2018 Honda CR-Z: Rumors, Release Date

The Start

Ah yes, 1987. That was the year that the second and final generation of Honda's coveted cult-classic, the CR-X, would begin its journey into the annals of affordable performance. It would quietly get tucked in to bed four short years later in 1991. The car had it all: nimble handling, a bulletproof drivetrain and exceptional fuel economy. Helping to forge all those attributes was a lightweight unibody chassis which helped the CR-X tip the scales at around 1,900 pounds. But it punched way above its weight class. Mind you, this all could be had at a price that every citizen could afford. Pricing for the top-of-the-line model came in at $7,999. And it came in three wildly-different trim levels: DX, HF and Si. Will that change?

Rumors

The CR-Z, like the prior generation and its CR-X forefather, will likely only seat two. With that disclaimer out of the way, let's dig into the meat & potatoes of the potential release. We say potential because there is no official news from Honda in regards to this leak.

First off, it seems that Honda has been planning the next CR-Z for awhile now. The automaker is trying to beef up its credibility after the loss of the S2000 and Acura's Integra Type-R in 2001. An all-new 2016 Honda Civic is on the horizon. But in terms of performance, the two models from the brand that will make it to the U.S. are the Civic Type-R and the brand's more upscale (and more expensive) 2016 Acura NSX. Will the 2018 CR-Z also join them? We can't say for certain, but we, like many enthusiasts, are hoping.

Release Date

If the 2018 Honda CR-Z gets the green light, the model might go on sale if the model does get the green light, look for it to go on sale in the summer of 2017--just in time to wake the CR-X from it's thirty-year slumber. And if you simply cannot wait, the 2016 Honda CR-Z is on the horizon.

Pictured: 2015 Honda CR-Z HPD Edition