NYIAS 2011: Honda CR-Z Hybrid R Concept

Honda is a carmaker known for making some the most thrilling, high-revving car on the market - think Civic Type R and NSX. So when the carmaker first announced the CR-Z, everybody had high hopes for it, but a lack of power and tree-hugging attitude left us wanting more.

When the Japanese carmaker first revealed the CR-Z Hybrid R Concept last year, we thought it was definitely a step in the right direction. The carmaker has big expectation for a turbocharged, race-bread CR-Z when it comes to racing and engineers have also created a more civilized (only a bit more civilized) version.

"With the CR-Z sport hybrid coupe, drivers can achieve the great efficiency of a hybrid car without giving up the fun that many demand from a sporty car," said Bruce Smith, vice president of Parts Operations for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The combination of greener practicality with style and fun makes this vehicle a perfect fit for young, environmentally conscious buyers looking to further personalize their cars."

Using the same 200 horsepower turbocharged engine, limited-slip differential and suspension setup as the CR-Z hybrid racer, the Hybrid R also features bright red paintwork, huge wheels and an obnoxiously large spoiler.

The graphics are also bold but in an understated way, so if you like that sort of thing, it’s probably a good way to save gas and look cool.

Though neither the concept nor the racer are intended for production, HPD, the company behind the vehicles, has entered two HPD CR-Z Racers at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race last December.