Honda CRX

The Honda CRX is a sports coupe of the engine and vehicle manufacturer Honda based on the Honda Civic.

• 3.1 Type ED9
• 3.2 Type EE 8
• 3.3 convertible conversion

Conception

In 1982, the Executive Committee of Honda decided to present a low-priced sports coupe for the American and European market based on the Honda Civic. To be the consequences of the oil crisis and still meet with the demands for a sporty model, were the maxims in vehicle design:

• Two-seater (plus two spare seats to 1991)
• Front engine
• Front-wheel drive
• High-revving naturally aspirated engine
• Lowest possible Displacement
• High engine power
• Low consumption
• Sporty design in coupe form.

First generation

Honda CRX (1983-1987)

Type AF

The type AF an inexpensive sports coupe was introduced based on the Honda Civic next to the new Civic series in September 1983 at the IAA in Frankfurt. The low curb weight of only about 825-835 kg was achieved, inter alia, that the outer skin to 38 percent consisted of plastic. (HPA: Honda Alloy polymer and polypropylene) So the painted fenders, the painted front fascia, cladding and bumpers from newly developed plastics were produced. The engine has been made ​​of light metal. In Germany, the purchase price was from 1984 19.490 DM

The multiple international award-winning design of the CRX ( in the original CR - X) and the Civic models was a novelty, since about the bumpers were not as usual just before and mounted behind the car, but as well as the headlights and door handles were integrated into the car form. The vehicle achieved a drag coefficient of 0.33 by these measures. The dashboard was covered with a newly developed soft synthetic leather. By Scheibenverklebungen a higher stability of the body was achieved with a compact design and the plastic fenders and cladding a better corrosion protection.

The European version with four-cylinder fuel injection engine and 1477 cc capacity made ​​74 kW (100 hp) at 5750 min-1 and 130 Nm of torque at 4500 min -1. The engine equipped with valves 12 (two inlet and exhaust valve per cylinder) and called an overhead camshaft, also OHC or SOHC. The top speed was specified from the factory with 190 km / h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h 8.9 seconds. For this performance had to be driven in high speed range, which could be exploited to the rev limiter at 7500 min -1.

The motor is suitable for all types of gasoline ( regular and premium gasoline, leaded and unleaded) and was recognized by pollutant class A ( corresponds to the regulated catalytic converter vehicles until the mid- 1990s ). A catalyst was therefore not until the late 1980s available.

The computer-controlled fuel injection Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM -FI 0.8 -bit microprocessor) with self-diagnostic system ( four lights) is controlled sequentially through the opening period of the intake valves and eight sensors. It is an intermittent injection with intake manifold pressure sensor, which was originally developed for Formula 1.

The flat, compact design with a power to weight ratio of 8.25 kg / hp, a sporty driving style is possible. The vehicle has a height of only 1.26 m to 1.29 m.

Special features at this time were, inter alia, the novel in this vehicle class assembled washers or keyboard control of the fan motor. The door windows are frameless like a convertible. Likewise, the very large, controllable from the instrument panel, electric steel sunroof with mechanically aufklappendem wind protection because it (there were a few countries instead on the roof of a small open forward hinged air opening ) to the outside, opened the back over the roof. Standard equipment to be members of a five-speed gearbox, side turn signals, a second door mirrors, tachometer, additional storage compartment, coin compartment, Digital quartz clock, tinted windows, in Germany a Blaupunkt cassette radio, a retractable into the A-pillar antenna, quickly adjustable reclining seats, the driver's seat from openable trunk and gas cap, brake booster, a visually styled engine and a front and rear spoiler.

The car had comparatively large doors and rear a rigid axle on trailing arms with drum brakes. Front had the vehicle independent suspension and ventilated disc brakes. The corresponding torsion bars could be easily adjusted in a workshop to the front lower down the vehicle by up to six inches. The steering had no power assistance, but was smooth rack and pinion and very direct. The disadvantage was the very high loading sill.

In 1984 the CRX 1.5 i with a slightly revised engine on the market ( also type AF).

