Many of you may remember the diminutive butspunky Honda CRX, – that 2-seat sporty car that delighted many with itssurprising performance (the Si version) and excellent fuel economy back in the‘80s. The CRX is long gone, except for those that have survived thanks toenthusiastic car buffs, but the philosophy of its approach has not beenforgotten by Honda. With hybrid vehicles now fully entrenched in the offeringsof all major manufacturers, Honda included, what better time to take advantageof this trend by combining the benefits of hybrid technology with the design ofthe original CRX. Honda’s CRZ is based on a modified platform it shares withthe new Insight and Fit. The Fit’s slightly detuned 1.5–litre four (113 hp and107 lb. ft. of torque) is mated to an electric motor that brings the totalcombined output to 122 hp and 128 lb. ft. Not a lot but thankfully the CRZ only weighs about 2,700 lb. To add tothe sporting nature of the CRZ Honda offers the only manual transmission, a6-speed unit, in a car of this type. A CVT is also available, replete with shift paddles that imitate seven fixed ratios, for those who aren’t members of the ‘save themanuals’ club. The CVT does, however, return better overall fuel mileage than themanual so consumers focused more on the efficiency side of things will likelychoose this one. The CRZ certainly has CRX styling cues and maintains that car’stwo-passenger approach. Even so there is a fairamount of storage space with the hatchback design lending itself topracticality and ease of loading. Tech buffs will love the console and gaugecluster which looks very futuristic. Driving impressions have been quite favourablewith overall ride, handling and driving fun reported as very good. The CRZ istossable in the corners, albeit with some body roll, and smooth on the highway.Brake feel is said to be excellent and there’s even a Sport mode that quickensthe throttle calibration, alters the assist characteristics of the electricmotor, and reduces steering boost, all of which conspire to make the CRZ evenmore fun. Of course, being a hybrid, consumers will be considering theirpurchase of this little Honda with an eye to fuel economy. In this regard theCRZ sits about mid-pack with a combined EPA rating (city/highway) of 5L/100km (56.5mpg) compared to the top dog Toyota Prius which is rated at  4.0L/100km (71 mpg) overall. Mind youat a starting price of ~$25,000, the CRZ is some $4,500 less than a base Prius,a lot more fun to drive, and, in my opinion, much better looking.  So if you’re looking for a hybrid witha bit of personality and aren’t too concerned about hauling the family around,then the CRZ may be just the ticket.

If Only – 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche has been a major player in the sportscar arena since its earliest model, the 356, won its very first race back inthe mid-‘40s. Never to rest on their laurels, Porsche engineers have consistentlyincreased the road-going abilities of their vehicles and maintained a leadershiprole in this segment. The newest, hottest 911 variant, the GT2 RS, is thelatest and greatest version of this historic model. The RS is about as close asyou can get to a street-legal 911 race car. Atwin-turbocharged 3.6-litre flat-6-cylinder engine churns out a dizzying 620 hp,and channels that power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.
Engineers stripped the car of virtually any feature that was deemed unnecessaryand other tricks -- like a carbon-fibre hood, single-lug wheels, and vinylPorsche crest logos in lieu of metal emblems -- helped bring the curb weightdown to a paltry 3,020 pounds. As a result, the GT2 RS is capable of sprintingfrom 0 to 60 mph in a scant 3.4 seconds, and a top speed in the realm of 205mph. An adjustable rear wing, adjustable suspension, Recaro race seats,interior roll bars and lots of carbon fibre blatantly scream “track day” toowners. This is not a car for the meek. This is also not a car for the averagewage earner. At a list price of $245,000 U.S., only the rich need apply. Infact, all 500 units being produced have been spoken for so even if you couldafford one it’s too late. Undoubtedly some owners will try to turn their RSover through the collector market, at a premium of course. I’d settle for justone afternoon behind the wheel of one of these beasts.