Honda launches new engine offensive

by Graeme Fletcher of  National Post

TOCHIGI, JAPAN  Honda has suddenly awoken from the slumber that has seen several of its recent product launches arrive with what was essentially a carryover powertrain. Having introduced three new hybrid systems (see page DT4), Honda’s under-hood engineering is about to get a major overhaul.

The activity will see a new range of engines, each of which will now feature direct injection along with Honda’s iVTEC system and variable cam phasing. The first of the new breed is the base engine in the recently released Honda Accord — a 2.4-litre four with 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The lineup will grow in the coming years to include a 1.0L three-cylinder engine, 1.5L, 1.8L and 2.0L four-cylinder engines and a range-topping 3.5L V6. More intriguing is that all, with the exception of the V6, will be offered with turbocharging.

While the horsepower and torque numbers of the three- and four-
cylinder engines will not be made available until closer to launch time, there was a hint: When I asked an engineer about the potency of the 1.0L turbocharged engine, he played coy, but he could not resist smiling broadly and nodding when I suggested it would make in excess of 120 hp.

I drove a Honda Fit equipped with the new 1.5L engine and CVT transmission. While I am still not overly enamoured with the transmission, the engine proved to be just fine. The tip-in response is crisper than the current engine and it has a noticeably stronger pull through the mid-range (a claimed 15% improvement in acceleration performance). It is also more fuel efficient — more than 10%. Expect this combination to debut when the current Fit is overhauled. This will likely happen when Honda’s new assembly plant in Mexico comes on line in 2014.

There is more known about the 3.5L V6. Along with the direct injection and iVTEC with cam phasing, it will earn cylinder deactivation. Under light loads, it shuts down three of its six cylinders and uses active noise cancelling to mask the change in the engine’s tonal quality. It also boasts plenty of power. The preliminary numbers say 310 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. This represents a 5% increase in torque and a 10% boost in fuel economy compared with the current 3.5L V6.

Another of the pleasant surprises, and one that would work very nicely in the CR-V, is a totally new 1.6L turbodiesel. While it only produces 120 hp, it twists out 221 lb-ft of torque — the CR-V’s gas engine makes 185 hp and 163 lb-ft. This means there would be little change in performance (I suspect it might actually improve at the low end), but there would be a huge step forward in fuel economy. The CR-V and its gas engine is rated at 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway; the turbodiesel is rated at 3.6 L/100 km.

The engine that truly shocked me was under the hood of the overtly funky N-One. This tiny car has surprising roominess along with the right features and flexibility — it would be a great addition to Honda Canada’s portfolio and the perfect foil for the likes of the Fiat 500, Mini and Smart fortwo. Alas, this is not likely to happen any time soon.

What surprised me was its engine. Displacing a mere 660 cubic centimetres (yes, 0.66L), I was not expecting much as I headed out on to the high-banked oval that rings Honda’s R&D facility. Cranking it to life saw it produce the grumbly sound engines with an odd number of cylinders tend to make. In short, as I pulled out on to the oval, I was prepared to be less than impressed.

Standing on the gas, however, saw this retro-styled box pick up its side sills and romp off toward the first corner. While this diminutive mill only puts out 63 hp and 77 lb-ft of torque at 2,600 rpm, it is enough to deliver impressive performance in this application. Firing its power through a broad-ratio CVT, the N-One scooted to 100 kilometres an hour as quickly as any self-respecting car with a naturally aspirated 1.3L engine under the hood. Hitting the back straightaway saw the speedometer needle sweep past its 140-km/h maximum and point straight down. Here was a tiny ride scooting along at 150 km/h or so and feeling entirely comfortable in the process. At the end of the lap, I pulled into the pit lane mightily impressed. Not only did it have surprising alacrity in posting a speed I did not expect to see, it delivers a claimed average fuel economy of 5.4 L/100 km in the process.

The smile-inducing ride proved to be a race-prepared CR-Z — a racing suspension (as in virtually no travel!), a roll cage and deep-dish front seats with five-point harnesses. While the engine was stock, meaning 122 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque at 1,000 rpm, it had a very neat feature — a lone paddle shifter on the right side of the steering wheel. Rather than altering the CVT’s ratios, it offered a pull-to-pass function. Running down the long straight of the banked oval at 130 km/h, I pulled said paddle and the electric motor kicked in to give the CR-Z the benefit of its ponies. In the normal CR-Z, the computer determines when and how the electric motor assists. True, the ability to tinker with the hybrid’s operational characteristics runs contrary to the green theme of this sporty runabout, but it would be a very welcome addition to the road-going version.

