(November 19, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — The 2013 Honda CR-Z goes on sale this week with powertrain, styling and feature upgrades. More power from an all-new lithium-ion battery pack improves performance while also improving the CR-Z's already impressive EPA mpg ratings.

Styling upgrades include revised interior trim along with a new front fascia, a new finish for the 16-inch alloy wheels, an aerodynamically functional new rear diffuser and two new exterior colors — Passion Berry Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

The CR-Z hybrid powertrain is a unique variation of Honda's original IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) technology, which debuted on the 2000 Honda Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available for sale in North America. The system in the CR-Z utilizes a 1.5-liter   4-cylinder, 16-valve, single-overhead cam engine with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system's DC brushless electric motor.



For 2013, assist from the electric motor has jumped from 10 kW to 15 kW, thanks to the new higher voltage (144-volt) lithium-ion battery pack. The CR-Z now delivers a combined peak output of 130 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 140 lb-ft. of torque (127 lb-ft. on CVT-equipped models), a gain of eight horsepower and 12 lb-ft of torque (4 lb-ft on CVT equipped models). Manual-transmission versions also receive both a larger clutch and a new lower final drive ratio.

To give drivers even more access to the CR-Z's performance capabilities, the 2013 Honda CR-Z is also equipped with a new Plus Sport System, which allows additional on-demand electric boost via a steering wheel-mounted "S+" button.

Standard features on all 2013 Honda CR-Z models include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Bluetooth Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control.

With a starting MSRP of $19,975, two CR-Z models are offered for 2013, including the well-equipped base CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available.

The up-level CR-Z EX adds Auto-On/Off High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is also available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with FM traffic and voice recognition, Pandora® Interface and an SMS text messaging function.

The improved horsepower and torque on the 2013 Honda CR-Z does not come with a fuel-economy penalty, as the new, more powerful Lithium-Ion battery pack helps boost EPA-rated fuel economy figures by 1 mpg city for CVT equipped models, and 1 mpg highway for CR-Z models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.