2011 Honda CR-Z MUGEN
This week in the egmCarTech garage we are test-driving a 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid hatchback. So far the two-seater hybrid hatch is pretty impressive, especially in Sport mode. Nonetheless, we keep finding ourselves wishing that we had a turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine under the hood.
Click here for more news on the Honda CR-Z.
Well, Honda may just make our wish come true. According to AutoCar, Honda is planning on adding a turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine option as a plan to broaden the appeal of the new sporty hatchback. The report says that the CR-Z is earmarked to get an all-new 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and is currently under development at Honda’s Tochigi R&D center.
The engine is expected to deliver the performance of a typical 2.0L engine and will come with two output choices – 160-hp and 200-hp. The more powerful version is likely to be the basis of a CR-Z Type R, which may be due sometime next year.
Refresher: The 2011 Honda CR-Z is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC mated to Honda”s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system. It produces a total of 122-hp and a maximum torque of 128 lb-ft. When mated to a 6-speed manual, the CR-Z returns an EPA-estimated 31/37/34 mpg (city/highway/combined). With the CVT transmission, the CR-Z returns 35/39/37 mpg. Prices in the United States start at $19,200.
2011 Honda CR-Z MUGEN:
- By: Omar Rana
Source: AutoCar
