Honda CR-Z Concept Based Hybrid Sports Car

Honda is really keen on improving its hybrid lineup and, after announcing two cheaper models to take on Toyota's Prius, the Japanese manufacturer will also design a hybrid sports car based on the 2007 CR-Z concept car. According to the editors over at MotorAuthority.com, the model is currently in the labs but a public debut is expected to take place at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.

As for the technical details, the production version of the concept will rely on a four-cylinder engine with a displacement equal or below 1.5-liter. An electric unit will be also incorporated, raising the maximum output to 140 horsepower (105 kW). A CVT is the most likely type of transmission to reach the model.

On the other hand, a 1.8-liter configuration is also on the table but, once again, the future hybrid is still in development stage so many things will probably be changed until it finally reaches the market. The car will feature many lightweight materials that would cut the overall weight of the car and help the engines achieve better fuel consumption ratings and enhanced performance figures.

The CR-Z concept (which stands for Compact Renaissance Zero) came with several enhancements supposed to reduce fuel consumption and cut emissions. As for the appearance, the concept looked a bit futuristic, with LED headlights, tube shaped rear lamps and aerodynamic body among the highlights.

As you can see, details are still unclear on this subject, so we expect new information to be released in the upcoming, months as we get closer to the public opening of the Tokyo Motor Show.