Honda

All-New Honda Insight Hybrid Vehicle Introduced in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, February 5, 2009 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the all-new Insight hybrid vehicle will go on sale in Japan on Friday, February 6, 2009. A five-door, five-passenger compact hatchback starting at an affordable ¥1,890,000*1, the Insight features a lightweight, compact hybrid system that combines exceptional fuel economy with fun-to-drive performance.

Designed to set the standard for compact cars for a new era, the Insight combines outstanding environmental performance with fun, responsive driving and efficient, versatile packaging. The all-new Honda Insight was developed with the goal to provide these attributes in a car that is affordable to more customers.

Offering customers exceptional fuel economy, the Insight features a newly developed hybrid system including a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine and Honda’s proprietary Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). To further support fuel-efficient driving, the Insight features the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) as standard equipment on all models.
* The name Insight was chosen to denote that this new vehicle provides "insight" into a new era in which hybrid vehicles come within reach of most car buyers.
*1 Manufacturer’s suggested retail price including consumption tax for the G-type


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Featuring a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine and lightweight, compact Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), the Insight hybrid system offers exceptional fuel economy: 26 km/L in JC08 mode and 30 km/L in 10•15 mode.*2
Designed to reduce air flow resistance and enhance fuel efficiency, the aerodynamic body achieves a world-leading coefficient of drag of 0.28.*3
Standard on all models, the new Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) is designed to help drivers further enhance fuel efficiency.

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Packaging features a compact body, low vehicle height and a comfortable interior with superior utility.
The rear cargo area is spacious and easy to use.

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In the city and on the highway, the Insight offers fun, relaxed daily driving and a comfortable ride.

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Cost reduction was achieved through enhanced efficiency of the IMA system and the use of parts shared with other Honda automobiles.
Increased efficiency of production processes was achieved.

*2 G-type and L-type
*3 Five-passenger production automobiles (Honda calculations)


♦ Key Features of the Insight
Exterior design

· The athletic, aerodynamic exterior design reflects the responsive performance of the Insight.

· From the front, the Insight makes a strong impression with its wide, stable stance and evokes the design of Honda's flagship for environmental performance-the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle.

· The line traversing the middle of the body in a single motion emphasizes the low vehicle height, contributing to a sporty design.

· From the rear, the high tail adds to both the aerodynamic performance and the stylish look of the Insight.

Interior design

· With its advanced, futuristic feel, the interior design makes driving fun while offering a comfortable environment for all occupants.

· The two-tiered instrument panel is divided vertically, allowing the driver to easily access important information at a glance.

· Further emphasizing the futuristic hybrid feel, the interior features elegantly contrasting colors, textures and materials.

Powertrain (Hybrid System)

· The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) proprietary hybrid system offers exceptional fuel economy and extremely low emissions. The gasoline engine serves as the main power source while the electric motor provides additional power as needed.

· Offering both exceptional fuel efficiency and ample torque, the 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine features Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which controls the idling of all cylinders. Along with exceptional fuel economy, the combination of engine and motor offers the consistent responsiveness and acceleration performance one might expect from a 1.5-liter engine.

· The ultra-thin DC brushless motor is approximately 22% thinner and approximately 15% lighter than previous-generation technology.*4

· Adjusting to driving conditions and battery charge level, the Power Control Unit (PCU) optimally controls the power assist and electrical regeneration functions of the electric motor.

· As compared to previous-generation technology, the modules of the high-output nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery feature a 30% enhancement in both output and durability, allowing for a decrease from 11 modules to 7.*4 As a result, while providing ample output and capacity for the motor, the battery is approximately 31% more compact and approximately 35% lighter than previous-generation technology.*4

· Composed of the PCU and battery, the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) is approximately 19% more compact and approximately 28% lighter than previous-generation technology,*4 allowing for placement of the IPU beneath the rear cargo area and more-efficient packaging overall.

· The compact, efficient, Honda Multimatic S continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps the Honda hybrid system produce even more torque and achieve even higher fuel efficiency. In off-the-line acceleration, the CVT engages at lower rpms, enhancing acceleration performance and fuel-efficiency at the same time.

