Honda at GENEVA Motor Show 2012

Earth Dreams Technology

Honda has created a new engine and transmission series known as Earth Dreams Technology which will be applied to products to realise both "fun" and "environmental" values at a high level.

The new Honda NSX Concept will be shown for the first time in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show 2012. The NSX Concept features a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system which is part of Earth Dreams Technology and maximises the overall drive train efficiency, reaffirming Honda’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions.

The first use of Earth Dreams Technology in Europe, will be on the new 1.6litre i-DTEC, a small diesel engine debuting in the Honda Civic in late 2012. By combining this new technology not only with diesel engines, but also with petrol engines, and a new CVT series, Honda strives to achieve top-of-industry fuel efficiency for every category of its engines within the next 3 years.

Geneva Motor Show is the setting to show the European CR-V Prototype for the first time. Already on sale in US and Japan, the European CR-V will make its debut at the Paris Salon in September.

Honda will also have the European premiere of the EV-STER, the next-generation electric small sports concept model in the form of an electric rear-wheel-drive two-seater convertible sports car.

The Honda Jazz line up is enriched with 2 more variants:
one is the Jazz Si, which features an upgraded sporty suspension package and styling changes to the interior and the exterior; the other is the Jazz 1.2 which now features idle stop, bettering its environmental credentials by a reduction of 3 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Honda is also displaying the rest of its model line-up comprising of the new Civic, the hybrids Jazz, CR-Z and Insight as well as the Accord range in sedan and Tourer guise. In addition, the FCX Clarity makes another appearance to the public as the world’s first production fuel-cell vehicle.

HONDA NSX CONCEPT

Honda presents the new Honda NSX Concept for the first time in Europe, highlighting the design and technology direction for the next-generation supercar.

The dynamically-styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from Honda. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies, including an innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.

Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, who was part of the development team of Honda’s first NSX supercar, recently explained the values of the new NSX, "Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency. In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities."

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept represents the true racing philosophy of an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio.

Utilizing a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, which Honda anticipates will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, a powerful next-generation VTEC V-6 engine with direct-injection, works in concert with a dual clutch transmission and a third electric traction motor integrated within the transmission housing, to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make the NSX the ultimate expression of, "the synergy between man and machine," added Ito. "The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way."

The new NSX, which is expected to go on sale in the next three years, will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio, USA and is targetted for true sports driving enthusiasts throughout the world.

HONDA EV-STER

Honda exhibits the EV-STER, the next-generation electric small sports concept model.

Featuring a dynamic and innovative styling design and excellent environmental performance, the EV-STER, an electric rear-wheel-drive two-seater convertible sports car, will propose a new way to enjoy a sports type model which is unique to the electromotive mobility. The adoption of carbon materials made it possible to reduce the vehicle weight contributing to the vehicle’s high driving performance and range of approximately 160km. The easy-to-operate twin-lever steering was adopted for the thorough pursuit of the joy of driving. Moreover, the new concept model enables the driver to make his/her own adjustments to some vehicle characteristics such as motor output and suspension settings, to embody the joy of driving to the fullest extent.

Furthermore, the instrument panel features not only meters, but also the vehicle information display which enables the driver to enjoy driving as well as the network display used for the audio and navigation systems and also for the internet access. The thoughtfully designed layout of the meters and displays enables the driver to concentrate on driving and enjoy the comfortable space.

Honda remains committed to developing sports models beyond the expectations of its customers and offering exciting and thrilling mobility products.

HONDA CR-V PROTOTYPE

At Geneva, Honda has on display the European CR-V Prototype, which provides the first official glimpse of the styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V for Europe, set to go on sale in autumn 2012.

The CR-V Prototype embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction. Compared to the previous generation, the model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability, while the overall lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics.

The CR-V’s vertical taillights remain for the next model with a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle. Equipped with more efficient engines compared to the current model, the new CR-V is expected to deliver improved fuel economy.

The CR-V is one of the top-selling SUVs, sold in more than 160 countries throughout Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa. This 4th Generation CR-V is already on sale in North America and Japan and the European version will make its official debut at the Paris Salon in the autumn of 2012.

EARTH DREAMS TECHNOLOGY HONDA´S NEW GENERATION OF DRIVE TRAINS

New 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine for Europe

At the Tokyo Motor Show in December 2011, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that Honda is developing a new generation of drive trains named ‘Earth Dreams Technology’. This new series of engines and transmissions will deliver excellent performance and environmental values and will be gradually introduced throughout the Honda range.

Number one in fuel economy

With the exceptional environmental values of Earth Dreams Technology, Honda strives to achieve top-of-industry fuel efficiency for every category of its engines within 3 years.

The first engine from this series for Europe will be a newly developed 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine. Designed for the European market, this new smaller diesel engine will first be mounted on Honda’s new Civic and will be launched in late 2012. It is lighter than any other diesel engine of its size and with CO2 emissions of 95g/km and a maximum power output of 120 PS (at 4000rpm), the engine delivers a class-leading balance of fuel economy and performance. The 300Nm of torque (at 2000rpm) results in excellent driveability for models equipped with this engine.

