New Honda takes inspiration from BMW, VW and Lotus

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Date Listed: 20/01/2010

Honda is raving about the dynamic performance of the new CR-Z hybrid coupe it unveiled at the Detroit motor show, designers claim the car takes its inspiration from the BMW Mini, VW Scirocco and the Lotus Elise.

According to a new video featuring the CR-Z's chief engineer for chassis dynamics Terukazu Torikai, the three cars listed above were all 'benchmarked' but Honda particularly aspired to match the fun to drive characteristics of the Mini, while the performance of the Elise continued to be an inspiration throughout the development process.

Torikai san also tells us 'huge emphasis' was put on the getting the electric power steering set-up right while body stiffness is equivalent to that of the Civic Type R.

CR-Z project leader Norio Tomobe also features in the clip which promises 'exhilarating driving pleasure'.

While car makers often talk privately about vehicles they have benchmarked during a new model's development process, it's quite rare for such statements to emerge in public - which makes us think Honda must be extremely confident its new car will deliver the sort of driving experience to engage the ranks of those global Honda fans who still mourn the old CRX.

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