The three day event involved 18 finalists, in nine Honda cars, battling it out to travel 480km around the country using the least amount of fuel. ASIMO had never been to Romania before and during the event entertained the gathered crowds through six special performances.

The cars involved in the ‘GreenChallenge’ were Honda’s latest range of fuel efficient and low emission cars: the Honda Jazz 1.4, the Insight Hybrid and the Honda Accord i-DTEC. The challenge took the teams on a scenic tour of the country, starting and ending in Bucharest, Romania’s capital city.

The challenge attracted huge interest from Honda owners and enthusiasts in Romania and involved 15 local dealers. Over 60,000 people visited the competition website; 8,000 entered; 540 made it through to the semi-finals; and 18 were chosen to compete in the final.

ASIMO was invited to launch the challenge and waved a flag as each team left the start line. ASIMO also helped hand out the awards to the three winners, who had completed the challenge in the shortest time and with the best fuel consumption.

The ‘GreenChallenge’ was an initiative by Honda Trading Romania. Its aim was to highlight Honda’s range of fuel efficient and hybrid cars as well promote the company’s commitment to the environment.

In Opel’s strategy for achieving more independence from fossil fuels, electricity plays a key role. The 4.7-meter long Flextreme GT/E concept illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-size vehicles, as well as compact cars such as the upcoming Ampera.

Honda EU2000iA Companion Portable Generator – Carb Compliant

Opel calls this strategy e-mobility unlimited: adapting the highly efficient E-REV drive system – which removes the limitations of battery-only power – to vehicles across all market segments. To enjoy zero CO2 driving emissions Opel-style, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size doesn’t matter.

Midland Pocket Weather Alert Radio

The purposeful design also enables the Flextreme GT/E to achieve a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, which helps it reach a 200 km/h-plus top speed as well as conserve energy and extend its driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low and wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, floating C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

“The Flextreme GT/E concept shows the shape of things to come from Opel,” says Frank Weber, Vice President, Corporate and Product Planning. “Bold, expressive and highly efficient, it represents the product strategy we will apply to all our future vehicles, large and small, across all market segments.”

Exterior design: expressing efficiency with emotion

The low, coupé-like proportions of the Flextreme GT/E explore the potential for evolving Opel’s new design language – sculptural artistry meets German precision – within an envelope optimized for aerodynamic efficiency.

The clean, frontal styling features a low hood line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps. These are deeply carved into the front fenders and across the hood line. The new trapezoidal grille execution is slim but bold. The prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carries a large Opel emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Flextreme GT/E’s battery pack.

The upper section of the grille is used to admit cooling air, the lower portion being covered by a translucent panel. The absence of additional air intakes allows a low frontal area for aerodynamic efficiency and also enables the Flextreme GT/E to meet future pedestrian protection requirements.

The sculpted hood, with an Opel signature central crease line, features narrow longitudinal vents on either side to draw air out of the engine compartment. The muscular fenders and wheel-arches sweep back into the side-body.

In profile, the Flextreme GT/E is distinguished by innovative, stubbed C-pillars. This floating design allows the glasshouse to be extended rearwards under the arching roofline, emphasizing the flowing lines of the side body. The car’s dynamic character is further underlined by a fresh expression of Opel’s signature blade motif, now a swooping swage line from the base of the C-pillar into the lower front fender.

Access to the cabin is enhanced by the adoption of rear-hinged rear doors, an evolution of the Opel FlexDoors concept from the new generation Meriva monocab. To preserve the clean exterior looks, all door handles are replaced by light sensors. These trigger the doors open when covered by the driver’s or passenger’s hand. To reduce air turbulence, exterior front door mirrors are also absent, replaced by small camera pods in the base of the A-pillars.

At the rear, a strong shoulder line embraces sculpted wheel-arches that further emphasize the Flextreme GT/E’s wide, ground-hugging stance. The coupé look is completed by a steeply raked tailgate, carrying wing-shaped LED light units which echo the form of the front headlamps. Like that of the Insignia Sports Tourer, the tailgate has a wraparound design for improved trunk access. Its deep glass screen is slightly convex to improve airflow.