HONDA JAZZ

Honda Jazz Si

· New version to be added in summer 2012
· Revised body styling emphasises fun-to-drive appeal
· Suspension and steering changes improve ride and handling
· Unique interior trim echoes enhanced exterior styling
· 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels fitted as standard
· 1.4-litre i-VTEC engine
· Five-speed manual or CVT transmission
· Maintains acclaimed Jazz space and versatility with the infamous Honda ‘Magic Seats’
· Comprehensive safety package includes Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure
· VSA stability control system and six airbags standard
· Maximum five-star safety rating in Euro-NCAP crash tests

Making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show is the new Honda Jazz Si, which will reach European showrooms in summer 2012. This new version combines the space, versatility and frugal running costs of the existing Jazz 1.4 i-VTEC but with increased dynamic appeal. The retuned suspension is echoed by styling revisions inside and out.

Developed by Honda Research and Development Europe and manufactured in the UK, the Jazz Si will broaden the scope of the Jazz range, helping it appeal to a new generation of customers.

Underscoring the sharp appearance of the Jazz Si is a unique body kit. This consists of new front and rear bumpers, with deep valances and prominent side skirts. Stylish diamond-cut 16-inch alloy wheels are fitted with low-profile tyres, while front foglights, dark-tinted privacy glass and a straight exhaust tailpipe complete the transformation.

Inside, the Jazz Si has black and silver supportive seats, with the addition of a sporty leather-trimmed steering wheel.

To ensure the Jazz Si has substance as well as style, revised suspension settings have been adopted. New dampers are combined with a larger front anti-roll bar to improve straight-line stability and body control. The electric power-steering system has also been modified for improved feel and response to meet the needs of a younger, more enthusiastic type of driver. This has been achieved without undermining one of the strengths of the Jazz – its refined and comfortable ride.

Standard Jazz Si equipment includes automatic climate control, cruise control, front fog lights, LED rear combination lamps, remote audio controls on the steering wheel, tweeters, USB socket, trip computer, powered and retractable door mirrors, height-adjustable seat, and electric windows, with an auto-up function for the driver,- along with the unrivalled flexibility bestowed by the Jazz’ Magic Seats.

One of the key considerations for Honda’s designers and engineers during the development of the Jazz Si was to preserve the key strengths that owners of the existing Jazz enjoy about their car.

The Jazz Si is powered by Honda’s familiar 1.4-litre i-VTEC 100PS (73kW) engine, acclaimed for its performance and high fuel economy. This four-cylinder unit develops its maximum power at 6,000rpm and has a peak torque output of 127Nm at 4,800rpm.

It’s paired with either a five-speed manual or CVT transmission. This is the same transmission variant offered with the conventional models.

In five-speed manual form the Jazz Si has the acceleration as the traditional models and has a top speed of 182km/h.

Along with the greater dynamism bestowed by the suspension revisions, the Jazz Si retains the easy-to-drive character, smooth controls, comfortable ride and long-distance refinement of every Jazz. The Jazz Si is therefore the best of all worlds – a small car that can effortlessly cover long distances, but that is also fun to drive.

The excellent safety of the Jazz remains a key component of the Jazz Si, too. It employs Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which compensates for collisions between vehicles of different sizes and deflects crash energy away from the passenger cabin.

ACE body structure is part of a comprehensive package that helped the Jazz achieve a maximum five-star safety rating in Euro-NCAP crash tests. Standard protection features include Honda’s VSA stability control system and anti-lock brakes to help the driver avoid an accident. Should a collision prove unavoidable, however, there are six airbags, three-point seatbelts all round, with reminders to warn the driver if someone has failed to put their seatbelt on, anti-whiplash head restraints and ISOFIX child-seat tethers and top anchors.

The Si variant of the Jazz was developed and engineered entirely in Europe and is a regular production model rather than a limited-edition special. It will be in dealer showrooms at the end of August.

Genuine Accessories for Jazz Si

A Genuine Accessories range has been developed to enable Honda’s customers to easily identify their individual requirements.

Interior accessories include floor carpets and door-step garnishes. Alloy wheels and some chrome items, such as door mirror covers and a tailgate garnish enhance the exterior look of the car.

Jazz accessories also offer the new Honda SD Navigation system with its 6.1 WVGA touchscreen featuring multi-sensor navigation to perfectly pinpoint your position even when you’re in a tunnel. Map coverage for 34 EU countries is updatable via SD card, and Voice Commands and Menus are available in 12 languages. Bluetooth®, iPod®, iPhone® and tablet connectivity complete the modern driving convenience offered by the SD navigation system.

To see the complete line-up of Genuine Accessories, go to www.honda-access.com.

Honda Jazz Idle Stop

The Jazz Idle Stop makes its motor show debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2012, further demonstrating Honda’s continuing commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and improving fuel economy for the customer. The 1.2-litre Jazz Idle Stop will be sold alongside the exisiting Jazz range and will not lose any of the practicality associated with the model, retaining its ultra-flexible "Magic Seats" and 300 litres of boot space. In addition the Jazz Idle Stop comes equipped with many new features including rear speakers, air conditioning and steering wheel audio controls.

The Idle Stop system automatically switches off the engine when you come to a stop improving efficiency and delivering a combined fuel economy of 5.2l/100km and CO2 emissions of 120g/km – representing an improvement of approximately 3g/km in comparison to 1.2-litre Jazz. The system is also optional so that the driver can switch it off when it is not required.