Honda had announced that they will release the Honda CR-Z hybrid and Honda Fit Hybrid by the end of 2010. The initial plan of Honda to reproduce the NSX and S2000 had been cancelled in favour of increasing hybrid vehicle production.

The “Compact Renaissance Zero” (CR-Z) has come a long way since its debut as a concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.  A petrol/electric hybrid, it has been rumored to come with either a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter engine, or a larger, more powerful 2.5-liter unit.  Meanwhile, a hybrid version of the Fit has been speculated on since 2007, with production confirmed in 2008.

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 create a powerful presence.

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 driving. Mesh material on a simple framework construction is used throughout the interior to convey a light, sophisticated image.

Other than the CR-Z, the Honda Fit hybrid is also going into production in 2010. The compact-sized models will be joining  the already available Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Insight. Each new vehicle will get the Integrated Motor Assist the company uses on the already-available models.  Honda also confirmed they are working on a new hybrid powertrain for larger-sized vehicles.

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