Powertrain
The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5 L (92 cu in) i-VTEC SOHC inline-4 engine, designated as LEA, with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available. The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 bhp (91 kW; 124 PS) at 6000 rpm and 128 lb·ft (174 N·m) at 1000 to 1500 rpm (123 lb·ft (167 N·m) on CVT-equipped models). The gasoline motor itself contributes only 111 bhp (83 kW; 113 PS) at 6000 rpm and 106 lb·ft (144 N·m) at 4800 rpm. An early road test of a Japanese-market CR-Z resulted in 0-60 mph in 10.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 17.6 seconds. Inside Line performed the same 0-60 mph test in 8.8 seconds, and Motor Trend, in 8.3 seconds.
On 2012 Nov 21, Honda released to the US market the 2013 CR-Z which, other than minor cosmetic changes, included a more powerful electronic motor (going from 10 to 15 kilowatts), and a new, higher voltage (144V), lithium ion battery pack. The 2013 CR-Z delivers a combined peak output of 130 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque (127 pound-feet on CVT-equipped models), a gain of eight horsepower and 12 pound-feet of torque (4 pound-feet on CVT equipped models). A new Plus Sport System is standard. If the battery is more than 50 percent charged and the CR-Z is traveling over 19 mph, the driver can press the "S+" button on the steering wheel to deliver increased acceleration for up to five seconds. Manual-transmission versions also receive both a larger clutch and a new lower final drive ratio. EPA-rated fuel economy figures increased by 1 mpg city for CVT equipped models, and 1 mpg highway for those with the six-speed manual transmission.
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