The translucency of the fixed glass panel in the center of the roof is adaptive, allowing sunlight to warm the interior in the cold of winter, but darkening for coolness in summer. A duct at the rear edge of the roof is for additional cooling of the battery and electronic components.

Managing airflow and saving weight

Integral to the Flextreme GT/E’s expressive looks is the efficiency of the design execution. The small frontal area, low roof height (1308 mm) and a flat, enclosed underbody all enable the car to cleave the air with a minimum of disturbance.

A series of measures optimize airflow management. The 21-inch alloy wheels are relatively narrow, to reduce wind resistance, and fitted with 195/45, low rolling resistance tires.  Clear, flush-mounted trim inserts also minimize air turbulence.

The minimal front intake improves airflow around the nose of the car and the underbody sweeps up, venturi-like, at the rear to further reduce drag.

The Flextreme GT/E also explores the potential for active shape shifting.  At speeds above 50 km/h, a vertical panel extends along the body from the air extraction slot behind each rear wheel-arch. These 350 mm-long side spoilers guide high-speed airflow around the rear corners of the car, further reducing the amount of turbulence.

Mass reduction measures for the body include the use of lightweight, carbon composite outer panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. Compared to conventional materials, these offer a 40 percent weight saving which further contributes to reduced energy consumption and an increased driving range.

Innovative propulsion

The efficient concept also includes GM’s ground-breaking E-REV drive system, already developed for the Opel Ampera. The Flextreme GT/E shows the versatility of this technology by displaying it in a larger, mid-size vehicle format.

Despite its greater size and a maximum speed of more than 200 kilometers per hour, the Flextreme GT/E is projected to offer performance similar to that of the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of up to 60 km – with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions – and a total range of more than 500 km. Average fuel consumption is estimated at 1.6 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of less than 40 g/km.

Unlike a hybrid vehicle, the wheels of the Flextreme GT/E are powered at all times by electricity. For typical journeys up to 60 km, energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.

However, unlike a battery-only electric vehicle, the Flextreme GT/E eliminates any possibility of range anxiety through fear of being stranded without power. The small gasoline engine/generator is seamlessly engaged to provide electricity whenever the battery’s supply becomes depleted. In this mode, the driving range is extended to more than 500 km, until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refueled.

The motor in the electric drive unit delivers a substantial 370 Nm of instant torque, giving lively performance and projected zero to 100 km/h acceleration in less than nine seconds.

The Flextreme GT/E concept is a further step in Opel’s unfolding strategy for the electrification of the automobile, which includes a wide portfolio of products using battery, extended-range, hybrid and fuel cell technologies.

Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept: Technical Data

-          World premiere of all-electric Kia Venga EV concept car

-          European premiere of Kia Ray ‘plug-in’ hybrid sedan concept

To celebrate the world premiere of the all-new Kia Sportage at the 80th Salon International de l’Auto in Geneva today (Tuesday), Kia Motors Corporation will be displaying three examples of its latest crossover vehicle in Switzerland.

The all-new Sportage heads an impressive Kia line-up at the auto show, where Kia is also placing major focus on its environmentally-friendly ‘EcoDynamics’ sub-brand with the world premiere of the electric-powered Venga EV concept and the European debut of the Kia Ray ‘plug-in’ hybrid sedan concept car.

“Kia’s powerful presence at Geneva will embody three premieres and highlight our brand’s stylish design and world-class engineering. With the all-new Sportage, we have created a five-seater crossover with maximized customer appeal. It is urban-friendly and fully in tune with changing consumer expectations and demands,” commented Hyoung-Keun Lee, President, Kia Motors Corporation.

“During the current global economic downturn, Kia products have maintained their appeal to consumers and enabled us to increase our market share in many regions. Last year we delivered more than 1.65 million vehicles to customers, an increase of 20%. This year, I am confident that the all-new Sportage, new Venga, new Sorento, Soul and the increasingly popular cee’d and Forte ranges, will lead a successful Kia sales drive around the world to attract more and more newcomers to our brand,” concluded President Lee.

