Honda 2011 CR-Z Si or Electric Versions

Honda 2011 CR-Z Si or Electric Versions

When asked about whether the CR-Z will qualify for an alt-fuel federal tax credit, in an e-mailed query on Thursday, Honda spokesman Chuck Schiff sky replied: "No. The limit per Car Company is 60,000 hybrids, and we passed that long ago.” In a press conference earlier this month, Honda confirmed that there will not be a CR-Z Si at launch this summer. "Nothing official," said John Mendel," Honda's U.S. executive vice president of sales, when asked whether a future Si variant is in the works.

When asked about plans to offer an electric version of the CR-Z and whether Eves will "flop in the U.S.," Mendel replied: "I don't think that there's [sic] plans to make this vehicle a pure electric. I wouldn't say that we believe that the pure EV or BEV [battery-electric vehicle] will flop in the U.S. It depends upon the application. If you talk about longer charging times and limited range, it speaks to a different usage than a 150-miles-per-day commuter would require."
Although formal pricing on the CR-Z has yet to be announced, Honda executives said that pricing will start at under $20,000, including destination, and will top out at under $24,000 for a fully equipped CR-Z EX with a navigation system. Honda said that the decision to equip the CR-Z with a nickel-metal hydride battery, instead of the more up-to-date lithium-ion battery, helped hold down the cost of the vehicle.
The CR-Z will be available in three trim levels: CR-Z, CR-Z EX and CR-Z EX Navi. The EX version adds a seven-speaker premium audio system, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED footlights and alloy pedals. The CR-Z EX Navi adds a navigation system to the aforementioned features.All models will be available in five exterior colors, including red. All are equipped with a silver mesh cloth interior. Options include body-side molding, XM Radio and 17-inch alloy wheels. Option prices have not yet been announced. Honda said it is aiming the sporty hybrid coupe at a "younger, cost-conscious buyer" ranging in age from 25-35 with an annual household income of $40,000-$60,000.
The CR-Z is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor with a combined output of 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. The engine is linked to either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Fuel economy for the six-speed manual version of the CR-Z is estimated at 31 mpg in the city and 37 mpg highway, said Honda. The CVT version is expected to return 35 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.