Source;
 http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/11/19/honda-launches-new-engine-offensive/

2013 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Gets Performance Enhancements, Fresh Styling and Host of Feature Upgrades

11/19/2012 - TORRANCE, Calif.

The 2013 Honda CR-Z goes on sale November 21, 2012, with a host of powertrain, styling and feature upgrades adding to its sleek appeal and sporty handling. More power from an all-new Lithium-Ion battery pack improves performance while also improving the CR-Z's already impressive EPA mpg ratings. Styling upgrades include revised interior trim along with a new front fascia, a new finish for the 16-inch alloy wheels, an aerodynamically functional new rear diffuser and two new exterior colors – Passion Berry Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

Standard features on all 2013 Honda CR-Z models include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control. To give drivers even more access to the CR-Z's performance capabilities, the 2013 Honda CR-Z is also equipped with a new Plus Sport System, which allows additional on-demand electric boost via a steering wheel-mounted "S+" button.

With a starting MSRP of $19,975¹, two CR-Z models are offered for 2013, including the well-equipped base CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. The up-level CR-Z EX adds Auto-On/Off High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is also available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™² with FM traffic and voice recognition, Pandora® Interface and an SMS text messaging function.

The improved horsepower and torque on the 2013 Honda CR-Z does not come with a fuel-economy penalty, as the new, more powerful Lithium-Ion battery pack helps boost EPA-rated fuel economy figures by 1 mpg city for CVT equipped models, and 1 mpg highway for CR-Z models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.

Summary of Changes for 2013

• Revised front fascia styling
• New 16-inch alloy wheel finish
• New rear diffuser
• New Lithium-Ion battery pack
• Increased horsepower and torque
• New Plus Sport System
• Revised interior trim
• Available two-tone combi (black/red) seats
• StandardExpanded View Driver's Mirror
• Standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
• Standard Bluetooth® Audio
• Standardrearview camera
• Available Pandora® Interface and SMS text message function
• Available LED daytime running lights (DRL)
• New Passion Berry Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic exterior colors

Powertrain
The CR-Z hybrid powertrain is a unique variation of Honda's original IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) technology, which debuted on the 2000 Honda Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available for sale in North America. The system in the CR-Z utilizes a 1.5-liter   4-cylinder, 16-valve, single-overhead cam engine with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system's DC brushless electric motor.

The hybrid CR-Z's electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the new Lithium-Ion battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency. When starting on steep inclines from a stop with the manual transmission, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch.

For 2013, assist from the electric motor has jumped from 10 kW to 15 kW, thanks to the new higher voltage (144-volt) Lithium-Ion battery pack. The CR-Z now delivers a combined peak output of 130 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 140 lb-ft. of torque (127 lb-ft. on CVT-equipped models), a gain of eight horsepower and 12 lb-ft of torque (4 lb-ft on CVT equipped models). Manual-transmission versions also receive both a larger clutch and a new lower final drive ratio.

Even with better performance, EPA fuel economy³ ratings for the 2013 Honda CR-Z have improved. On CVT-equipped models, the EPA city/hwy/combined rating is up 1 mpg city to 36/39/37 mpg, while models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission see an EPA mpg rating of 31/38/34, a gain of 1 mpg highway. The CR-Z is also rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

To help drivers make use of this improved performance, a new Plus Sport System is standard on the 2013 Honda CR-Z. If the battery is more than 50 percent charged and the CR-Z is traveling over 19 mph, the driver can activate this feature using the "S+" button on the steering wheel. When activated and the accelerator is pressed, electric boost begins, delivering increased acceleration for up to five seconds. A flashing gauge on the dashboard indicates when the Plus Sport System is active. The Plus Sport System can be used in Econ, Normal or Sport modes.

Enhanced 3-Mode Drive System
Activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel, the CR-Z's 3-mode drive system allows the driver to choose among three individual performance modes:

• Sport mode enhances engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist.
• Normal mode standardizes steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning settings.
• Econ mode can increase the potential for enhanced fuel efficiency by optimizing throttle angle for smooth acceleration, lower engine rpm and limiting power and torque by approximately 4-percent (except at wide-open throttle). It can also reduce the air conditioning's overall load on the engine and modify the cruise control to operate more efficiently.

