Driving Honda’s lighter, sooner and extra enjoyable next-gen hybrid prototype

With the American market nonetheless struggling to get its head round the entire electrical automotive factor, loads of producers are scaling again their EV ambitions to refocus on hybrid energy. Whether that is proper for the market and, certainly, the globe stays to be seen, however we will for certain anticipate to see much more vehicles with inner combustion over the subsequent few years.

Honda has made its plans clear on that entrance, which is perhaps trigger for concern amongst many for one easy motive: Outside of the NSX, the corporate’s hybrids up to now have not precisely been probably the most participating of machines. That, although, may change with a brand new set of hybrid platforms launching quickly that’ll be lighter, faster and much more enjoyable to drive.

At the corporate’s intensive proving grounds outdoors of Tochigi, Japan, I used to be given a go in a pair of vehicles that gave me motive to be optimistic about this subsequent technology of electrically assisted however nonetheless combustion-dependent machines. They depend on a collection of developments that come collectively to kind three totally different platforms: Small, Medium and Large.

Collectively, they’re referred to as the Next Generation Hybrid System, and every one is designed to be modular, capable of be scaled up or down to suit totally different fashions whereas nonetheless retaining their elementary sections the identical. Platform sharing like this makes it a lot simpler (and cheaper) for producers to roll out new machines and to do it shortly. With Honda seeking to ramp up its hybrid choices, that is key.

These platforms embody issues like chassis, engines, electrical motors and electronics, plus the great internet of software program required to tie all of it collectively. Reducing weight is a large focus right here, with Honda’s engineers developing with a method to preserve crash security whereas dramatically lowering the scale of the entrance and rear subframes. This alone equates to a weight financial savings of some 90 kilograms (about 200 kilos) in a automobile the scale of a Honda Civic.

Lighter weight means extra effectivity and higher gas financial system. There’s additionally a commensurate discount in price of 10 p.c for manufacturing versus the corporate’s present platforms, plus guarantees of elevated grip and decreased highway noise.

The smallest of Honda’s new platforms is destined for Honda’s smallest vehicles, together with ultra-minis that swarm Japanese streets however have hardly ever discovered a lot success within the United States. For now, a minimum of, we cannot be getting any vehicles primarily based on that platform.

The Medium and Large platforms, although, will likely be tucked in neatly all through many next-generation vehicles from the model. Medium will likely be appropriate for four-cylinder machines just like the Civic and crossover SUVs just like the HR-V. The Large platform, in the meantime, will likely be used for greater V6 machines, just like the Ridgeline and Passport.

Each system ties that engine to a pair of electrical motors, plus an non-compulsory third electrical motor on the again for all-wheel drive. A revised, extra compact battery gives the high-voltage present to energy the system. It’s tucked in beneath the rear seat.

None of that’s radically totally different from what could be present in Honda’s present hybrids. And, like these, these new hybrids will be capable of run in an efficient collection hybrid mode, the place the engine simply costs the battery and the automotive drives solely utilizing the electrical motors. Or, step on that throttle tougher at greater speeds and the automotive can immediately have interaction the engine to energy the automotive ahead.

That’s all acquainted, however a number of adjustments may have some vital impacts. On the Large platform, a brand new transmission permits the automotive to have each a “hi” and “lo” gear vary, which could possibly be a boon for anybody towing their trusty trailer up into the mountains for a weekend getaway.

The Medium-sized platform can do some shifting, too, but it surely’s solely fake shifting right here utilizing a system referred to as S+ Shift. At the press of a button (conveniently labeled S+), this new know-how creates the expertise of driving a digital eight-speed transmission which you can run up or down via by pulling on the shift paddles on the again of the steering wheel.

Since, once more, these hybrids are pushed by their electrical motors, shifting is not actually doing a lot of something however making the engine rev roughly. But, by various the electrical motor’s output and regeneration, you get a surge of additional resistance on deceleration and a kick of acceleration on upshifts, all to simulate the sensation of a correct transmission.

I confess that I used to be very skeptical about how this technique would actually assist once I went to Japan, however I used to be fallacious. It’s nice. Honda ready a prototype sedan for me to drive, and it seemed all of the world like a current-gen Civic up prime, besides with a moderately massive nostril caught on the entrance and a few decidedly pronounced flared fenders.

Underneath the pores and skin was a very totally different machine, constructed round a front-drive model of the next-gen platform. It sounded nice to begin, helped by what seemed like a sport exhaust on the again, plus no scarcity of digital augmentation coming via the audio system.

But the S+ Shift mode actually made a compelling distinction, too. Even although you are actually simply needlessly revving that hybrid engine roughly, and truly making the system much less environment friendly, the result’s a automotive that feels responsive and in management, moderately than one thing simply droning on as deftly as doable.The approach the automotive responds, aggressively downshifting as you brake for corners and providing you with a little bit kick with each upshift on the best way out, it made me smile.

The remainder of the automotive did, too. Honda’s check observe was far too clean for me to pattern the improved experience high quality or discount in highway noise, however the automotive’s dealing with felt good and its steering sharp, not fairly as exceptional as the present Civic Type R however, once more, far more enjoyable than at this time’s humble Civic Hybrid.

Honda hasn’t introduced the place this new platform will first seem, however if you wish to get an early style of S+ Shift, it will be debuting within the upcoming Honda Prelude hybrid. That reborn coupe lacks all the opposite developments to be present in Honda’s next-gen platform, but it surely does provide the S+ digital shifting. It’s remarkably efficient right here, too, and with a number of elements sharing with the Civic Type R, the Prelude was a surprisingly good time.

While the Prelude is hitting sellers quickly, to pattern vehicles that includes the next-gen hybrid platform, you will have to attend a little bit longer. Honda representatives stated it will begin exhibiting up beneath the flesh of its machines beginning as quickly as subsequent 12 months. Based on the form of that prototype I drove, I’d say a next-generation Civic will likely be among the many first to sport it.