2012 New Cr-z Ex Hybrid 1.5l Crystal Black Pearl on 2040-cars

Auto blog

New fuel-cell sedan leads Honda's Tokyo lineup

It's time to talk Tokyo Motor Show friends, and as is so often the case, there's going to be some weird stuff arriving at this year's event. From Honda, we have a few important pieces of news. Arguably the most exciting is a new fuel-cell vehicle, called the FCV. Don't worry, Honda calls that remarkably unimaginative name "tentative." Looking like a mix of the new Civic sedan, a Nissan Maxima (that roofline!), and a Tesla Model S, this four-door coupe offers room for five, a 434-mile driving range, and motivation from at least two electric motors. Details are remarkably scarce, but all signs point to this being a vehicle worth getting excited about. That's not the only big news, though, as Honda will also show off the new production version of the Odyssey hybrid. Honda didn't provide any images of the fuel-sipping minivan, but did let slip that it uses a Sport Hybrid-iMMD system. Again, there isn't a lot of information, but the iMMD, short for "intelligent Multi-Mode Drive," has been used on other Honda products before. While Honda is also bringing out vehicles we're familiar with – both the new Civic Type-R and NSX will make appearances in Tokyo – the company's motorcycle arm is bringing a trio of interesting concepts. First, and perhaps most exciting, is the EV-Cub Concept. If that names sounds familiar, it's because Honda showed a bike with the same name in 2009. Drawing inspiration from the original (and legendary) Super Cub, the EV-Cub situates a battery and electric motor low and in the center of the body for optimum weight distribution and in turn, easy riding dynamics. Next, we have the Neowing. Featuring a three-wheel layout with a four-cylinder boxer engine and a hybrid powertrain, there's a lot to like about this concept's mechanicals. Unfortunately, there aren't any images of the Neowing yet. That's also the case with the Light Weight Super Sports Concept, although unlike the trike, mechanical details are wholly absent, too. So for this one, you'll have to wait until we're actually on the ground in Tokyo. What is pictured, though, are a pair of new concepts – the Wander Stand and Wander Walker. Again, details are scarce – if you're sensing a theme, you're not alone – but based on the images, the Wander Stand looks like a waiting room on wheels and the Wander Walker is a mobility scooter. Here's hoping more info is released before press days on October 28 and 29.

Honda Clarity Series brings EV, PHEV to hydrogen fuel cell model

Honda has finally fessed up. Just as we suspected, the company's upcoming hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle will not be the only powertrain variant. Honda confirmed today that all-electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the Clarity will be joining the hydrogen car in 2017. The Clarity Fuel Cell will be available in the US in late 2016. The three vehicles are collectively called the Clarity Series. Collectively called the Clarity Series, the three vehicles will share the same platform and target different markets. As we know, the hydrogen model will only be sold in areas where refueling is possible, and that means California and, at some point, the Northeastern US. Honda said the electric version will first be available in the EV-friendly state of California and the company will explore the business case from there. The PHEV will be sold in all 50 states. No range estimate was given for the EV (yet), but the PHEV will have at least 40 miles of all-electric range. Honda will need this kind of powertrain diversification if it hopes to reach its stated goal of having two-thirds of its vehicles be plug-in or hydrogen by 2030. Of course, the next step is different models (a CUV or a truck) that have all three alt-powertrains, but we'll take what we can get for now. Related Video: Honda Takes Bold Step with Honda Clarity Series; Fuel Cell, Battery Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Variants to Leverage Common Platform •Clarity Fuel Cell gets two electrified siblings – the Clarity Electric and the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid – both launching in 2017 •New trio of Clarity vehicles provide unparalleled choices to customers through three different electric powertrain options •All Clarity vehicles will offer spacious, five-passenger seating, premium features and interior appointments; consumers can learn more at http://www.automobiles.honda.com/Clarity DETROIT, April 21, 2016 – Honda today announced that the upcoming Clarity Fuel Cell will be joined by two additional variants, the Clarity Electric and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, launching in the U.S. in 2017. The addition of two new Clarity vehicles, based on the same platform underpinning the new Clarity Fuel Cell, makes Clarity the first vehicle in the industry to offer fuel cell, electric and plug-in hybrid technology on one model platform, offering Honda customers an expanded array of electrified vehicle choices to suit their individual tastes and driving needs. Following the U.S.

Honda, GM fuel-cell partnership wants to reduce hydrogen refueling costs

To paraphrase the old political adage, it's the cost, stupid. Dollar signs are what's prompting Honda and General Motors to partner up to accelerate development of a hydrogen fuel cell system. With about half the cost of a fuel-cell system tied up in its fuel-cell stack, GM and Honda are looking to help each other drive costs down, according to a presentation by GM fuel cell research and development director Mark Mathias said in a presentation at the SAE 2014 Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Technologies Symposium. According to Green Car Congress, Honda and GM are looking to reap the fruits of their collective labor by 2020. As with other automakers, the high cost of producing fuel-cell vehicles is the fly in the ointment of a powertrain technology that combines the same range as gas-powered vehicles but with zero emissions. In the meantime, Honda, which makes the very limited production FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle, is slated to start selling its own mass-market fuel-cell vehicle in 2015. The two automakers made their partnership announcement last summer and said they contribute to expanding hydrogen fuel infrastructure in California during the next few years. Earlier, Ford, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler and Nissan also said they would work together to speed up fuel-cell technology development.