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TOKYO – Honda Motor Co. will take the wraps off its most ambitious concept car to date when it unveils a 3.5-litre V6 mid-engine hybrid sports car at the 35th Annual Tokyo Motor Show on October 24.
The Honda Dualnote spearheads the range of concept vehicles and production models Honda will showcase at the 2001 Motor Show.
Using the themes Sports Mind and Space Magic, Honda has developed six fun and functional concept vehicles aimed at maximising interior space and usability, passenger comfort, fuel efficiency and driving pleasure. Honda will cover two design concepts – sporty and utilitarian – with a range that balances safety and low environmental impact with driving excitement.
The Honda Dualnote concept vehicle – a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 hybrid – fuses Honda’s sports heritage and environmental philosophies. The aerodynamic four-door sports coupe features a refined version of the Civic IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system powering the front wheels for maximum peformance and fuel efficiency.
By combining the additional front drive motor and rear-mounted i-VTEC V6 engine, the Honda Dualnote drivetrain delivers around 300kW of power and 5.51 litres per 100kms.
The smooth and stable cornering of an advanced version of ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) and side slip control characteristics of VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) are synchronised to employ each tyre to maximum effect.
The Dualnote’s high-tech instrument panel uses interactive voice recognition technology to operate the three display units. As well as speed, engine rpm and other vital information, the instrument panel also notifies the driver of incoming email and telephone messages. The Dualnote is also equipped with night vision, which uses an infrared camera to detect pedestrians and an in-built navigation display indicates changes in road direction.
Designers of Honda’s Bulldog concept vehicle – an aggressively styled, compact three-door sports car – took their inspiration from the internet to develop the ultimate go-anywhere city vehicle. The Bulldog has a tall-boy design and high seating position for added comfort and security and includes two removable electric commuter motorcycles – which also doubles as rear seatbacks – for access to hard-to-reach city streets.
Honda has also created the ultimate multi-purpose meeting place for friends – the Unibox Multi Life Terminal. The people mover-style concept vehicle makes the most of its substantial interior with full modular panel, visible truss frame and multiple storage compartments in the panels and doors.
The Unibox also has a social conscience. As well as delivering maximum fuel economy and low emissions with an in-line 4-cylinder engine with IMA, the Unibox even protects pedestrians with a front pedestrian airbag system.
And for those looking to escape city life, the Model X utility vehicle is equipped to meet the needs of a modern, active lifestyle. It has a large, flat floor, flexible seating arrangement, a fully washable interior, wide doors and large rear gate to adjust to changing passenger and cargo requirements. The dash accommodates an MP3 and CD player and a flip-up satellite navigation monitor.
Honda will also preview the Civic Hybrid at Tokyo Motor Show. Throughout its 29-year history, the Civic has showcased Honda’s advanced environmental technologies, including the CVCC engine and VTEC, and now hybrid technology.
The Civic Hybrid is powered by an advanced version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). It combines a super efficient 1.3-litre i-DSI lean burn engine with an ultra-thin, DC brushless motor to achieve 3.41 litres per 100km and Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle status.
Honda has made the Power Control Unit (PCU) and battery lighter and more compact by combining both into a single IPU or Intelligent Power Unit, allowing the two cooling circuits to be replaced with one. As a result, the Civic Hybrid’s IPU occupies 50 per cent less space than the Insight PCU and battery package.
Honda’s racing spirit will also be represented at Tokyo Motor Show with the prototype NSX-R. Based on the concept of “evolution and strength”, the NSX Type R features carbon fibre panels, hood air outlets, rear spoiler and engine compartment cover as well as carbon fibre-backed Recaro seats, custom Type R 17-inch alloy wheels and Momo genuine leather 3-spoke steering wheel.
The Tokyo Motor Show runs until 7 November.
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