Honda at 2012 Geneva Motor Show +VIDEO

Honda Motor Europe President, Manabu Nishimae delivers Geneva Press Conference Speech

• Earth Dreams Technology
• European CR-V Concept
• Honda NSX Concept
• EV-STER

GENEVA - March 6, 2012: The first engine from Honda's ground breaking new Earth Dreams Technology range was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2012. The 1.6litre i-DTEC is the first in a new generation of engines being introduced to Honda models over the next three years. Lining up next to the new 1.6litre i-DTEC is the stunning Honda NSX Concept and European CR-V Prototype.

Honda EV-STER

Honda also staged the European premiere of the EV-STER, the next-generation electric small sports concept model in the form of an electric rear-wheel-drive two-seater convertible sports car.

Two new Jazz derivatives were also displayed for the first time. The Jazz Si features an upgraded sporty suspension package and styling changes to the interior and the exterior. The second variant, the Jazz 1.2 with Idle Stop, delivers a reduction in CO2 emissions of 3g/km compared to the standard 1.2 model.

The rest of its Honda model line-up comprising of the new Civic, the hybrids - Jazz, CR-Z and Insight - as well as the Accord range in Saloon and Tourer guise were similarly displayed. In addition, the FCX Clarity, the world’s first production fuel-cell vehicle, made another appearance to the media attendees.

Watch the Honda Press Conference highlights

Earth Dreams Technology – Honda‘s new generation of drive trains

New 1.6litre i-DTEC engine for Europe
At the Tokyo Motor Show in December 2011, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that Honda is developing a new generation of drive trains named ‘Earth Dreams Technology’. This new series of engines and transmissions will deliver excellent performance and environmental values and will be gradually introduced throughout the Honda range.

Number one in fuel economy
With the exceptional environmental values of Earth Dreams Technology, Honda strives to achieve industry leading fuel efficiency within 3 years.

The first engine from this series will be a newly developed 1.6litre i-DTEC engine. Designed for the European market, this new smaller diesel engine will be first introduced to Honda’s new Civic in late 2012. It is lighter than any other diesel engine of its size and with CO2 emissions of 95g/km and a maximum power output of 120 PS (at 4000rpm), the engine delivers a class-leading balance of fuel economy and performance. Plus, the 300Nm of torque (at 2000rpm) results in excellent driveability.

Specification

New 1.6litre i-DTEC engine specification:
Displacement	1596 cc
Max Power	88kw (120PS)/4000rpm
Max Torque	300 Nm/2000rpm
CO₂	95g/km of CO₂ (to be confirmed)

Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V Prototype

At Geneva, Honda has on display the European CR-V Prototype, which provides the first official glimpse of the styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V, set to go on sale in autumn 2012.

The CR-V Prototype embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction. Compared to the previous generation, the model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability, while the overall lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics.

The CR-V's vertical taillights remain and now feature a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle. Equipped with more efficient engines compared to the current model, the new CR-V is expected to deliver improved fuel economy.

Watch the Honda CR-V Europe version promo video

The CR-V is one of the top-selling SUVs and is sold in more than 160 countries throughout Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa. This 4th Generation CR-V is already on sale in North

America and Japan and the European version will make its official debut at the Paris Salon in the autumn of 2012.

Honda NSX Concept

Honda presents the new Honda NSX Concept for the first time in Europe, highlighting the design and technology direction for the next-generation supercar.

Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies, including an innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.

Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, who was part of the development team of Honda’s first NSX supercar, recently explained the values of the new NSX; “Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency. In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities.”

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept represents the true racing philosophy of an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio.

Watch the Honda NSX concept promo video

Utilising a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, which Honda anticipates will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD� system, a powerful next-generation VTEC V-6 engine with direct-injection, works together with a dual clutch transmission and a third electric traction motor integrated within the transmission housing, to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

The new NSX, which is expected to go on sale in the next three years, will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio, USA.

DIMENSIONS
	NSX Concept
Length, mm	4,330
Width, mm	1,895
Height, mm	1,160
Wheelbase, mm	2,575
Wheel size	19x9 (front) 20x10 (rear)
Tyre size	255/35R19 (front) 275/30R20 (rear)

Honda EV-STER - the next-generation electric small sports concept model

Featuring a dynamic and innovative styling design and excellent environmental performance, the EV-STER, an electric rear-wheel-drive two-seater convertible sports car, will propose a new way to enjoy a sports type model which is unique to electromotive mobility. The use of light weight carbon materials contributes to the vehicle's driving performance and range of approximately 99 miles.

