More Powerful Honda Hybrid Coupe In The Works?

Yeah, like you knew this wasn't going to happen ... or maybe not, Honda can be a very conservative company. Anyway, since Honda first introduced the CR-Z hybrid coupe, and threw around the notion that it's the spiritual and eco-conscious successor to the CR-X, one of the main complaints has been the CR-Z's lack of power.

OK, that's a fair enough criticism. The CR-X was a wonderfully fun and tossable car. Light, handled good enough for a front driver, and it had enough power. The same cannot be said, it would seem, for the as announced CR-Z.

The CR-Z puts out 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque from its 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder and Integrated Motor Assist Sporty, yes, but that doesn't make the CR-Z into a real pavement peeler right off the showroom floor. But if the rumors out there hold true (I know, I know), that could all change.

They say (that would be our sources) that Honda has a much livelier version waiting in the wings. Said hotter version of the CR-Z would use either a V6 or a large 2.5-liter four that would then be hooked up to the IMA hybrid system. Sources say the yet to come CR-Z will be approximately the dimensions of the Accord coupe.

So why believe this? Well for starters, there's the news that this same powertrain that is rumored to be headed to an uprated CR-Z is also the same V6 hybrid powertrain that is reportedly slated for both minivans and SUVs for the American market. Hmmm.

So, would Honda do something like use that same drivetrain in another car, the very same car that it aimed right at the tuner crowd and thematically tied into one of it's first hot rides? Well why wouldn't they?

Yeah, I know, Honda is a conservative company ... but if enough of you ask/complain ...

Source: AutoBlogGreen