The Honda CR-Z is a compact hybrid electric automobile marketed by Honda as a “sporty hybrid coupe”. The CR-Z combines a hybrid gasoline-electric power train with traditional sports car elements. The CR-Z is regarded as the spiritual successor to the second generation Honda CR-X in both name and exterior design. Sales of the CR-Z began in Japan in February 2010, and became Honda’s third hybrid electric car in the market, along with the Civic Hybrid and the Insight.

Essentially, we speculate on partial of the reason behind of discontinuing the Civic Type R line-up as their sport range might relate to the CR-Z. Potentially, Honda is doing it by giving way to the sporty hybrid coupe while maintaining a greener environment.

The project leader, Norio Tomobe, worked previously as chief engineer on Mobilio Spike and Elysion. The basic concept of CR-Z is said to create a fun-to-drive sports car driving characteristics Honda aspired from that of the Elise, as well as the Mini and Volkswagen Scirocco.

The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC inline-4 engine with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system mated with a six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment. The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 bhp at 6000 rpm and 174 Nm at 1000 to 1500 rpm. The gasoline motor itself contributes only 111 bhp at 6000 rpm and 144 Nm at 4800 rpm.

Back to the topic, Fifth Gear has published their own video review of the CR-Z with road tests. Check out the video on the below.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z

[View with PicLens]

BMW has created a future sports car today. Built with 2+2 seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, this one of a kind sports car has the performance of a BMW M3 and a fuel consumption of a Toyota Prius.This outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities. The aggresive styling of the car is designed with a pair of huge transparent gullwing doors as a resemblance of a true super car and easy access for 4 people on board.

BMW Hybrid Super car is powered by all-new 3-cylinder 1.5 litre turbodiesel engine that is mounted in front of the rear axle like in an agile mid-engine sports car.Fuel is injected by the latest generation of High Precision Direct Injection, and the turbocharger features variable intake geometry for maximum efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. The engine produces is 163 hp with peak torque of 214 lb-ft. mated with a double-clutch transmission (DCT).

There’s 2 other electric motor in this concept.The 1st compact electric motor is positioned between the diesel engine and the gearbox outputs a consistent 33 horsepower and is able to reach a peak of up to 51 hp. Maximum torque for this  electric motor is 214 lb-ft, the power, either supporting the diesel engine or in all-electric motoring.

The second electric motor placed on the front axle. This motor known as hybrid synchronous motor, continuous produce 80 horsepower and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. And An extra of 112 horsepower is available for a period of up to 30 seconds, and, for a 10-second “burst,” the electric motor is able to develop 139 horsepower.

Depending on driving conditions, the two electric motors could be utilized for both accelerating and regenerating energy when applying the brakes and while coasting. This method ensures efficient energy management, with the status of the lithium-polymer battery level constantly remaining within the optimum level. When accelerating, the electric motors help to boost the car for even greater performance, ensuring immediate response and a significant reduction in fuel consumption. For a short maximum output of all three engines is up to 356 hp, with a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. As a result, 0-100 in 4.8 seconds. With a Amazing average fuel consumption of 3.76 liters/100 kilometers. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept is equipped with a 25 litre fuel tank for diesel and with a full charge of electricity, this concept car are able to travel up to approximately 694km.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept comes with unusual measurement tires and rims on a sports car. The tires measure 195/55, but with a large 21-inch rims. This unique combination with the sophisticated axle geometry, ensures agile driving behavior as BMW claimed.The Shell of the Bmw Vision EfficientDynamics Concept car is developed with dynamic look of BMW sports car based on BMW experience in Motorsport industry. The concept a car is result of high-tech lightweight techonlogy and aerodynamic efficiency.Measuring only 48.8″ in height with sweeping, arch-like roofline, the overall vehicle concept for a drag coefficient of just 0.22.

As for the design of the interior, BMW focus on both the fascinating driving experience and, in particular, on transparent, hands-on technology and maximum reduction of weight. Many parts of the concept vehicle are built in expressing the “transparent” character of the car as a visualization feel of lightweight technology. The chassis and suspension of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics are made completely of aluminum and the roof and the outer skin on the doors are made almost completely of a special polycarbonate glass automatically darkening as a function of the light shining on the car.

This hybrid sports car also comes with some sort of particallity. Measuring 181.1″ in length, 74.8″ in width and 48.8″ in height, this unique concept car offers space for up to four passengers and their luggage of about two golf bags. With one of the focus is lightweight construction strategy applied on the car, the curb weight about 1400kg. In its power-to-weight ratio as compared to others sports car, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is far superior to all others.

From the rear BMW has design a eye-catching “floating” LED lights. Much like one samurai transformer’s face.BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept car is the result of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional design from BMW this year.

Continue here – Along with tons of Photos and Official Video from BMW

Rob Dyrdeks known for it’s show – Fantasy Factory on MTV has joined Ken Block in some drifting action in Gymkhana. After Ken Block doing a sucess video as Gymkhana 2 – Refer to the video we posted earlier. , Rob built a custom Go-Kart based mini Subaru Impreza V10 which is almost identical to Ken Block’s new Subaru Impreza Wrx Sti V10 ( other than the open sun roof for the head). The video as named as Gymkhana 2.1 features stunts,racing and some combination of drifting actions of 2 cars together. Watch out for a part where Ken Block actually knocks on Rob Drydeks mini Subaru !

Ken Block – a well known Rally driver that has caught the world’s attention with it’s first Gymkhana drifting/rallying practice video in youtube over 20 million viewers worldwide. While not many know, Ken Block is also the original Co-Founder of DC Shoes. This time DC Shoes Company has decided to work with Ken Block with some clothing products of DC Shoes as Ken Block series. Unlike normal commercial, they call this as infomercials with great action, dramatic drifting scene and stunts. Not to forget, this time they features Ken Block new mean machine – a fully tuned up new Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version 10. Watch the exciting video. Kids, do not try this at anywhere.