2011 Honda CR-ZX: Production Version of the CR-X's Hybrid Replacement Rendered

The bad news for Honda fans is that the NSX's V10 successor has been canned while a replacement for the S2000 roadster that will end production this year is nowhere in sight (aside from magazine centerfolds, that is). The good news is that the CR-X will return, though in a somewhat different form tailored to meet the needs of today's 'eco-frenzy' world. In other words, the CR-X's successor will be a dedicated hybrid model - something in the likes of the Insight.

In its most recent issue, Japan's Best Car magazine features an artist's impression of the production version of the CR-Z concept car, which is mentioned as the CR-ZX. Not surpassingly, the cosmetic changes suggested are limited compared to the prototype model.

The report supports that the so-called CR-ZX will be powered by a tweaked version of the Insight's mild-hybrid drivetrain combining either a 1.3-liter or a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a more powerful electric motor. We remind you that the Insight is equipped with 1.3-liter gasoline four-pot and a 13HP electric motor generating a combined output of 98HP.

We must note that reports from this side of the Atlantic are suggesting that the CR-ZX will mate a more lively 1.8-liter engine to the electric motor. Could be that both sides are right as Honda may develop different versions for Japan and the US / Europe.

The magazine mentions that the CR-ZX will be making its production debut at this October's Tokyo motorshow with the first examples of the compact coupe arriving at domestic dealerships early next year. In a recent statement, Honda said that the CR-ZX will be available in most markets by the end of 2010.

Via: Best Car

Low Rider Honda Insight Hybrid by Exclusive Zeus

The new Honda Insight hybrid may not be the first vehicle that comes to mind when we think of tuning, but still that hasn't deterred Japanese tuners from presenting all sorts of sport packages for the compact hatch. This particular proposal is the work of Japan's 'Exclusive Zeus' and aside from the lowered suspension, the package includes a front apron, beefy side skirts, a blacked out grille and a rear apron and diffuser plus a set of new alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile tyres. More pictures after the jump.

More Hybrid Tuning: Japan's Kenstyle Customizes New Toyota Prius and Honda Insight

It appears that the latest batch of gasoline-electric hybrid cars from Japan have caught the attention of several tuning firms including Kenstyle that has applied its styling expertise on the new Honda Insight and Toyota Prius hybrids. In both cases the Japanese tuner's package includes specific grille treatments, beefy front and rear aprons with matching side skirts, various alloy wheel designs as well as a sport muffler and tail pipe. And for a more aggressive stance, the firm also lowers the vehicles' ride height. More images after the jump.

Via: Worldcarfans and Le Blog Auto

KENSTYLE HONDA INSIGHT

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KENSTYLE TOYOTA PRIUS

Honda CR-Z's Domestic Market Sales Soar - 10x More Orders than Expected

The Wall Street Journal reports that orders for Honda's CR-Z were ten times higher than expected. Honda was initially hoping for sales of 1,000 units per month in its home market, but total orders have now exceeded 10,000.

With debuts in the US and Europe in the next few months, the Japanese auto maker seems to have few obstacles between it and its goal of 40,000 to 50,000 units per year.

It's not difficult to make the connection between Toyota's technical hiccup and Honda's boost in hybrid sales. People lost trust in their favorite brand, and now they fell back on the next best, comparable, recognizable thing.

"If Honda can gain sales, they are going to promote the brand at the expense of Toyota. They are not blind to the situation," says Chris Richter, automotive analyst at CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets.

"Honda is the second-largest hybrid car maker by volume after Toyota, and its Insight hybrid car was the first mass-produced hybrid automobile sold in the U.S."

As for sales, the sports car marketing trick must have worked: 90% of the cars were ordered by males in their 30s and 40s. Anyone care to guess how people on this side of the Pacific will react?

- By Phil Alex

Via: WSJ (Sub. Req)