Body
The CR-Z's "one-motion" exterior wedge shape begins at its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance, with its side profile's deeply inset beltline adding a dynamic element. For 2013, a new front fascia and mesh grille help widen the presence of the CR-Z, and this effect is increased by the new "floating" lower front spoiler lip. New brighter chrome plating on the headlight assemblies tinged with blue clearcoat hint at the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain. The new rear diffuser mimics the floating lip of the front spoiler while also improving aerodynamic performance, and the lower portion of the tail lights receive the same blue clearcoat treatment. Exterior colors include Crystal Black Pearl, Milano Red, North Shore Blue Pearl, Premium White Pearl, new Passion Berry Pearl (exclusive to the Honda CR-Z), and new Polished Metal Metallic.

Chassis
The CR-Z's front MacPherson strut and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension are tuned to provide a sporty driving experience. All 2013 CR-Z models are equipped with new darker-tinged 16x6-inch aluminum wheels with finished spoke tips and 195/55R-16 tires, while accessory 17x7 alloy wheels with 205/45R-17 tires are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height, short wheelbase and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area further contribute to a low center of gravity and responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves efficiency.

Interior
A high-tech appearance and intuitive controls define the CR-Z's newly revised interior. For 2013, interior changes include new metallic trim on the door pulls and latches, center console, speaker grilles and lower steering-wheel spokes. The inner door panel has been redesigned to provide easier access to the storage space, with the horizontal bar on the speaker housing eliminated, and a bottle holder added to the pocket. The door-pad trim has also been upgraded with a new, more upscale lamination. For 2013, CR-Z EX and Navi trims will provide an all-new black and red interior trim combination that adds new two-toned combi seats, and colored accents to the door panels and floor mats.

The CR-Z's ultra-modern instrument panel gauges illuminate with a 3-dimensional blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. The upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wraparound cockpit environment. Premium sport-oriented seats are designed to provide firm lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space, and a hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.
The CR-Z features a 6-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack for connection to a portable audio player, and all models include a USB audio interface⁴ for connecting an iPod®⁵ or other compatible audio device. Other audio features include speed-sensitive volume control and CD/MP3 text readout. The radio data system shows supplemental programming information from participating radio stations while also offering search-by-genre capability (not available on the CR-Z EX with navigation). Now standard, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a rearview camera further expand the CR-Z's appeal.

A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™² is available on the CR-Z EX model and features a 6.5-inch screen and rearview camera display. For 2013, CR-Z EX Navi models add FM traffic, Pandora® and an SMS text messaging function. The navigation system database includes more than 7-million points of interest and integrates the audio system, while the voice recognition feature is capable of inputting numbers, street names and cities, in addition to more than 600 commands.

Safety
The CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include: standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS); a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.
The Honda CR-Z earned a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and 4-star Overall Vehicle Score in federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests.

Warranty
The 2013 Honda CR-Z is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty, as well as a 15-year/150,000-mile emissions warranty when the vehicle is registered and normally operated in California and certain states that have adopted California Zero-Emission Vehicle regulations.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): http://www.hondanews.com/channels/honda-automobiles-cr-z
For consumers: http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Honda/posts
¹ MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $790 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
² The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the CR-Z EX in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
³ Based on 2013 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
⁴ The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
⁵ iPod not included. Compatible devices include fifth-generation iPods and later and iPod Nano.
Third-party trademarks: The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/2013-honda-cr-z-sport-hybrid-coupe-gets-performance-enhancements-fresh-styling-and-host-of-feature-upgrades 

2013 Honda CR-Z Gets More Power, Updates for Europe; Changes Coming Here Soon

As the hybrid and plug-in hybrid wars have begun to heat up during the past year, it’s easy to forget Honda’s sporty and impractical CR-Z hybrid even exists. When the two-seat CR-Z was introduced to our market for 2011, we found it to be reasonably engaging to drive, albeit slow and a car that tried to satisfy both enthusiasts and hypermilers without total success. Apparently, consumers have had an equally lukewarm reaction to the little two-seater, snapping up roughly just 11,000 of them in 2011, and only 3461 more through September of this year. The CR-Z needs a shot in the arm, and Honda has given it one, at least for Europe, in the form of a light refresh and a power bump.

From Pokey to Plucky
Honda quietly debuted the updated-for-2013 CR-Z at the Paris auto show, and the company’s changes address a key complaint about the current car: its lack of power. Before this refresh, the CR-Z’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder and electric-motor combo was good for just 122 hp. For 2013, Honda has given both the gas engine and the electric motor a boost. The 1.5-liter four’s output increases from 113 hp to 119, and the electric motor is 7-hp beefier. As a result, combined power rises from 122 hp to 135, and peak torque swells from 123 lb-ft to 140. 

