Honda CR-Z History
Honda CR-Z History
Introduction
The Honda CR-Z is a sport compact hybrid electric automobile (say that three times fast). In reality, it’s marketed as a “sport hybrid coupe,” and we think that gets the idea across. The CR-Z does a good job of combining a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain with traditional sports car elements. The car was intended to be sporty, efficient, and inexpensive.
Early History
The CR-Z is the successor to the second-generation CR-X – both in name and in exterior design. First introduced at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show as a concept vehicle, it then made its American debut at the 2008 Detroit NAIAS, and then again at the Tokyo Motor Show as a revised “CR-Z Concept 2009”. Finally, Honda introduced the production CR-Z at the 2010 Detroit NAIAS, and U.S. sales began in August, 2010.
Fun Fact
At the time the CR-Z was first introduced in 2007, Honda explained that the name ‘CR-Z’ “stands for ‘Compact Renaissance Zero’ – an expression intended to capture the idea of renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals.”
Translation: the CR-Z is a car that sets a new standard in the design of compact cars, setting it apart from traditional compact sports cars. Or something like that.
Honda CR-Z Awards
- 2010-2011 Japan Car of the Year
- 2010 Good Design Award from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization
- 2010 Green Car of the Year awarded by Motoring UK
- 2011 Wheels Car of the Year
- 2011 Mother Earth News “Best Green Cars”