Will the Honda CR-Z Return in 2018?

Will the Honda CR-Z Return in 2018?

The 2018 Honda CR-Z is getting a long-awaited update to its exterior styling and its powertrain. Following the performance updates that have been announced for the new Civic Type R, Honda has turned its sights on the CR-Z. The CR-Z takes cues from the Type R with its shortened wheelbase along with an improved powertrain. Honda is giving CR-Z enthusiasts what they asked for, an affordable and dynamic sports coupe that brings Honda’s Formula One racing credibility to the street.

The CR-Z was originally released as a spiritual successor for the popular CR-X. Sales of the CR-Z first began in 2010 when it was introduced to the public as a gasoline-electric hybrid. Unfortunately this concept didn’t bode well with CR-X enthusiasts. The hybrid engine didn’t have as much horsepower as the V-Tec gasoline engine in the old CR-X. This may have lead to disappointing sales of the CR-Z. Consumers that were interested in owning a CR-Z were looking for a performance hatchback not a daily commuter, and the rerelease of the CR-Z was very much a daily commuter. The poor sales numbers of the CR-Z lead to Honda discontinueing the model for the 2017 year. The CR-Z wasn’t completely abandon though. Through 2017 Honda has been planning its rebirth as a performance hatchback. Plans have been put in place to reintroduce the CR-Z to the public as strictly a performance vehicle with no hybrid or electric motor options.

The 2018 CR-Z is expected to be marginally bigger than previous years in order to accommodate the planned performance upgrade. The Honda CR-Z will no longer be offered with a hybrid powertrain. Instead, The CR-Z will come equipped with a 2.0-liter Vtec four-cylinder engine that produces 280 horsepower. This is the same engine used in the Civic Type R and has been retuned for application in the CR-Z. The CR-Z is expected to be marketed in 2018 as a performance trim for the Honda Civic Coupe. It is likely to be introduced as the 2018 Honda Civic CR-Z.

Unlike the Civic Type-R and the NSX, the new CR-Z is not targeted to sport tuners. Rather, with the new CR-Z Honda plans on bringing their vision of automotive style into driveways across the United States. The mission with the CR-Z is to bring an affordable performance coupe to the general market. The focus of the CR-Z is still performance tuning, but the new CR-Z promises to deliver performance and reliability at a price that will be a great value for consumers.

Currently there is still no release date for the new CR-Z and there are rumors in the industry that the planned 2018 release date might be getting pushed back to 2019. Whatever the reasoning for the delays, it is refreshing to see Honda listening to their consumers and taking the time needed to deliver the vehicle they are asking for.

Its always refreshing to see that Honda is listening to their customers and giving them the car they are asking for

If you are curious about learning more about the new CR-Z, or any of the amazing brand new 2018 Honda models, then schedule a vehicle demonstration today at Rairdon’s Honda of Burien. Our award winning customer service team can help you find the perfect Honda that will deliver the ultimate driving experience.