Honda CR-Z Turbo Could Arrive This Year

Due to overwhelming demand, not to mention lackluster sales for the original hybrid version, Honda will bring to market its CR-Z turbo model, possibly as early as this year.

Facing new competition from the Hyundai Veloster, and aiming to offer something in line with higher-performance versions of the MINI Cooper, the CR-Z turbo will reportedly be available in two performance levels. A 160-hp model will offer added grunt, whole a 200-hp version will top the line. Both cars will use a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine.

At last year’s SEMA Show, Honda displayed a CR-Z Hybrid R Concept (above), using a 1.5-liter turbocharged and hybrid engine to deliver as much as 200-hp.

The current CR-Z makes 122-hp and 128 ft-lbs of torque.

If Honda is able to move ahead on the project as fast as it’s believed they want to, we could see a debut of the car before the end of the year at the Tokyo Auto Show.

[Source: AutoCar]