We hope we don't have to file this one under "Engineers Writing Checks the Production Car Can't Cash." In this subtitled video, Honda engineers in Japan talk about the development of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, noting that they benchmarked its handling off the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen Scirocco.
Sounds great, but remember that the 122-hp Honda CR-Z is saddled with a bunch of nickel-metal hydride batteries and a torsion-beam rear suspension.
The engineers also let it slip that they had a Lotus Elise on hand "for inspiration."
billt9 says:
06:43 PM, 01/19/10
The MINI Cooper makes 118 hp, 114 lb-ft, , 2,568 lb, 0-60 in 8.5 sec.
The CR-Z makes 122 hp, 128 lb-ft, 2670 lb.
100 lb heavier.
Maybe it's possible to get close.
The Mustang didn't turn out that bad.
And the Corvette's leafsprings that people laugh at aren't that bad either.
questionlp says:
07:23 PM, 01/19/10
If I were Lotus, I would almost consider it an insult. The CR-Z is pretty portly for the performance numbers reported and no real mention of what kind of suspension it will have.
At least the original concept design was decent, but the latest version looks like it got beat with a bigger ugly stick. I can't quite say whether or not it looks better or worse than the Crosstour.
I think Toyota/Subaru are going to have an easy time selling the FT-86 when it becomes available, compared to this.
notabigdeal says:
09:08 PM, 01/19/10
The Cooper will probably be faster and better to drive, the Scirocco looks about 2 million times better (I'm not drooling when i see this), and I don't see, feel, or perceive anything resembling a lotus. I don't know about anyone else but considering Honda's goals I'll give them an F for FAIL. The Scirocco TDI is probably just as fast and efficient and hell of a better looker (though more expensive).
jguan says:
09:57 PM, 01/19/10
How about aiming for the Cooper S by dropping a K20Z3 in there with a better suspension?
2000prelude says:
05:26 AM, 01/20/10
Why did they look all over to for cars to benchmark? Why not use, say, a 5th gen. Prelude as a benchmark.
hondacura4 says:
09:55 AM, 01/20/10
Why didn't Honda just use their own 88-91 CR-X as a benchmark as that car is the icon for fun, reliable, inexpensive, efficient driving pleasure.
firstwagon says:
12:31 PM, 01/20/10
+1 hondacura4