Okay, so 135 horses still isn’t going to unseat your average minivan in a stoplight drag race, but we’ll take any power increase we can get. Honda attributes the additional power to a reprogrammed engine computer, a revised variable valve-timing setup, and an updated crankshaft. The company also swapped the car’s nickel-metal hydride battery pack for a more modern lithium-ion unit; the move is responsible for the electric motor’s power bump. More accelerative fun comes by way of a new, F1 KERS–style Plus Sport boost setup, which gives the driver additional electric-motor assist with the push of a steering-wheel button. The feature is only operable if the battery has more than a 50 percent charge, and the boost lasts up to 10 seconds.

Honda claims the increased power exacts no fuel-economy penalty, and that the CR-Z’s 0-to-62-mph time drops by 0.7 second to 9.0. (A CR-Z we tested in 2010 made the trip to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds, so Honda’s performance estimate for the updated model seems just about right.) The current CR-Z fitted with a manual transmission is EPA-rated for a somewhat unremarkable 31 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway, figures that we expect will carry over to the 2013 version. (When fitted with the CVT, the CR-Z is good for 35/39.)

Long Live the Look!
One thing we dig about the CR-Z is the way it looks, and thankfully Honda made only minor changes in this regard. The coupe’s wedge-like shape and sporty stance carry over into 2013, but the Euro-spec front bumper has been restyled with larger intakes and fog light housings, as well as a tweaked grille that ditches the current car’s slats for a honeycomb mesh. The updated grille mercifully eliminates the CR-Z’s buck-toothed countenance by “floating” the front license-plate mount within the grille rather than hanging it from the opening’s top edge. Out back, Honda subtly massaged the rear bumper’s lower diffuser element with a few fresh edges and angles and some new reflector elements. 

The CR-Z may never materialize into a sales success for Honda, but these updates have the chance to inject more of the sport suggested by the car’s styling into the driving experience. When the CR-Z first went on sale, we noted that it was a car brimming with compromises by trying to be both sporty and efficient. The CR-Z was neither efficient nor particularly sporty—Honda’s own Insight and Civic hybrid are priced somewhat similarly to the Z and get better mileage and offer up a back seat—though it does drive massively better than a Prius.

Honda has announced that sales of the 2013 CR-Z in Europe will begin in January; company representatives tell us that many of the Euro model’s changes are coming here this year, but couldn’t specify which tweaks are headed our way. We hope that at the very least the power boost and nifty Plus Sport boost button make it to our shores.

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2013-honda-cr-z-euro-spec-hybrid-photos-and-info-news

Paris Auto Show: Honda CR-Z facelift – more details and interior pix

More details about the facelifted Honda CR-Z, which made its surprise world debut a week ago in Indonesia. The car is being showcased in Paris, the venue where it was originally supposed to have premiered.

We reported that exterior changes were made up of a newly-designed front grille and front bumper, reworked fog lamps, new HID headlamps, rear LED combination lamps, door mirrors, rear diffuser and a new design 17-inch alloy wheel – no additions to that.

We also mentioned that the hybrid’s output had been upped, and the latest numbers have just a slight variation from that reported earlier, with the 1.5 litre i-VTEC mill offering 121 PS (earlier, 120 PS in Indonesia) at 6,600 rpm and 146 Nm at 4,800 rpm for the six-speed manual, while it’s 118 PS for the CVT, with the 100-volt IMA motor providing 20 PS and 78 Nm.

As for combined output from the IMA hybrid system, that’s pretty much spot on too, 137 PS (earlier reported as 136 PS in Indonesia) at 6,600 rpm and 190 Nm between 1,000 rpm to 2,000 rpm, a jump of 13 PS and 16 Nm over the pre-facelift. For the CVT, it’s 135 PS at 6,600 rpm and 172 Nm from 1,000 rpm to 3,000 rpm.

Aside from an interior pix and studio shots of the car in its Premium Northern Lights Violet shade, additional info reveals that the car now features a lithium-ion battery, and the change from the previous nickel-metal hybrid (Ni-MH) unit has helped increase the the motor’s power output from 14 PS (10 kW) to 20 PS (15 kW). Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 9.0 seconds (9.7 sec on current car) and a top speed of 200 km/h.

