- Global premiere for production Civic Type R, while NSX hybrid supercar is shown in Europe for the first time
- HR-V and Jazz are being shown in production-ready form
- FCV hints to Honda’s future in fuel cell technology
- McLaren-Honda Formula 1 racer on display ahead of its racing debut in Melbourne
Honda will unveil a host of important new vehicles at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show – from performance and race cars through to an advanced fuel cell concept – signalling an important year for the brand in Europe, with every model in the company’s range being new or comprehensively refreshed.
The 11:00 (CET) press conference on the Honda stand reveals the global premiere of the Honda Civic Type R production car. Designed and engineered to be a ‘race car for the road‘, this will be the most extreme Type R ever built, with blistering performance and thrilling dynamics that set new standards in the segment. A world-first application of Honda’s new 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine, aggressive function-led styling and pioneering new chassis technologies combine to deliver one of the most immersive and rewarding driving experiences available in any sector. The Type R is due to go on sale this summer.
A production version of the Honda NSX will also be on show – for the first time in Europe – 25 years after the original NSX shook up the establish supercar segment. Powered by an innovative V6 hybrid powertrain, the all-new NSX has been created to deliver a ‘New Sports eXperience’ with a focus on ‘Precision Crafted Performance’ to deliver the ultimate representation of Honda performance and prestige. The development of the 2015 Honda NSX started from a clean-sheet and involved nearly three years of intensive development effort by a global design and engineering team led by engineers at Honda’s development centre in Raymond, Ohio.
Honda’s next generation FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) CONCEPT was unveiled in Tokyo in November 2014, and also makes its European debut at the Geneva show. The futuristically styled FCV CONCEPT demonstrates the evolution of Honda’s next-generation fuel cell vehicle and is a part of the company’s commitment to a ‘hydrogen energy society’. Building on Honda’s unrivalled track record in fuel cell vehicle development, the FCV CONCEPT previews an all-new fuel cell road car that is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in the first half of 2016, and subsequently in the USA and Europe within the following 12 months.
Also on display will be the production-ready Honda HR-V, ahead of sales commencing in Europe this summer. The HR-V delivers a unique proposition to the crossover segment, with dynamic styling, the versatility of an MPV, sophisticated-yet-fun driving dynamics and fuel-efficient performance. In production guise the HR-V portrays a characterful poise, with the distinctive, boldly sculpted lines of a coupé merged with the tough, solid stance of a robust SUV. Along with the rest of the updated range of Honda vehicles, it demonstrates the brand’s pioneering approach to technological innovation.
Another demonstration of Honda’s ability to create versatile and innovative family cars comes in the form of the Honda Jazz, also in production-ready form for the first time in Geneva. Arriving in Europe this summer, the third-generation Jazz features bold yet sophisticated exterior and interior design, with unrivalled interior space and versatility. The third-generation Jazz will be based on Honda’s global B-segment platform – shared with the HR-V – and arrives with an all-new 1.3 litre i-VTEC petrol engine from Earth Dreams Technology series.
As Honda prepares to reignite Formula 1’s most famous partnership, the 2015 McLaren-Honda Formula 1 racecar will be displayed ahead of its competitive debut in Melbourne, Australia on 15 March. The new partnership aims to create a legacy to surpass that of the original, when four Constructors’ World Championships were won by McLaren-Honda in four years between 1988 and 1991.
Honda’s all-new performance cars, family cars and fuel cell concept will feature on stand 4250 in Hall 4 at the 85th Geneva Motor Show (3 – 15 March).