Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Tech, Honda
LA 2007: Honda unwraps the 2009 FCX Clarity!
Click the FCX Clarity for a high res gallery
Two years after unveiling the fuel cell-powered FCX concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda today revealed the production version of the car that will be available next summer, along with a name and a price. The car now known as the FCX Clarity will be available to retail customers starting in mid-2008 for a three year lease. The $600/month price tag will include all maintenance and collision insurance. Unlike GM's Project Driveway program, Honda made it clear that engineers won't be following these cars around. People will be able to come into a Honda dealer, sign the papers and drive away. At least if they live in southern California. Initially, the cars will only be available to customers in areas where hydrogen filling stations are available. The production version remains true to the concept with the only real change being the nose, which has been stretched a few inches to provide for some crush space. The range on a full tank of hydrogen compressed to 5,000 psi remains at 270 miles and the vertical flow fuel cell can start at temperatures down to -22F
[Source: Honda]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Willem B 3:13PM (11/14/2007)
and collision insurance?
what ifyou have a brutal driving record?
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Willem B 3:13PM (11/14/2007)
and collision insurance?
what ifyou have a brutal driving record?
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Zane 3:21PM (11/14/2007)
Yeah, like 15 points and a couple of DUIs. :P
Craig 3:21PM (11/14/2007)
Honda managed to take and exciting concept car and make it look very, very boring.
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torpeau 10:11AM (11/15/2007)
This is what the new Accord should have looked like instead of the mishmosh they gave us,
Justin 9:10AM (11/16/2007)
I agree with Torpeau! This is how the Accord should have looked. I guess they saved the better design for this.
dskinner 3:26PM (11/14/2007)
Wow, the new FCX Clarity, that's Clarity spelled P-R-I-U-S. I'm sure the greenies will love it.
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B-NOIT 3:29PM (11/14/2007)
Depressing design and terrible proportions, but kudos to Honda for the technology in this car.
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Leaf 3:34PM (11/14/2007)
Looks like it's supposed to be the next gen Civic. Reasonable exterior but horribly, painfully overdesigned interior. I almost get a headache just thinking about spending an hour in there.
What the hell happened to the quality, simple, ergonomic and user-friendly Honda interiors? They used to make some of the best in the industry! I don't understand.
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LloydChiro 3:38PM (11/14/2007)
It's a Buick!
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huis 3:45PM (11/14/2007)
It looks like a cross between a civic, a prius, and a new altima (because of the rear shoulder line over the fenders).
Honestly though, I think it looks a lot more like a Honda than the new monster Accord, and I mean that in a good way.
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Egon 4:10PM (11/14/2007)
Well, the gap between 'concept' and 'reality' may be a big one, but hats off to Honda for trying to take the next step. Now, all we need is a hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure to support the Next Big Thing. No problemo. We should have that done before breakfast tomorrow.
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Ed 10:30AM (11/27/2007)
I agree that the infastructure for hydrogen vehicles is nonexistant, however this car is clearly just a demonstration of a developing technology. Should it prove to be viable, the demand for the technology will create a "build out" of the needed infastructure. You can also argue that an investment in tax incentives representing a tiny fraction of the mountain of our money being spent to protect our oil interests in the Middle East would quickly extend the needed fueling stations along our interstate highway system.
catchmeinhawaii 4:10PM (11/14/2007)
1) The chrome piece on the front needs to go! Why does this car have a grill, anyway? There is no engine to keep cool!
2)The tiny, Wal-Mart hub cap looking wheels are really pathetic. Why not give us some modern 17 inch wheels like one might find on a 5series or Eclass.
3)Drop 'Clarity' and give the car only one name... FCX! How many cars have two names anyway? Nissan dropped the 'Pathfinder' from the 'Pathfinder Armada' because they realized it was a stupid idea to have two names.
Overall this car is making a huge step in the auto industry. Petrol is so passe!
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Victor 4:24PM (11/14/2007)
No engine?
What do you think the hydrogen combustion takes place?
Jimbo 5:14PM (11/14/2007)
It's a fuel cell vehicle. Technically, the hydrogen doesn't undergo combustion.
torpeau 2:29PM (11/15/2007)
Isn't combustion the rapid oxidizing of something? In this instance, hydrogen.
Jimbo 3:25PM (11/15/2007)
Yes, but generally and in most dictionaries, it is a rapid oxidation that produces heat and light. Combustion is somewhat of a subset of oxidation reactions.
Big Rocket 4:21PM (11/14/2007)
Autoblog: "... the FCX Clarity will be available to retail customers starting in mid-2008 for a three year lease."
Is this car for lease only, with no option to buy it at the end of the lease? I can already sense the sequel to "Who Killed the Electric Car".
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mavkato 4:27PM (11/14/2007)
No, Honda will get a pass on that, just for the fact that they are not GM