Honda CRX

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Honda CRX
Production period: 1983-1998
Class : Sports car
Body versions : Coupé , station wagon coupé
Successor: Honda CR-Z

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

Conception

In 1982 the Honda group management decided to present an affordable sports coupé for the American and European market based on the Honda Civic. In order to do justice to the consequences of the oil crisis and still meet the call for a sporty model, the maxims for the vehicle design were:

CRX (type AF / AS, 1983–1987)

1st generation
Honda CRX (1983-1987)

Honda CRX (1983-1987)
Production period: 1983-1987
Body versions : Combi coupe
Engines:
Petrol engines : 1.5-1.6 liters
(74-92 kW)
Length: 3754 mm
Width: 1628 mm
Height: 1295 mm
Wheelbase : 2200 mm
Empty weight : 800-897 kg

Type AF

With the first CRX (type AF), in addition to the new Civic series , an inexpensive sports coupé based on the Honda Civic was presented at the IAA in Frankfurt in September 1983 . The low curb weight of only approx. 825 to 835 kg was achieved, among other things, by the fact that the outer skin consisted of 38 percent plastic. The painted fenders , the painted front mask , panels and bumpers were made from newly developed plastics (HPA: Honda Polymer Alloy and Polypropylene). The engine was made of light alloy. In Germany, the purchase price from 1984 was 19,490 DM.

The design of the CRX (in the original: CR-X) and the Civic models, which has won multiple international awards, was a novelty, as the bumpers, for example, were not simply mounted in front of and behind the car, as is usually the case, but also the headlights and door handles were integrated into the car shape. As a result of these measures, the vehicle achieved a C w value of 0.33. The dashboard was covered with a newly developed soft synthetic leather. The glued-on panes made the body more rigid with a compact design, and the plastic fenders and panels provided better protection against corrosion.

Rear view

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

The engine is suitable for all types of gasoline ( regular and premium gasoline , leaded and unleaded) and has been approved according to emission class A (corresponds to the regulated catalytic converter vehicles up to the mid-1990s). A catalyst was therefore only available in the late 1980s.

The computer-controlled intake manifold injection programmed fuel injection ( PGM-FI , 8-bit microprocessor ) with self-diagnosis system (four indicator lights) is sequentially controlled by the opening time of the intake valves and by eight sensors . It is an intermittent injection system with an intake manifold pressure sensor that was originally developed for Formula 1 .

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

Special features at that time were, among other things, the new types of glued windows in this vehicle class and the keyboard control of the fan motor. The door panes are frameless like a convertible. The same goes for the very large, electric steel sunroof, which can be controlled from the dashboard, with a mechanically opening windbreak, as it opened to the outside, behind the roof (in a few countries there was a small, forward-opening air opening on the roof instead). Standard equipment further included a five-speed gearbox, side indicator lights, a second mirrors, tachometer, additional storage compartment, coin tray, digital quartz watch , tinted glass, in Germany a blue point - cassette radio , one in the A-pillar retractable antenna, quickly adjustable reclining seats, the driver's seat from an opening trunk and tank lid, brake booster , a stylish engine and a front and rear spoiler .

The car had comparatively large doors and a rigid torsion crank axle with drum brakes at the rear . At the front the vehicle had independent suspension on shock absorber struts with wishbones and torsion bars and ventilated disc brakes . The associated torsion bar springs could easily be adjusted in a workshop to lower the front of the vehicle by up to six centimeters. The steering had no power assistance but was associated with rack and pinion smooth and very direct. The very high loading sill was a disadvantage.

At the beginning of 1985 the CRX 1.5i came on the market with a slightly revised engine (also type AF).

The first version from 1983 can be recognized 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 red.

In some countries where the Honda CRX was named Ballade Sports CRX , the model was also available with a 1.3-liter engine and 80 hp.

Type AS

The CRX 1.6i-16 (type AS) is based on the previous model except for the engine and the interior fittings (seats, door panels). The trim and bumpers were now painted the same color as the car. The power-to-weight ratio was 7.16 kg / hp. At just under 1.6 liters of the four-cylinder engine developed with 16 valves and two overhead camshafts 92 kW (125 hp) at 6800 rpm (DOHC) -1 . The maximum torque was 140  Nm at 5500 min -1 . The acceleration was specified with 8.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h, the top speed with 202 km / h. Because of the higher construction of the engine through the two overhead camshafts, the CRX 1.6 received a "sporty" bulge on the left side of the bonnet. This was also retained in the ED9 model, while the EE8 model had a higher bonnet to accommodate the VTEC engine.