All-new Kia Sportage – the urban-friendly crossover
With a new bodyshell, new engines and fresh, bold styling that introduces a new kind of dynamic aesthetic, the latest Kia Sportage is an urban-friendly crossover for today’s families – consuming less fuel and emitting less CO2.

Longer, wider and lower than the previous model, the all-new design successfully retains the key SUV features which made the second generation Kia Sportage so popular.

Under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the Kia design teams have created a third-generation Sportage incorporating Kia’s new design DNA and many features from the 2007 Kia Kue concept car.

The 4.4-metre long new Sportage is sleeker and lighter than the previous model, with an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.37 (down from 0.40) and a significant weight loss of 91 kg compared with the previous model – enhancing fuel economy and refinement.

When the full range of new Sportage models is ‘on sale’ in Europe later this year, it will be available (depending on country) with four engines (two petrol and two diesel, covering a 115 ps to 163 ps power spread), 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions and two-wheel or all-wheel drive. In Europe, fuel-stretching Start/Stop technology will reduce CO2 emissions to as low as 138 g/km.

All-electric Kia Venga EV concept car
Making its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, the all-electric, zero-emissions Kia Venga EV concept car is the same size as the regular Venga B-segment MPV now on sale in Europe. It features an electric motor with top power of 80 kW and maximum torque of 280 Nm.

Showcasing Kia’s ‘EcoDynamics’ range of fuel-saving vehicles at Geneva, Venga EV includes a twin-pack 24 kWh battery using innovative LiPoly (Lithium Ion Polymer) technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types, and provides a driving range of 180 km on a single charge.

Under the quick recharging cycle (50 kW), the battery can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity within 20 minutes. Under the normal cycle (3.3 kW), 100 percent power is attained after eight hours.

Venga EV is a front-wheel drive vehicle with the electric powertrain placed within the existing engine bay, while the battery pack is located under the trunk floor. Venga EV is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100 kph in 11.8 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 140 kph.

Venga EV represents Kia Motors’ continuing commitment to earth-positive transport management and will mark a new beginning in the company’s supply of eco-friendly vehicles.

European premiere of Kia Ray ‘plug-in’ hybrid sedan concept
After making its world premiere at the recent Chicago Auto Show, the 4.4-metre long Kia Ray concept car now makes its European debut at the Geneva Show. This ultra-sleek, plug-in hybrid four-door sedan can run for more than 80 km (50 miles) solely on electric power and achieve a range of 1,200 kilometres (746 miles) on a single tank of fuel, thanks to fuel economy of 1.398 l/100km (202 mpg).

Styled in California, the Kia Ray concept has a futuristic body, which combines sophisticated and sleek lines with functionality and improved fuel economy, and features innovative curved hexagonal roof-top solar cells which provide a trickle charge that helps operate a cooling fan to reduce cabin temperatures when the vehicle is parked.

Clean, flush surfaces, a flowing hood and roof profile, pronounced rear shoulders ending in a higher trunk lid, and careful attention to detailing combine to reduce the Ray’s drag figure to just Cd 0.25.

Under the bonnet, Kia’s plug-in hybrid powertrain features a 1.4-litre Gamma engine fitted with GDI (gasoline direct injection) technology and tuned to produce 115 ps. A 78 kW electric motor is mounted between the engine and transmission, boosting combined power to a maximum of 153 ps. The Kia Ray is tuned to reach a top speed of 175 kph.

Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the front wheels from the gasoline engine or the electric motor, or both in combination. Inside the trunk, Ray is equipped with a high-capacity LiPoly (Lithium Ion Polymer) battery and cooling system, together with the charger unit and plug-in port.

NEW CAR BUYERS FLOCK TO FUSION (PDF)

DEARBORN, Mich., March 5, 2010 – The 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, fresh off a sales record and a string of awards in 2009, are attracting more buyers who are new to the Ford brand than ever before.

