Honda Z600
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Honda Z600 | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Also called | Honda 600 Coupe Honda AZ600 Honda Z360 |
| Production | 1970–1974 |
| Successor | Honda Civic |
| Class | Keicar |
| Body style(s) | 2-door coupe |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Engine(s) | 354 cc I2, 31-36 hp 598 cc I2 |
| Transmission(s) | 4 speed or 5 speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 78.74 in (2000 mm) |
| Length | 117.9-120.3 in (2995-3125 mm) |
| Width | 50.98 in (1295 mm) |
| Height | 50.39 in (1280 mm) |
| Curb weight | 1126-1312 lb (510-595 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 26 litres (6.9 US gal/5.7 imp gal) |
| Related | Honda N600 |
The two-door Honda Z600 was a Kei Car designed and built by Honda sold from 1970 to 1972, before the introduction of the Civic in 1973. Marketed as the "sport coupe" version of the N600 "sedan", the two models were sold side by side at American dealerships until the first stand alone dealers opened with the Civic on their lots. Total production was 40,586 units[citation needed].
As with all cars in the Kei class, the Z600's specifications were tightly governed. The Z600 features an air-cooled, 354 cc 2 cylinder engine with a 4 or 5 speed transmission driving the front wheels. Exported cars carried a 598 cc engine, which was rated at 36 hp (26 kW). The 354 cc version was available in Australia. One car magazine recording 136 mpg (imp) (2.08 L/100 km/113 mpg US) when they didn't exceed 30 mph (48 km/h),[1] which came at almost the perfect time with a gasoline shortage looming.
Despite its small size and low-powered engine, it had no problem maintaining freeway speeds and serving its purpose as a commuter. The only frequent complaint about the car was that it had a very harsh ride, which was largely due to its short wheelbase. The interior fit two adults comfortably, though the back seat was not nearly so.
The car featured a black plastic hatchback that revealed a small shallow boot. Below the boot was a locker that was accessed via a hatch hidden behind the number plate. This locker contained the spare wheel and tools.
Front suspension was coil sprung and independent the rear has leaf springs on a beam axle. The rear springing contributed to the poor handling. In the UK the Z600 was only available in orange with a black stripe up the side.
A Honda Z featured in the Australian film Malcolm as a get-away car that split into two.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Top Ten: Japanese classics. channel4.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-11.
[edit] References
- Honda Z360, Japanese sales brochure, #ZK1-7009 (1970)
