The present generation Honda CR-Z may be the Japanese automaker’s first attempt in bringing a hybrid sports car to the consumers all over the world. However, quite unfortunately, it seems that this particular model is not really doing that great in the automotive market across the globe. Nonetheless, this is probably about to change as the Japanese company has actually been prepping the next generation variant of the model. In fact, as pointed out by a source that has a close relationship to the company, it will take no more than two years from now for the all-new Honda CR-Z to eventually make its debut.
Just as a reminder, the current generation Honda CR-Z had been pulled from the European market last year and earlier this year, it was also pulled from the Australian market. Well, the citizens of the US do still have a chance to buy the car if they wish but it seems that it is not going to take long before the car is pulled from this market as well. According to Honda, the model is being pulled from markets around the globe due to unexpectedly low sales volume. Nevertheless, Honda seems to be confident in the next generation version of the model.
An insider at the Japanese company’s research and development center at the Tochigi prefecture, Japan, has confirmed that the 2nd generation Honda CR-Z is well underway and that it will most likely be a force to recognize.
Unlike the current CR-Z model that uses the platform of a modified Honda Jazz, the next generation variant is going to take the platform of the next generation Honda Civic as its base. Its wheelbase, however, will be shortened by 100 mm. In the end, the upcoming CR-Z model from Honda will prove to be slightly bigger than its predecessor. The visual styling of the vehicle will reportedly be inspired by the Acura NSX and the Honda Civic Type R.
As for the power source under its hood, the car is going to count on a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine used on the Honda Civic Type R. This should give the car approximately 286 HP of power output in total. Taking everything into account, there is in fact quite a good chance the car may end up bearing the Civic CR-Z moniker, indicating it is a derivative of the Honda Civic for the US market.
Lastly, rumor has it, there is also going to be a JDM variant of the Honda CR-Z that comes with a hybrid engine configuration, comprising an electric motor and a 1.5L conventional engine that runs on petrol. This one will reportedly benefit from an 8-speed automatic gearbox and have a total power output of 201 HP.
