X

Honda goes CR-Z crazy at SEMA 2010

Honda shows off 12 examples of custom CR-Z hybrids, including two by its racing division and one that's bound for the showroom.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
See full bio
Antuan Goodwin
2 min read

With 200 hp on tap, the 2011 CR-Z Hybrid R Concept is the sports hybrid Honda should have built in the first place.
With 200 hp on tap, the 2011 CR-Z Hybrid R Concept is the sports hybrid Honda should have built in the first place. Honda

The 2011 Honda CR-Z equipped with Mugen accessories features mostly styling upgrades.
The 2011 Honda CR-Z equipped with Mugen accessories features mostly styling upgrades. Honda

Rounding the corner leading to Honda's booth at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, I was a bit taken aback as I suddenly found myself confronted with the largest gathering of modified CR-Zs I'd ever seen, 12 in total. Heck, considering that the CR-Z has only been available for a handful of months, this was the largest gathering of any CR-Zs I'd ever seen. Most of these examples were built by third parties, but at the center of Honda's presentation was a trio of special compact hybrids built by Honda itself: a 2011 CR-Z equipped with Mugen accessories, the ultrahot CR-Z Hybrid R Concept, and the race-ready HPD CR-Z Racer.

The Mugen CR-Z features parts from Honda's Mugen performance division and will be limited to 300 examples. Upgrades include a serial number plaque (from 1-300), a full Mugen body kit, front grille, 17-inch XJ wheels, a black aluminum shift knob, and, most obviously, a huge wing spoiler. The Mugen CR-Z will be available in the same colors as the the standard CR-Z. Honda is still working out the pricing.

Honda CR-Z at SEMA (photos)

+13 More
See all photos

Moving on to the big show, the CR-Z Hybrid R Concept and the CR-Z Racer feature increased power over the showroom CR-Z, thanks to a turbocharger for the 1.5-liter gasoline engine and boosted output from the IMA hybrid system. The upshot is a pair of sport hybrids that output 200 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain gains an upgraded clutch to deal with the additional power flowing through the six-speed transmission, a limited slip differential for better grip, and upgraded brakes. The Hybrid R features a full interior, upgraded suspension, and alloy wheels, while the CR-Z Racer is gutted and caged with more race-appropriate rolling stock. Neither of these concept cars is intended for sale.

For a better look at the CR-Z customs and concepts from Honda's SEMA presentation, be sure to check out our gallery.