Well I haven't seen any on the actual roadways just yet. When I was at the dealer checking on something there was a line to just sit and look at it. Can't really take that as the true reception of the vehicle, but I believe it is going to sell alright at least here in Japan.

Just saw the post up above about the motor, it is not using a L15 exactly, but it is awfully similar and coded as LEA.

Spec wise they are very close though, the L15A is a 73x89.4 the LEA is 73x89.4, both have 10.4:1 CR, the L15 produces 120ps (117hp) at 6600, the LEA produces 114ps(MT) (111.2hp) at 6000 (plus an additional 14ps at 1500 from the motor). The L15A produces 14.8kg/m (103.6lbft) of torque at 4800 and the LEA produces 14.7kg/m (103lbft) at 4800 (plus another 8kg/m (56lbft) at 1000). The gear ratios are almost identical, 1st is 3.461 on the Fit and 3.142 on the CR-Z. 2nd ~ 5th are exactly the same with 1.869, 1.303, 1.054 and .853. The 6th gear on the CR-Z is a .688. I must of read something else or incorrectly in the brochure or a misprint of .5. The FD on the Fit is 4.294 and the CR-Z is a 4.111. Surely throwing the Fit's FD on the CR-Z would liven it up some, but ramping to a 4.7 would be quite fun in it, hell even in our Fits it would be an even more fun drive. Except for long drives on the expressway. Is the gearing the same on the Fits in the US? I would imagine it would be, but I know my old Teggy and my previous Civics had different ratios within the gears and the FD from what was released stateside.

Another thing, about the mpg, with the newer Japanese method it is projected at 48.25mpg. In the older Japanese method which on every Honda I owned never saw close to it is rated at 52.75mpg. The Fit on the other hand here is listed with the old ratings at 40.3 for the 5MT RS, 44.1 for the CVT RS and 38 for the 4WD RS. So you would be looking at 12.5mpg better MT to MT according to the old way of testing in Japan. That's a pretty good jump up in economy.

 

Does anyone know if the rear suspension is the same or similar to the Fit's? I read that it is a torsion beam, so I wonder if there will be any way to adapt the CR-Z rear discs to the GE Fit?

 

Here are some street pics.
Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Paranormal spies ground-based UFO (aka CR-Z) on the streets of Columbus, Oh.

Word on the web over at Temple of vtec it could be priced around $21K base to $25K high end.

MPG are estimated already as well...

AT-PZEV CARB Emissions Rating
Preliminary EPA Estimated Fuel Economy, CVT (City/Highway/Combined): 36/38/37 miles per gallon**
Preliminary EPA Estimated Fuel Economy, MT (City/Highway/Combined): 31/37/33 miles per gallon**
Overall Vehicle Length x Width x Height (in): 160.6 x 68.5 x 54.9 (including antenna)
Wheelbase (in.): 95.8
Weight (lbs., preliminary estimates): Approximately 2,670 (MT) to 2,725 (CVT)
Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - 2011 Honda CR-Z Fact Sheet

Based on the current Insight (Japan figures) vs (NA figures)
I estimated the mpg to be closer to the Mid-high 30's to low 40's mpg.
Since its more of a "FUN" car I can see the gearing hurting the hybrid bases a little bit.

Insight (JPN vs US)
JC08 mode = 26 km/l (61 mpg)
/41 mpg U.S.
= .672

CR-Z
JC08 mode = 22.8 km/l (53.6 mpg)
*.672 (JPN vs US Difference)
= ~36 mpg (U.S EPA)

Pretty close to the EPA estimates.

 

Your right on the torsion beam. Not sure about the rear disc compatibility though.

"In the rear, a compact H-shaped torsion beam suspension allows for the placement of the IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) beneath the cargo area floor. In combination, these elements offer a sporty yet highly stable steering feel."

Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - All-New CR-Z Hybrid Vehicle Introduced in Japan

 

These cars are great, no doubt about it, but seeing as in how my 1991 crx si 1.6l SOHC has a faster 0-100km by over a second, and its 20 years old!! CR-Z's look wicked and I would definately buy one if I had the money, well, if it got a bigger engine.

 

It is... just a joke...

 

The CR-Z is fk'n sweet looking and I bet people will be getting mid 40's in them. I think it's a great idea.