Honda is going to take the wraps off its first all-new Hybrid only model since the Insight, this October.
The New Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle, as its known internally is going to start under $20,000. It was originally rumored that the new vehicle could revive the Insight name, but according to Honda insiders the name will not be used. The new hybrid is powered by a smaller and lighter version of the 1.3L IMA system that is currently used by the Civic hybrid. The system is mated to a continuously variable transmission and helps the vehicle achieve around 60mpg. A nickel metal hydride battery pack is located under the rear floor.
From a styling perspective the new hybrid looks a lot like a Prius with some styling cues from the FCX thrown in. It's overall size will be slightly wider and taller than the Fit subcompact and will fit five-passengers.
Honda is planning on producing 200,000 units a year, with about half of that coming to North America. Honda's next hybrid will be the a production version of the CR-Z concept (pictured above) that will be released for the 2011 model year. It will feature a more powerful IMA system and start around $25,000.
To see photos of the prototype Honda Hybrid click below.
Full Story: Inside Line
Related Stories:
First Spy Photos of Honda's New Hybrid...It Looks a lot Like a Prius
Honda CR-Z Concept Unveiled...Finally a Successor to the CR-X?
Comments (16)
Once again, GM will be late to the party.
Posted by first | August 7, 2008 2:01 PM
Posted on August 7, 2008 14:01
Lets hope they don't ruin the looks. They need to release it as is, except for functional headlights.
@First
What are you talking about? GM has hybrids out now. If you're referring to the Volt, Honda is late to the party as the Volt is not a hybrid. It's a full electric vehicle with diesel generator onboard.
Posted by Gary | August 7, 2008 2:14 PM
Posted on August 7, 2008 14:14
I, for one, would definitely wait for the CR-Z. It's been repeatedly pointed out that the new Honda looks an awful lot like a Prius, and I don't think that's necessarily a good thing. The plus side is the car should start under 20k, so it will be priced right, at least.
As an aside, it's too bad Lithium batteries are still so expensive, that would make the car much more appealing. And lighter.
Posted by Jimb | August 7, 2008 2:18 PM
Posted on August 7, 2008 14:18
It won't be the CRZ, it's the Honda badged Prius that's unveiled in October. Who cares? Give us the sporty car already, we didn't buy the Prius already for a reason.
Posted by r32 | August 7, 2008 3:11 PM
Posted on August 7, 2008 15:11
"It's a full electric vehicle with diesel generator onboard."
I haven't paid a lot of attention to the Volt development, but that is news to me. I thought she was going to be a plug-in electric. This makes the Volt either a freight train, or some sort of hybrid.
Now i gotta go google freight trains and see what diesel/electric locomotion is classified as.
Posted by Trooper Bri | August 7, 2008 3:50 PM
Posted on August 7, 2008 15:50
The Volt uses its engine to strictly generate electricity, not move the car in anyway. The electric motor is what moves the car at all times. Thus an electric car with a generator on board.
A hybrid uses the internal combustion and/or an electric motor to power the car at any given time. Thus a hybrid.
Posted by Avatar | August 7, 2008 6:31 PM
Posted on August 7, 2008 18:31
Bow tie fans, bow down to Honda.
Posted by Sam | August 7, 2008 9:44 PM
Posted on August 7, 2008 21:44
yep, GM is late. for now, hybrid is still most effective.
Posted by adrian | August 8, 2008 2:21 AM
Posted on August 8, 2008 02:21
Funny, they talk about a new hybrid but its just the stupid Prius knock-off thats coming out. The CR-Z is still coming out after the Volt.
As usual the idiots can't figure it out.
Posted by doh | August 8, 2008 4:20 AM
Posted on August 8, 2008 04:20
Prius = Parallel Hybrid
Freight Train = Series Hybrid
Volt = Electric car with its own recharging plant?
Not sure what the designation for the Volt is because it is sort of a "hybrid-hybrid system"
It is not a Parallel hybrid because the ICE does not directly drive the car.
It is not a series hybrid because that system contains essentially no batteries, the electric motor operates more like a transmission. And the Diesel motors have no direct coupling to the wheels. It is Diesel Engine > Generator > Ele. Motor.
The Volt is more like the new "Series diesel hybrid w/regenerative breaking" Freight Trains in development by GE. Thus they have huge battery banks that can recoupe and store breaking energy as well as drive the train in electric only mode for a brief period.
Posted by Tom T | August 8, 2008 5:32 AM
Posted on August 8, 2008 05:32
Wikipedia calls the Volt a "plug-in series-hybrid electric vehicle" GM likes to avoid the use of the term "hybrid," preferring to call it an electric vehicle with a "range extender".
Posted by Tom T | August 8, 2008 5:36 AM
Posted on August 8, 2008 05:36
Prius = hybrid
New Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle = hybrid
CR-Z = hybrid
Volt = useless piece o' crap
Posted by abc | August 8, 2008 8:18 AM
Posted on August 8, 2008 08:18
Avatar: intelligent comment
doh: intelligent opinionated comment
Tom T: intelligent comment
abc: moron
Posted by stahlight | August 8, 2008 9:24 AM
Posted on August 8, 2008 09:24
Ug....looks like it should be sold by the Kirby man....
Posted by WS | August 8, 2008 10:15 AM
Posted on August 8, 2008 10:15
stahlight = idiot who can't spell starlight
Posted by DE | August 8, 2008 1:16 PM
Posted on August 8, 2008 13:16
This Honda is good for a start.
Although seeing GM slammed on the very first post here is nothing new to me, the Volt with a diesel on-board is news to me, too. I thought it was a straight plug-in affair.
The Honda looks good. Front end reminds me of a windsheild ice scraper. Rest of the lines are prettier than my 350Z imo.
Posted by WVO | August 8, 2008 1:33 PM
Posted on August 8, 2008 13:33