Honda previews Small Sports EV and AC-X plug-in concepts for Tokyo
Meanwhile, Honda says that the Small Sport EV Concept “maximizes the fun of driving while achieving excellent environmental performance.” Details are markedly absent other than that brief description, so we’re hoping Honda will shed more light on the model once it debuts in Tokyo.
The company is also planning to pull the sheets off of a new electric motorcycle based on a 250cc chassis. The RC-E is meant to show off the kind of riding enjoyment that can come from an all-electric drivetrain on two wheels. Hit the jump for the full press release.
–Seven Next-Generation Electromotive Concept Models on Display–
November 10, 2011 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced its lineup of production and concept-model automobiles, motorcycles, power products, and other highlights for its display at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011, which will take place at Tokyo Big Sight from Saturday, December 3 through Sunday, December 11, 2011.
At this motor show, with the booth concept of “What makes people feel good?” Honda will propose an exciting and thrilling mobility life of the future that it envisions as a company providing personal mobility to people all around the world. The display will include a lineup of the next-generation electromotive concept models including two-, three- and four-wheeled commuter vehicles designed for easy and fun mobility in future cities, mid-to-long distance commuters designed to enrich life and enhance the freedom and fun of mobility, and sporty models that pursue the joy of driving/riding.
Furthermore, at the automobile section, N Concept, a new mini-vehicle series that emphasizes the creation of ample space, will be showcased, including introduction of the first production model in the series, N BOX. At the motorcycle section, a variety of models will be on display, including planned production models such as NC700S, INTEGRA and NC700X, which will be equipped with Honda’s newly-developed global 700cc motorcycle engine. Also on display will be the planned production model of the CRF250L which offers both an ease of use in everyday life and the fun of off-road riding. Covering the largest floor area of any single brand at the show, the Honda booth will showcase a diverse lineup of products unique to Honda.
As a part of “SMART MOBILITY CITY 2011”, a themed project the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA) will hold at the motor show venue, Honda will showcase the FCX Clarity advanced fuel cell electric vehicle, EV-neo electric scooter, EV-MONPAL electric cart, as well as the Honda Smart Home System which features several Honda-developed energy production technologies, including a gas engine cogeneration unit and a solar powered system to reduce household and mobility CO2 emissions. The progress Honda has been making in testing program of these technologies also will be showcased.
Since the establishment of the company, Honda’s goal has been to make people happy through its technologies and through the creation of products that are useful in people’s daily lives. Driven by these dreams and passion, Honda has been committed to the research and development of mobility which focuses on people. With a passion to create and deliver mobility filled with fun and good feelings for people, Honda’s challenge as a manufacturer of mobility products will continue into the future.
<Electromotive concept models>
【Automobiles】
・AC-X
A next-generation plug-in hybrid vehicle which offers a more comfortable and enjoyable time in the vehicle during all driving situations, from urban to long-distance driving. With the choices of an “engine drive mode” for more aggressive driving or an “automatic drive mode” for more relaxed driving, the vehicle broadens the joy of mobility.
・MICRO COMMUTER CONCEPT
A micro-sized, futuristic, electric city commuter which will become a highly accessible form of mobility for more people. This vehicle will offer the joy of a new type of communications between people and mobility and an exterior that the owner can enjoy customizing more casually. The collaboration of Honda’s motorcycle and automobile R&D centers made it possible to load the MOTOR COMPO two-wheel EV commuter in this vehicle.
・SMALL SPORTS EV CONCEPT (tentative name)
A next-generation EV sports model which maximizes the fun of driving while achieving excellent environmental performance.
【Motorcycles】
・MOTOR COMPO
A compact EV commuter which offers the casual and convenient mobility of a two-wheeler, but also strives to be useful even when it is not being ridden. This model can be loaded in the MICRO COMMUTER CONCEPT, with the battery that drives this commuter detachable and designed to be used as a power source in everyday life.
・E-CANOPY
A quiet and comfortable next-generation commuter developed by installing an EV system on Honda’s unique three-wheeled scooter. In addition to personal use, this vehicle can be utilized for business use such as a delivery service by adopting a rear trunk which can be built-in.
・RC-E
An EV version of a super sports bike that pursues the joy of riding. A powerful and smooth ride unique to an EV model is achieved with the 250cc-class compact body.
【Power products】
・TOWNWALKER
Urban mobility which pursues simplicity and nimbleness that enables anyone to enjoy mobility in urban areas more casually. It can easily be loaded on a car by folding away the steering and seat.