Honda’s CR-Z Hybrid Gets Charged Up

An accessory to boost output by 51 percent.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Aug 22, 2014



2014 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid visits the movies in Clear Lake, IA - $20,785 to start incl. D&H while offering an easy to achieve 31/38 mpg city/highway rating with the std. 6-speed MT and a 36/39 mpg city/highway rating with the CVT.



The 2014 CR-Z is a slick looking 2-seater with terrific fuel efficiency. The CR-Z was refreshed for the 2013 model year with a more powerful Li-Ion pack – replacing the problem prone NiMH - and increased power and even today, it remains the only hybrid vehicle offered with an MT.



Two trims are available, the standard CR-Z and the well equipped EX. Both models come equipped with a standard 6-speed MT or an available CVT. Additonal standard features include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, auto climate, power windows and locks, remote entry and cruise control.



Apparently the Turbo did not meet Honda’s needs so the Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid is now available with a new dealer-installed Honda Performance Development (HPD) supercharger kit.



The CR-Z and the Supercharger

The kit in place.

HPD developed a line of street performance accessories for the CR-Z and revealed them at the 2013 SEMA Show. With the debut of the supercharger kit, all of the HPD street performance components for the CR-Z are now available at Honda dealers across the U.S.



Available for the 2013 and 2014 CR-Z, the HPD supercharger kit boosts total powertrain output from the stick variant from a base 130 hp to 197 hp. The kit includes an HPD air-to-air intercooler, high-flow fuel injectors, an ECU calibrated to meet CARB AT-PZEV regulations with 91 octane fuel and the HPD air filter system. Honda's Suggested Retail Price of the kit is $5,495, not including dealer installation, which is priced similarly to popular aftermarket supercharger kits but is engineered and backed by Honda. The HPD supercharger kit maintains the balance of customer's 5 year/ 60,000 mile Honda limited powertrain warranty when installed by a Honda dealer. The HPD supercharger kit is available exclusively for the MT models. For even higher performance, an optional limited slip differential and HPD sport clutch are available.



HPD Chassis improvements include sport dampers, coil springs with reduced ride height, 300mm diameter disc brakes and HPD 18 in alloys with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. A graphics package including front lip and tail spoilers, rear diffuser and HPD badge finish off the package.



None of this other than the lowering kit will provide an ounce of fuel saving prowess but it does show where Honda can take even a hybrid if it wants to.

Honda’s CR-Z Hybrid Gets Charged Up