Great article on upcoming Honda hybrids

[Daox]

I got this article the other day and didn't read it until this morning. Its got some really good info about the upcomming CRZ, hybrid Fit, battery technology and hybrid systems in general.

Honda Plans Hybrid Push

Seiki reiterates in an interview the auto maker plans to introduce a hybrid sports car in 2010. Then, probably in 2013 – although he would not confirm a launch date, Honda will follow with a hybrid version of the Fit, which may or may not be sold in North America.

The sports car will be based on the CR-Z concept unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Seki notes the production model will be equipped with the same motor and battery as the Insight but boast a more powerful engine, most likely displacing 1.5L. The Insight has a 1.3L engine. The CR-Z powerplant will not be turbocharged, he says.

...

Seki doesn’t confirm the cost of the Insight’s hybrid system, but does concede it is in the range of ¥100,000-¥150,000 ($1,000-$1,500).

...

Seki also confirms Honda is developing a 2-motor hybrid system – although not necessarily the same concept as used by Toyota Motor Corp.’s Prius. However, the auto maker has no immediate plans to introduce such a model.

[MetroMPG]

The market seems to have shied away from hybrid "sporty/performance" models in the past. Makes me doubtful about the sales prospects of the CRZ.

May be a demographics/psychological issue with the "sporty" mindset. You can read comments in this forum from some traditional gear heads and find examples of people who would happily own a CRX successor, but who are mistrustful, fearful, or even flat out hostile toward hybrid technology.

Plus: is it unrealistic to think that a hybrid driven aggressively (as one will expect a "sporty" car to be marketed) will have a much shorter battery life? (Higher current in & out, more cycles).

I wonder if the fact that Honda's working on a 2-motor system suggests they may be conceding the market wants a true EV mode in its hybrids, like GM's, Ford's & Toyota's systems. Hard to say - really no details about the new approach in the article.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

2013 for the Fit Hybrid?! FOUR years from now?

[Daox]

Thats what they say... Of course, if you go to Priuschat, they have info saying it'll be out in late 2010. So, I dunno.