»Erste Gerüchte zum Honda CRZ Type-R

Bigger battery, better numbers

Enthusiasts will still only be offered a hybrid drivetrain option in Type R specification, boosted by a slightly more powerful version of the 1.5l in-line four-cylinder petrol engine augmented by a larger electric motor.

Expect a power surge of around 24kW, to a new peak of 125kW – which should offer entirely decent performance.

Beyond the increase in performance from the hybrid drivetrain, expect Honda’s engineers to lower the CR-Z’s ride height in Type R trim.

Add in more rebound resistant dampers (countering body-roll) and larger brakes (for scrubbing off speed courtesy of the increased performance on offer) and you can see the CR-Z Type R fully justifying its CRX traceable lineage.

But don't expect Honda to put the high-revving Civic Si engine in this car. Rather, the Honda CR-Z Type R would still be a hybrid. We've heard one scenario that suggests the Type R would get a modified version of the base hatchback's 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with about 20 extra horsepower. Combine that with a larger electric motor, and the car's total output would land in the 160-170-hp range.

What happens when the tuning world meets the Birkenstock-wearing world of hybrids? I never thought we’d find out, or at least not for another few years (Those modified Prius are just bags of money on fire, useless). Well we may find out sooner, because Honda is now working with Mugen on a CR-Z Type R. In principle it’s a good idea, if they can find a way to make a sporty hybrid, I’m all for it. But here’s what I don’t get: The Mugen CR-Z will have a 2.0 liter gasoline engine that produces 150hp. Honda had to upgrade the electric motor as well, so it gets a boost from the stock CR-Z’s 20hp to a 50hp unit, raising total output to 200hp. It will also have upgraded brakes, suspension, EM and throttle response. Sounds like friendly fire that will hit the Civic SI right in the face.

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