm a sports car!!" I loved everything about this Honda - I would love it even more if I didn't have two babies and needed a back seat but for all you people out there with no kids (or if you're just in need of a kick-butt sports car that is good for the environment,) come check out the latest and greatest that Honda has to offer. Go here for more information on our website.

Honda creates fun, sporty hybrid with CR-Z

SAN FRANCISCO -- Although it's no sports car, the Honda CR-Z may change some people's minds about just how sporty a hybrid vehicle can be.

On the other hand, by giving the two-seater such a sporty appearance, Honda may be overstating how hot the CR-Z is.

The basics: For the United States, Honda made the CR-Z just a two-seater, whereas Japan and Europe get a plus-two version of a back seat.

Honda saved development costs by using the engine and much of the Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system from the Insight hybrid five-door hatchback. The CR-Z comes with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic.

Notable features: To improve performance, Honda shaved weight in such places as the 16-inch wheels and by using forged aluminum lower control arms for the front suspension.

A "sport" mode provides a noticeable boost in power by monitoring throttle input. An "eco" mode cuts the power but sips gas. The federal fuel economy tests were done in "normal" mode.

The instruments have nice touches, like a 3-D speedometer and tachometer ring that glows green, blue or red depending on how cautiously or aggressively the CR-Z is being driven. The stereo is a six-speaker, 160-watt system with a USB port. Instead of two rear seats, the U.S.-edition CR-Z has an expanded cargo area that can be reconfigured.

Standard features include security system, variable wipers, LED brake lights, automatic climate control, cruise control and the usual traction and braking-assist technologies. Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100621/OEM01/306219987/1430#ixzz0rVl996GV

Honda CR-Z Launch Video

2011 Honda CR-Z First Drive

Honda's once-proud sporting image has taken a beating lately. Its last foray into Formula 1 was a disaster, made even more embarrassing by the fact its former team swept the championship the year after it pulled out -- with Mercedes engines. The on-again, off-again NSX supercar program is now truly dead, along with the iconic S2000, both killed in favor of channeling resources towards good, clean family transport like the Fit, Civic and CR-V. But now an unlikely hybrid sports coupe with a 6-speed manual gearbox -- a world first for a hybrid drivetrain -- is set to inject some passion back into Honda's performance heritage. It's called the CR-Z.

The production CR-Z's exterior is nowhere near as taut and tight as that of the concept Honda revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, which sent the blogosphere into a frenzy of anticipation: Was Honda bringing back the CR-X? While the production CR-Z lacks some of the muscularity of the concept, it still looks like nothing else on the road; that large, imposing grille and upslanting headlights start a design motif that finishes with a bold swish for a C-pillar and a sculptured rear deck.

Many readers will remember the wedge-shaped CR-X of the early 80s and see some strategic resemblances. But as project leader Norio Tomobe pointed out at our drive session: "We were not aiming for a modern day CR-X. We wanted to create a totally new type of hybrid sports coupe that would take us into a more discerning and environmentally-conscious 21st century. The fact that's it's a hybrid just adds another intriguing dimension to the sporty mix. If it reminds you of the CR-X then that's purely coincidental."Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/112_1003_2011_honda_cr_z_drive/index.html#ixzz0hzbTMWeC

All-New 2011 Honda CR-Z unveiled at Detroit Auto Show

The stunning new CR-Z hybrid coupe made its formal debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Blending sporty, sleek styling and fun-to-drive performance, the CR-Z aims to rewrite hybrid history. The CR-Z boasts a high tech 3-mode driving system, allowing the driver to customize performance and efficiency. CR-Z will be uniquely available with a 6-speed manual transmission. For CR-Z auto-show coverage, as well as more on all things CR-Z related, visit our new site— Intersections.

See some video from the Detroit Auto Show below: