Honda introduced this week its latest in an upcoming range of three gas/electric hybrid-drive systems, this one built for small cars with a single-motor unit and introducing a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive is the third under development by Honda in its Earth Dreams Technology series of next-generation hybrid systems designed to maximize performance as well as fuel efficiency.
The small-car hybrid system uses a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and dual-clutch transmission with a built-in high-output electric motor and lithium-ion battery, which Honda says improves fuel efficiency more than 30 percent compared with conventional one-motor hybrid systems.
The latest system is in addition to two others from Honda, which is vying to break Toyota’s dominating hold on hybrid-car sales. Honda’s Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive/Plug-It uses a newly designed gas engine and two electric motors for use in both larger-size hybrid vehicles and high-efficiency plug-in models. It will be available next summer in the 2014 Honda Accord plug-in hybrid.
This system uses three different modes of power generation – EV Drive with electric-motor power only, Engine Drive with direct gas-engine power for medium and high-speed cruising, and Hybrid Drive, using an electric motor for strong acceleration.
The Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling – All Wheel Drive) system is dedicated to performance, with a V6 engine and three electric motors. Two of the motors are at the rear wheels, where they apply varying amounts of torque to enhance cornering. This system also uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and could be destined for use in the upcoming Acura NSX sports car.
The Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive is the third under development by Honda in its Earth Dreams Technology series of next-generation hybrid systems designed to maximize performance as well as fuel efficiency.
The small-car hybrid system uses a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and dual-clutch transmission with a built-in high-output electric motor and lithium-ion battery, which Honda says improves fuel efficiency more than 30 percent compared with conventional one-motor hybrid systems.
The latest system is in addition to two others from Honda, which is vying to break Toyota’s dominating hold on hybrid-car sales. Honda’s Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive/Plug-It uses a newly designed gas engine and two electric motors for use in both larger-size hybrid vehicles and high-efficiency plug-in models. It will be available next summer in the 2014 Honda Accord plug-in hybrid.
This system uses three different modes of power generation – EV Drive with electric-motor power only, Engine Drive with direct gas-engine power for medium and high-speed cruising, and Hybrid Drive, using an electric motor for strong acceleration.
The Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling – All Wheel Drive) system is dedicated to performance, with a V6 engine and three electric motors. Two of the motors are at the rear wheels, where they apply varying amounts of torque to enhance cornering. This system also uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and could be destined for use in the upcoming Acura NSX sports car.