The Honda CR-Z is an very unique vehicle in the US market, from the following aspects:
– The only 2-seat front-wheel-drive hatch back
– The only 2-seat hybrid vehicles under $100k
– The only hybrid vehicles that offers manual transmission
Even the CR-Z is relatively lightweight (curb weight: 2,639 lb), its 1.5L natuarally aspirated gasoline engine + electric motor powertrain is considered to be underpowered, for only has a total of 130hp and 140 lb-ft of torque output.
Now Honda has addressed this issue by letting its performance division: the Honda Performance Development (HPD) to make a supercharger kit for the 1.5L Honda LEA engine, boosting the whole system output to 197hp with 176 lb-ft of torque, that is a 67 hp and 36 lb-ft improvement.
Main features of the kit:
1. Only available for 2013/2014 CR-Z with manual transmission
2. HPD Supercharger
3. HPD air-to-air intercooler
4. high-flow fuel injectors
5. A revised ECU program
6. Honda factory warranty
The MSRP of this kit is $5,495, plus labor. The price is steep considering the MSRP of a manual transmission CR-Z, however like buying a new car, you can always negotiate with your local dealer for buying and installing this kit.
Below is the official press release.
CR-Z Sport Hybrid Gets Supercharged with HPD Street Performance
08/21/2014 – TORRANCE, Calif.
Accessory supercharger kit boosts powertrain output to 197 hp
Full range of CR-Z street performance parts from HPD now on sale
Supercharged performance for the street is now available in the Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe through a new dealer-installed Honda Performance Development (HPD) supercharger kit. Best known as Honda’s North American racing company, HPD developed a full line of street performance accessories for the CR-Z and first revealed them at the 2013 SEMA Show. With the debut of the supercharger kit this month, all of the HPD street performance components for the CR-Z are now available at Honda dealers in the United States.
“The CR-Z was the first hybrid to prove that efficiency doesn’t have to come at the cost of sportiness and fun,” said Art St. Cyr, president of Honda Performance Development. “With HPD street performance accessories, including the new supercharger kit, the CR-Z will surprise everyone again with even higher levels of performance directly inspired by our on-track racing efforts.”
Available for the 2013 and 2014 CR-Z, the HPD supercharger kit boosts total powertrain output to 197 hp1 (vs. 130 hp in the stock 2013 and 2014 CR-Z with manual transmission) and includes the 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 CR-Z manual transmission models and HPD has developed an optional limited slip differential and HPD sport clutch for those customers looking for an even higher level of performance.
When equipped with available HPD street performance accessories, the CR-Z (automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/hpd.aspx) can feature a variety of track-proven, street-reliable performance upgrades. HPD-developed powertrain modifications – tested on-track – include a high-efficiency centrifugal supercharger; HPD air-to-air intercooler; high-flow fuel injectors; an ECU calibrated to meet CARB AT-PZEV regulations with 91 octane fuel; HPD air filter system; and HPD sport exhaust. Chassis improvements include HPD sport dampers, coil springs with reduced ride height, 300mm diameter disc brakes and HPD 18-inch wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The CR-Z is completed by a graphics package including front lip and tail spoilers, rear diffuser and HPD badge.
1 2013 and 2014 CR-Z estimated SAE Net horsepower. Output will vary by individual vehicle.
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