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The 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon is just around the corner. It will be held at the Makuhari Messe International Convention Complex in Chiba from 11 January 2013 to 13 January 2013. Many Japanese auto firms and aftermarket companies will display their wares or projects at the show and Honda has announced its line-up for the upcoming auto show. Modulo, Honda's aftermarket products division has a couple of cars that will be presented at the show. Firstly, it is the S2000 Modulo Climax. It is practically an S2000 which was given a new exterior styling and interior parts. Next up is Honda's latest Kei car model, the N-One. It also receives Modulo's styling treatment, both interior and exterior. Mugen, another aftermarket and tuning firm closely associated with Honda, will also display several of their cars. First up is the Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ. On top of the sporty looking exterior styling, the hybrid hatchback receives a supercharger which delivers around 174bhp which includes the supplemental 20bhp from the electric motor. The car also receives adjustable suspension, 17 inch forged wheels and larger front brakes. The car comes in only one body colour which Mugen calls Azure Blue Metallic and only 300 units will be made commercially. Mugen has also developed a couple of "Mugen treated" Honda N-Ones. The Mugen N-One did not receive any engine modifications, only exterior styling modifications and Mugen badged interior parts. The car comes in either red or white body colour. Honda will also display two cars from the Super GT racing series and they are the HSV-010 GT and the Mugen CRZ-GT. The Mugen CR-Z GT racing car won the 2012 Formula Nippon team championship under the Docomo Dandelion Racing team.

In the past, hybrid vehicles are normally seen as drab-looking cars and some groups also see them as slow moving. But ever since Honda released its CR-Z hybrid model, those views have changed. Although it may not offer blistering pace but its looks and styling compensate for it. Now, the Honda CR-Z is not only getting faster but also sports an exciting look. Honda has announced that they will expand their role in the Super GT racing series with the Mugen-powered CR-Z GT. Japan

According to a report from Autocar , Honda is rumored to be working on a CR-Z that ditches its conventional hybrid powertrain in favor of a small-displacement, turbocharged mill. The proposed new engine is an all-new 1.6-liter unit that will produce around 160 horsepower. Autocar states that a higher-output CR-Z Type R may follow shortly thereafter, rumored to produce around 200 hp. This new powerplant is reportedly slated for use in the Honda Jazz (Fit), Civic and Accord, and could provide the basis for the next-generation Civic Si engine. Like many European B and C segment cars, the next Fit and Civic are also moving to smaller displacement, forced induction powertrains to offset increasing emission standards. Sales of the hybrid CR-Z have started to fade in Honda's home market, despite the hatch being named the Japanese Car of the Year. Honda hopes that a turbocharged CR-Z would broaden the vehicle's appeal in other key markets, as well, such as the United States and Europe. The 1.6 liter Turbo powered CR-Z will ensure that Honda have an answer to the Scirroco and the upcoming Hyundai Veloster.

Here's the official brochure of the new Honda CR-Z, hailed as the successor to the CRX of the late 1980s. The brochure confirms that the CR-Z's hybrid drivetrain will comprise of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit and an electric motor, with power being transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. The petrol engine delivers an output of 113bhp at 6,000rpm and a peak torque of 145Nm at 4,800 rpm. The electric motor, on the other hand, delivers 13.4bhp at 1,500rpm and 78Nm at 1,000rpm. As a result, the CR-Z performs the century sprint in a rather relaxed timing of 9.7 seconds. The published fuel consumption is 25.0km/L. Those who are expecting the CR-Z to be a CRX replacement would be disappointed with the performance of the car. Nonetheless, this is the most stylish hybrid car to date.