Aha! So that’s where they’re going to use it. For those of you living under a rock for the past month, the Honda OSM Concept was a clay-model car that they showcased in the fairly recently concluded BIMS. Early reports had it that the OSM will be pretty similar to the CR-Z concept as a new low-emissions vehicle.

Now, with the launch of the new barely-facelifted 2009 Civic (thing didn’t even get a haircut, more like tweezed eyebrows), Honda is planning to redesign the next Civic incarnation and use the OSM as basis. And for those wishing for a new Civic hatch, prepare to rejoice.

The hatchback variant will get a mix of new elements as well as some carried-over ones from the current Civic. The front fascia, however, will be taken from the OSM concept. And yes, a new Type R is also in the pipeline! It will be powered by the 2.0L i-VTEC engine. And it might even be a hybrid too. Type R hybrid. Mmm…

What’s even more interesting is that Honda might even throw in a 1.5L gas engine + lithium-ion electric motor hybrid that will dish out a wicked 150 hp.

Source: AutoExpress