Dr Automotive Design and Tools

Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner thinks his team will need to get its KERS up and running in the Malaysian Grand Prix if it wants to maintain its winning start to the season.

Reliability issues with its hybrid power system in practice for the Australian Grand Prix resulted in the team electing to disengage it for the remainder of the weekend - although its absence made little difference to the strong speed of the car.

With a short run from the start of the Albert Park grid to the first corner, pole position man Sebastian Vettel was able to hold onto his lead even without a KERS boost – and he proved dominant throughout the race to take his first win of the season.

But with there being much longer straights at the next race in Malaysia, Horner is well aware that his outfit may be put on the back foot if it cannot run KERS there.

"We plan to have it on the car for Malaysia," Horner said when asked about the future plans for the device.

"The KERS effect here [in Australia] is less, as the run to the first corner is shorter. So that is our main exposure, which is why we didn't want you guys to tell the rest of the world that we didn't have it.

"In Malaysia there is a relatively long run to the first turn, and we will be keen to get it on the car as soon as possible."

Horner said the team had taken KERS off the car because it did not want to risk reliability issues – and it had also done so in secret because it did not want the opposition to know it could be exposed at the start.

"We tested it, we ran the system earlier in the weekend and we decided that there was a potential, albeit small chance, of a reliability issue with it so we elected not to run it this weekend," he explained. "But obviously we didn't want to tell the world – although looking at the start the guys had, it looked like we didn't need it."

Horner said he was also amused by the speculation that had run around the paddock suggesting his team had a lightweight start-only KERS system.

"You guys [the media] went off on a great little tangent, but the problem is that you have probably made Adrian [Newey] think of that one now! I can blame you lot for that then."

Honda's EV Concept electric vehicle and a platform for mid size plug-in hybrid vehicles will be displayed alongside the revised Accord range at the Geneva Motor Show.

The concepts were unveiled at the LA Auto Show in November 2010 and will be shown at Geneva as part of Honda’s “Road to Zero Emissions”, illustrating the current technology of hybrids alongside the near-future technology of plug-in vehicles and the ultimate goal of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, like Honda’s FCX Clarity.

The two new cars are integral to the Honda Electric Mobility Network, the company's comprehensive approach to reducing CO2 emissions through innovative products, energy-management and energy-production technologies.
The Honda EV Concept hints strongly at the direction and styling for Honda's upcoming production battery electric vehicle, the Fit EV, which will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012. The all-new plug-in hybrid platform showcases Honda's next-generation, two-motor hybrid technology set to debut in 2012.

Honda EV Concept
The EV Concept is designed to meet the daily driving needs of the average metropolitan commuter and utilises the same 5-passenger layout found in the popular Fit hatchback (known as Jazz in the UK).

The Honda EV Concept will achieve an estimated 100 mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4 city cycle. Driving range can be maximised by use of an innovative 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sporty hybrid. In addition to this, the Honda EV Concept will include several interactive coaching systems to assist the driver in maximising battery range.

Alongside the Honda EV Concept will be a prototype Honda charging stand, providing a glimpse at the future of an electric-charging infrastructure that is easy to use and intuitive for consumers.

Honda Plug-in Hybrid
Honda will also preview a plug-in hybrid platform, which showcases Honda's next-generation two-motor hybrid system. Integrated into a mid-size saloon platform, the plug-in hybrid is designed to be compatible with daily driving habits, allowing for short, frequent trips in all-electric mode, while providing long-distance driving capability when needed.

The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximise driving efficiency: all-electric, petrol-electric and an engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

FCX Clarity
The FCX Clarity will also be displayed alongside the two concept vehicles demonstrating its position as the ultimate solution to zero emissions mobility. The world’s first production fuel cell electric vehicle has been available to lease in the US and Japan since 2008.

Honda Range at Geneva Motor Show 2011

Accord
The revised Honda Accord Saloon and Tourer models will make their debut at the show. Both cars receive a host of changes including enhanced styling, emissions, ride and handling.

Jazz
The revised Honda Jazz marks the return of a CVT automatic transmission to the endlessly flexible B-segment hatchback.

Jazz Hybrid
The Jazz Hybrid went on sale at the beginning of February 2011 and further demonstrates Honda’s continuing commitment to petrol-electric hybrid technology.

Insight
The 2011 Honda Insight features revised suspension components and settings, specification changes and new exterior colours.

CR-Z
The world’s first 6-speed manual hybrid coupe, the Honda CR-Z will grace the stand at the Geneva Motor Show.