The Fusion, redesigned in 2009, saw “conquest sales,” or sales to customers new to Ford, increase to 60 percent of total Fusion sales in February, up 6 percentage points from January and up 11 percentage points from the 2009 calendar year. The percentage of customers new to Ford purchasing the Fusion Hybrid reached 82 percent last month, up 12 points from January and 19 points from 2009.

Fusion competes in a segment long dominated by some of the best-selling cars in the market, including Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. Sales of the new Fusion Hybrid account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales and more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands, including Honda, Nissan and Toyota.

Fusion’s share of the midsize car segment in 2010 has increased to 12.2 percent, up 4.4 points from the 7.8 percent share in the first two months of 2009. Like it did in 2009, Fusion posted the largest share gain in the segment of any competitor.

Winning new buyers in the midsize segment is another indication that American car buyers value the craftsmanship and fuel economy offered across Ford’s lineup.

“It’s extraordinary that a car could set sales records and continue to excel in an environment where overall industry sales in the midsize segment are down 19 percent from a year ago,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of Marketing and Sales and Service.

Since the introduction of the redesigned Fusion in March 2009, the car has set monthly sales records for the nameplate in every month but one. In 2009, sales increased 22 percent to a record 180,671. Over the course of the year, Fusion’s share of the midsize car market increased from 7.0 percent in 2008 to 10.5 percent in 2009. The gain – 3.5 points – was the largest gain for any car in the segment.

Over the first two months of 2010, momentum continued after the Fusion Hybrid, with industry-leading fuel economy, won key awards – including being named North American Car of the Year and winning the MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award.

Ford plans to build on its success in the car market with the upcoming launch of the Fiesta and Focus in the coming 12 months. Both vehicles, offering unmatched features and technology in their segments, are expected to follow Fusion in luring buyers from competing brands.

“This is very encouraging for our upcoming product introductions, because Fusion is the standard bearer for Ford’s product strategy, delivering best-in-class quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technology, which of course all adds up to a terrific value proposition for our customers,” said Czubay. “These are the drivers of our share and revenue improvements.”

The 2010 Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient sedan in America. Fusion offers more power, class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Ford SYNC®, and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

According to Fusion Marketing Manager Jonathan Richards, the diversity of the 2010 Fusion lineup is drawing a growing number of customers to the brand.

“There is no reason for customers shopping for a midsize sedan to look beyond the Fusion, because the lineup offers something for everyone – a Hybrid model, a Sport version and a new selection of gas-powered engines paired with a six-speed transmission,” Richards said.

“Fusion Hybrid, Sport and SEL models account for 50 percent of sales,” said Richards. “Data also show that customers are embracing technology offerings such as voice-activated navigation, SYNC and Sony® Audio.”

The Fusion Hybrid delivers an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

According to early 2010 survey data obtained in the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS), the 2010 Fusion Hybrid has the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any Ford vehicle ever. The survey was conducted for Ford Motor Company by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Awards and accolades for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid include:

• 2010 North American Car of the Year
• MOTOR TREND Car of the Year Award
• One of CAR and DRIVER Magazine’s “10Best” Cars for 2010
• One of AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2010 All-Stars
• 2009 “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• 2009 Ward’s Interior of the Year Special Achievement Award for Best Graphic Display for SmartGauge with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster
• Great Car for the Long-haul Salesman by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
• One of America’s Top 40 New Cars by MOTOR TREND magazine
• Rated the No. 1 Hybrid Family Sedan by CAR and DRIVER in a recent comparison test by the magazine
• 2009 and 2010 Editors Choice for Fuel Sipper by CAR and DRIVER Magazine
• Best Hybrid for the Money in the Midsize Car segment by cars.com
• One of 2009 Top 10 Green Cars by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
• The Detroit News Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Value”
• 2010 Consumers Digest Best Buy
• Detroit Free Press 2010 Car of the Year
• 2010 Most Environmentally Progressive Car of the Year by Earth, Wind & Power
• 10 Best Engine by Ward’s Auto World
• One of Top 10 Family Cars for 2010 by Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)

Designed as a single, integrated unit to fit in the user’s garage, Honda’s next generation Solar Hydrogen Station reduces the size of the system, while producing enough hydrogen (0.5kg) via an 8-hour overnight fill for daily commuting (10,000 miles per year) for a fuel cell electric vehicle.

