---- Article taken from an aussie mag Jan 2002 edition of Wheels Motor-------


Extra Extra Extra!
CRX Comeback
All the taste of the original CRX with no added fat.


While Honda thinks about reintroducing one of its most glorious models we can’t help but blurt out our full support – this is no-brainer boys.

The CRX was brilliant when Honda developed it almost 20 years ago and the the tearaway combination of light and potent hasn’t lost its appeal. Honda is believed to be seriously considering developing a two-seat sports car with all those qualities using it new Global Small Platform. The car which Honda insiders are already calling the CRX could appear in late 2004 or early 2005.

For the Japanese market the CRX will exist in two forums: an entry level model with a 1.0 liter DOHC V-TEC triple producing approximately 74 kW (the engine derived from the block used in Honda’s Insight hybrid coupe) and a hardcore 1.6 liter DOHC four cylinder engine (also with V-TEC) generating 110-115 kW. Not incredible until you realize that the target weight for the four cylinder coupe is said to cut under 800 kilos. Put it this way – that’s 200 kg less than the mini and 175 lighter than an MR2.

This gives the 1.6 liter variant tidy 7.27kg/kW ratio in the worst case. By comparison a 225 kW VXII SS commodore has a kilo to kilowatt ratio of 7.52. So if Honda builds it the little CRX will be a standout quick. Transmission proposed are a five speed manual for the 1.0 liter three cylinder and a six speed manual for the 1.6 liter. Use of Hondas CVT is said to be under study but is not yet an official part of the program.

The new two-seater is small and information from Honda indicates a wheelbase in the 2250 to 2350 mm range overall length of 3650mm width of 1690 mm and height below 1270 mm. This makes it a strictly two pew affair.