The 2011 CR-Z is Honda's third hybrid, joining the compact Civic Hybrid and Insight, both of which seat five. Honda's CR-Z hybrid coupe remains on track as a 2011 model, on sale in late 2010. Honda wants sports-car enthusiasts to buy it not because it's green, but because it's fun. The carmaker considered doing a non-hybrid version of the CR-Z, but it desperately wants to be seen as a hybrid supplier on par with Toyota and believes it needs a range of dedicated hybrid-only models to achieve that. Despite having just two seats, the small CR-Z has the lowest gas mileage of the three. The CR-Z is intended to be sportier, both in appearance and driving experience than previous models.
Honda CR-Z Power and Drive
For power, the CR-Z uses a relatively simple system that puts an electric motor in tandem with a gas engine, in this case a 1.5-liter four-cylinder. Though the engine shuts off when the car is stopped, it's always turning over when the car's in motion.
2011 CR-Z Design
The two trim levels include a base CR-Z and a feature-laden CR-Z EX. The CR-Z is fairly similar to the concept car of the same name that hit the auto show circuit in 2007, but with less dramatic curves.