The previous solar hydrogen station system required both an electrolyzer and a separate compressor unit to create high pressure hydrogen. The compressor was the largest and most expensive component and reduced system efficiency. By creating a new high differential pressure electrolyzer, Honda engineers were able to eliminate the compressor entirely – a world’s first for a home use system. This innovation also reduces the size of other key components to make the new station the world’s most compact system, while improving system efficiency by more than 25% (value calculated based on simulations) compared to the solar hydrogen station system it replaces.

Compatible with a “Smart Grid” energy system, the Honda Solar Hydrogen Station would enable users to refill their vehicle overnight without the requirement of hydrogen storage, which would lower CO₂ emissions by using less expensive off-peak electrical power. During daytime peak power times, the Solar Hydrogen Station can export renewable electricity to the grid, providing a cost benefit to the customer, while remaining energy neutral.

Designed for simple, user-friendly operation, the intuitive system layout enables the user to easily lift and remove the fuel hose, with no hose coiling when the hose is returned to the dispenser unit.

Engineered for an 8-hour, slow fill for overnight refilling of a fuel cell electric vehicle, the home-use Solar Hydrogen Station would replenish the hydrogen for a typical daily driving, meeting the commuting requirements of many drivers. As with the previous generation system, the hydrogen purity from the new station meets the highest SAE (J2719) and ISO (14687) specifications.

Installed at the Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas, the new Solar Hydrogen Station will employ the same 48-panel, 6.0kW solar array that powered the previous system. The array utilizes thin film solar cells composed of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS) produced by Honda Soltec Co., Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda that was established for the mass production and sales of solar cells capable of efficient renewable electricity generation. Honda’s unique solar cells reduce the amount of CO₂ generated during production as compared to conventional solar cells.

Designed to support the needs of the future owners of fuel cell electric vehicles, the Honda Solar Hydrogen Station was also designed to complement a public network of fast fill hydrogen stations. The Honda FCX Clarity electric vehicle is fast fill capable and offers an EPA-estimated driving range of 240 miles. With fast fill public stations providing 5-minute fueling time for longer trips, and the opportunity of convenient nighttime slow filling at home using a solar station with a Smart Grid connection, the Honda FCX Clarity can cover a wide range of driving demands from the daily commute to weekend trips.

A key strategy in creating a solar hydrogen station for home-use was to create a new lifestyle with convenient, clean, energy-efficient and sustainable home refueling, by addressing the need for refueling infrastructure that can advance the wider use of fuel cell electric vehicles by consumers.

The combination of a fuel cell electric vehicle and the solar hydrogen station could help lead to the establishment of a hydrogen society based on renewable energy, resulting in a major reduction of CO₂ emissions and greater energy sustainability.

Honda began operation of its first Solar Hydrogen Station at the Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas in 2001:

July 2001: 3-unit system with hydrogen storage begins operation.

Based on Honda’s passion to broaden the potential for a hybrid vehicle and enable customers to experience a new kind of excitement with all of their senses, CR-Z was developed offering three core values – Emotional (emotional look and feel), Exciting (make people want to enjoy driving) and Smart (environmentally responsible, useful and liberating). To achieve these three values in all areas of this vehicle, including design, packaging and performance, Honda applied its most advanced technologies.

CR-Z stands for “Compact Renaissance Zero,” which represents Honda’s commitment to go back to the point of origin (zero) to take on the challenge to create a new compact car without being bound by the values of traditional coupes.
*1 Fuel economy of CVT version measured in 10•15 mode

<Futuristic, dynamic and compact design >

	The dynamic one-motion wedge form is the heart of the sporty exterior styling.
	A futuristic and elegant feel was pursued for the interior design in addition to high functionality which enables the driver to experience the joy of driving.

