And finally, with Mitsu backing away from performance to develop their green presence, and Toyota/Lexus comfortable enough with their developed green presence to veritably sprint toward performance, Honda characteristically half-steps in both directions whilst hoping their clever marketing will pull the wool over the public’s eyes. Take the CR-Z, under the hood of which, Honda claims, “the intersection of sport and hybrid can be found.” Sport, as in a combined 109hp 1.5L engine and electric motor that deliver 0-60 mph in nearly 10 full seconds; and hybrid, as in 31/34-mpg fuel economy for the six-speed option (which the full-size Toyota Camry bests). Well, now there’s almost something new for Honda to be excited about for you. A joint project between Honda UK and Mugen Euro, the CR-Z Mugen would add things like a less-restrictive intake and exhaust, different ECU tune and “modification” of the electric motor, a new suspension and brakes, lightweight Mugen alloys, Mugen aero, and a carbon-fiber hood . . . if only it were ever put into production. As of yet, there are absolutely zero plans to do so. Good job, Honda. Facepalm. www.honda.com