Honda has offered a sneak preview of the CR-Z hybrid, which is debuting amongst a slew of alt-fuel concepts at the 41st annual Tokyo Motor Show.
We've been teased by CR-Z concepts for almost two years, but these images give us the best idea of the car that might go on sale in Japan as soon as February of 2010. The latest CR-Z is a bit tamer than the last concept we showed you -- those LED-adorned fenders would never survive a supermarket curb, and the integrated exhaust was most likely cost-prohibitive -- but still a worthy spiritual successor to the legendary CRX. The high-tech interior doesn't look too far from production, and it's good to see a manual shifter between the seats. Technical details are scarce, but the CR-Z will most likely be based on the Insight's drivetrain.
The CR-Z joins a motley crew of motorized machines from bikes and cars to tillers and personal mobility devices powered by electricity, gasoline, hydrogen and even butane. While it sure seems like Honda is taking advantage of the fact it's not called an "auto" show, we're pretty sure everyone's eyes will be on the hot hybrid hatch.
Aside from the CR-Z, highlights of the Honda display include the Hello! (which ostensibly stands for "Honda Electric mobility loop") bunch, which includes the FCX Clarity fuel cell prototype, U3-X personal mobility unicycle, two- and four-wheel scooters and the pug-nosed EV-N -- a retro design battery-electric concept that we predict even those outside the Hello Kitty demographic will find absolutely adorable.
Additionally, Honda is debuting a concept minivan known as the Skydeck. While we'd love to see a hybrid version of the Odyssey, the Skydeck is a few generations removed. With a glass roof and improbable interior that appears to have been borrowed from a boutique hotel, the ultramodern minivan only hints at peoplemovers to come.
Images: Honda. The CR-Z concept is closer to production with a tamer design debuting at Tokyo later this month.
**
