RideLust

Honda's HPD street car. Photo: Honda America Motors

Honda Performance Development has been busy addressing the lack of a CR-Z Si in Honda’s product mix, and if their press release is accurate, the HPD CR-Z may be just the ticket. Though not available for sale just yet, the HPD tuned sport hybrid now sports a turbo and enhancements to the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system. The upgrades are said to result in a combined output of 200 horsepower and 175 ft lb of torque at the crank. As you’d expect, the clutch has been upgraded and the differential has been swapped for a limited slip version. HPD’s dropped the ride height, added bigger brakes and stiffened the suspension up for track duty. They’ve also added a body kit and bolted on a huge rear wning, which I’m sure can be removed easily enough.

Honda's HPD race car. Photo: Honda America Motors

HPD is also showing a track version of the car at SEMA; it’s essentially the same car, with all non-essential components removed to lighten things up. The track version gets a full roll cage, a Sparco driver’s seat and required safety gear. The race prepped CR-Z (and it’s identical twin) will compete at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill Event in December, since Honda really wants to show the viability of the CR-Z as a competitive platform.

I liked the stock CR-Z well enough, but lack of power and merely adequate handling were my two biggest complaints. I can’t wait to drive an HPD prepped CR-Z, since I think it will evoke some strong memories of the CRX Si. Props to Honda for giving people what they want.