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2018 Honda CR-Z – The following article is based entirely on rumors! The CR-Z was the spiritual successor of the original CR-X which has been one of Honda’s most successful hot-hatchbacks. However, unfortunately, unlike the original, the CR-Z was nothing more than just a hybrid disguised as a hot-hatch. Because of that Honda didn’t really manage to sell all that many of them with only around 1,000 being sold in its last months. This was the main reason why Honda decided to discontinue the CR-Z altogether and focus on the Clarity and some of their other future models. Not everything is lost, though. Even though the CR-Z as we know it is now gone, it will be replaced at one point or another.
2018 Honda CR-Z Price and Release date
Unlike the original, the new 2018 Honda CR-Z is actually expected to be part of the Civic lineup which is similar to the original CR-X. The car is expected to become Honda’s new mid-range performance offering which will be slotted between the Civic Si and the Civic TypeR. This means a base price of around $30,000 which is still in the upper realm of hot-hatches. Even though at this point nothing is official, the release of the CR-Z seems to be the real deal. Honda is in desperate need of such a car which would really complete their lineup. We expect it to be showcased by the end of 2017 with a production model coming shortly after that.
Platform
Like with the regular Civic, the 2018 Honda CR-Z will more than likely use their new modular architecture which debuted a few months ago. This should allow for a much lighter, and stiffer chassis, than before. There are some rumors out there suggesting that the new CR-Z will actually weight around 2,500 pounds which would be around 200 less than before and considerably less than the new Civic. With that, it should have no problem outrunning its rivals.
Under the hood of Honda CR-Z 2018
So far it seems that the future Honda CR-Z 2018 will be available in two different models. The one designed for the US and European markets will employ a petrol engine. This should be the same as that found in the new Civic Type R. Expect a 2 liter turbocharged inline 4 unit with VTEC and a variable geometry turbocharger. This particular engine is expected to develop around 300 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The car will more than likely remain front wheel driven while a six-speed manual should be offered as standard. These are very similar numbers to the current Type R but vastly different from the future model.
The Japanese market is expected to receive a hybrid. This time around Honda will use a 1.5-liter turbo four mated to a couple of electric motors for an output upwards of 200 horsepower and well over 200 lb-ft of torque. Early rumors suggest a 0 to 60 MPH time of around 5.5 seconds and a top speed of over 140 MPH. Take into account that the car will be a manual and front-wheel drive which means it will definitely be slower, at least on paper, than some of its rivals. This is because Honda is focusing on the actual driving experience and not just raw numbers.
2015 CR-Z Interior
How will it look?
There are many rumors regarding this aspect of the 2018 Honda CR-Z. There are some strong suggestions saying that the car will feel a lot like a revamped model of the older CR-Z with influences from the original. While this has not been confirmed, it is more than likely that the car will remain a short wheelbase two door coupe with a hatch at the back. The interior will likely be functional with many influences from the current Civic Si.
