I can't wait to see this one on our lot. This is an article from CarandDriver.com:
At this year’s Tokyo auto show, Honda unveiled a second iteration of the CR-Z concept it debuted here in 2007, taking the opportunity to formally announce that the car will go into production and come to the U.S. in the second half of 2010.
With this second take, the CR-Z inches toward reality with a (slightly) more production-ready look. While it still boasts four seats—the production car will only have two—the greenhouse has grown, with a taller roof and a more upright windshield. The rear quarter windows, too, are larger, while the dramatic upsweep of sheetmetal towards the rear of the car still results in a fat, visibility-inhibiting C-pillar. The dual-element rear glass remains, still bisected at eye level by a metal brace.
Other tweaks progressing toward the CR-Z’s final production shape include a reworked front fascia with smaller auxiliary intakes flanking the grille, and more realistic-looking headlights and side mirrors. The interior, too, is toned down from the original—though still retaining a healthy dose of Honda’s current interior flair—and looks production ready, power outlets, auxiliary audio input, and all.
Under the hood will be a 1.5-liter four-cylinder coupled with Honda’s usual Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. And those who doubt the sincerity behind Honda’s stated intent for the CR-Z to be a sporty hybrid will be silenced by the fact that the CR-Z will come to market boasting a six-speed manual, the first manual transmission in a hybrid since the original Insight.
The wait for more details will be a short one, as Honda has already said it will debut the production version at the Detroit auto show in January.
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