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While European automakers initially ignored hybrid technology, it seems as though the craze has finally caught on, with everyone from Ferrari to Porsche announcing hybrid models of one kind or another. Ferrari will debut a 599 Hybrid concept, while Porsche will show the GT3 R Hybrid race car and a hybrid version of the 2011 Cayenne.
Porsche's new parent company, Volkswagen, also has plenty of hybrid news. VW will showcase its new Touareg SUV, with a hybrid version. In addition, another VW-brand company, Audi, will show off a hybrid version of its new A8. Other hybrids include the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid and the Lexus CT200h hybrid.
Other show highlights are sure to include a new high-performance version of the Lamborghini Gallardo, referred to as either the LP57-4 SuperVeloce or the LP570-4 Superleggera, as well as Audi's new RS5. Plus, Mercedes-tuner Carlsson is debuting its new C25, an SL65-based supercar while VW/Audi-tuner ABT Sportsline is showing-off a 600-hp Audi R8 GTR, an R8 Spyder, A8 and a modified Volkswagen Golf R.
While most of the popular aftermarket manufacturers in Japan are welcoming the hybrid craze with open arms, Spoon Sports has been quiet as of late. This can mostly be attributed to the fact that Spoon focuses and specializes with the Honda platform, and quite honestly, Honda hasn't had an attractive enough hybrid platform in the recent years. But this is all about to change, with the CR-Z gaining a lot of momentum as the new "hot-hatch" appealing to passionate Honda aficionados worldwide. Needless to say it's a perfect fit for Spoon Sports and their tuning prowess.
We've seen the entry from Mugen and in typical Spoon Sports fashion, they've thrown down the gauntlet as well. Going back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, Mugen and Spoon Sports were the most respective pair of brands for JDM Honda fanatics stateside. In fact it's easy to argue that Mugen and Spoon Sports delivered a rivalry on its own with their prestigious and rare parts, many of them carrying a hefty price tag once they were on American soil. There's no mistaken that this CR-Z has been Spoon-inspired.
There's none of the traditional yellow and pastel blue to be seen, yet, but the CR93 wheels have been refinished in a stylish dark blue in true Spoon fashion. As with almost all of Spoon Sports' projects, the focus is on excellent tuning and track-ability. They paid close attention with suspension and brake upgrades lowering the vehicle with coilovers in the front and a traditional shock/spring combination in the rear. 15-inch slotted rotors along with upgraded calipers are probably... [Read More]
Famed Honda tuner Mugen has just released a full line of aesthetic and "performance" accessories for the new CR-Z. While in stock form the CR-Z doesn't seem overly sporty with just 122-hp, Mugen is hoping to improve on that with a new stainless steel exhaust system which will be good for maybe a pony or two. New brake pads are also offered, as well as a completely new suspension. Also helping in the handling department are two new wheel designs in several finishes, which will no doubt be larger and lighter than the stock rollers with the ability to handle some slightly wider and lower profile tires.
As for the Mugen dress-up parts, they really give the CR-Z an aggressive side, although we're not quite sure about the LED bumper insert. Oh, and that rear spoiler seems a bit much too. We do, however, particularly like the triangle-shaped exhaust finisher.
Other accessories include a Mugen shift knob (already being copied and sold on eBay, no doubt), as well as Mugen floor mats and a three-gauge cluster.
According to AutoExpress, the automotive journalists equivalent to the National Enquirer, Honda is planning a CR-Z Type R model. While a host of modifications would be included, like larger brakes and a stiffer suspension, the real boost will apparently come under the hood.
Instead of the lackluster 122-hp hybrid setup, the CR-Z Type R will make 200 healthy horsepower. Surprisingly, this won't come as the result of K20 (or better yet, a K24 swap) but due to a more powerful gasoline engine, as well as a larger electric motor. While the stock 1.5-liter 4-cylinder makes 102-hp, the new version will make 150-hp. The 20-hp electric motor will then be replaced by a more powerful 50-hp unit. The result will be a much-improved 0-60 mph time of roughly 6 seconds.
The car will even gain a fourth driving mode, known as Sport Plus, which will deliver maximum performance from the hybrid setup, while firming up the steering and throttle response.
AutoExpress claims the vehicle is being planned for next year's Tokyo Auto Show with sales beginning in Japan in late 2011 as a 2012 model. We certainly hope this report is right, but knowing AutoExpress and the vehicles Honda has been rolling out lately, we won't get our hopes up. Prove us wrong… please… prove us wrong.
While not the largest, the Geneva Auto Show is easily the most prestigious auto show in the world, attracting debuts of high performance models from some of the world's most exotic and revered brands. 2010 is shaping up to be no different.
Major debuts include a Ferrari hybrid concept based on the 500 GTB flagship, the 2011 BMW M5 and a new high-performance version of the Lamborghini Gallardo, referred to as either the LP57-4 SuperVeloce or the LP570-4 Superleggera.
We're also excited to see what the European tuners have on offer, with Mercedes-tuner Carlsson debuting its new C25, an SL65-based supercar and VW/Audi-tuner ABT Sportsline showing a 600-hp Audi R8 GTR, an R8 Spyder, A8 and a modified Volkswagen Golf R.
And speaking of the R, Volkswagen is set to announce a new R high-performance division at the show, with rumors of a Jetta R concept set for its debut.
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