Geneva Auto Show: Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept
Click the pic for the gallery.
The vacuum left by the insight was in need of filling, and Honda's Small Hybrid Sports Concept is one idea to plug the hole. Designed by the Honda R&D team in Germany, the powertrain consists of an IMA 4-cylinder gasoline/electric hybrid system that sends power to the front wheels through a CVT transmission. The uber-slippery body, lack of rear view mirrors (cameras are mounted in their place) and 165/60 tires will please the most ardent fuel miser.
Check the full press release after the jump, and be sure to check the live pics and renderings over at AutoblogGreen.
[Source: Honda]
PRESS RELEASE
Honda Unveils "Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept" at The 2007 Geneva Motorshow
GENEVA, Switzerland, March 6, 2007–Honda has unveiled a concept model which represents its interpretation of how a future hybrid model might appear. Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept, a design study model, demonstrates a unique fusion of advanced environmental technology, exciting styling and fun-to-drive characteristics. This is its world premiere for the model, which has been penned by the design studio at Honda R&D Europe based in Offenbach, Germany.
Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept
The Small Hybrid Sports Concept is conceived around a front-wheel drive, small car platform and is powered by a Honda IMA 4-cylinder petrol/electric hybrid system driving through a CVT transmission. It 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.
The aerodynamic design is characterised by curvaceous and contoured surfaces contrasting with sharp "folded" edges. The short front and rear overhangs, together with wheelarches that wrap tightly around large wheels, further enhance the dramatic looks of this sports coupe. An accentuated, arrow-like nose features a full width air intake with Civic family overtones. This sweeps forward into a distinct protruding centre section complete with 'H' logo.
The Concept model's fluid lines are created by a steeply raked windscreen which extends back above the occupants' heads where it meets a one piece glass roof. This in turn flows rearwards to give the car its fastback styling, terminating in a distinctive and futuristic 3D floating glass design – a concave element which forms an additional vertical window. At its base, further distinction is provided by a 'floating' LED tail light unit that stretches across the full width of the car. At its centre, the glass panel extends downwards and contains an illuminated 'Small Hybrid Sports' name plate.
The Hybrid Sports Concept is equipped with 165/60 section tyres mounted on 20-inch distinctive rims. Their dimension supports low rolling resistance without compromising sporty driving.
Compact external dimensions lend themselves to nimble, agile performance on the road and help to ensure a good power to weight ratio. 4000 mm in length, 1270 mm tall and 1760 mm wide, and the 2350 mm wheelbase, in conjunction with a sports suspension, delivers stable and predictable handling characteristics.
The body is particularly aerodynamically efficient and compact. Rear-facing digital cameras take the place of conventional door mirrors.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mike 8:25AM (3/06/2007)
Interesting design work and certainly an improvement over the somewhat dated Insight design. I like the way the front wheel looks like it was pressed into the body like it was a piece of clay (maybe it is - ha ha). I'm no big Honda fan but I do recognize that they are churning out some pretty decent hardware of late.
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Peter 8:57AM (3/06/2007)
This could be the basis for a new generation CRX. A great combo of light weight that generates good performance and great fuel economy.
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Peter 9:02AM (3/06/2007)
But give it a manual tranny option for people who enjoy driving and hate those soulless CVTs.
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SherbornSean 9:10AM (3/06/2007)
If anyone can combine 'high fuel efficiency' with 'fun to drive', it's Honda.
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Thurloat 9:19AM (3/06/2007)
Defiantly looks like it could be a CRX, take a look at the trunk lid.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2007/03/h_small_hy_live_06.jpg
glass down like that is classic CRX fashion.
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Michael Karesh 9:18AM (3/06/2007)
A beauty it isn't.
Obviously 100% concept as well. With the wheel openings virtually melted around the tires, would there be any suspension travel, in either direction? Maybe I'm just not used to it, but having the openings curve in at the bottom looks quite odd.
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akintz 9:21AM (3/06/2007)
I realize it's a concept and all... but those wheels make me want to jab a pencil in my eye.
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testa di cazzo 9:56AM (3/06/2007)
oh my god! i never thought i'd say this, but this is even uglier than that horrid prius concept from the earlier post...
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Peter 10:58AM (3/06/2007)
Certainly better looking than the Prius concept and the production Prius for that matter. But it is obviously very much a concept. The production would be less extreme and have more realistic sized wheels.
But the basic outlines are well proportioned and this fits right in as an updated CRX. Small/light 2 seat hatch designed for economy and fun performance level. Even the vertical glass in the hatch is homage to the CRX.
Made production ready, I think this would end up as a fairly slick CRX replacement. I hope this is an indication of the direction Honda is thinking toward.
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ruggels 11:05AM (3/06/2007)
"But give it a manual tranny option for people who enjoy driving and hate those soulless CVTs."
Are any hybrids offered with a manaul? Anywhere?
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RITmusic2k 11:49AM (3/06/2007)
Those tires don't look like '60' profile... more like '20'...
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Peter 12:36PM (3/06/2007)
The Honda Insight had a 5spd manual option. I think it was manual only in some markets.
So manual and hybrid are not incompatible. Also it was the hybrid that was considered the most fun to drive and had the best gas mileage. The insight was also the same basic layout as this concept (2 seat hatch).
So certainly Honda has the know how to deliver a manual tranny hybrid if the desire is there.
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lalaland 12:49PM (3/06/2007)
Aiee! It's an anteater's snout!
http://www.votawphotography.com/photo/Animals/119-Tamandua%20Anteater,%20Panama.jpg
We're back to Japanese animal (not anime) design. What's next, quirky '80s retro from Space Cruiser Yamato? Oh, wait, that's Infiniti.
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ruggels 12:48PM (3/06/2007)
Thanks Peter!
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CarGuy37 1:26PM (3/06/2007)
I thought that Insight was a proper noun...
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Richard Warren 6:52PM (3/06/2007)
Nope, no sale.
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