New Concept Car: Honda CR-Z

Combining a potent cocktail of styling hints from the Insight, Odyssey and Civic Type R, the production-ready Honda CR-Z 2009 concept's stunning lines will take center stage at Honda's stand when the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show opens on October 21.

Slated for a February 2010 launch in Japan and later that year in the U.S., the world's first dedicated sports hybrid coupe employs a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired to an updated version of Honda's now well-known IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. Upgraded from the Insight's 41 mpg 1.3 liter unit, one source close to Honda tells that we can expect somewhere around 32-35 U.S. mpg from the new coupe. Helping the front-wheel-drive CR-Z to achieve that kind of mileage will be the hybrid world's first six-speed manual gearbox, which Honda engineers have fitted to generate the best mileage possible while at the same time injecting more fun into the driving experience of hybrids. And anything that spruces up the thrill factor of piloting a hybrid is welcome news to us.

In fact, with its combination of meaty bottom end torque from the larger 1.5-liter engine and its revised IMA system, all channeled through that six-speed floor-shifter, you can expect some relatively quick getaways from the CR-Z.

Thanks to: Motor Trend