Toyota FT-86 and Honda CR-Z Concepts

The Honda stand featured everything from an EV-Cub to a butane-powered garden tiller, but the bright spot both for enthusiasts and environmentalists was the CR-Z Concept 2009. Name notwithstanding, the CR-Z is very close to what we'll see in production come fall 2010. Featuring a 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder paired with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist, nickel-metal-hydride batteries, and a six-speed manual, it promises to be the most engaging green vehicle on the market this side of a Tesla Roadster. Styling for the two-seater (or two-plus-two in Japan) hews closely to that of the 2007 concept, but the wheelbase has been shortened to improve handling. The original concept's swoopy interior has, predictably, been largely replaced with parts found in the Civic and the Fit. The car won't be a straight-line rocket, but we nevertheless expect it to offer all the cheap thrills of the original CRX. Look for the actual production model at the Detroit show. Enjoy the CR-Z, because it's likely the only sporty product we'll see from Honda in the near future