Honda CR-Z photos leaked

A leaked Japanese brochure has surfaced of the new CR-Z hybrid sportscar, the spiritual successor to the CRX from the 1990s, ahead of its Detroit Motor Show debut next week. Honda enthusiast websites around the world, including the popular Temple of VTEC site, have splashed pictures and reveal specifications of the stylish little coupe.

As the brochure shows, the new hybrid two-door is almost identical to the concept shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. The CR-Z is expected to be launched in Japan within months and is also destined to arrive in Australia late this year or early in 2011. It is Honda's first mass-produced hybrid sports car.

According to the brochure the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 84kW/145Nm, mated to an electric motor producing 10kW/78Nm. It will hit 100km/h in 9.7 seconds and is expect to deliver fuel economy between 4.0 litres/100km and 4.5 litres/100km.

The CR-Z is expected to be available with a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission. Although details are still scarce, the CR-Z is expected to have LED lights in the exterior wing mirrors and daytime LED running lights, leather interior and the option of a satellite navigation system.

The CR-Z remains relatively compact. It is 4080mm long, 1740mm wide, 1395 high and sits on a 2435mm wheelbase. This makes it 305mm longer, 65mm wider and 125mm higher than the original, which was on sale here between 1987 and 1998. The wheelbase is also 135mm longer.