CR-V
The CR-V equipped with the Euro NCAP award-winning Collision Mitigation Brake System, the Honda-developed autonomous emergency braking technology, will sit in the safety zone of the Geneva Motor Show stand.

The Toyota Prius hybrid surrendered its sales leadership in the Japanese car market in January for the first time in 20 months, topped by Honda's Fit Hybrid, the Japan Times and the Kyodo News reported today, citing industry sources.

The publications noted that Fit Hybrid sales have risen in Japan while sales of the Prius hybrid has steadily declined. The Fit Hybrid is the least expensive hybrid in Japan, costing about $19,300 at the current yen-dollar exchange rate.

Meanwhile, a report released Tuesday by New York-based consultant Interbrand said Toyota remains Japan's No. 1 global brand, but its value has fallen by 16% to $25.66 billion over the last year because of the recent massive Toyota recalls.

A survey has revealed that the number of people considering buying a plug-in hybrid or battery electric car has risen from nine per cent to 53 per cent.

The December poll, carried out by vehicle valuation company Glass’s, sought to discover motorists’ views of the government’s £43m Electric Vehicle Plug-in Car Grant.

According to a statement, it first asked respondents whether or not they would consider buying an electric or hybrid vehicle prior to notifying them about the government incentive, to which 36 per cent said they would.

This figure rose to 53 per cent as a direct result of being told about the scheme. When asked if they would consider buying an electric or hybrid vehicle as their next car in July last year, 0.5 per cent of respondents said they would buy an electric vehicle and eight per cent said they would buy a hybrid.

‘This is a phenomenal increase in a very short space of time and represents a fast-growing acceptance of the emergence of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles into the mass market,’ said Andy Carroll, managing director at Glass’s. ‘It is also clear that the government’s Plug-in Car Grant is making an impact on figures and could be the deciding factor for people already considering buying a plug-in hybrid or battery electric car, as well as appealing to those who would not previously have considered it.’

In addition, the survey revealed that of those still unwilling to consider buying an electric or hybrid vehicle despite the Plug-in Car Grant, almost half said that this was not due to cost.

‘This is also a significant finding as it indicates that people need to be reminded of the benefits of running a plug-in or battery electric car and also the reassurance that there will be a better recharging network if they are considering purchasing an electric vehicle,’ said Carroll. ‘Encouragingly, the government has just announced plans to relax planning permission laws for charging points, and has also urged councils to promote their installation, which is another step in the right direction for consumers.’

The government’s £43m incentive programme, which offers buyers of electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles up to £5,000 off the purchase price, was rolled out on 1 January 2011 and so far nine models are eligible for the grant.

It is excellent for long trips with the form fitting seats that have complete creature comfort that adjusts to your lower lumbar to make the fit easily. For breaks the wife will drive while I jump in the back to catch a few winks in the captain chairs that lay-back almost horizontal. It also has a wonderful vehicle stability assist (VSA) system that helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering

The wife and I bought a 2006 Honda Odyssey in 2007 that had only 23,000 miles on it, in tip top shape, with the 3.5 v-tech twin overhead cam enduro engine, that easily cruises at 70 miles per hour, with a top end of 160, for a smart price of $23,999. It has been one of the best investments I have ever made. We use it to transport our day care kids to and from elementary school, take trips on the

Recently the Honda Motor Company has announced its outlined plan for the company's push to develop fuel efficient and eco friendly cars for the United States and Japanese markets. A plug in from the company is expected to go on sale as soon as 2012. They will use the next generation Honda Civic model to introduce the company's first hybrid with a lithium-ion battery. The Honda Civic is one of the

Electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles have been at the center of the recent research development effort from most automotive companies. It is not a secret that today's consumers want fuel efficient eco friendly cars, and they wanted them yesterday. This has led to a scramble for automotive companies to nab thousands of buyers who are awaiting the right electric or hybrid car for their daily

The most impressive of the 2010 Odyssey is by far its Safety features. These key features include, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, an Anti-lock braking system, Electronic Brake Distribution, and driver's/front passenger's active head restraints. The car also has a plethora of airbag safety systems like, the dual-stage multiple-threshold front airbags, front side airbags with

Honda also decided to upgrade the Odyssey under the hood with cool new features. The car has a 3.5 Liter SOHC VTEC® V-6 engine with a 5 speed automatic transmission that produces 244horsepower. This engine is standard across the board, along with a Drive-by-Wire(TM) throttle system. However, exclusive to the EX-L and Touring versions, the car comes with Honda's Variable Cylinder Management(TM) (

