Honda CR-Z Design And Development Processes Described In New Video

YOU WON'T HEAR a lick of English, but a new video released by Honda today features chief engineer Terakazu Torikai describing the philosophies and processes followed in the development of the 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid sports car.

Producing only 91kW and 173Nm of torque, the CR-Z's unveiling garnered a lukewarm response from Honda fans hopeful for a spiritual successor to the iconic first and second series CRX.

While the motoring media and buying public will need to wait for a drive before drawing any conclusions, Honda's video offers some insight into the decisions that lead to the CR-Z's specification and design.

Mr Torikai said that his team looked to other cars, both established and new (in the case of the Scirocco), in developing the CR-Z.

"During the development if the CR-Z we drove many cars and also bought several models for comparison and benchmarking including the MINI, the VW Scirocco coupe and also a Lotus Elise," Mr Torikai said.

From that list, the Elise best demonstrates the importance of kerb weight and weight distribution in determining a car's handling. How Honda has managed the CR-Z's rumoured 1225kg remains to be seen.