Honda CR-Z: Hybrid sports car

Honda, purveyor of the Insight and Civic hybrids, may soon release the CR-Z -- an amazing-looking hybrid car that promises good fuel economy, low emissions and 'spirited' performance

Rory Reid

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Rory Reid

March 5, 2009 9:23 a.m. PT

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Hybrid cars aren't the sexiest things in the world -- and that's putting it politely. Stars such as Cameron Diaz and Leonardo DiCaprio have done their best to turn the stereotype around, but seriously, guys, you're not fooling anyone.

Thankfully, Honda, purveyor of the Insight and Civic hybrids, may give the hybrid market the injection of sexiness it's been crying out for. It's been beavering away on the CR-Z prototype, a hybrid car that promises good fuel economy, low emissions and 'spirited' performance.

The CR-Z, which stands for Constant Renaissance Zero (!), is the natural successor to Honda's popular CR-X sports hatchback. Honda hasn't released any concrete details about specifications or performance, but we're praying the powerplant is something more potent than the 1.3-litre engine used in the Insight and Civic ranges.

Word on the blog vine is that the CR-Z will be available by 2012, so start saving your pennies now. Have a look at the pictures and let us know what you think in the comments below.

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The CR-Z is stunning in profile. You can't see it in these pictures, but this white paint job has a neon-blue 'flip', which causes the white to turn blue at different points, depending on your viewing angle.

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From some angles, like this one, the CR-Z is reminiscent of a supercar. Please, Honda, we know you're reading this. Stop messing about with Asimo and Formula 1 and bring the CR-Z to market.

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The rear end pays homage to the CR-X -- a hot hatchback that's still popular in the car-modifying scene.

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We're feelin' the space-age interior. Those blue and purple lights almost certainly won't make it to the final car, but here's hoping Honda keeps the digital speedo.