· In braking, accelerating and cruising, the Insight optimizes the combination of engine valve operation and motor assist for precise energy management. As a result, the Insight offers both high fuel economy and fun driving in a wide variety of driving conditions. To further enhance fuel efficiency, the Insight can cruise on motor power alone at low speeds and features idle stop capability.


*4 As compared to the 2006 Civic Hybrid


Advanced Environmental Technologies

· To help Insight owners realize the full benefits of Honda hybrid technology, the new Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) is included as standard equipment on all models. Eco Assist combines multiple functions:


ECON mode: With the touch of a button, this function adjusts engine output, extends the duration of idle stop, increases regenerative recharging during deceleration and achieves energy-saving control of the air-conditioning unit. As a result, more fuel-efficient driving can be achieved.

Guidance function: This function assesses acceleration and braking practices in real time, changing the speedometer background color to indicate the level of fuel-efficiency of the driving style. Drivers can achieve more fuel-efficient driving simply by referring to this intuitive color display.

Scoring function: Located in the center of the instrument panel, the Multi-Information Display provides a scoring function, in which the number of 'leaves' displayed indicates the level of fuel-efficient driving performance. When the ignition is turned off, both a score for the latest driving cycle (startup to shutdown) and a score for cumulative lifetime performance are displayed. Since 'leaves' appear and 'grow' as driving practices become more fuel efficient, the scoring function encourages drivers to take interest in fuel efficiency and develop more fuel-efficient driving habits over the long term. With the available Honda HDD InterNavi System, a driver can access a full history of personal scoring function results and additional detailed scoring statistics. InterNavi customers may also access via the Internet a detailed fuel-efficiency assessment of their driving practices, a history of their fuel-efficiency scores, their ranking among subscribers throughout Japan and other information relevant to fuel-efficient driving.

Environmental Performance

· The Insight boasts exceptional fuel economy of 26 km/L in JC08 mode and 30 km/L in 10•15 mode.*2

· All models are certified by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as complying with the 2005 -75% emissions standard.

· All models are certified by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as complying with the 2010 +25% fuel economy standard.

· All models comply with the 2015 fuel economy standard of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.*5


*5 A new fuel economy standard established under the Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy.

Packaging

· The Insight features a compact body with low overall height. At the same time, the packaging provides a spacious interior with a high level of utility.

· The generous wheelbase of 2,550 mm and tandem distance of 790 mm provide a comfortable space for five adults.

· The placement of the compact battery and PCU under the rear cargo area allows for up to 400L of cargo space.*6


*6 Honda calculations, VDA method

Chassis

· The MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension offer responsive handling and a comfortable ride.

· For the first time in a Honda hybrid automobile, the Insight LS is equipped with paddle shifters that allow the driver to enjoy sporty shifting and a manual transmission feel without taking hands off the steering wheel.

Body

· The lightweight, aerodynamic body is compact with a low overall height.

· Thanks to the aerodynamic design and meticulous wind tunnel testing of all exterior parts as well as specially designed aerodynamic underbody parts, the Insight boasts a world-leading coefficient of drag (0.28*3) and outstanding overall aerodynamic performance.

· Unique to the Insight and designed to accommodate the IPU beneath the rear cargo area, the body features high rigidity in the rear frame and floor, contributing to safety and vehicle stability during cruising.

· With a 52% high-tensile steel content,*7 the frame is highly lightweight and rigid.

· A first for a Honda compact automobile, the windshield features reduced-infrared radiation blocking and sound-insulating functions. The cabin stays cooler in warm ambient temperatures, reducing the need for air-conditioning and enhancing energy efficiency.


*7 By-weight comparison

Enhanced Efficiency and Reduced Costs

· Honda has made each component of the hybrid system more compact and lightweight while combining functions where possible. In particular, the battery container contains 50% fewer parts than previous-generation technology.*4 As a result of these initiatives, Honda has achieved a dramatic reduction in overall hybrid system cost.

