07 Mar 07
Here's the new Insight, or at least a pretty strong hint at the shape it's going to take when it goes on sale in 2009. Designed at Honda's studio in Offenbach, Germany, this new model has been developed with far greater sales ambitions than the original, which was effectively a trial run for the technology and an eye-catching way of promoting hybrids prior to the launch of the Civic and Accord Hybrid models. Whereas Honda sold just 16,990 first time around, there's a target of 200,000 sales for this one.
'Based on our experience, we believe that hybrid technology has the greatest benefit - to both the environment and the customer - in small, affordable cars,' said Honda president and CEO Takeo Fukui. 'The Small Hybrid Sports Concept focuses on high fuel efficiency together with true driving excitement by fusing advanced hybrid technology and fun-to-drive spirit in a sleek aerodynamic design.'
The new-generation hybrid system will combine a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a CVT gearbox. The concept is based on a small-car platform but is designed as a standalone model. Honda promises sports suspension, to 'help deliver stable and predictable handling characteristics'.
The production version will probably not get the concept's LED-decorated front end, super-low nose, one-piece glass roof, rear-view cameras in place of door mirrors and 20" wheels, but the basic aerodynamic outline, fully covered wheel hubs for low rolling resistance, wraparound wheel arches, short overhangs and fastback-style rear end should remain.
While the concept is the headline-grabbing news from Honda, a less visually impressive new development has the potential for greater impact and reductions in harmful emissions. Its new-generation diesel engine, a compact four-cylinder unit on show in a glass case, 'reduces exhaust gas emissions to a level equal to a petrol engine', said Fukui.
The engine, which meets the upcoming Euro 5 emissions legislation and the USA BIN 5 (50-state) criteria, and will also be able to meet Euro 6, uses advanced catalyst technology in a similar way to the Mercedes-Benz Bluetec system, used by Volkswagen-Audi as Bluemotion. But the clever bit is this: while Bluetec/Bluemotion needs a container for an aqueous urea solution, Honda's system self-generates ammonia within its catalytic converter to kick off the chemical reaction to turn nitrous oxides and other emissions into harmless nitrogen.
'There is no need for on-board storage and injection of urea,' says Fukui. Honda has achieved this by giving the catalyst a two-layer structure. One layer absorbs nitrous oxide and hydrogen from the exhaust gas, and during the engine's 'rich-burn' mode these compounds react to form ammonia which is then absorbed by the second layer. Under lean-burn operation, the ammonia then acts to break down the nitrous oxides to nitrogen and oxygen. The system can even operate efficiently at temperatures between 200-300deg C.
This new engine will make its debut in the US within three years, and European sales are currently under discussion.