Key specifications of the EV-STER

Vehicle length	3,570mm
Vehicle width	1,500mm
Vehicle height	1,100mm
Wheelbase	2,325mm
Maximum speed	99 mph
Acceleration (0-60km/h)	5.0 sec
Maximum range	Approximately 99 miles (JC08 mode)
Maximum battery output	58kW
Charging time	200V: under 3 hours 100V: under 6 hours

Honda JAZZ

Honda Jazz Si

New Limited Edition model to be introduced in summer 2012
Revised body styling emphasises fun-to-drive appeal
Suspension and steering changes improve ride and handling
Unique interior trim compliments enhanced exterior styling
16-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard
1.4-litre i-VTEC engine with manual transmission
Maintains acclaimed Jazz space and versatility with Honda’s ‘Magic Seats’
Comprehensive safety package includes Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure
VSA stability control system and six airbags as standard
Maximum five-star safety rating in Euro-NCAP crash tests

Making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show is the new Honda Jazz Si, which will reach showrooms in summer 2012. This new version combines the space, versatility and frugal running costs of the existing Jazz 1.4 i-VTEC but with increased dynamic appeal. The retuned suspension is complimented by styling revisions inside and out.

The Jazz Si was developed by Honda Research and Development Europe and will be manufactured in the UK.

Emphasising the sharp appearance of the Jazz Si is a new body kit. This consists of new front and rear bumpers, with deep valances and prominent side skirts. Stylish 16-inch alloy wheels are fitted with low-profile tyres, while front fog lights, dark-tinted privacy glass and a straight exhaust tailpipe complete the transformation.

Inside, the Jazz Si has black and silver supportive seats, with the addition of a sports inspired leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift lever both featuring silver stitching.

To ensure the Jazz Si has substance as well as style, revised suspension settings have been adopted. New dampers are combined with a larger front anti-roll bar to improve straight-line stability and body control. The electric power-steering system has also been modified for improved feel and response.

Standard Jazz Si equipment includes automatic climate control, cruise control, front fog lights, LED rear combination lamps, remote audio controls on the steering wheel, USB socket, trip computer, powered and retractable door mirrors, height-adjustable driver’s seat, and electric windows, with an auto-up function for the driver,– along with the unrivalled flexibility bestowed by the Jazz’ Magic Seats.

One of the key considerations for Honda’s designers and engineers during the development of the Jazz Si was to preserve the key strengths that owners of the existing Jazz enjoy about their car.

The Jazz Si is powered by Honda’s familiar 1.4-litre i-VTEC 100 PS (73kW) engine, acclaimed for its performance and high fuel economy. This four-cylinder unit develops its maximum power at 6,000rpm and has a peak torque output of 127Nm at 4,800rpm.

In five-speed manual form the Jazz Si has the acceleration as the traditional models and has a top speed of 113mph.

Along with greater dynamism, the Jazz Si retains the easy-to-drive character, smooth controls, comfortable ride and long-distance refinement of the standard Jazz. The Jazz Si therefore offers the best of all worlds – a small car that can effortlessly cover long distances and is also fun to drive.

The excellent safety of the Jazz remains a key component of the Jazz Si, too. It employs Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which compensates for collisions between vehicles of different sizes and deflects crash energy away from the passenger cabin.

ACE body structure is part of a comprehensive package that helped the Jazz achieve a maximum five-star safety rating in Euro-NCAP crash tests. Standard protection features include Honda’s VSA stability control system and anti-lock brakes to help the driver avoid an accident. Should a collision prove unavoidable, however, there are six airbags, three-point seatbelts all round, with reminders to warn the driver if someone has failed to put their seatbelt on, anti-whiplash head restraints and ISOFIX child-seat tethers and top anchors.

The Si variant of the Jazz was developed and engineered entirely in Europe and it will be in dealer showrooms at the end of August.

Honda Jazz SE with Idle Stop
The Jazz SE with Idle Stop makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 and further demonstrates Honda’s commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions and improving fuel economy. The 1.2 litre Jazz with Idle Stop will be sold alongside the existing Jazz range and will not lose any of the practicality associated with the model. The Jazz SE with Idle Stop sits above the S A/C in the model line up and also benefits from the addition of Auto Climate Control and body coloured door handles and mirrors.

The Idle Stop system automatically switches off the engine when you come to a stop improving efficiency and delivering a combined fuel economy of 54.3mpg and CO₂ emissions of 120 g/km – representing an improvement of approximately 3 g/km in comparison to 1.2 litre Jazz. The system is also optional so that the driver can switch it off when it is not required.

Specifications

1.2 litre petrol engine specification
Displacement	1198 cc
Fuel Consumption M/T	54.3 mpg Combined
CO₂	120g/km of CO₂