Honda New Small Concept debuts at the 10th Auto Expo
Honda to launch new model based on the Honda New Small Concept by 2011
(Tuesday, January 05, 2010,New Delhi)
With its commitment to provide technologically advanced vehicles, the Honda New Small Concept is a ‘true Honda’ – futuristic design with maximum cabin space. The ‘Efficient Energetic Exterior’ based on front-forward design lends the Honda New Small Concept an appealing dynamic presence.
Honda's design principle ‘Man Maximum - Machine Minimum’ has defined the underlying approach in the design concept of the Honda New Small Concept. A wide platform with a stable center of gravity was adopted to create a highly efficient compact size car without compromising on the cabin space hence greater passenger comfort.
Developed at Honda’s Automobile R&D Center in Japan, the Honda New Small Concept is designed to be a family car with a capacity to comfortably seat 5 adult passengers.
While a lot of attention has been paid to the fact that the CR-Z comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, it is, in fact, also available with a high-tech Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT. CVTs are generally considered to be the most efficient type of transmission in terms of fuel economy, which is why most hybrid vehicles are equipped as such.
Imagine, if you can, the rear gear-set on a bicycle. You will notice up to 10 separate gears starting with the smallest and getting larger towards the middle of the hub. The pedal stroke effort varies depending on which gear the chain rotates. Now imagine that the rear gear-set does not consist of separate gears but is a smooth cone with the wide end closest to the wheel, just like the largest gear on a bicycle. A belt would still rotate around the cone but it can be moved up to the wider part of the cone or down to the narrow part of the cone in one smooth motion. While this is not exactly how the Honda CVT operates, you can see how the principle of a gearless transmission can work. Since shifting conventional gears results in less efficient performance, city MPG suffers as a result. This is why the city MPG rating is significantly higher for the CVT.
To give the driver a sporty feel, Honda engineers have mapped out seven gear points for use when the paddle shifters are used. This gives the driver a greater sense of control and immediacy. The paddle shifters can be used for down-shifting when coming to a stop, increasing engine braking, or they can be used to keep a higher RPM when driving through a corner, allowing for instant exit power. Whatever your preference, both transmissions provide a fun driving experience.
Specifications and Features
The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe is the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun in addition to efficiency and economy. The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda’s compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system allowing the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal modes.
CR-Z [1]
- 1.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)
- 122 horsepower (estimated) @ 6000 rpm (combined engine + IMA)- 128 lb-ft. of torque (estimated) @ 1,000 – 1,500 rpm (123 lb-ft. for CVT), (combined engine + IMA)
- AT-PZEV CARB Emissions Rating
- Preliminary EPA Estimated Fuel Economy, CVT (City/Highway/Combined): 36/38/37 miles per gallon [2]
- Preliminary EPA Estimated Fuel Economy, MT (City/Highway/Combined): 31/37/33 miles per gallon [2]
- Overall Vehicle Length x Width x Height (in): 160.6 x 68.5 x 54.9 (including antenna)
- Wheelbase (in.): 95.8
- Weight (lbs., preliminary estimates): Approximately 2,670 (MT) to 2,725 (CVT)
- 3-Mode Drive System (Sport/Normal/ECON)
- Eco Assist™ System
- 6-Speed Manual Transmission (standard)
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Paddle Shifter System (available)
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure
- Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
- Automatic Climate Control
- 16-inch Alloy Wheels
- Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column
- Security System with Remote Entry
- Cruise Control
- 160-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with MP3/windows with MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability and 6 Speakers [3]
- MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack- USB Audio Interface [4]
CR-Z EX [1]
Adding to or replacing features on the CR-Z
- Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® with Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls [5]
- Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition (Available) [6]
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off
- Fog Lights
- Perforated Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Aluminum Shift Knob with Leather (6MT)
- Textured Aluminum Pedals
- 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability and 7 Speakers including Subwoofer
For more info click the link: http://www.hondacarindia.com/mediacenter/view_press_releases.aspx?pr_id=192
Visit Website: http://cr-z.honda.com/
