| Production Announcement | 2008 Detroit Auto Show | Honda CR-Z |
Shown for the first time at the
Tokyo motorshow late last year, the petrol-electric CR-Z concept quickly became a car people thought Honda should build. And so, nearly three months after its world debut, at the
Detroit motor show this week Honda boss Takeo Fukui has confirmed the CR-Z will make production as early as 2009.
Honda initially used the concept to showcase its 1.3-litre hybrid V-TEC IMA powertrain, now something that could be offered in the full production version, if with a slight reworking. Environment Manager for Honda UK, John Kingston, summed up the thinking behind the hybrid sports car proposition: "The CR-Z looks stunning, and shows that green cars can be sexy and exciting - but also minimise environmental impact."
The CR-Z is touted to retain much of its original concept looks whilst aiming to please not just the eco-conscious among us, but the driving enthusiasts too. Given what the current Civic looks like, it's a fairly safe bet that Honda will be keen to add some pizzazz to the hybrid market by leaving the concept much unchanged by the time it does hit showrooms.
Kyle Molyneux - 16 Jan 2008