The fuel consumption is between 6.5 and 9 liters / 100 km, depending on the driving style. The engine has a very long service life with appropriate maintenance, driving performances of over 300 tkm (without loss of oil) are possible. The price in Germany was 22,490 DM.

CRX (type ED9 / EE8, 1987–1991)

2nd generation
Honda CRX (1987-1991)

Honda CRX (1987-1991)
Production period: 1987-1991
Body versions : Combi coupe
Engines: Petrol engines :
1.6 liters
(80–110 kW)
Length: 3780-3815 mm
Width: 1675 mm
Height: 1270 mm
Wheelbase : 2300 mm
Empty weight : 910-1010 kg

Type ED9

The second CRX generation, introduced in autumn 1987, has been completely redesigned with rounder and flatter shapes.

With the facelift, the experience gained from motorsport and the ongoing development of the Honda NSX sports car should be carried over into series production. This mainly concerned the computer-aided VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system, which was newly developed from motorcycle racing for passenger cars, with increased maximum speed and fully exhausted performance potential of a naturally aspirated engine with unrestricted roadworthiness. The ED9 variant developed 96 kW (130 PS) with 1595 cm³ displacement without and 91 kW (124 PS) with a catalytic converter. As a result, the ED9 needed 8.5 seconds or 7.5 seconds (without catalytic converter) to reach 100 km / h. The average consumption was an average of 7 l / 100 km.

Rear view
Honda CRX Si (1991)

All four wheels are individually suspended on double wishbones and have disc brakes, which are internally ventilated at the front.

Disadvantages of this evolutionary stage are, in addition to the limited space available (rear row of seats according to the type certificate for people less than 145 cm), the "narrow" border area complained about by many inexperienced owners . This has to do with the overall sporty set-up and the short wheelbase . During normal to sporty driving, the vehicle reacts very directly (rack-and-pinion steering, type of chassis) and precisely, and it is easy to forget that you are still looking at a vehicle with a front-engine and front-wheel drive, which is particularly evident when the bends are “too” sporty which affects driving behavior . The result is understeer and, if the load changes too much (gas release, driver misbehavior), oversteer or breakaway of the rear of the vehicle. However, this can be corrected again with measured accelerator pedal intervention. The lack of active and passive driving aids such as vehicle dynamics control (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS; in Europe only available in Great Britain) and power steering make it difficult to control the vehicle.

The ED9 (1.6i-16) was available in the colors Pewter Gray 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 Schwarz Metallic (NH 526 M), the price in 1990 was 28,990 DM. As with the previous models, the standard in Germany was the outward and rearward retractable sunroof. This and the trunk were considerably smaller than those of the previous models. For this, the stern had a second window below the spoiler. The completely glazed and mirrored roof was not available in Europe. The design of the taillights was changed during the construction period, so the 130 PS ED9 without a catalytic converter can be recognized by the two reversing lights, the ED9 with a catalytic converter only had one reversing light and an integrated rear fog light. The front apron and speedometer cover were also changed during the facelift.

Type EE 8

From the outside, the individual variants were easy to distinguish using the bonnet: The first variant with the 80 kW engine (Si) ( SOHC ) had a slightly lowered bonnet in the middle. Due to a facelift, the hood of the ( DOHC ) in the 90 kW model (ED9) was raised in the area of ​​the toothed belt ("bump" on the hood). For the 110 kW model (EE8), the entire middle area of ​​the bonnet was then raised and equipped with a KAT. It also had larger headlights, a larger rear spoiler, a modified front bumper with modified indicators and black leather seats. Thus had 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 more than that of the ED9. The acceleration value of the EE8 was less than 8 s to 100 km / h. Due to the higher compression, there was a significant increase in elasticity and a top speed of 222 km / h. The average consumption was 8.3 l / 100 km. The EE8 (VTEC) was also produced in the colors flint black metallic (NH 526 M) and exclusively in celestial blue (B 53 P) and cost 35,990 DM.

Convertible conversion

From 1991 there was a CRX converted into a convertible in Hungary at a price of 41,690 DM or 47,990 DM as a VTEC (EE8). A subsequent conversion of the coupe into a convertible cost 12,000 DM.

CRX del Sol (type EH6 / EG2, 1992–1998)

3rd generation
Honda CRX del Sol (1992-1998)

Honda CRX del Sol (1992-1998)
Production period: 1992-1998
Body versions : Coupe
Engines: Petrol engines :
1.6 liters
(92–118 kW)
Length: 4005 mm
Width: 1695 mm
Height: 1255 mm
Wheelbase : 2370 mm
Empty weight : 1060-1110 kg

The third and final edition of the CRX was introduced in spring 1992.

