Back when I was first kicking off Lexi.Laron, I did features on the renewal and maintenance of my '98 Lexus ES300 with over 250,000 miles on it. But as I started to realize that I really wanted an RSX Type-S, I decided to focus on making my dream happen.
My baby
But let's put it this way, dreams don't just happen. Dreams are inspired. And being that Honda's slogan is "The power of dreams," I find it appropriate that their CR-Z Mugen RR was one of the cars which sparked a flame in my heart and drove me to put my first down payment on that RSX pictured above.
Yet, recently I've questioned Honda's ability to power dreams-- or at least power dreams of speed and screaming VTAK!!!! Well, for those of you in the same boat as I am, I think that there is really hope that Honda may finally be on the verge of making something cool again...but wait-- it's a hybrid??
Honda Performance Development Supercharged CR-Z at SEMA Auto Salon Source
I mean yeah, I've been talking about how the CR-Z would come out in a cooler package, but this is the second time that Honda's brought a supercharged CR-Z motor out to SEMA Salon (let alone a whole car), and it's not the first supercharged CR-Z we've seen. Again, reference that Mugen RR link I have up there^.
And it's always like car companies to come out with concepts of cool cars just to let us down again, but when they bring it out over and over again to major shows around the world, like Nissan did with the GTR concept before they made the R35 GTR, I've seen a higher likelihood that the cars actually get produced.
Anyway, enough chatter. Let's delve into the details of Honda's most recent showcase for forced induction goodness in a little 1.5 L.
Engine bay of the HPD Supercharged Hybrid Source
On October 31, 2012 Motor Trend posted an article showcasing the little pitbull talking about modifications made by HPD. Modifications include a tuned suspension, tuned brakes, exhaust, and new wheels with better tires.
Sporty rear valance with center-exit exhaust-- can you say Mini Cooper S? Source
I spy with my little eye what looks like a four-piston caliper with slotted rotors! Source
So now...now we talk numbers. Numbers are always a controversial topic for Honda owners, with some owners boasting about their horsepower per liter numbers while adversaries mock their poor torque numbers.
Yet, as you know with new emissions regulations coming about and with increasing gas prices, it's just not economical to make naturally aspirated engines that rev to 8300 RPM like my K20Z1 does. No matter how cool it is, it's just not practical. So that's WHY Honda has chosen the route of forced induction. By pushing air into your engine it is possible to get more horsepower per liter while also getting great increases in torque as well.
By pairing a hybrid drivetrain with a super capacitor (high power density) and lithium-ion batter (high energy density) with a forced-induction engine with a down-sped crankshaft, the thermodynamic volumetric efficiency of the engine is increased (more horsepower per liter, less fuel consumption), gas is saved, and the torque is all provided by the sudden release of power from the super capacitor which powers the electric motor! All of this results in a predicted power output of 185 horsepower and 169 ft-lb's of torque. Those are some pretty well-balanced numbers for a 2500 lb chassis!
Honda's supercharged Integrated Motor Assist Engine at SEMA Source
So, no it's not a rear-wheel drive car with a low center of gravity and a high-revving engine or turbocharger. It's a hybrid. But I'd say it's a pretty cool hybrid. Maybe Honda is working on the next new thing. Well, we'll have to see, right?
Until next time, Lexi.Laron is signing out. Peace.
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