Honda CR-Z Hybrid news - CR-Z hybrid is on its way - 2009

Honda has confirmed it will build the funky CR-Z hybrid, two years after first teasing us with the concept version (pictured).

Like the Insight, it will use the company's petrol-electric hybrid format - which pairs a 1.3-litre engine with an IMA electric motor - though this is the first time it's appeared in a sports car.
 
So it offers a greener flavour of speed and, if the Insight's figures are anything to go by, we can expect around 60mpg and close to 100g/km of C02 - if not better in the CR-Z, thanks to its dinky proportions. Performance probably won't be startling, but will definitely be smooth and swift. Around 130bhp and a 0-60mph dash of around 8.5 seconds is our guess.
 
The CR-Z will go on sale in Japan early next year, though UK dates have yet to be finalised. We'll know more on that later this year.
 
The news was announced earlier today by Honda's new top man, Takanobu Ito. He was the engineer in charge of the NSX, so we're inclined to trust him. But will a sporty, fun little hybrid really work? If anyone can make it happen, he can.

Talking of the NSX, here's an old clip of Black Stig thrashing a true great among Japanese supercars: