The current Honda CR-Z->ke3082 was unveiled at the 2008 Detroit North American International Auto Show, and experts have greeted it with lukewarm approval. New rumors suggest that with the next-generation CR-Z, Honda ->ke34 plans to base it on the 2015 Civic Type R, which recently lapped Nurburgring->ke999 in less than eight minutes.

This move could transform the CR-Z into a real competitor for models like the Toyota GT 86 ->ke4085 and Subaru BRZ->ke3973, just as Honda always wanted. According to a Honda insider, the next CR-Z will deliver "driving experience, good power, sporty look, low price and sizable global sales figures."

The model will be built on a a shorter version of the new Type R platform and will feature a design similar to the current CR-Z. Under the hood, it will likely get a a turbocharged 1.5-liter, direct-injection four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an updated version of the current CR-Z’s hybrid system. This system could help it deliver somewhere in the 221-horsepower area.

Rumors suggest that the new CR-Z will arrive on the market one year after the new-generation Civic, so expect it sometime in 2016.

Click past the jump to read more about the next Honda Civic Type R.

2015 Honda Civic Type R

The next-generation Civic Type R was caught testing in many times, but Honda offered the first official details on it at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. According to the first details, the Civic Type R will be powered by a direct-injected, turbocharged, 2-liter engine that delivers "at least 280 horsepower."

As for its exterior look, you should expect a big rear wing fitted over the rear window, bigger exhaust pipes and a deeper front spoiler, as revealed by the spy photos. We also expect a deep front spoiler, a new rear bumper with diffuser, wider wheels and sportier seats.

Expect the new Type R to arrive on the market sometime in 2015.