<Honda’s original hybrid system for fun driving and high fuel economy >

	Combining the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and lightweight, compact IMA enabled CR-Z to achieve the highest level of both fun to drive feel and exceptional fuel economy.
	CR-Z is the first model to feature Honda’s three-mode drive system, which enables the driver to choose SPORT, NORMAL or ECON modes depending on the driver’s driving style and/or driving situation such as in the city, on the freeway or on winding roads.
	The world’s first 6-speed manual transmission on a hybrid vehicle*2 enhances driving enjoyment. A CVT version features paddle shifters as standard equipment.

<Body and chassis designed for agile and exhilarating driving >

CR-Z’s dedicated suspension, lightweight and highly rigid body, and thorough control of aerodynamics offer responsive and controlled handling.

<Comfortable utility >

With ample luggage area and storage spaces, the CR-Z offers everyday utility for shopping, weekend outings and short vacations.

♦ Key Features of the CR-Z
	Exterior Design
	· The functional beauty of an automobile and advanced and clean image of a hybrid vehicle were fused into the exterior design of the CR-Z. · For the front view, the width was emphasized by the large and highly-visible front grill and a design form with extended fenderes. · For the side view, a one-motion wedge form was adopted to emphasize sportiness and sense of speed. A dedicated aerodynamic-focused design was adopted for door mirrors, outer door handles, and other exterior features. · For the rear view, sportiness and dynamism were expressed by a design form curving inward from the side windows to the rear fenders, with the large-sized rear diffuser located underneath the bumper. · The headlights create a clean and precise impression of the vehicle. In the lower portion of the headlights, white LED position lamps extend laterally for a futuristic look.
	Interior Design
	· With its highly functional and futuristic design, the interior of the CR-Z expresses sportiness and exhilaration suitable for the sporty hybrid. · A sense of superior quality was pursued for the CR-Z’s interior space through various details including use of metallic thin film accents*3 for the front console box and door handles. · Functions necessary for driving are clustered on the driver’s side. With the Super 3D Meter in the middle, horizontal bar-shaped meters were positioned on both sides of the central meter ensuring high visibility and creating a futuristic appearance with the crystal-blue illumination. *3 Standard on CR-Z α
	Packaging
	· The “Low (vehicle height), Short (wheelbase), Wide (tread)” package realizes dynamic and sporty styling that offers agile driving and handling. · The low engine height and specially designed suspension layout allow for a low-slung hood and sporty driving position. · The highest-curvature windshield among all Honda models and newly designed front pillars combine to offer wide forward visibility.
	Powertrain (Hybrid System)
	· Idling one of its two intake valves at low speeds, the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine achieves ample power, outstanding fuel economy and excellent emissions performance at a high level. Supported by the IMA system, the engine achieves acceleration performance equivalent to a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and excellent low-speed torque. · The dedicated 6-speed manual transmission offers light, smooth shifting for sporty driving, while the available CVT with paddle shifters supports both high fuel economy and sporty driving styles.
	Three-Mode Drive System
	· Providing unified control of the DBW (Drive-by-Wire), powertrain, transmission, EPS (Electric Power Steering) and air conditioner, Three-Mode Drive System allows for the selection of three distinct driving modes: SPORT (fun, sporty driving): For the CR-Z with 6-speed manual transmission, the engine response and motor assist is heightened during SPORT mode. For CVT models, it selects transmission ratios that heighten engine rpms and acceleration response. For both CR-Z versions, this mode also enhances EPS response for a sporty steering feel and enhanced performance on winding roads. NORMAL (balanced driving and fuel economy): This mode leverages IMA’s ample torque in the low rpm range to pursue ease of operation for everyday driving. EPS response is similarly balanced, and feels smooth and agile. ECON (enhanced real-world fuel economy): This mode reduces throttle response, optimizes motor assist, controls the air conditioning efficiently and lengthens idle stops for maximal fuel economy. · Providing real-time feedback in NORMAL and ECON drive modes, the ambient meter (speedometer ring) turns from blue to green when the driver engages in more fuel-efficient driving practices. In SPORT mode, the ring glows and remains red for a sportier feel. · Cruise control is standard on the CR-Z α. Econ mode offers higher fuel economy cruise control than in NORMAL or SPORT modes by limiting throttle response and open/close frequency.
