Autoblog

click above image to view more pics of the Honda CR-Z Concept from Tokyo

Honda's green concepts on display in Tokyo are destined for showrooms. The automaker has officially confirmed that both the FCX and a car based on the CR-Z that was unveiled just hours ago will make the transition to production. Regarding the FCX, there won't be long to wait, as the automaker will pull the covers off tof he production-spec car at next month's LA Auto Show, with sales to commence sometime in 2008. In 2009, it'll be joined in showrooms by both a production car based on the spiffy CR-Z hybrid and a "global hybrid" family car, the latter of which which we know little about at this time. If the CR-Z makes the trip from concept to road car relatively unscathed (well, except for that aardvark-like schnoz) and lives up to its mission statement of ecologically responsible performance, both green car and sport compact fans should have something to look forward to a couple of years down the line.

[Source: Honda, lead photo by TORU YAMANAKA/AFP/Getty]


All live photos ©2007 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

Click photo for Autoblog Green's FCX test drive.

At a demonstration of its FCX fuel cell concept in Los Angeles, Thursday, Honda confirmed what we reported in December: that they will have a limited number of FCXs on the ground for real-world testing in 2008. USA Today says Honda currently already has two FCX models leased to individuals for $500 month, but the company will add more next year. Honda claims the car gets the hydrogen equivalent of 68 mpg. For our money, we'll wait for the Sportwagen.

At the same event, Honda officials said they were also planning to sell a sub-$25k hybrid within two years to slot below the current Civic hybrid. They said the budget hybrid wouldn't look like other Hondas, claiming current Civic hybrid's sales were outnumbered by the uniquely-designed Prius.

Read about Autoblog Green's November test drive of the FCX here.

[Source: USA Today]

Our man Sam from Autoblog Green recently had the opportunity to spend a couple days in the Golden State, driving Honda's FCX hydrogen fuel-cell sedan.

He covers Honda's hydrogen offering in a four-part series, going into detail about the interior, exterior, technology and driving impressions during his time at Laguna Seca in Monterey, CA. His post is far and away the most in-depth article we've seen on the FCX, so it's certainly worth a few minutes of your Saturday afternoon.

Enjoy and great job Sam!

Part One – Part Two – Part Three – Part Four