Honda is displaying signs of rousing from its new-technology torpor: the company has developed a new hybrid system destined for future Acura models that employs a direct-injected 3.5-liter V6, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and, most significantly, an upgraded version of the company’s SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive) system that features a pair of electric motors driving the rear wheels.
Those familiar with the latest crop of Acura models will recall the current SH-AWD system is a four-wheel-drive powertrain that can send engine torque to either of the rear wheels to enhance cornering. The new system is similar in concept, but instead of using a driveshaft to send power from the engine to the rear wheels and clutches in a differential to apportion that power, each rear wheel is motivated by a 27 horsepower electric DC motor.
The new system acts like a torque-vectoring system but with fewer components and less weight, not to mention the added benefit of a clever energy recapturing system.
Besides providing torque to their respective wheels, the electric motors can create drag through electric regeneration. When the car enters a corner, the system will shoot power to the outside rear wheel while the inside rear motor drags and recaptures energy. At this point, the dragging motor can actually send electricity to assist the outside motor in real time; as the car nears the end of the corner, the inside rear motor reverts to powering its own wheel to help with traction.
The two rear electric motors can also motivate the car by themselves, effectively making the car rear-wheel-drive during electric-only operation, which is possible (unlike in Honda’s current IMA hybrid setup) thanks to the gas engine’s ability to decouple from the electric mills.
The petrol engine used in the setup is the newest variant of Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 with direct-injection and at least 308 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, which mates to a Honda-built seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (a first for the company) with a 30 horsepower DC electric motor built into the housing.
Honda claims that the system is capable of providing V8 thrust with four-cylinder thrift. The company has given no indication of when or in which Acura vehicles the system might be utilized, but future RL, TL and MDX models seem like relatively safe bets. If a new NSX ever makes its way to production, it would make sense to use what will essentially be one of Honda’s halo technologies in that halo car, too.
References
1.’Acura’s next SH-AWD…’ view
2.’2011 Tokyo Auto…’ view
