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Insight-II, FCX Clarity and an automatic equipped iDTEC highlight Paris next month. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=145943)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Honda_Insight-II.jpgWayne Gerdes – CleanMPG (www.cleanmpg.com) – Sept. 9, 2008

Honda Insight-II -- Next year the answers to the questions will be revealed.

Honda's Paris motor show is highlighting their current and future commitments to reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles. Paris will see a production and concept world debut the demonstrate Honda's long-standing passion for and commitment to the Environment.

The two major debuts will be for the long awaited Insight Concept, which shows the direction of Honda's latest hybrid addition. Making its debut alongside the Insight-II will be the US released FCX Clarity FCV which brings even greater fuel economy and lower emissions than has been achieved from an on-road vehicle previously.

Insight-II Hybrid Concept

The pride of Honda will go on display as the Insight Concept which heralds the return of a dedicated hybrid to the Honda model line-up. The Insight-II is the start of a new phase of Honda's hybrid strategy, with it showing a glimpse of the first of three new hybrid models that will appear within the next four years. The Insight-II shows a car which offers a practical and flexible vehicle with ample space for both passenger and luggage as well as low emissions and excellent fuel economy.

A key part of the Insight-II is to bring hybrid vehicles into a price bracket where a broader range of people can afford them. This strategy is driven by the company's desire to see the wide spread adoption of individual vehicle reduction of CO2 output in order to bring about a meaningful reduction in overall transportation related CO2 output. The Insight-II is the culmination of over 20 years of hybrid development and more than 35 years of lower impact gasoline engines availability.

i-DTEC Automatic Gearbox

Paris will also see the debut of Honda's new automatic transmissions for the 2.2L i-DTEC diesel engine. This new gearbox has been developed in response to European customer demands for an automatic option for Honda’s premiere 2.2L turbo-diesel. The new gearbox has been developed to compliment the diesels broader spread of torque. Honda's approach would not allow the use of a third party gearbox, which might compromise the effectiveness of its newest engine. Not revealed is if it is an in-house based DSG or not?

FCX Clarity Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car

Honda's production fuel cell car, the FCX Clarity, was delivered to the first customers in the US at the beginning of August. Early adopters who have seen the potential of a car that emits only water from its tailpipe. The FCX Clarity began production in Japan in July and the first lease customers in Honda's home country will receive their cars towards the end of this year.

The presence of the Insight-II electric hybrid alongside the FCX Clarity, gives an indication of Honda's vision of the future. The Japanese manufacturer sees the Hydrogen fuel cell as the zero-tailpipe emission solution for automobiles while the hybrid powertrain provides an excellent lower CO2 solution in the medium term, until the FCX Clarity becomes a mass produced vehicle.

The Honda dealership near my house is now taking deposits and putting names down on a waiting list for the new Insight! If I had $500 to put down right now, I would be number 3 on the list!

Going to have to wait a couple of years to get anything, however. Which is probably not such a bad thing because there will probably be something new by then...

I still think the hydrogen fuel cell is a dead end, but I'm glad to see Honda actively pushing the boundaries.

I still think the hydrogen fuel cell is a dead end, but I'm glad to see Honda actively pushing the boundaries.

Not so much, if they can get the technology to drop in price a bit. The "good for the environment" things usually starts with a big price tag, and drop over time. We'll see...

Hi, Drummerboy2004 -- it isn't the price I'm concerned about. Generating hydrogen costs considerably more energy than you can get back out of it, it is difficult to store (high pressure and dense materials), it is very dangerous (leaks spontaneously combust with invisible flames), fuel cell materials are costly and fragile (usually only last a few years at most), the energy density is very low, and conversion losses make a battery or capacitor storage system more efficient anyway.

It is a neat idea but I just don't see it becoming a viable transportation energy source.

I still think the hydrogen fuel cell is a dead end, but I'm glad to see Honda actively pushing the boundaries.

I agree, I think the immediate future is manufacturers making smaller engines available to everyone while finally making oil based engines more efficient until electric and hybrids become more practical and affordable.

Well... I will certainly buy an Insight-II once I've had my fun with my Scion xD. The Insight-II is a really pretty car and it looks like it will be a compelling alternative to the [overpriced/under-available] Toyota Prius.

---> Added stuff

Now that I've seen the Volt pics (newer article) and learned that the Prius is getting an uglified console, I'm even more certain to get the Insight-II when I'm done with my Scion. After all, what's not to like about Prius-ish fuel economy at ~$20k price? Of the three upcoming vehicles, it's the prettiest and most modern-looking. What I really hope, too, is that the FCX intrument panel carries over to the Insight-II (it could have the central blue orb measure battery assist instead of fuel cell assist).