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 he
first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle available in the US will
be called the Honda Insight when it goes on sale this December,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced.
 Utilizing
Honda's innovative Integrated Motor Assist (IMA™) 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 combined estimate) while meeting
California's stringent Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standard
-- making it the cleanest and most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered
vehicle ever offered to American consumers.
"The
Honda Insight will provide American consumers with their first
look at one of tomorrow's advanced automotive power plants,"
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 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 ultrathin (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 complement of standard comfort and convenience
features including anti-lock brakes, electric power steering,
dual air bags, AM/FM stereo cassette, power windows and mirrors,
power door locks with keyless entry, and a theft-deterrent 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 US -- 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 clean air standards
using regular unleaded gasoline and without the use of a catalytic
converter. 
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