EARTH DREAM TECHNOLOGIES:Honda has announced details of its three new Hybrid systems as part of the Earth Dreams Technology series of new generation powertrain technology. The three systems will be used in future Honda vehicles, and have been designed to be installed in a range of different vehicle sizes, from superminis to supercars.
The first of these new hybrid systems is the one-motor Sport Hybrid intelligent dual clutch drive. It combines an in-line four-cylinder 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine with a seven-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) system. Honda claim that the built-in high output motor and lithium-ion battery improve efficiency by more than 30 per cent in comparison with a conventional one-motor hybrid system.
The second system Honda has developed is the two-motor Sport Hybrid intelligent multi-mode drive/plug-in. This system has been optimised for mid-sized vehicles.
It has a newly developed 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine specifically designed for hybrid vehicles. The hybrid system has three driving modes which are selected depending on driving conditions and the battery charge level, EV Drive, Engine Drive and Hybrid Drive. This hybrid system will be first seen on the American model of the Honda Accord in January 2013.
Honda’s third new hybrid system is a three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (super handling – all wheel drive). This combines a 3.5-litre direct-injection V6 engine with a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission with a built-in motor. There are two motors at the rear of the car which control torque transfer between the right and left rear wheels.
These new additions to Honda’s electric vehicle technologies will further progress the development of the new forthcoming NSX supercar (pictured).