Honda boosts power on 2013 CR-Z
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The 2013 CR-Z also will have a $280 price increase to $20,765, including destination charges. |
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Editor's note: An earlier version of this story misstated how battery power is measured.
LOS ANGELES -- For the 2013 model year mid-cycle upgrade to its CR-Z hybrid hatchback, Honda Motor Co. has added a more powerful lithium ion battery and on-demand power-boost feature.
A 144-volt lithium-ion battery pack replaces the 100.8-volt nickel-metal hydride pack in the 2012 model. That results in the power assist from the electric motor increasing from 10 kW to 15 kW. It also means an 8 horsepower bump to 130 hp, and 12 lb-ft of torque boost to 140.
Honda also had added a "Plus Sport System," which allows on-demand electric boost via a steering wheel-mounted "S+" button, which gives five seconds of increased thrust.
Despite the power boost, the CR-Z's fuel economy increases by 1 mpg in city driving with the CVT transmission, to 36/39 mpg, while it improves by 1 mpg in highway driving with the six-speed manual to 31/38 mpg.
A rearview camera and Bluetooth phone and audio connections are now standard. The 2013 CR-Z also will have a $280 price increase to $20,765, including destination charges.
You can reach Mark Rechtin at mrechtin@crain.com. -- Follow Mark on 