Up until recent years Honda was absent in the truck world. They had spent most of their time developing some of the best cars in the world such as the Accord and Civic. But then Honda decided to jump into the water with a truck; they call it the Ridgeline. When the Honda Ridgeline was first made available some people were skeptical that it may not be able to meet industry standards. But that

The Ridgeline comes standard with a good bit of safety equipment that helps to make the insurance price reasonable. Ridgeline safety equipment is comprehensive and it includes multi stage front airbags and side impact airbags for front passengers, front and rear side curtain airbags for head protection, active front head restraints, LATCH child seat anchors for the three rear seats, anti lock

Honda hatchback is more spacious and comfortable as compare to Hyundai machine. Front and rear views are far better in Jazz and driving is quite easy. But as far as features are concerned i20 is leading from front. As far as price is concerned both are overpriced but still i20 gives more value for money.2011 Honda Jazz Hybrid Really the car is totally craftedReally the car is totally crafted so

Hyundai i20 is an excellent premium hatchback which made its debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October 2008 and arrives on sale in late 2008. This car stands between i10 and i30 and to replace the Getz. Honda Jazz is one of the biggest competitors for i20, which is powered by powerful refined 1198 cc. engine which delivers the power of 90 PS at 3000 rpm. 2011 Honda Jazz Hybrid Official

The standard CR-Z offers a number important amenities including an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic air-conditioning, automatic windows and door locks, distant entry and cruise control.Hybrid AmenitiesThe CR-Z EX, offering the best fuel economy, also offers a higher trim level. Those amenities include a 360-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with seven speakers - including a

Honda Civic 2011 will introduce new colors into your body color option to suit your own personality and taste. Due to the success of the series, the manufacturers have opted not to tinker much with the design concept of this new vehicle while trying to keep it futuristic looking to be able to compete with the others in the same segment. However, do not expect a complete body overhaul on this one

Being green on the road may be the best thing for the environment but it comes at a cost, the cost of driving an ordinary looking car. However there is an answer in the form of after market body kits by Exlusive Zeus. The new generation Honda Insight can be kitted to look like a sports car with the comfort of knowing that it will not contribute to harming our environment.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its plan to start its Electric Vehicle Testing Program with Saitama Prefecture for its next-generation personal mobility products, including electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric scooters, and electric carts. The specifics of the testing program, testing vehicles, and solar-powered charging stations made their public debut in Japan.

Conducted in real-world urban transportation environments, the program will focus on motorcycles, automobiles and power products based on electromotive technologies. The comprehensive program will also use advanced communications & telematics and solar-powered charging technologies to explore future forms of personal mobility and their potential of CO2 emissions reduction.

Major objectives of the Electric Vehicle Testing Program

• In March 2009, Honda and Saitama Prefecture concluded an agreement to collaborate on environmental issues. Based on this agreement, Honda will start an Electric Vehicle Testing Program in the cities of Saitama, Kumagaya and Chichibu that features advanced electromotive technology and communications & telematics to realize a low-carbon mobility society in the future. The program will study the following:
• The practicality and convenience of electromotive technology featured on next-generation personal mobility products, including Honda's EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the EV-neo electric scooter and the Monpal ML200 4-wheel electric cart.
• The effectiveness of solar power generation and other renewable energy sources in helping to realize a low-carbon mobility society.
• The effectiveness of advanced communications & telematics to enhance customer convenience and product usability.

Based on the results of the program, Honda plans to further advance its electromotive technologies for personal mobility products. In combination with Honda's strong position in solar panels, cogeneration systems and other energy-generating products, these electromotive technologies will help Honda work together with customers to achieve the goal of "Total Energy Management", a system that supplies households and communities with energy for personal use, while supporting a comfortable, low-carbon lifestyle.

Earlier on December 15, 2010, Honda announced this Electric Vehicle Testing Program in the United States (Torrance, California). In addition to Japan and the United States, Honda is considering the possibility of conducting a similar program in China.

Press Release

Honda Motor Co. is using lithium-ion batteries made by Toshiba Corp. in a test version of its electric car, expanding upon a supply agreement for electric scooters.

Honda’s joint venture with Kyoto-based GS Yuasa Corp. will supply lithium-ion batteries for its hybrid cars, including a plug-in vehicle, while Toshiba’s packs may be more suitable for all-electric cars, which require more power, Tomohiko Kawanabe, head of Honda’s research and development division, told reporters today in Saitama prefecture, north of Tokyo.

