Geneva Motor Show previews from Honda: FCX driveable concept, new sports hybrid concept, next-gen clean diesel
This image is part of Honda's official announcement of their upcoming Small Hybrid Sports Concept. Maybe this is what started the rumor of the next-gen Insight last week? Well, rumor begone! Here's the real scoop:
The new Small Hybrid Sports Concept, which "represents Honda's proposal for a future hybrid model." Designed by Honda R&D Europe in Offenbach, Germany, the car will be unveiled in March. OK, maybe this'll just keep the rumors circulating.
Also coming to Geneva is Honda's new fully driveable FCX concept vehicle The new FCX shares the vertical style fuel cell stack with the current FCX concept, although the new version has been "newly developed." Honda says the new FCX has more power and better environmental performance than the old one,a range of 570 km and a top speed limited to 160 km/h. And it sounds like customers in Japan and the U.S. will be able to take a fuel cell vehicle based on this FCX home sometime in 2008.
Lastly, Honda will present a clean next-generation diesel engine in Geneva. Honda says the engine's new technology - a "revolutionary catalytic converter" that uses the reductive reaction of ammonia to convert oxides of nitrogen (NOx) into nitrogen (N2) - reduces emissions to petrol engine levels and meets EPA's Tier II/Bin 5 requirements. This engine will be available within three years.
All right, so maybe the rumors aren't totally squashed. But we do know more now than before. We have to wait a full month for Honda's Geneva press conference on March 6 where these cars will be shown for the first time. For now, you can read the full press release after the jump. And keep checking AutoblogGreen for more rumor killing and rumor enhancing news.
Related:
- Honda has new global ad featuring the FCX concept
- Second generation Honda Insight expected to be unveiled at Geneva Motor Show
- More details on Honda's upcoming Hybrid plans - A new Insight perhaps?
- AutoblogGreen drives the FCX concept vehicle
This post has been edited because I goofed. The sketch is of the new hybrid.
Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept
Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept represents Honda's proposal for a future hybrid model. The Concept demonstrates a unique fusion of advanced hybrid technology and fun-to-drive sports car characteristics. The Small Hybrid Sports Concept, which has been designed by Honda R&D Europe based in Offenbach, Germany explores the idea that a car can have a low environmental impact yet still deliver all the driving enjoyment expected of a compact sports car.
Fully driveable Honda FCX Concept demonstrates Honda's advanced fuel cell technology
The fully functional Honda FCX Concept will be on display for the first time in Europe. The concept model features a newly developed compact, high-efficient Honda FC Stack as well as a long-floor, low-riding, short-nose body. It offers a comfortably large cabin and futuristic styling along with significant improvements in power output and environmental performance. The FCX Concept offers practical driving performance with a range of 570 km (Honda calculations when driven in LA4 mode) and a top speed limited to 160 km/h. Limited marketing of a totally new fuel cell vehicle based on the FCX Concept model is to begin in Japan and the US in 2008.
Next-generation clean diesel engine
Further technical innovation will be represented in Geneva by the company's next-generation diesel engine that uses world-first technology to reduce emissions to the same level of a petrol engine. A revolutionary catalytic converter reduces NOx (oxides of nitrogen) emissions to a level that enables the engine to meet the stringent US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier II/Bin 5 requirements.
The catalytic converter features an innovative system that uses the reductive reaction of ammonia to 'detoxify' oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by converting them into harmless nitrogen (N2). However, unlike Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems which use urea injection, Honda's innovative technology uses ammonia generated within the catalytic converter.
Honda plans to introduce its next-generation diesel engine within three years.
Honda's Motorsports challengers for 2007
On public display for the first time will be the Honda Racing F1 Team's brand new race car, the RA107.
Honda's commitment to motorsport will also be represented at the show by the Civic Type R race car based on the just-launched road car. Developed in close cooperation with Italy's JAS Motorsport, the Civic Type R is aiming for even greater success than its forebear, which has proved popular in European motor sport circles since its introduction in 2002.
The car is being developed to Group N and Group A, as well as the new Group R specifications to be introduced in 2008.
Honda's production models and accessories
The stand will also feature examples of the brand-new CR-V and Civic Type R models, as well as the rest of the Honda range. The company's extensive range of accessories will be showcased on the upper level of the stand, including a CR-V Aero Performance Pack.
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