Honda Reveals Plans on New Hybrids: CR-Z, Jazz –Fit, Civic & Standalone Model

Honda made it official that it will launch four new hybrid models into a market that has been dominated for years now by Toyota. The announcement was made in a speech by Mr Fukui, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co. in Tokyo today (May 21). The Japanese carmaker’s plans include the introduction of a sporty hybrid based on the CR-Z Concept (pictured above), hybrid versions of the Civic and Fit / Jazz along with an all new standalone model.

According to Mr Fukui, Honda’s dedicated hybrid will be a convenient and compact 5-door/5-passenger size with an exterior design that employs the concept of the FCX Clarity. Honda expects to sell approximately 200,000 units globally of the new car annually, while combined sales of all four hybrids are estimated to reach 500,000 units.

eBay: Astro Turf Honda CRX

Astro Turf is an artificial type of grass that is primarily used in sports fields or houses, but not on vehicles. However, just because it isn’t supposed to be used on cars doesn’t mean that someone won’t attempt it, as the pictures proove. If anything else, by dressing the whole body of the compact sports coupe with the synthetic turf, the owner of this 1985 Honda CRX gave a whole new meaning to the term “green cars”. And if you think that’s bizarre, wait until you hear the price that the seller is asking for the Astro-turfed CRX on eBay: $10,000! -More pics below

Link: eBay

Honda CR-Z: 2007 Tokyo Show Concept Previews Next-Gen CR-X

As Carscoop first revealed to you (see here), Honda’s Tokyo Show offerings include a compact-coupe concept which paves the way for a successor to the highly successful CR-X coupe which went out of production in 1997. The Compact Renaissance Zero, or simply CR-Z, should be considered as Honda’s second attempt to revive the CR-X concept, following the poorly received Remix prototype that premiered at last year’s L.A. Show. While the CR-Z is definitely much better looking than the Remix concept, we can’t say that we’re exactly thrilled with its appearance and especially with the rear end which looks, well, just hideous. In the teaser press release, Honda says that the CR-Z is equipped with a gas-electric hybrid system which achieves both clean performance and a high level of torque. -Images & press release after the jump

PRESS RELEASE HONDA CR-Z CONCEPT

‘CR-Z’ stands for ‘Compact Renaissance Zero’—an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals. This design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint.

Exterior design

Designed to be ‘Futuristic and Dynamic’, the CR-Z combines powerful performance in a compact form with a futuristic image. For its frontal view, an over-sized grill with a high-performance look is offset by openings on each side that lighten the overall feel. In the rear, tube-shaped rear combination lamps ensure better rearward visibility. Design details emphasizing the CR-Z’s advanced image include door mirrors that provide high visibility in a stylish form, LED headlights patterned after luminous bodies to convey a sharp impression, and jauntyfin-shaped sub-lights. Large, 19-inch wheels are ready for dynamic driving performance.

Interior design

The key words for the CR-Z’s interior design are ‘Hi-tech and Sporty’. The goal was to create an all-new sporty interior that fuses the liberating feel of airy spaciousness with an advanced interface that brings out the fun of the drive. Mesh material on a simple framework construction is used throughout the interior to convey a light, sophisticated image without being oppressive. In the cockpit, the meter unit conveys the image of advanced technology ensconced in a piece of glass artwork, offering the functionality of immediate recognition while enhancing the driving experience with a futuristic and exhilarating feeling.

Insider: Honda To Preview CR-X Concept In Tokyo!

We’ve been tipped off by a reliable source of ours (who wishes to remain anonymous for apparent reasons), that Honda will take the wraps off a compact coupe concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show on October 24. According to our insider, the prototype will serve as an appetizer to the forthcoming CRX that was abandoned by the Japanese carmaker (but not by Honda’s fans) in 1997.

From what we were told, the 2007 Tokyo Show concept will differ radically in design to the 2006 L.A. Show Remix prototype (see here) that was deemed as previewing the next-generation CRX. The reason that Honda quickly retired the Remix concept was the poor reception it received from both fans and the public. Two compact concepts in a year is definitely not a coincidence and Honda is certainly getting ready to revive the CRX. Question is; will the 2007 Tokyo concept manage to win the public opinion with its design or will Honda have to get back to the drawing board once again. We’ll find out soon enough. (PIC: 2006 Remix Concept)