Honda CR-Z world’s First Hybrid Cars debuted in Detroit Auto Show 2010

Honda’s Hybrid Cool Car CR-Z was made its world debut in production form at the Detroit Auto Show and will go on sale at UK in the summer pricing at around 17,000 Euros.

This year’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show is over and while some significant vehicles were unveiled, the overall impression were good that the industry has scaled back. Less debuts combined with smaller and less elaborate displays made the whole affair feel significantly downsized compared to previous years.

This has been billed as the world’s first hybrid sports car, powered by honda’s integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, which is shared with the insight. However, the CR-Z gets a larger, 1.5 litre engine with 102bhp and a 20bhp electric motor. Together the system produces 122bhp and 174Nm of torque.

CR-Z has a six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels. It emits 117 g/Km of CO2, returns 56.4 mpg and does 0-60mph in around nine seconds.

What’s more, drivers can choose from three driving modes which change throttle response, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the IMA’s assistance.

Underneath the skin is a shortened version of the Insight’s platform with a wider chassis and a shorter wheelbase. Honda says the 2+2 layout means there’s room in the back for children or small adults. Unique spring and damper settings also feature, in an attempt to make the CR-Z as sporty to drive as possible.