Honda Hybrid To Be Called 'insight' Will Feature Integrated Motor Assist System
7 July 1999
Honda Hybrid To Be Called 'insight' Will Feature (IMA) Integrated Motor Assist System, Lightweight Aluminum Body Structure
TORRANCE, Calif., July 6 -- The first gasoline-electric
hybrid vehicle available in the U.S. will be called the Honda insight when it
goes on sale this December, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
Utilizing Honda's innovative Integrated Motor Assist (IMA(TM)) hybrid
system in combination with a rigid and lightweight aluminum body structure,
world-class aerodynamic design and advanced ultra-low emissions technology,
the Honda insight is capable of averaging more than 70 miles per gallon (EPA
highway) while meeting California's stringent Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle
(ULEV) standard -- making it the world's cleanest and most fuel efficient
gasoline-powered vehicle.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990706/DETU010-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990706/DETU010-b )
"The Honda insight will provide American consumers with their first look
at one of tomorrow's advanced automotive powerplants," said Tom Elliott,
executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co. "The insight represents
Honda's commitment to developing products that meet customer expectations for
quality, comfort and driving enjoyment, while responding to society's need for
cleaner and more fuel efficient vehicles."
Debuting as a year 2000 model, the Honda insight is a sporty two-seater
coupe developed exclusively as a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle. Dubbed the
Honda VV in its concept stage, the 2000 Honda insight features Honda's new
efficient and lightweight IMA hybrid system.
At the heart of the system is the world's lightest, most compact, 1.0-
liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine. The engine uses advanced lean-burn
technology, low-friction design and lightweight materials such as aluminum,
magnesium and plastic in combination with a new lean burn-compatible NOx
catalyst to achieve a new level of efficiency and low emissions in gasoline
engine technology.
The electric component of the IMA system consists of an ultra-thin (60mm)
DC-brushless motor, a 144-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack and an
advanced electronic Power Control Unit (PCU). Unlike a dedicated electric
vehicle, insight does not require an outside source of electric power. The
electric motor draws power from the batteries to boost engine performance to
the level of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and also acts as a generator during
braking to recharge the vehicle's batteries. Power management is provided by
the system's advanced Power Control Unit.
A pioneer in the design of aluminum car bodies with its Acura NSX sports
car -- the world's first mass-produced aluminum-bodied vehicle -- Honda has
employed its extensive experience to create a new type of lightweight aluminum
body that offers a high level of body rigidity and advanced safety
performance. This unique "hybrid" aluminum chassis uses a combination of
extruded, stamped and die cast aluminum components to minimize weight while
optimizing rigidity and safety. Body weight is 40 percent less than a
comparable steel body.
Most of the vehicle's body panels are aluminum, which are lighter yet more
rigid than traditional steel panels. Front fenders and rear fender skirts are
made of recyclable plastic. Other weight-saving features include aluminum-
alloy wheels, a magnesium oil pan and plastic head cover.
In keeping with its philosophy of making environmental technology broadly
accessible to consumers, Honda will price the insight at less than $20,000
with a full compliment of standard comfort and convenience features including
anti-lock brakes, electric power steering, dual air bags, AM/FM stereo, power
windows and mirrors, remote power door locks, and an anti-theft immobilizer
system. A fully-digital instrument panel delivers information such as battery
status, charging condition and fuel economy performance at the touch of a
button.
The 2000 Honda insight is the culmination of 50 years of Honda research
into lighter, more efficient and cleaner burning vehicle technologies, and is
the latest example of Honda's commitment to bringing new environmental
technologies to market wherever feasible.
This year alone, two out of every three Hondas sold in the U.S. -- more
than 650,000 vehicles -- will be equipped with advanced low emissions
technology. Honda's commitment to developing cleaner running vehicles dates
back to the mid-70s when the company introduced its Civic CVCC, the first
vehicle to meet federal clear air standards using regular unleaded gasoline
and without the use of a catalytic converter.
Other Honda environmental firsts include:
ULEV Accord -- the first gasoline-powered vehicle to be certified as an
Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) for the California Air Resources Board
(CARB).
Honda EV Plus -- the first electric vehicle to use advanced nickel metal
hydride battery technology.
LEV Civic -- the first gasoline-powered vehicle to achieve California's
Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standard.
Civic GX -- powered by natural gas, the Civic GX has the cleanest
internal-combustion engine ever tested by CARB.
For more information on the 2000 Honda insight go to http://www.hondahybrid.com