Sexy and Squishy Concepts

As the paint scheme on its F1 car indicates, Honda is out to save the world. OK, that may be a bit lofty, but the company does have the goal of becoming the industry leader in environmental technologies. The concepts that debuted here in Tokyo fit perfectly with that plan.

Of the two vehicles revealed, the one most likely to advance beyond the concept phase is the CR-Z. Billed as Honda's "next-generation lightweight sports car," the CR-Z (which stands for Compact Renaissance Zero) features a hybrid gas-electric powertrain designed to provide spirited performance while still remaining environmentally friendly.

Showing that hybrids don't have to be dull, the CR-Z features have sporty styling to match its performance. The large grille flows into the sweeping headlights and a wide stance adds to the sporty look. The CR-Z is the logical successor to the Small Hybrid Sports Concept that was shown in Geneva earlier this year, but the CR-Z looks like it could easily move into production. In fact, it was announced that a new hybrid based on the CR-Z could make it to production "soon."

The second concept revealed is a bit more unusual - but there's a lot of that at the Tokyo show. Staying with the environmentally friendly theme, the PUYO concept is a small, four-passenger car powered by Honda's proven fuel-cell system. The fuel-cell stack fits into the floor, allowing for a roomy interior.

But while the fuel-cell technology is quite advanced, that aspect was the most mainstream part of the PUYO. What makes this car unique is that it is designed to be a "seamless soft box." And it is soft - the outer surface of the PUYO is a silicon gel, which is not only more protective of any pedestrians that may get in the PUYO's way, but it is designed to be touched, providing a "warm, friendly impression." The PUYO's skin is also luminescent, so lights can be hidden from sight until turned on. Don't look for anything resembling the PUYO to make it production anytime soon, or anytime at all.

In other news, Honda announced that its new i-DTEC clean diesel engine will be coming to the States in 2009, likely to be first introduced in the Accord sedan.