Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda), a manufacturer of various motor products, has introduced a new Insight Hybrid car, New Accord 180 PS Diesel Type-S, Honda S2000 and FCX Clarity and CR-Z Concept at the Geneva motor show. The new Insight, to be launched for Europe at the show, has been designed to offer a practical five-seat family car at an affordable price with high fuel economy and low CO2 and other emissions.

Honda’s hybrid vehicle revives the Insight nameplate which was first used in 1999. It also marks a return for Honda to producing hybrids in a dedicated aerodynamic body, designed to optimize the performance of the efficient petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.

The Insight combines an optimized 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine with a compact thin electric motor. The electric motor acts as a generator during deceleration, recovering energy that is otherwise lost as heat from the brakes. This energy is stored in the batteries and then used to support the combustion engine during acceleration to save fuel and increase efficiency.

The Insight has been designed to give good real world emission and fuel economy figures. Its key element is the Eco Assist system that is fitted as standard. The upper instrument cluster where the speedometer is sited, features a color changing ambient light that illuminates green when driving ecologically, blue/green when the car is being driven acceptably and blue when driving with less regard for economy.

The ambient lighting of the speedometer combines with a bar diagram which is more than a simple instantaneous economy meter. The display in the center of the rev counter shows how aggressively the driver is accelerating or braking and encourages the driver to stay towards the middle with lighter more progressive use of the brake and accelerator pedals.

To chart progress, during each journey leaves will appear on the bare stems of the plant icons on the center meter if the driver is matching the ecological driving conditions ideal.

The display also keeps the driver informed of their progress through the stages of ecological driving over the lifetime of the car. At the end of each journey the driver is given a score which they can build up over time to chart progress. Over time the driver will be presented with trophy symbols for continued economical driving, or a wilting plant symbol if they regress into less efficient driving.

The Insight has been designed to offer a practical family car at an affordable price with excellent fuel economy and low CO2 and other emissions. The Insight gives seating for five and a boot capacity of 408 liters with the seats up. The repackaging of the IPU and batteries means the Insight has seats which fold almost flat, increasing the boot capacity to 1017 liters.

The practical interior is complimented by an attractively styled and aerodynamically profiled body, which helps the Insight to achieve 101 g/km CO2 emissions and 4.4l/100km fuel consumption under the EU combined test procedures.

The Insight will go on sale in Europe from the end of March 2009 and pricing information is available from each country’s Public Relation representative.

180 PS i-DTEC Engine for Accord Sedan and Tourer:

Alongside the Insight and ASIMO will be the introduction of the new 180PS derivative of the acclaimed Honda i-DTEC diesel engine. This new higher-power variant produces 180 PS at 4000 rpm, a 30 PS increase over the standard i-DTEC engine with the peak power coming at the same rpm. Torque has also increased 30 Nm to 380 Nm at 2000 rpm.

The enhanced engine will be fitted to the Accord in a new Type-S variant. As well as the significant increase in power this new model will gain new lower bumper sections, front chin spoiler, sill extensions, and smoke chrome finished grille. The new model will be available in two new paint colors with White Pearl and Basque Red joining the current color line up.

Complimenting this suite of cosmetic changes will be clear indicator covers to further distinguish the new Type-S model. In addition, this model will be equipped with a new design of 18 alloy wheels, giving the Type-S a more sporting stance. The new engine retains its 2.2 liter capacity and gains its additional power with revised turbo-charger housing, enlarged intercooler, stronger con-rods and a revised cylinder head. These modifications release the full potential of the critically acclaimed i-DTEC engine, allowing it to deliver excellent usable performance and good fuel economy.

Performance, fuel economy and emissions data will be available once homologation is completed. The Type-S goes on sale in some European markets from this summer.

S2000 Ultimate Edition:

The final model of the Honda S2000 range; the Ultimate Edition will go on sale from March 2009 in Europe. This limited edition has been produced to mark the end of production for the award winning sports car.

The Ultimate Edition retains its highly acclaimed 2.0 liter 9000 rpm VTEC engine and combines it with a Grand Prix White body and graphite colored alloy wheels. The shade of the paint evokes the color first used on Honda’s 1964 F1 car and many sporting models since. The exterior color combination with the dark metal alloy wheels and black S2000 badging gives a fresh look to the timeless shape of the roadster body.

The white exterior will be matched with a red leather interior and complimented by red coloring for stitching on the gear lever gaiter. Ultimate Editions will be marked out by their numbered plaques on the kickplates, denoting their position in the series.

As the name suggests, the Honda S2000 Ultimate Edition will be the last version before global production of the model ceases production altogether at the end of June 2009.

FCX Clarity and CR-Z Concept:

Joining the new models at Geneva will be the CR-Z Hybrids Sports Concept that gives an impression of the model that will join the Insight and Civic in the Honda line-up of compact hybrids. The production model, which will be based on this sporty 2+2, will offer something completely new to the hybrid market when the production model is launched in 2010. The compact sports concept demonstrates the flexibility of the Honda IMA hybrid system, which can be combined with a number of engine and transmission options in a range of body styles.

CR-Z:

CR-Z stands for Compact Renaissance Zero-an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals.

This design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint.

Exterior design:

Designed to be ‘Futuristic and Dynamic’, the CR-Z combines powerful performance in a compact form with a futuristic image. For its frontal view, an over-sized grill with a high-performance look is offset by openings on each side that lighten the overall feel. In the rear, tube-shaped rear combination lamps ensure better rearward visibility. Design details emphasising the CR-Z’s advanced image include door mirrors that provide high visibility in a stylish form, LED headlights patterned after luminous bodies to convey a sharp impression, and jaunty fin-shaped sub-lights. Large, 19-inch wheels give a strong sporting stance and hint at the sporting dynamics of the chassis.

The high tail with split level glass, shallow rake of the roof and kamm-style tail evoke the spirit of the CRX as well as linking the design to Honda’s environmental cars the Insight and FCX Clarity.

Interior design:

The goal with the interior design was to create an all-new sporty interior that fuses the liberating feel of spaciousness with an advanced interface that enhances driving pleasure. Mesh material on a simple framework construction is used throughout the interior to convey a light, sophisticated image without being oppressive. In the cockpit, the meter unit conveys the image of advanced technology ensconced in a piece of glass artwork, offering the functionality of immediate recognition while enhancing the driving experience with a futuristic feeling.