The CR-Z is a follow-up to two recent Honda concepts, the Small Hybrid Sports shown earlier this year at Geneva and the Remix displayed at last year's Los Angeles show.
However, the CR-Z's design looks more fully realized and, judging from the official images, the car appears to be virtually production-ready. And, more important, it exudes considerable sex appeal.
Among the scant details in the press release, Honda says the car will feature LED headlamps and 19-inch wheels and tires. The cabin is trimmed in a mesh material on a simple framework, while blue-neon-lit gauges are mounted in what Honda describes as "a piece of glass artwork."
There are no further details on the hybrid powertrain, but it is expected to be an update on the IMA system that powers the Civic Hybrid.
What this means to you: If this is the future of hybrids, call us futurists.
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Honda CR-Z's name stands for Compact Renaissance Zero, but the reference to the old CRX is clear. (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company, Inc.)
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Honda CR-Z appears close to production ready. (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company, Inc.)
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The company says the CR-Z is a "design research model" but Japan media are saying it'll be seen in production form as a 2009 model. (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company, Inc.)
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Honda CR-Z will have 19-inch wheels and tires. (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company, Inc.)
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The Honda CR-Z concept has blue-neon lit gauges on a "glass artwork" background.
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The Honda CR-Z follows two recent Honda concepts, the Small Hybrid Sports and the Remix. (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company, Inc.)