The first version of 1983/1984 is recognizable by the white or blue paintwork or the blue interior. Other colors ( in Germany ) were black and red In Austria, this model was only offered in the color red.

In some countries where the Honda CRX Ballade Sports CRX got the name, it was the model with a 1.3 -liter engine and 80 hp.

Type AS

The CRX 1.6i -16 ( Type AS ) is based up on the engine and the interior (seats, door trim ) on the previous model. Panels and bumpers were now painted in body color. The power to weight was 7.16 kg / hp. At just under 1.6 liters of four -cylinder engine with 16 valves and double overhead camshaft (DOHC ) 92 kW (125 hp) at 6800 min -1. The maximum torque was 140 Nm at 5500 min -1. The acceleration was indicated by 8.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h top speed at 202 km / h Because of the higher design of the engine by the two overhead camshafts, " sporty " bulge got the CRX 1.6 on the hood one on the left. This was also maintained for the model ED9 while the model EE8 the entire hood was later to give the VTEC engine space can.

The petrol consumption is depending on driving style 6.5 to 9 liters per 100 km. The engine is very durable with appropriate maintenance, performance of over 300 tkm (without loss of oil ) are possible. The price in Germany was DM 22,490

Second generation

Honda CRX (1987-1991)

Type ED9

Introduced in the fall of 1987 second - generation CRX is a complete redesign with rounder and flatter shapes.

With the facelift which derived from the motorsport and the continuing development of the sports car Honda NSX experiences should be incorporated into the series. This mainly concerned the new from the motorcycle sport further developed for the car operating computerized VTEC system (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control - variable valve timing and lift control system ) with maximum speed increase and full capacity utilization of a naturally aspirated engine, while fully roadworthy. The variant ED9 made ​​at 1595 - cc 96 kW (130 hp) and 91 kW without (124 hp) with catalyst. This took the ED9 8.5 seconds or 7.5 seconds ( without catalyst ) to 100 km / h The average consumption was an average of 7 l/100 km.

The chassis has on all four wheels, a "Double Wishbone " independent suspension ( double wishbone suspension ), which arose from the Formula 1 racing in principle. All four wheels have disc brakes in the front, these are internally ventilated.

Drawbacks to this evolutionary stage, in addition to the Spartan space ( rear row of seats according to the rating form for persons less than 145 cm) also lamented by many inexperienced owners "close " limit. This has to do with the overall sporty suspension and short wheelbase. For normal to sporty driving, the car is very responsive ( rack and pinion steering, chassis type) and precise, and one may easily forget that you still have a vehicle with a front engine and front wheel drive front what to straight in " to" athletic cut curves corresponding the driving physics effect. The result is understeer and subsequent chemical to heavy load changes ( Gaswegname, driver errors ) oversteer or breaking out of the rear of the vehicle. This can be correct but again with metered gas pedal interference. Also, the absence of active and passive driving aids such as ESP, ABS ( in Europe only available in England ) and power steering makes the control of the vehicle.

The ED9 ( 1.6i -16) was in the colors Pewter Grey Metallic (NH 537 M ), Rio Red ( R 63 ), Milano Red ( R 81 ), Vogue Silver Metallic (NH 550 M) Polar White (NH 512 Z ) and Flint Black Metallic (NH 526 M) produced, the price in 1990 was DM 28990 standard was in Germany, as in previous models, the outward and rear retractable sunroof. This and the trunk were significantly smaller in contrast to previous models. For the demolition of the rear had a second rear window below the spoiler. The fully glazed and mirrored roof was not available in Europe. The design of the taillights was changed in the course of construction, the 130 hp ED9 can be recognized without a catalyst at the two reverse lights, the ED9 with catalyst only had a reversing light and for an integrated rear fog light. Also the front bumper cover and speedometer was changed in the facelift.