Japan’s second-largest carmaker unveiled the test versions of its electric car and plug-in hybrid today, joining Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. in efforts to meet tighter government emissions rules. Honda has supply agreements with four battery makers, including Panasonic Corp. and its subsidiary Sanyo Electric Co., which make nickel-metal hydride packs for Honda’s current hybrid cars.

Honda’s electric car can go more than 160 kilometers (100 miles) on a single charge, farther than Nissan’s Leaf electric car, Tokyo-based Honda said today. The plug-in hybrid can run 25 kilometers on battery power before the gasoline engine kicks in, about the same as Toyota’s plug-in. The figures are based on Japanese highway testing methods.

The carmaker hasn’t decided whether it will use Toshiba’s batteries for mass production, Kawanabe said. Toshiba already makes lithium-ion batteries for Honda’s EV-neo electric scooter, which it started leasing to corporate customers this month.

The company is also seeking to sell batteries made by Blue Energy Co., the venture with GS Yuasa, to other carmakers to help lower costs, he said.

Nissan, Japan’s third-largest automaker, starts selling its lithium-ion battery-powered Leaf hatchback this month in Japan and the U.S. and will begin selling it in Europe next year. Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn has estimated that electric cars may account for 10 percent of global auto sales by 2020.

Toyota plans to sell a short-distance pure electric car and a plug-in hybrid by 2012.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will start lease sales of the EV-neo electric scooter on Friday, December 24, 2010.

The EV-neo is an electric scooter developed for businesses such as transport of heavy goods or delivery services and which delivers a clean and quiet ride without compromising powerfulness. The vehicle qualifies as a first-class motor-driven cycle in Japan, for engine displacements of 50cc or less.

Honda plans to deliver about 100 monitoring vehicles between December 2010 and March 2011 to cooperating businesses in the monitoring program*1 for collecting riding data and other useful information and to start lease sales of the EV-neo to general businesses and individual business owners in April 2011. The wide range of data collected from actual business use together with the data obtained from test operations*2 of 10 prototype vehicles, conducted since October 2010, is expected to be used in future development of electric scooters and motorcycles.

On top of the excellent environmental performance offering a clean and quiet ride worthy of an electric scooter with zero CO2 emissions while riding, the EV-neo leverages a motor that, even with cargo loaded, generates high torque even in the low-speed range to achieve a powerful starting and hill-climbing performance. An in-house manufactured motor and a lithium-ion battery that apply Insight technology have been adopted, and an exclusively developed quick charger enabling full recharge in 30 minutes in a 25°C environment allows charging to be conducted at convenient intervals during the working day.

The EV-neo has been developed as a complete electric scooter that can be used in a wide variety of business situations. A body design, which features a wide and flat loading space that enables easy loading, and a flat floor that makes it easy to get on and off the vehicle, ensures ease of use in delivery services and other business situations. The EV-neo PRO, which is based on the EV-neo and will be put on sale simultaneously, adds a large rear carrier that is convenient for delivery of newspapers and other items, and a standard-equipment bracket that can further enhance load capacity by attaching a basket in front.

By offering products with outstanding environmental performance to more customers, Honda is committed to advancing its contribution to reducing CO2 emissions on a global scale.

Name		EV-neo
Model type		Honda ZAD-AF71
Dimensions (L × W × H) (m)		1.830 {1.875} ×0.695×1.065
Wheelbase (m)		1.250
Ground clearance (m)		0.120
Seat height (m)		0.756
Vehicle weight (kg)		106 {110}
Number of riders		1
Minimum turning radius (m)		1.7
Electric motor type		AF71M AC synchronous motor
Rated output (kW)		0.58
Maximum output (kW[PS]/rpm)		2.8[3.8]/5,000
Maximum torque (N·m[kgf·m]/rpm)		11[1.1]/2,000
Range (km)		34 per charge (based on a riding test at a constant speed of 30 km/h on a level surface)
Main battery type		Lithium-ion battery
Main battery voltage/capacity		72V/12.6Ah (1HR)
Power source for battery charger	Regular charger	100V AC (single phase)
	Quick charger	200V AC (single phase)
Clutch type		Dry multi-plate shoe
Caster angle (deg)/Trail (mm)		26°30´/74
Tire size	Front	90/90-12 44J
	Rear	100/80-12 56J
Brake type	Front	Mechanical, leading/trailing
	Rear	Mechanical, leading/trailing
Suspension type	Front	Telescopic
	Rear	Unit swing arm
Frame type		Underbone