Honda today introduced a new hybrid powertrain that will eventually replace its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system used on small vehicles such as the Civic sedan, Insight, Fit / Jazz hatchback and CR-Z coupe.
The new system is named Sport Hybrid i-DCD, which is an acronym for ‘Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive’, and it comprises a newly developed 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that runs on the more fuel-efficient Atkinson cycle and an electric motor that also acts as a generator connected to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT).
“The built-in high-output motor and lithium-ion battery improve efficiency by more than 30 per cent compared to a conventional one-motor hybrid system,” said Honda in a statement.
The Japanese carmaker has already created a prototype Fit / Jazz fitted with the new hybrid powertrain, which unlike Honda’s current hybrid offerings, allows for pure-electric driving at speeds of up to 70km/h (43mph) for a distance of up to 5 kilometers (~ 3miles).
The single-motor Sport Hybrid i-DCD is Honda’s third new hybrid powertrain introduction this year.
It follows the two-motor Sport Hybrid i-MMD / plug-in for mid-size vehicles that will debut on the new Honda Accord sedan next year, and the three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling – All Wheel Drive) system for luxury and sports cars that will be used on the next Acura RL and the 2015 NSX supercar.
PHOTO GALLERY
