Car and Driver talked to an unnamed source about future plans for the Honda CR-Z Hybrid and was given some fascinating information, including news about CR-Z getting the high-performance Civic Type R’s turbo VTEC engine!
The source said CR-Z will be completely overhauled by the 2017 or 2018 model year, offering much sportier performance and an aggressive new look. Car and Driver editors even said they were told, “The new coupe will be a force to reckon with."
The anonymous tipster stated that the future model will use the Civic Type R’s platform, rather than the current Fit-borrowed structure, but its wheelbase will be four inches shorter. A new look, which is said to pull cues from the European Type R and hot new NSX, is also going to be implemented from what the magazine was told.
Currently, the 2015 Honda CR-Z is geared toward practicality and efficiency, with a 130-hp hybrid powertrain. But in future iterations, Car and Driver’s source declares that Honda plans to emphasize fun performance by upgrading the model with a 280-horsepower engine and athletic new appearance.
This is all speculation, but we hope it turns out to be true. While the CR-Z is a great option for shoppers who desire a fuel-efficient car, Honda offers several fuel-sipping vehicle models like the Fit, Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas for example. So getting a sport-focused hatchback would be welcome by us and we’re sure our customers would love it, too!