· In designing the Insight, Honda has carefully differentiated between parts that requiring a new design and parts also implemented in other vehicles. By concentrating resources on newly designed parts while implementing parts shared with other vehicles and rationalizing parts design, Honda has optimized affordability enhancing the value offered the customer.

· Honda has dedicated a new assembly line at its Suzuka Factory in Japan to the production of Insight IMA motors, significantly enhancing production efficiency, establishing a strong foundation for large-scale production and substantially reducing costs.

Safety Performance

· The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure enhances self-protection as well as mitigating damage to other vehicles in the event of a collision.

· Pedestrian-injury mitigation technology helps protect pedestrians from head, leg and other injuries in the event of a collision.

· Along with the front seat i-side airbag system, the side curtain airbag system helps reduce the risk of head injury in a side impact.

· Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), which assists the driver in maintaining control during cornering, is standard equipment on the LS-type and available as a factory option on the G-type and L-type.

· Standard equipment on all models, the Active Head Restraint System in the front seats enhances neck and head protection in the event of a rear impact collision.

Honda

ASIMO Introduces the New Honda Insight Hybrid to Europe at the Geneva Motor Show

· Honda Insight Hybrid makes EU debut
· New Accord 180 PS Diesel Type-S
· Honda S2000 Ultimate Edition
· CR-Z Sports Hybrid Concept and FCX Clarity Show Honda's Future

February 5, 2009 - ASIMO, Honda's advanced humanoid robot, will help launch the all new Insight Hybrid at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

The new Insight, which will makes its European debut at the Show, has been designed to offer a practical five-seat family car at an affordable price with excellent fuel economy and low CO2 and other emissions.

Honda's latest hybrid vehicle revives the Insight nameplate which was first used in 1999. It also marks a return for Honda to producing hybrids in a dedicated aerodynamic body, designed to optimize the performance of the efficient petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.

The Insight combines an optimised 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine with a compact thin electric motor. This electric motor gives the engine assistance when increased performance is required and acts as a generator during deceleration and braking. It also allows electric only operation in some slow and medium speed conditions.

The Insight has been designed to give good real world emission and fuel economy figures. Its key element is the Eco Assist system that is fitted as standard. The upper instrument cluster where the speedometer is sited, features a color changing ambient light that illuminates green when driving ecologically, blue/green when the car is being driven acceptably and blue when driving with less regard for economy.

The ambient lighting of the speedometer combines with a bar diagram which is more than a simple instantaneous economy meter. The display in the center of the rev counter shows how aggressively the driver is accelerating or braking and encourages the driver to stay towards the middle with lighter more progressive use of the brake and accelerator pedals.

To chart progress, during each journey leaves will appear on the bare stems of the plant icons on the center meter if the driver is matching the ecological driving conditions ideal. Should their driving go outside of these parameters for a length of time then the plants will wilt. At the end of each journey the driver is given a score which they can build up over time and gradually they will be rewarded with trophy symbols for continued good driving.

The Insight has been designed to offer a practical family car at an affordable price with excellent fuel economy and low CO2 and other emissions. The Insight gives seating for five and a boot capacity of 408 liters with the seats up. The repackaging of the IPU and batteries means the Insight has seats which fold almost flat, increasing the boot capacity to 1017 liters*.

The practical interior is complimented by an attractively styled and aerodynamically profiled body, which helps the Insight to achieve 101 g/km CO2 emissions and 4.4l/100km fuel consumption under the EU combined test procedures.

The Insight will go on sale in Europe from the end of March 2009 and pricing information will be announced at the time of the Geneva Motor Show.

The new ASIMO
The host of the Honda stand will be the world's most advanced humanoid robot, the new ASIMO. This ASIMO robot is the latest in a long line of robots from Honda which began with the E0 robot in 1986. It will be helping to demonstrate the Insight's abilities. ASIMO has evolved over the years to enable it to run, recognize people and objects, climb stairs and even carry and deliver drinks.

ASIMO has become a symbol for Honda's advanced non-automotive research and is the culmination of more than 20-years of continuous development. Honda's dream is that one day ASIMO will become so advanced that it can truly help people.