In contrast to the previous CRX models, it is a Targa- like variant with a roll bar that also served as a frame for the electrically retractable rear window. At the beginning it was offered as a CRX or CRX Targa. Since the Mazda MX-5 covered the same segment and was cheaper to buy, the CRX was given the nickname del Sol from 1994 ; the equipment was changed and the price lowered. Only in German-speaking countries does the del Sol have the abbreviation CRX in the model name.

The CRX del Sol is based on the EG series of the Civic and has a removable aluminum roof that can be stowed in the trunk and is attached to a fold-up subframe under the trunk lid. Even with the roof removed, there is a trunk volume of 300 liters. For a surcharge it was also available with an electrically retractable steel roof. The lifting unit is housed in the trunk, so that compared to the version with a manually removable roof, only 140 liters of trunk space are available for luggage. To open the electric roof, the trunk lid is raised electrically above the height of the roll bar and then the roof is pulled into the trunk lid with a lifting and pulling device over the roll bar, which then moves down again. In contrast to newer roof mechanisms, the roof opener only works slowly and when stationary.

Rear view

The CRX VTi del Sol (model EG2) was offered with a 1.6-liter engine (B16A2) with double camshaft (DOHC) and variable valve timing VTEC . It has an output of 118 kW (160 hp) at 7600 min −1 and a torque of 150  Nm at 7000 min −1 . There was also the del Sol ESi variant (model EH6) with a 1.6-liter engine (D16Z6 / D16Y8; from August 1995) and an overhead camshaft (SOHC, Single Over Head Camshaft) that produced 92 kW (125 PS) at 6500 min −1 and a max. Torque of 142 Nm at 5200 min -1 made.
The Honda CRX was offered on the American market under the name Civic del Sol and was optionally equipped with a 1.5-liter engine with 90 or 101 hp. The American model had air conditioning and two airbags, while in Europe only one driver airbag was available. There were two special models under the names Daytona and Motegi . The Daytona was optionally available in silver metallic with a red leather interior, Adriatic blue metallic with honey yellow leather interior or dark green metallic paint with beige leather interior, the Motegi with Adriatic blue metallic paint and cognac-colored leather interior with Motegi lettering embroidered in the headrests. This model was only available in 1998.

The CRX models could optionally be purchased until the end of production in December 1998 with the following equipment: ABS (standard on the VTi, standard on the ESi only from spring '97), electric or manual roof control, rear disc brakes (only in conjunction with ABS, later 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 on the VTi), electric window regulators (standard, also for the heated rear window) and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors (standard). The exhaust gas values ​​correspond to today's Euro 1 and from 1995 the Euro 2 norm . The older vehicles can be upgraded to Euro2 (additional cat) in just a few simple steps. Positive for your wallet and the environment.

Model overview

Construction year model Displacement Type Power
kW ( PS ) 		country Torque Maximum
weakened. 		Acceleration
0-100 km / h 		uh Selling price
09 / 1983-12 / 1985 1.5i 1.5 l (1488 cm³) AF 74 (100) Europe 130 Nm / 5500 min -1 190 km / h 8.9 s 19,490 DM
01 / 1986-09 / 1987 1.6i 16V 1.6 l (1590 cm³) AS 92 (125) Europe 140 Nm / 5500 min -1 202 km / h 8.1 s approx. 22,000 DM
10 / 1987-12 / 1991 1.6 16V 1.6 l (1590 cm³) ED9 91 (124) Europe 140 Nm / 5700 min -1 205 km / h 8.5 s 22,000 DM
96 (131) 143 Nm / 5700 min -1 212 km / h 7.5 s 28,990 DM (1990)
10 / 1989-12 / 1991 1.6i-VTEC 1.6 l (1595 cm³) EE8 110 (150) Europe 144 Nm / 7100 min -1 222 km / h 7.2 s 35,950 DM
03/1992–12/1998 1.6ESi 1.6 l (1590 cm³) EH6 92 (125) Europe 142 Nm / 5200 min -1 190 km / h 9.3 s 39,000 DM
03/1992–12/1998 1.6VTi-VTEC 1.6 l (1595 cm³) EG2 118 (160) Europe 150 Nm / 7000 min -1 210 km / h 8.1 s 44,500 DM

The typified outputs can vary from country to country (e.g. D16A6 in Austria only 79 kW).

Web links

Commons : Honda CR-X  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ picture and description (English)