Honda has finally taken the covers off the official production version of its CR-Z hybrid sports car at the Detroit motor show, following months of brochure leaks and spy shots.
As expected, the 1.5-litre engine from the Japanese domestic version of the Jazz combines with a 13bhp, 58lb ft electric motor to give an overall power output of 122bhp and 128lb ft of torque.
Honda hasn't officially revealed any performance figures, but the power stats roughly tally with the figures shown in the recently leaked CR-Z brochure pics, so the 9.7secs 0-62mph figure quoted in the brochure seems on the money to us.
Don't expect lightning-quick acceleration, then, but the six-speed manual (a world-first in a hybrid, says Honda) should make the CR-Z spritely enough, especially in town, where its diminutive stature and low running costs should make it quite at home.
"Kart-like handling and direct steering will make it great fun to drive, but the hybrid system means exhaust emissions are kept low," says Honda. "With the torque boost of the electric motor, it's ideally suited to 'point-to-point' driving in British towns and cities."
The platform and chassis for the CR-Z comes from the Insight hybrid family car, but the overall length has been cut by 295mm, while the wheelbases is 115mm shorter than the Insight's.
The MacPherson strut suspension is also made from forged aluminium rather than steel (helping to save 44kg over the Insight), and the spring and damper settings have been revised.
The CR-Z goes on sale in summer this year, though there's no official word on prices.
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