Honda CR-Z hybrid will become reality

Coming in 2009?

Honda has announced that its lightweight hybrid sports car, the CR-Z, is going into production.

The concept CR-Z hybrid is coupled with Honda's current hybrid technology, and is now set to launch when Honda begins selling its new family hybrid - a hybrid only vehicle - in 2009.

While Honda has stated that the new hybrid coupe concept utilizes the same hybrid powertrain found in the Civic hybrid, it isn't clear whether Honda's hybrid powertrain will be updated for the launch of these new hybrid cars. My hunch, however, is that an upgrade is forthcoming.

Since Honda wants to start selling at least a quarter million hybrid vehicles by 2009, a few changes to Honda's hybrid technology seem necessary.