	Chassis
	· In the front, MacPherson struts contribute to the CR-Z’s spaciousness, low height and low center of gravity, while the lower arms are made of forged aluminum to reduce weight. 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. · The high-output EPS offers quick steering gear ratio of 2.48 turns lock to lock, while the rigidly attached steering gearbox contributes to the direct steering feel. · The enhanced-design aluminum wheels*4 are a total of 5 kg lighter than those of the Insight,*5 and the tires with their sporty tread pattern contribute to agile driving. *4 Standard on CR-Z α ; factory option on CR-Z β *5 2009 Insight LS
	Body
	· Made for agile and exhilarating driving and outstanding fuel economy, the body of the CR-Z is lightweight and highly rigid. · Newly designed front pillars and door mirrors, an aerodynamic underbody and other specially designed parts allow the CR-Z to offer aerodynamic performance equivalent to the Insight*6 while featuring shorter and wider exterior styling that is usually a disadvantage in terms of aerodynamics. · High-tensile steel is used effectively throughout the body, and the front pillar inner lower, side sill and middle floor cross member feature high-tensile steel rated 780 MPa or higher. In addition to reducing vehicle weight, high-tensile steel contributes to shock absorbency in the event of a collision. · The CR-Z is designed throughout to shut out and absorb noise for exceptional quietness while allowing a satisfying acceleration sound in tune with engine rpms to reach the driver. *6 2009 model
	Utility
	· Highly sophisticated packaging technologies enable the IPU of the Honda hybrid system to be located beneath the rear cargo area, realizing a cargo area with a length of 770 mm (during rear seat use), maximum width of 990 mm and volume of 214 l.*7 · The one-touch fold-down rear seats are easy to access from the front seats. When they are folded down, the rear cargo area length extends to 1,280 mm and volume expands to 382 l for exceptional utility. *7 Honda calculations, VDA method; total cargo area (above and below floor) is 233 l
	Honda HDD InterNavi System and Linkup Free Service
	· Available as a factory option on all CR-Z models, the Honda HDD InterNavi System comes with the new Linkup Free service, the automobile industry’s first*8 free*9 car navigation data service. Any CR-Z owner with an InterNavi Premium Club membership will receive free renewal of this service when registered at an authorized Honda dealer at the time of each vehicle inspection required under Japanese law, for as long as he or she owns the vehicle.*10 *8 Honda research *9 The factory option navigation equipment uses the PHS data network of WILLCOM, Inc. to transmit InterNavi Club information only; charges for hands-free conversations and data transfer using cellular phones and other telecommunications devices are the responsibility of the customer. *10 Membership renewal fee is free only when the owner uses an authorized Honda dealer for vehicle inspections and renewal procedure; a renewal fee is required when the procedure is performed at a non-authorized Honda facility.
	Environmental Performance
	· The CR-Z offers exceptional fuel economy of 25.0 km/l (CVT) and 22.5 km/l (MT) in 10•15 mode; and 22.8 km/l (CVT) and 20.6 km/l (MT) in JC08 mode. · All models are certified by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as complying with the 2005 – 75% emissions standard. · All models are certified by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as complying with the 2010 + 25% fuel economy standard. · All models are eligible for Japan’s new preferential tax scheme for environmentally responsible vehicles (reduced automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax) and subsidy for environmentally responsible vehicles, introduced in April 2009.
	Safety Performance
	· The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure enhances self-protection as well as mitigating damage to other vehicles in the event of a collision. · Pedestrian-injury mitigation technology helps protect pedestrians from head, leg and other injuries in the event of a collision. · A driver’s i-SRS airbag system with continuously staged inflation, standard on all types, accommodates a broad range of occupant positions and physiques and potential collision situations. · Along with the front seat i-side airbag system, the side curtain airbag system helps reduce the risk of head or neck injury in a side impact.*11 · Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), which further improves stability during cornering, is standard equipment on all types. *11 Factory option on all models except CR-Z β with 6-speed manual transmission