Type EE 8

From the outside, the individual variants were easy to distinguish on the basis of the bonnet: the first variant with the 80 kW engine (Si ) ( SOHC ) had a something in the middle lowered hood. The hood of the (DOHC ) in the 90 - kW model ( ED9 ) was raised in the area of the timing belt ( " bump " on the hood ) through a facelift. Then the entire middle portion of the hood was raised for the 110- kW model ( EE8 ) and equipped with a catalytic converter. He also had larger headlights, a larger rear spoiler, a modified front bumper with revised indicators and black leather seats. This meant that the top version of the second - generation CRX, the CRX 1.6i -VT type EE8, a 1595 cc engine and 110 kW ( 150 hp) at 7600 min-1 and 144 Nm of torque at 7100 min -1. The weight of the fully equipped top model was 1010 kg more than 100 kg above the ED9. The acceleration value of EE8 was less than 8 s to 100 km / h Due to the higher compression, a significant increase in the elasticity and registered a top speed of 222 km / h was The average consumption was 8.3 l/100 km. The EE8 (VTEC ) was also in the colors Flint Black Metallic (NH 526 M) and exclusive in Celestial Blue ( B 53 C ) produced and cost 35,990 DM

Convertible conversion

As of 1991, there was a in Hungary Convertible CRX converted at a price of DM 41 690 and DM 47 990 as VTEC ( EE8 ). Subsequent conversion of the coupe into a convertible cost 12,000 DM

Third Generation

Honda CRX del Sol (1992-1998)

The last series of the Honda CRX was introduced in spring 1992. In contrast to previous models, it is a CRX Targa -like variant with roll bar, which served at the same time the electrically retractable rear window as a frame. At the beginning he was offered as a CRX CRX or Targa. Since the Mazda MX5 the same segment covering and was cheaper to buy, got the CRX from 1994 nicknamed del Sol; the equipment has been changed and lowered the price.

The CRX del Sol was designed based on the EC - series of the Civic. He had a removable aluminum roof that could be stowed in the trunk. For an additional charge, he was also available with an electrically retractable steel roof. The lifting unit is placed in the trunk, so that for luggage only 140 instead of 300 liters of cargo space in the version with manually detachable roof are available. To open the roof of the electric trunk lid is raised electrically height of the rollover bar and then pulled the top with a lifting device by pulling the roll bar in the trunk lid, which then again moves down. Unlike newer roof mechanisms of Dachöffner only works in the state and slow.

The CRX del Sol VTi ( EG2 model ) was performed with a 1.6 -liter engine ( B16A2 ) with twin overhead camshaft (DOHC ) and variable valve timing VTEC offered. He had an output of 118 kW (160 hp) at 7600 min-1 and a torque of 150 Nm at 7000 min -1. Furthermore, there was a ESi del Sol variant (model EH6 ) with 1.6 -liter engine ( D16Z6/D16Y8 (from August 1995)) and an overhead camshaft ( SOHC, single overhead camshaft ), the 92 kW (125 PS ) carried out at 6500 min -1 and a max. Torque of 142 Nm at 5200 min-1 had. In the U.S. market the Honda CRX was sold under the name Civic del Sol and optionally also equipped with a 1.5 - liter engine with 90 and 101 hp. The American model had air conditioning and two airbags, while in Europe only a driver's airbag was used. Under the name Daytona and Motegi, two special models. The Daytona had a metallic silver paintwork and a red leather interior, the Motegi a - Adriatic Blue Metallic paint and a cognac-colored leather with stitched into the headrests Motegi lettering. This model was only available in 1998.

The CRX models could optionally be purchased up to the end of production in 1998 with the following accessories: ABS ( standard on the VTi, the ESi until the spring of '97 as standard ), electrical or manual roof operation, rear disc brakes (only in conjunction with ABS, later as standard ) fog lights, third brake light, air conditioning, rear spoiler ( standard on the VTi ), Airbag ( in Germany only on the driver's side), leather seats (black, red, beige, Motegi: Cognac colors), reading lights in the door handles (standard only in the VTi ), power windows ( series) and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors (standard). The exhaust values ​​correspond to the Euro -1 and from 1995, the Euro -2 standard today.

Model Overview

Weakened.

0 -100km / h

The typed services may vary from country to country (eg: D16A6 in Austria only 79 kW).