Honda's forthcoming sports car hybrid is inching towards the showroom, as revealed in this show-stopping concept
HONDA OSM : What is it? Open Study Model roadster designed in Germany with a greenish hybrid engine up front. It's the fourth of a series of concepts after the Remix, CR-Z and SHSC (Small Hybrid Sports Concept).
What's cool? The OSM indicates that the CR-Z coupe' may also go topless for sun-loving motorists. The front end itself is also an indication of how the basic coupe' could look like in two years time.
Will it be made? Honda has already confirmed that the CR-Z will be made in 2010, although a cabrio version is unconfirmed.
- LOTUS ECO ELISE
What is it? An Elise with body panels, carpet, seats and fabrics partially made from natural fibres as hemp, wool and sisal. A 32kg weight-saving is gained over the Elise S base car through use of natural materials and drastically lighter wheels.
What's cool? Proof that, with enough will, a maker can make a car more environmentally friendly through overall weight reduction and use of low emission materials.
Will it be made? Not as a complete car, but Lotus can sell hybrid composite parts or technology to big players.
- FORD FOCUS RS
What is it? Almost production-ready model of the 300hp Ford Focus RS with 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual limited slip diff. "RevoKnuckle" front suspension neutralises torque steer. RS is lower and wider than standard Focus and with sporty trims inside and out.
What's cool? World rally car has looks and performance to rival the 4WD Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Evo.
Will it be made? Absolutely, coming out next year in Europe but won't come to Thailand officially.
- MASTRETTA MXT
What is it? Mastretta MXT is claimed to be the first sports car designed and built in Mexico. Lotus-like bonded aluminium chassis and fibreglass body panels with mid-mounted Ford-derived 240hp 2.0-litre turbo pumping the rear wheels via a five-speed manual.
What's cool? Lotus Exige-matching performance of under 5sec to 100kph and 240kph max.
Will it be made? Yes, 80 samples a year from early 2009 at around B2.4m in the UK, translating into a Thai sticker price of some B7.2m.
- TOYOTA AYGO CRAZY
What is it? A-segment Aygo ruthlessly modified to pack the old MR-2's 200hp 1.8-litre turbocharged engine where the boot and rear seats used to be. Conceptualised and prepared wholly in the UK.
What's cool? 0-100kph time in under six seconds and tuned to drive like crazy with no electronic driving aids like ABS or ESP.
Will it be made? Are you crazy?
- RENAULT R26R
What is it? This is the maddest version of the Me'gane C-segment hatchback, which will be replaced in October this year. The farewell-bidding R26R has all kinds of racy features and trimmings.
What's cool? The 230hp 2.0-litre turbo engine, and a body that weighs a staggering 123kg less.
Will it be made? Yes, but only 450 of them.
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