The 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid, slated for a 2010 summer release, made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The hybrid coupe which offers consumers a sleek aerodynamic exterior and tight handling achieves this while keeping an eye on the environment. Customers are taking notice and can’t wait to experience Honda’s newest hybrid.

Honda’s third hybrid model grants customers 122 horses and 128 lb-ft of torque from the 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) systems DC brushless electric motor. According to Honda “the i-VTEC system controls the opening and closing of one intake valve per cylinder to enhance combustion at low RPMs. The 10-kilowatt electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency.”

Fuel economy comes in at 36 mpg in the city and 38 mpg highway. Customers that opt for the two-passenger CR-Z get a three-mode drive system giving the driver the option of selecting between Sport, Econ (Economy), and Normal driving modes’.

Honda’s press release details the exterior design and trim levels:

The CR-Z visually appears as a ‘one motion” wedge form originating from a low-slung hood that forms a broad forward stance. This ‘one motion’ wedge is available in two trim levels: the CR-Z and the CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on the 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is optional.

The CR-Z comes with the following standard features: Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more.

The CR-Z EX adds, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, center console with an armrest and storage compartment, and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition.

Honda presents another environmentally friendly winner and its hybrid customer base waits impatiently for the first test drive.