When we think of car advertising, we definitely think of sexy women, but we don’t usually go so far as to think of lingerie, body paint and clearly erect nipples on a public street in broad daylight. That’s the stuff of beer commercials. But, this is part of Honda’s CR-Z European advertising campaign called “Live Every Litre.” Judging from the picture above, we hope Honda plans to market the CR-Z squarely at creepy, leering old men.

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I have a certain soft spot for the CR-Z. Growing up in the 1980′s, I can remember the CR-X being one of the hot-yet-affordable cars on the road, and I was glad to see it reborn through the CR-Z. So, even though this promo video isn’t for the U.S., and isn’t the most exciting piece of footage ever, I was glad to spend two minutes watching it. Hopefully, you’ll agree.

Released by Honda Motor Europe for the European, Middle Eastern and African markets, the video uses a variety of mirroring imagery, dramatic backdrops and other parlor tricks to get you psyched about the CR-Z. Don’t take my word for it, though; hit “Continue” and see for yourself. [via Carscoop]

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We were pretty excited when Honda first announced a CR-X of a new generation, and it appears Japan was equally enthralled. Honda originally set an annual sales goal for the CR-Z of 12,000 units. After just one month of sales, Honda received 10,000 orders for CR-Z’s, nearly meeting its full annual expectations. Based on those numbers, Honda is on pace to beat its goal tenfold, though it’s unlikely that the CR-Z will sell at that same rate throughout the year.

The CR-Z will go on sale in Europe and North America this summer, so it remains to be seen if the Japanese success extends beyond the island. Honda’s goal is for 40,000 to 50,000 annual sales globally. [via egmCarTech]

Despite its small size, the CR-Z hybrid has been itching for some extra power since the day Honda first detailed it. Inside Line is reporting that the Type R is already in the works with a possible modified version of the base 1.5-liter four-cylinder pumping out an extra 20 horses. The Type R will also derive additional horsepower from a larger electric motor, putting total output into the 160-170 hp range, a significant boost over the standard CR-Z’s 122.

Other expected modifications include a lowered height, bigger wheels and larger brakes. 2011 is being tossed out as the possible U.S. launch. [via Inside Line]

The days of grainy, bootlegged catalog shots are officially behind us; Honda has dropped the curtain on its new production-ready CR-Z hybrid emblazoned in bright red, and the leaks didn’t do it justice. The resurrected CRX features a 1.5-liter VTEC four that delivers 122 hp and 128 lb-ft. The engine is paired with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid-electric system. Owners can choose CVT automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

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Earlier today, we featured a photo/specs of the upcoming Honda CR-Z garnered from a leaked brochure. Now Temple of V-TEC has added a new page to the picture with the Mugen styling package, courtesy of the same member that dropped the CR-Z pictures.

While we’re psyched to see it, it’s a little gaudy for our tastes and we could do without the new bumper, side skirts and imposing spoiler jutting off the hatch–pretty much bringing us back to the standard version. I suppose that’s about what we’d expect from Mugen. [via Temple of VTEC]

The Honda CR-Z concept has been busy touring the auto show circuit on its way toward production as a 2011 model. Thanks to some diehards over at Temple of VTEC, who got their hands on a leaked brochure for the upcoming hybrid hatchback, we now have a better idea of what it will look like in production attire and how it will perform on road.

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With Tokyo open for business, Honda has rolled out its updated CR-Z concept for all to enjoy. It’s also offered up some good news in announcing that the North American production model will debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January. The production version of the hybrid will be similar to the concept, but will drop the rear seat and transition to two-seater. Joining the  Hybrid Civic and Insight in Honda’s growing stable of hybrids, the CR-Z will feature a six-speed manual transmission providing a truly sporty, engaging ride. We can’t wait to see the new CR-Z hit neighborhood streets. [via Jalopnik]

For the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda will be displaying an updated version of the CR-Z hybrid concept that it first showed in 2007. Changes to the original concept include a new hood, redesigned hatch, new rear diffuser, modified headlights, new door handles and a larger rear quarter window. Overall, the car looks far smoother than the original concept. The car will run on a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine with six-speed transmission when it debuts in the U.K. next year. The CR-Z is expected in the U.S. next year as well. [via WCF]

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