Honda is planning a CR-Z Type R for late 2011 using a version of the new turbo-charged engine family currently under development. The new generation of i-VTEC downsized turbocharged petrol engines follows the recent trend in the industry by offering the performance of a 2.0-litre engine with the economy and emissions of a 1.6-litre engine. Two versions are planned with 160bhp and 200bhp, with the latter said to provide a successor to the Civic Type R, recently discontinued from Europe due to emission regulations.
The new engine will answer criticisms of the CR-Z coupe's limited appeal of the current 112bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine and 14bhp electric motor combination. It also signals a U-turn by Honda who have always seen turbocharging as crude and have remained stanch supporters of naturally aspirated engines over the years.
The last time Honda reveled a hot CR-Z was the CR-Z Hybrid R concept at the Las Vegas SEMA tuning show, but this was powered by a turbocharged version of the current 1.5-litre engine.
The new engine is also planned for the Jazz, Civic and Accord. Whilst 200bhp maybe too much ask for the Jazz
, the 160bhp version would go down a treat!
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