Honda Takes Over Times Square for First-Ever 3-D Launch of All- New 2011 CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe

Honda held the first-ever takeover of Times Square in 3-D technology recently to support the launch of the all-new CR-Z sport hybrid coupe.

Spanning five blocks of Times Square, the event marked the first time 3-D footage was broadcast to the public space.

Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid

As a part of the takeover, Honda ran 3-D CR-Z commercial footage on the Times Square HD Spectacolor screen (located on Broadway between 46th and 47th Street), displayed several CR-Z's and sponsored a special performance from chart-topping hip-hop trio, N.E.R.D. An estimated 250,000 people attended the CR-Z event in Times Square.

Hybrid Thrill
The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine with Integrated Motor Assist IMA®. This combination delivers both spirited performance rarely seen in the hybrid world with impressive fuel economy.

IMA Power
The battery pack, positioned low in CR-Z's body structure for optimal center of gravity, supplies juice to the Integrated Motor Assist system, giving the CR-Z abundant low-rpm torque for quick off-the-line acceleration. This is an attribute unique to electric motors and something the CR-Z would not benefit from with just the conventional engine.

6-Speed or CVT
The CR-Z's sporting credentials include a 6-speed manual transmission—the first production hybrid vehicle ever to be equipped this way. The transmission allows enthusiasts to drive the CR-Z to its maximum capabilities. Those who choose the CVT automatic transmission, however, are treated to racing-inspired paddle shifters that also provide driving excitement and engagement.

Sophisticated Suspension
A low center of gravity, wide tread and a low overall height contribute to the CR-Z's excellent handling. These virtues, together with specially tuned independent front and torsion-beam rear suspension, provide an exciting blend of agility, stability and ride quality.

The CR-Z boasts an impressive list of standard safety features.

Active Systems: Control

To help keep you on course and away from danger, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) helps sense oversteer or understeer, and then adjusts brake pressure at each wheel and/or reduces engine power to help restore driver control.

Standard 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), help you maintain control during hard braking. Properly inflated tires are crucial for safe operation, so the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts the driver when a tire's pressure reaches a significantly low level.

Passive Systems: Protection

The CR-Z has been engineered to help protect you and your passengers when a collision just cannot be avoided. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle.

Airbags and More

Standard front, front side and side curtain airbags help reduce the likelihood of injuries in a collision. Driver's and passenger's active head restraints help reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries in a sufficient rear impact.

Honda's Safety Philosophy

Honda is committed to providing safety for everyone—that means crash protection not only for our own drivers and passengers, but also for other vehicle occupants, and injury mitigation for pedestrians. We are dedicated to identifying and implementing advanced designs and features that help enhance the safety of vehicles on the road.

Responsible Indulgence
The CR-Z was designed for excellent fuel economy, but not at the expense of driving fun. With a combined EPA-estimated 37 mpg (CVT), the AT-PZEV-rated CR-Z ranks as one of the more efficient cars out there. And once you take it for a spin, you'll see that both goals were realized.

Eco Assist™
EPA numbers are important, but the way you drive also affects the fuel economy you achieve. The CR-Z features a guidance system that helps boost your efficiency and monitor your own driving habits to maximize your mpg. It's called Eco Assist™ and it includes a green ECON™ button that, when pressed, regulates certain vehicle functions to maximize efficiency. The system also features real-time feedback to help promote driver awareness of efficient driving habits on a daily and ongoing basis.

For more photos and video from the Times Square event, visit www.hondanews.com.

Additional information can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/HondaCRZ

Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com

Honda News & Views (for consumers): www.honda.com/newsandviews

Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda

Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews

Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

Source: www.honda.com