Elsewhere, the engine has been updated with changes to the variable valve timing system and ECU. An anti-vibration knock sensor has been introduced and the material of the crankshaft has been upgraded.

Finally, an explanation of how the Plus Sport (S+) boost system works, even though it’s not all complete. If the battery is more than 50% charged, the driver can activate the system using the S+ button on the steering wheel. When the accelerator is pressed, an electric boost delivers increased acceleration for up to 10 seconds.

A flashing gauge on the dashboard indicates when the system is active, and S+ can be used in Econ, Normal or Sport modes. No word as to how much it all is in specific numbers in terms of output and performance improvement, so that’s a pretty half-baked explanation thus far.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2012/09/28/honda-cr-z-facelift-more-details-and-interior-pix/

Facelifted Honda CR-Z makes debut at Indonesia motor show

A revised version of the Honda CR-Z has been displayed at the Indonesia motor show, ahead of a European reveal at next week’s Paris show.

The facelifted model uses a revised version of the current car’s 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine and electric drivetrain. Rumours suggest power will increase from the 124bhp and 128lb ft currently offered to around 134bhp and 140lb ft. Honda has already stated the engine changes will not affect its CO2 emissions of 117g/km.

Honda is expected to offer the choice of a six-speed manual or CVT gearbox, but it is likely the latter will be offered to British buyers.

The facelift includes a revised front grille and bumper, LED front and rear lights, updated door mirrors and new 17-inch alloy wheels.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/paris-motor-show-2012/facelifted-honda-cr-z-makes-debut-indonesia-motor-show

Revised Honda CR-Z shown ahead of Paris show

Hybrid coupé gets power hike for petrol engine and electric motor, plus interior and exterior styling tweaks

by Matt Burt of www.autocar.co.uk

A revised version of the Honda CR-Z hybrid coupé has been unveiled ahead of its debut at the Paris motor show later this month.

The facelifted CR-Z gets mild exterior and interior styling tweaks, but the more significant changes have occurred under the bonnet. Honda has hiked the power of the car’s 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and electric motor, which combine for a power output of 122bhp in the current car.

The new power figures will be revealed at Paris, but Honda says the changes won’t have an impact on exhaust emissions, which currently stand at 117g/km.

Another Paris unveiling from Honda will be a Civic fitted with the 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine. The first engine in Europe to feature Honda’s frugal new Earth Dreams Technology, the 118bhp oilburner returns a claimed 78.5mpg and 94g/km.

Other exhibits on Honda’s Paris show stand will include the new CR-V, which we’ve tested here, the EV-STER lightweight roadster concept first seen at the Tokyo show, and a celebration of 40 years of the Civic.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/paris-motor-show-2012/revised-honda-cr-z-shown-ahead-paris-show

Honda CR-Z facelift teased on Honda Japan’s website

While the Honda CR-Z is still fresh in our minds, seeing as it was launched here at the end of last year, things are much different in its country of origin. Honda Japan has released a teaser on its website, which announces the coming of the second-generation CR-Z.

Now, although the company is saying “second-generation,” we’re inclined to believe it’s actually the car’s mid-life facelift. Since its launch in 2010, the CR-Z has just only crossed the two-year old mark, and with Honda’s model cycles usually being five years, this one looks to be arriving as scheduled.

The teaser is a slide show, with flashes of Japanese words and pictures of the car. It says, cryptically and in order – “for everybody, for every road, for any speed, enjoy the drive.” Then, it ends with “Life Design Hybrid, Second Generation CR-Z.”

As all teasers are, there are not many details, other than there may be a change to the headlights or DRL (or both), a new wheel design and an inclusion of a S+ button. Your guess is as good as ours on what the S+ may be.

Since guessing what the car will feature is fun, let’s start the speculation with the curious S+. The logical guess should be that the S+ button will alter the CR-Z’s engine response and perhaps firm up the suspension to give the hatchback added sportiness.

The CR-Z could also get a lithium-ion battery, seeing that the Civic Hybrid already has said battery unit. Perhaps, the CR-Z might get the torque vectoring SH-AWD, which will give the small car 4WD capability. Or, could Honda abandon the hybrid powerplant and shoehorn in a screaming petrol engine? That’s probably unlikely, as the CR-Z branding is of a hybrid.

To know the absolute truth, we’ll have to wait till the end of the month, when details will be made available. Danny has driven the current CR-Z, click here to get his take on the car.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2012/09/07/honda-cr-z-facelift-teased-on-honda-japans-website/