Update: Honda CR-Z Gets a Shot in the Arm with HPD Supercharger

When the Honda CR-Z was first announced, it generated more excitement than your typical hybrid. Its design recalled the simple, light and sporty form of the Honda CRX, and it promised the seemingly impossible combination of offering both performance and fuel economy. It was intriguing. Unfortunately, when the CR-Z landed it only made 130 horsepower, its fuel economy ratings fell well short of other hybrids, and any resemblance to the 80s hot hatch icon ended beyond the sheetmetal. But Honda Performance Development looks to be remedying at least one of those issues with a factory-backed supercharger kit, now available for 2013 and 2014 models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, which offers a fairly potent horsepower increase of more than 50 percent over a stock CR-Z.

 

 

Under development since 2012 and first seen on the JDM-only CR-Z Mugen RZ, in final specification the supercharger kit is said to offer an increase in the CR-Z’s output to the tune of 197 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, an improvement of 67 horsepower and 36 lb-ft. The kit will include an air-to-air intercooler, high flow fuel injectors, a redesigned air flter and an ECU recalibration for $5495 – before installation. Owners who opt to have their HPD supercharger kit installed by the dealer will retain the balance of their 5 year/ 60,000 mile Honda limited powertrain warranty.

 

For those seeking even more performance from their CR-Z, HPD also offers addtional go-fast bits and pieces as well, such as a limited slip differential for $1,375 and sport clutch for $640. Check out the press release below for additional details about the supercharger kit and other performance accessories available from Honda Performance Development.