2016 CR-Z to be Based on 2015 Civic Type-R
The next Honda CR-Z could wind up with real performance credibility courtesy of the new Civic Type R, even if the latter doesn’t make a trans-Atlantic leap.
A new report suggests Honda is working on a more powerful version of its CR-Z that might finally live up to the car’s sporty appearance. Motoring.au reports that the company’s research and development division has a CR-Z prototype that sits on a shorter wheelbase version of the upcoming Civic Type R platform.
The car is said to use a turbocharged 1.5-liter direct-injection gas engine mated to a hybrid drivetrain to make roughly 220 hp. That power would be sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
SEE ALSO: Our Article on the 2015 Civic Type R with Nurburgring Video!
With the absence of a named source and little more than sketchy details to rely on, there isn’t any concrete evidence about the car. But Honda is currently developing its new Civic Type R, which traditionally skips the U.S. market. Honda is also without an affordable performance car and has been for quite some time. The Civic Si doesn’t come close to competing with other front-wheel drive performance cars in the U.S., market.
According to the report, the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ lit fires under a few bottoms at Honda’s research and development department.
If that’s really true, it might make sense that Honda is scheming to bring something with more spirit to U.S. buyers. The more potent CR-Z is said to ride on a milder version of the new Civic Type R suspension, which could add up to an entertaining package with the car’s light weight.
With a new NSX on the way, it’s comforting to realize that Honda probably hasn’t forgotten its background in performance cars so much as shelved.
Article Credit: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...-r-report.html
