67 mpg Honda Fit Hybrid due in 2010

According to AutoCar, Honda will be adding a hybrid version of the Jazz - aka the Honda Fit on our side of the world - by 2010. The publication reports that the hybrid version of the Jazz/Fit will use the same mechanicals as the upcoming Honda Insight Hybrid which will make its debut next month at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Sources say that the 1.3 liter gasoline engine mated to Honda's new hybrid system should deliver around 67 mpg. Honda announced yesterday that it has teamed up with Japanese firm GS Yuasa to develop lithium-ion batteries for future Honda hybrids. We're not sure if lithium-ion batteries will be substituted for the nickel-hydride batteries for the Jazz/Fit hybrid. Honda says that it is hoping to sell 500,000 hybrids annually by 2010. Joining the Hybrid Insight, Civic Hybrid, and the Jazz/Fit Hybrid will be the CR-Z Coupe hybrid, which is also due out in 2010. Source: AutoCar

 

Honda NSX See-Through Technical Illustration Leaked

Honda was never going to take Nissan's GT-R or the ever-elusive Lexus LF-A lying down and the next NSX was the most natural way to break that current GT-R tidal wave. What you observe here are leaked pictures of its see-through technical makeup, the stuff under the skin as it were. Thanks to contributing artist, Larson, a pretty accurate rendering completes the picture. NSX hits the dealership network in late 2009 after numerous test sightings and spy shots published on WCF. Just from the figures it is evident that sardines aren't on the target menu; only the really big fish interest NSX, names like Ferrari F430 and Porsche 911 GT3 come to mind. For this to happen the NSX will employ the power of a 5.5-litre V10 whose cylinders will fire up an entire 560bhp/ 417kW through a sequential gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters. Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) should ensure 0 - 100km/h times of under 4 seconds and a top speed approaching 200mph or 322kh/h. Pricing may begin from the £100,000 mark. Source: autoexpress.co.uk

 

Honda RA270 F1 prototype digitized

John A. Frye has resurrected the first prototype of the Honda RA 270 racer. Honda's first racer to F1 in 1964, the RA271 was based on the RA270. The rear shows twelve independent exhausts that remained only on the prototype, and they look fascinating. No wonder the car needed so many exhausts, Honda's transversely mounted V12 was the most powerful engine on the tracks. The prototype was tested by Jack Brabham, and is a bit different from the final F1 car that had Ronnie Bucknum behind the steering. John worked hard to recreate the prototype, the images were not easily available, and some details were sketchy. Nonetheless, his effort has paid of well. Via: Hyrend