Report: Honda Readying Engine for Possible CR-Z Si or Type R

Could the 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid R Concept suggest what a Honda CR-Z Si or Type R might look like?

Fans of the beloved old Honda CRX Si may finally get what they want in its spiritual successor, the CR-Z.

The CR-Z has the look of a third-generation Honda CRX, xx years after Honda stopped selling it.

Now, Autocar, a British auto enthusiast publication is saying that Honda is working on a new powertrain that trades the current car’s hybrid powertrain for a turbocharged engine. How does a CR-Z Si sound? Or even a CR-Z Type R.

Autocar says its sources in Japan say Honda is working on a new turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder aimed at replacing the 2.0-liter from the defunct Civic Type R.

Click here to read Autocar’s report.

Honda is reportedly developing two versions of the engine producing 160 and 200 horsepower.

Honda actually showed the CR-Z Type R Concept, a de-hybridized version of the CR-Z at SEMA in 2010. That car used a turbo version of the 1.5-liter four in the production CR-Z. The concept, which used an upgraded hybrid sytem, along with the turbo, produced 200 horsepower.

Besides serving as a high-performance option for the CR-Z, the new engine will also help Honda downsize its engine lineup for other vehicles, a strategy several automakers are using to meet more stringent fuel economy restrictions.

The production CR-Z is powered by a 112-horsepower version of the 1.5 combined with a 14-horsepower electric motor.

While many Honda enthusiasts have been enamored by the style and handling of the two-seater, acceleration can only be described as tepid.