Among the best-known and most popular sports Hondas for a long time is the CR-Z model, which, however, has disappointed all driving enthusiasts in the current generation. It came with a hybrid drivetrain and completely insufficient performance, although the appearance is quite good. Honda apparently realized the mistake and the successor will be a much more interesting car !
The new Civic Type R is slowly getting ready for its official unveiling, which according to the first information will be one of the most capable hot hatches ever. This is definitely a reason why it deserves our attention, if not the only one. The second is speculation that its platform will be used by the successor to the current CR-Z model! The chassis will of course be shortened, as the car should roughly retain the dimensions of the current generation. The tuning should be slightly softer than in the case of the Type R.
Linking the CR-Z with the Civic Type R was already considered in the current generation, and Honda even launched a project called the CR-Z Type R , where the hybrid coupe would take over the two-liter four-cylinder engine from the sharp Civic . Ultimately, these plans were backed off, saying the result would not be relevant on the current CR-Z platform. So we get new hope for a sharper CR-Z in the form of the next generation. Although it will still remain a hybrid with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it will get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and, above all, higher performance. It will jump from the current modest 135 horses to a significantly more interesting 220 horses !
Although the next CR-Z will be a front- wheel drive hybrid without a manual , it is intended to target mainly the so-called Toyobaru . Compared to it, it will offer lower weight , but higher performance and, thanks to the hybrid drive, also greater torque and lower consumption with emissions . Production will likely take place in the USA to keep the price tag under $40,000 (800,000 crowns). The new CR-Z could be introduced in 2016, when a modernized version of the trio of Toyota GT86 , Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S is also expected.
Source: motoring.com.au
