Honda CR-Z Sports Hybrid - Hell-Bent Hybrid?

Honda's CR-Z Sports Hybrid--The Reality Lurking Deep Within The Crystal Ball?

Shades of CR-X are alive and kicking in the CR-Z for sure, but are sports hybrids the future of automotive performance? How engaging can a "sports hybrid" be? Will CR-Z be the same as the Mugen Insight we featured a few months back-a bodykit and some trick wheels?

The CR-Z, which is Honda speak for "Compact Renaissance Zero," made quite a splash at the '07 Tokyo Auto Show. It is reportedly headed for production in 2010.

While we would all like to see a "Special K" edition with a K20A under the hood replete with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid powertrain riding shotgun, Honda has released little technical information on the production version. Stay tuned, we will continue to work the crystal ball on this one.

Ken Block Returns to Scotland for the 2009 Colin McRae Forest Stages

(September 30, 2009) Subaru Rally Team USA driver Ken Block and his co-driver Alex Gelsomino will participate once again in the 2009 Colin McRae Forest Stages in Scotland this weekend. Block will be at the wheel of a sister car to his usual Rally America National Championship vehicle, a 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI built to Rally America’s Open Class specifications. As the high-powered Vermont SportsCar-prepared, #43 Subaru STI does not conform to any of the car specification classes featured at the McRae Stages, the final round of the Scottish Rally Championship, Block will run as course-opening car for exhibition only.
As well as aligning his name to the rally, the late Colin McRae for many years ran as opening car on the event. For McRae’s Scottish fans this was the only chance to see him drive on home-soil. After Colin McRae’s passing in 2007, the rally was transformed into a star-studded event in 2008 when former WRC champions and dozens of rally legends competed in the event to pay tribute to McRae. The 2008 edition of the event saw Subaru Rally Team USA teammates Block and Travis Pastrana compete in historic cars along with their mentor, American rally legend John Buffum.


Block thoroughly enjoyed his time at event last year and jumped at the chance to attend again in 2009. “Colin was a friend and mentor and is sadly missed by so many, so competing at the Colin McRae Forest Stages is a small tribute to Colin and his fans. It was an honor to be invited to compete last year with so many rally legends, the atmosphere was amazing,” explained Block. “This year I’ll be in my usual Subaru, it’s an extremely powerful car, and I’ll make sure to put on a good McRae-style show for all the fans!”
Block’s Gymkhana Subaru STI also made the trip across the Atlantic for a rare display appearance and as a bonus for the fans, Block is scheduled to perform a short driving demo with his course-opening Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car on Friday night at the Perth Racecourse, where the rally headquarters is based.

Subaru Rally Team USA is proudly supported by Subaru of America, Inc., Subaru Tecnica International (STI), Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT), DC Shoes, BFGoodrich Tires, DiRT2, RECARO, Alpinestars, Motul, Exedy, GReddy, and Vermont SportsCar. For more information on Subaru Rally Team USA, as well as exclusive photo and video galleries visit rally.subaru.com and for the latest news follow the team on Twitter: twitter.com/srtusa.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C - JDM-Bound And Down

Hard-Core Impreza WRX STI Spec C Hits The Street In Tokyo

Subie fanatics know the Spec C moniker has been long associated with hard-core, rally race-inspired editions that are solid, invigorating rides. Subaru has bestowed the vaunted badge on the latest iteration of its flagship performer, the WRX STI. Unfortunately, the Spec C is a JDM-only model and, sadly, Subie is only pumping out 900 units.
Visions of what could have been start under the hood where Subaru's 2.0-liter boxer engine (JDM STIs still run EJ20s) sports a remapped ECU and special low-friction ball bearings in the turbo. This nets 304 bhp at 6400 rpm and 311 ft-lbs of torque at 4400 rpm. Subaru reports the goal was quicker response and improved acceleration, not a big jump in peak power. An intercooler water spray setup was added to enhance system efficiency.

The handling was also addressed with a fully retuned suspension, chassis-rigidity mods, a redesigned steering system, LSD improvements and more serious rolling stock. Spec Cs roll all-new lightweight 18-inch wheels wrapped by 245/40 Bridgestone Potenza RE070s.

An aluminum hood, mini battery and lightweight Laminar glass shave precious pounds in the front of the car and at high center of gravity points to optimize handling. Man, it's 2009 and the Japanese market still gets high-tech hot rods we can only dream about.