Honda has lifted our spirits this morning by revealing first details of Honda CR-Z Concept but has since crushed them with their second Tokyo Motor Show concept premiere, the PUYO. Ironically Honda states in the press release, “The PUYO was designed based on out-of-box thinking to provide fun for both the vehicle owner and people around them as well.” They had to think “out-of-the-box” to create a box?

It’s no stunner, but closer look of the minimalist design has us moving past first impressions as the PUYO shows some interesting ideas for the “cornerless soft box” whose goal was to “create a personable design with the feel of an adorable pet”.

On the outside the PUYO has a gel body as a safety feature which is also luminescent. It can change color to communicate the vehicles condition as well as guide people into the proper operating position. This is important because the PUYO has four-wheel-steering which allows the entire vehicle to pivot 360 degrees.

With the entire upper half of the vehicle made of glass, the PUYO gives a sense of transparency while the interior seeks a “silky feel”. Interior features such as instrument panel monitor, elastic controls which rise up when started, luminous fluid displays and a joystick which replaces the traditional steering wheel all add to the overall mentality of the fun and friendly vehicle.

Press Release

‘PUYO’ is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses the sensation of touching the vehicle’s soft body. It is meant to convey a warm, friendly impression.

The PUYO represents a new idea in mobility that brings together ‘clean’, ‘safe’ and ‘fun’ functionality in an environmentally responsible, people-friendly minimalist design featuring an ultra-high efficiency, small frame and fuel cell technology to please both users and onlookers alike.

Exterior design

The development theme for the PUYO exterior was to create a cornerless, ‘Seamless Soft Box’ form that is kind to both people and the environment. The goal was to create a personable design with the feel of an adorable pet, while taking advantage of the maximum spaciousness of the box-shaped design. The PUYO’s ‘gel body’ features soft materials to promote greater real-world safety. Moreover, the body has been made luminescent to guide people into the proper operating position and notify them of the vehicle’s condition, facilitating a more intimate relationship between people and their cars.

Interior design

Developed to have a ‘Silky Feel’, the PUYO’s interior is designed to provide a refreshing, people-friendly space imbued with a feeling of transparency. Features such as an instrument panel monitor, controls that take advantage of the elastic qualities of cloth to rise up when the vehicle starts up, luminous fluid meter displays, and a joystick for intuitive operation are all designed to gently support occupants’ senses and sensibilities.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071009.006/honda-puyo-concept-world-premiere-in-tokyo

Honda has released today initial info and photos for its’ CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero) concept car to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in two weeks. Referred to as a next generation lightweight sports car, the CR-Z is clearly influenced by the compact front-wheel-drive sports car, CR-X (Civic Renaissance Model X), which was built from 1983 to 1991.

Honda highlights futuristic design, sporty driving dynamics and hi-tech user interface as well as a small environmental footprint. However, Honda is putting additional emphasis on the design approach of the CR-Z as it seeks to challenge compact car stereotypes. Honda states in the press release, “CR-Z - an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals. ”

Honda is attempting to offset any negative “small car” vibes, which the original CR-X suffered, by emphasizing an interior which is open and spacious as opposed to claustrophobic and confined. This is achieved with the panoramic windshield, sun roof and lift gate which almost form a continuous sheet of glass. Combined with sporty driving dynamics and hybrid power plant the CR-Z sets to change the boring driving image of small hybrid cars.

A CR-X successor has been much anticipated for many years and with Honda’s excellent brand image, particularly in the U.S, the return of the CR-X couldn’t be timed better as hybrid popularity continues to increase.

Press Release

‘CR-Z’ stands for ‘Compact Renaissance Zero’—an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals.

This design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint.

Exterior design

Designed to be ‘Futuristic and Dynamic’, the CR-Z combines powerful performance in a compact form with a futuristic image. For its frontal view, an over-sized grill with a high- performance look is offset by openings on each side that lighten the overall feel. In the rear, tube-shaped rear combination lamps ensure better rearward visibility. Design details emphasizing the CR-Z’s advanced image include door mirrors that provide high visibility in a stylish form, LED headlights patterned after luminous bodies to convey a sharp impression, and jaunty fin-shaped sub-lights. Large, 19-inch wheels are ready for dynamic driving performance.

Interior design

The key words for the CR-Z’s interior design are ‘Hi-tech and Sporty’. The goal was to create an all-new sporty interior that fuses the liberating feel of airy spaciousness with an advanced interface that brings out the fun of the drive. Mesh material on a simple framework construction is used throughout the interior to convey a light, sophisticated image without being oppressive. In the cockpit, the meter unit conveys the image of advanced technology ensconced in a piece of glass artwork, offering the functionality of immediate recognition while enhancing the driving experience with a futuristic and exhilarating feeling.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071009.007/honda-cr-z-concept-debuts-in-tokyo