While there isn’t much in the way of true performance models in Honda’s lineup (NSX, please hurry! ), it hasn’t stopped them from trying. With the Civic Si being its saving grace, Honda’s own HPD division is stepping around help as a factory performance option, especially since Mugen parts aren’t as flourishing as they once were, no less than, not in the States. (Random fact: Mugen options back into the late ’80s/early ’90s were so unpopular that we’ve heard stories of dealerships returning plenty of product back to Honda, where they were then dumped into the trash. We cry whenever we think of this.) And they’ve picked an ideal car to debut its parts on: the CRZ. Now, Honda Performance Development isn’t some new thing-it’s been used about 20 years, backing Honda’s racing ventures in North America-but thefor several: the CRZ is a car that was just begging for help in the performance category, being the nearest thing to some CRX we’ll ever get. HPD will get the props for bringing it up to a level that is essentially a new-school Rex. But don’t confuse this HPD-equipped hybrid as being a car you can walk into a dealership for, sign a few papers, drop some cash for and drive with. These are actually factory backed add-ons that one could pick and choose; not your best option, but it’ll have to do…right now. We could test-drive an entirely equipped CRZ with the following HPD parts: supercharger injectors, kit and intercooler ECU reflash, exhaust and drivetrain upgrades (clutch and LSD). We’ll be the first to say, this is the CRZ that Honda should’ve come out with right from the start!

Turn the key and this newfound hybrid roars to life. If it continued a strict workout regimen and packed on some muscle, the exhaust system adds a nice, sporty tone, as. However if that’s the situation, then the supercharger is the anabolic steroids, taking the 122hp/128lb-ft engine as much as an estimated 187hp/171lb-ft, a huge and very noticeable difference in drivability. Trust us when we say this little hatch hauls ass. More performance comes in the suspension department: you get lowering springs and sport-tuned Showa shocks, making the ride slightly bumpier. (Although it’s no problem if you’re used to driving cars riding on coilovers.) There are 18 wheels that replace the stock 16s; those come with sportier tires. We can also appreciate the greater, four-piston caliper, front brake upgrade, but it’s nothing overkill since it still works harmoniously with the original brake booster and ABS.that may match the already available front lip and rear spoiler perfectly. At the very least, you will want the upsized 18s already mentioned. All the HPD parts bolt on to any 2011 or newer model, and so are 50-state street legal (using the supercharger coming on-sale probably by the time you will be reading this). These HPD mods may not bring the CRZ back to American Honda’s Type R glory days, but it’s a good step forward. Until they restore a Type R of some sort, that may be.

That New Car Smell

2014 Honda CRZ HPD Edition

Engine 1.5L i-VTEC; Honda Performance Development (HPD) Rotrex supercharger kit, air-to-air intercooler, fuel injectors and after-cat exhaust

The Energy 187hp/171lb-ft

Drivetrain HPD sport clutch and limited-slip differential