Performance and Efficiency Collide: Honda CR-Z On The Track

Honda CR-Z on the race track

Although the Honda CR-Z is being being marketed as a hybrid sports car (and inspired by the CRX), some have doubted those credentials. Even U.S. Honda execs were disappointed by the production vehicle’s styling and lackluster performance stats.

While the term “sports car” might be used loosely when describing the Honda CR-Z, it certainly looks capable on the Suzuka Race Track in Japan. It clearly doesn’t take those straight-aways as quick as a Veyron, but the brand’s enthusiasts at Long Beach Honda stress that it certainly hugs the corners better than any Toyota Prius could.

Although the Honda CR-Z has certainly espoused mixed feelings from consumers, one thing is certain – it will be unlike any other hybrid on the market when it hits showrooms in this summer.

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The “5.0” Badge Returns On The 2011 Ford Mustang

2011 Ford Mustang GT V8

For 2010, the Ford Mustang was completely redesigned, and received plenty of praise. Unfortunately, there was one area where the new Pony Car lacked an update – it was under the hood.

For the 2011 model year, Ford is change that and is adding news engines for both the base Mustang and the GT. Not only will these new engines help it maintain its competitive edge against the Camaro, but Memphis Ford points out that it will also appease enthusiasts. The new 2011 GT will even get get the “5.0” badge once again, signifying the new 412 horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 engine that resides under the hood.

Look for both the new 2011 Mustang V6 and V8-powered GT to arrive in showrooms this summer.

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Acura ZDX Offers Much More Than Just a Bold Design

2010 Acura ZDX video

Love it or hate it, the Acura ZDX crossover is certainly pushing the limits of design in the premium segment. Wired Magazine described the ZDX’s exterior styling as a cross between a Pontiac Aztek or an AMC Eagle. But customers at St Louis Acura dealers have been more in awe of the design, rather than repulsed by it.

As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But beyond its sheet metal, the Acura ZDX offers an array of competitive features for the price. The interior is comfortable, the ride height provides easy entry yet helps deliver outstanding visibility, and the Acura/ELS premium sound system is among the best audio systems available. Its powerful 300 horsepower 3.7-liter, VTEC® V-6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system are also capable of delivering a level of performance than few SUVs or crossovers can match.

The Acura ZDX’s design may be shocking to some, but it is a new design trend that is here to say. Designs that combine sports wagons and crossovers are becoming popular. This popularity has already spawned the BMW X6 and soon other crossovers outside of the premium segment will share a similar design philosophy – case in point, the upcoming Nissan Juke. 

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