Honda’s CR-Z concept – mooted by some as a possible ‘spiritual successor’ to the late-lamented CRX - will go on in Japan next February.
CR-Z... spiritual successor to CRX?
European sales of the CR-Z are slated to start later in 2010, according to an official announcement made by Honda’s new chief exec Takanobu Ito.
Ito is former head of Honda’s R&D operation, and was instrumental in bringing the NSX project to reality, the company says. (In fact he was in charge of one of the most challenging development areas as project leader for the NSX’s ground-breaking aluminium unibody construction, and pundits around the world are expressing the hope that Ito’s background will help revitalise Honda’s interest in a new version of the NSX, too.)
It certainly looks the part!
However, the CR-Z Concept, which was first revealed at the Tokyo show in 2007, faces a potentially uphill battle if it is to regain the CRX’s enthusiast crown – the darn thing’s a hybrid!
Still, we live in hope. When the CR-Z was revealed Honda said its role was to ‘explore the potential of a compact, lightweight sports car that’s exciting to drive, but has minimal impact on the environment.’
According to the Japanese design team, CR-Z stands for Compact Renaissance – Zero, and the car features the latest Honda hybrid IMA powertrain to deliver low emissions and good economy.
The front of the car sits low, and is dominated by an imposing, large bumper with gaping air intakes, Honda says. The smooth lines across the glass roof and rear of the car minimise drag.
Concept interior was quite wacky!
Tube-shaped combination lamps at the rear are said to improve rearward visibility, and other design details include stylish, high-visibility wing mirrors, LED headlights, fin-shaped sidelights and large 19-inch wheels. As with the show car’s blue-neon interior, however, we’re not sure exactly how much of the production CR-Z will remain true to the original concept.