2011 Honda CR-Z - More Images Leaked

HONDA'S UPCOMING CR-Z hybrid hot hatch has already been seen at the Tokyo Motor Show in 99% production-ready form, and leaked brochures have shown us just what to expect when the model goes on sale in Japan early next year.

Adding to the anticipation, a  brace of still images from an official Honda promotional video have recently found their way onto the web. While they don't show anything radically different to what we've already seen, they do at least show what the petrol-electric performance car looks like when out on the open road.

The video also shows that while the basic shape of the most recent concept's cabin remains unchanged, details such as the air vents, centre stack trim and button placement have all been subtly changed for the production car.

The 2011 Honda CR-Z will launch in Japan with a 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 84kW at 6000rpm, paired with an electric motor producing 10kW.

Torque output for the petrol engine stands at 145Nm at 4800rpm, however the electric motor adds a substantial 77Nm from just 1000rpm.

Notably, the CR-Z will offer a traditional three-pedal six-speed manual transmission as standard - the first production hybrid to do so. A CVT automatic will be available as an option.

Japanese-market sales of the CR-Z are slated to begin in February 2010, with an Australian launch expected sometime in 2011. Pricing information has yet to be released.