A year ago Honda previewed a new engine at the SEMA Show and twelve months later it has found a home. The engine is a supercharged 1.5-liter hybrid and the car is the CR-Z.

Set to be officially revealed at the SEMA Show tomorrow the HPD Supercharged CRZ Concept delivers a healthy boost in power with 185 hp at 6300 rpm, up from just 122 hp in the stock car. Torque also rises from 128 lb-ft to 169 lb-ft.

But the focus of this little hybrid sports car isn’t just power, with modifications made to improve handling and braking. Lower and stiffer thanks to HPD springs and shocks, it also gains 4-piston calipers with upgraded rotors. The big brakes then fit inside 18-inch HPD wheels with 215/40/ZR18 tires.

Completing the package is a Honda Genuine Accessory front lip and rear spoiler, plus an HPD rear diffuser with a center exit exhaust.

Designed to test reception to the idea of a higher performance CR-Z says Honda PR boss Sage Marie, actually bringing such a car to market (on the low volume CR-Z) makes the idea seem distant from reality. Then again, speaking to AutoGuide on the eve of the SEMA Show Marie did postulate that the CR-Z could also be the perfect test-bed for such a product, with little risk involved.

Marie also confirmed the products are all tested and fully engineered. The rest is just up to the bean counters.

Source : http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/10/honda-cr-z-supercharged-concept-is-one-step-closer-to-reality-2012-sema-show.html