At Geneva ASIMO will interact with a human host showing the versatility of the new Insight. ASIMO has proved to be hugely popular with crowds across the globe and has appeared at motor shows, science exhibitions and even at the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street.

180 PS i-DTEC Engine for Accord Sedan and Tourer
Alongside the Insight and ASIMO will be the introduction of the new 180PS derivative of the acclaimed Honda i-DTEC diesel engine. This new higher-power variant produces 180 PS at 4000 rpm, a 30 PS increase over the standard i-DTEC engine with the peak power coming at the same rpm. Torque has also increased 30 Nm to 380 Nm at 2000 rpm.

The enhanced engine will be fitted to the Accord in a new Type-S variant. As well as the significant increase in power this new model will gain new lower bumper sections, front chin spoiler, sill extensions, smoke chrome finished grille. Complimenting this suite of cosmetic changes will be clear indicator covers to further distinguish the new Type-S model. In addition, this model will be equipped with a new design of 18" alloy wheels, giving the Type-S a more sporting stance.

The new engine retains its 2.2 liter capacity and gains its additional power with a revised turbo-charger, cylinder head and larger intercooler. Performance, fuel economy and emissions data will be available once homologation is completed.

S2000 Ultimate Edition
The final model of the Honda S2000 range; the Ultimate Edition will go on sale from March 2009 in Europe. This limited edition has been produced to mark the end of production for the award winning sports car.

The Ultimate Edition retains its highly acclaimed 2.0 liter 9000 rpm VTEC engine and combines it with a Grand Prix White body and graphite colored alloy wheels. The shade of the paint evokes the colour first used on Honda's 1964 F1 car and many sporting models since. The exterior colour combination with the dark metal alloy wheels and unique black S2000 badging gives a fresh look to the timeless shape of the roadster body.

The white exterior will be matched with a red leather interior and complimented by unique red coloring for stitching on the gear lever gaiter. Ultimate Editions will be marked out by their unique numbered plaques on the kickplates, denoting their position in the series.

As the name suggests, the Honda S2000 Ultimate Edition will be the last version before global production of the model ceases altogether at the end of June 2009.

FCX Clarity and CR-Z Concept
Joining the new models at Geneva will be the CR-Z Hybrids Sports Concept that gives an impression of the model that will join the Insight and Civic in the Honda line-up of compact hybrids. The production model, which will be based on this sporty 2+2, will offer something completely new to the hybrid market when it goes on sale in the future.

Alongside the CR-Z, will be Honda's production fuel cell car the FCX Clarity, now in the hands of customers in the US, including Hollywood Film Producer Ron Yerxa and actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

Honda will not be holding a press conference on the press day of the show, instead the new ASIMO will introduce the new Insight to the public and media during the duration of the Swiss show.

BMW

The exterior of the BMW X5.

Whether stationary or on the move, the dominant character of the BMW X5 never fails to make an immediate impression. Its convex-concave surfaces perfectly support its generous proportions and muscular wheel arches. Dynamic light and shadow progressions demonstrate elegance and presence with their robust appearance and clear structure. Self-confidence has never been so appealing.

A new vehicle concept.

The BMW X6 is the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé. It combines the agility, performance and athletic design of a big BMW Coupé with the versatility and raised seating position of an SAV. Once again, BMW has defined a totally new vehicle concept. What’s more, the BMW X6 offers two world premieres: Dynamic Performance Control (fitted as standard), and the all-new Twin Turbo V8 petrol engine with High Precision Injection - the most efficient engine in its class.

The exterior of the BMW Z4 Roadster.

A roadster designed the way only BMW can: the classic proportions of the stretched bonnet and short overhangs are complimented by the low seats near to the rear axle to grant the driver a perfect feel for the road. The modern shape, an interplay of striking contours and soft mergers, fully captures the character of this vehicle from its characteristic kidney grille to the powerful wheelarches at the rear. However, it's the way this roadster effortlessly negotiates straights and bends that makes it truly like no other.