Honda has announced that it will unveil a concept version of its upcoming hybrid-only model at the Paris Motor Show in September. As with the automaker’s Pilot concept, Honda says the show car will give a clear indication of what the production model will look like.
The yet-to-be-named hybrid-only model is slated to hit the European market in the spring of 2009, with North American sales follow soon after.
The new model will be crucial in Honda’s quest to sell 10% of its vehicles with hybrid powertrains by 2010. Honda plans on the new model to generate a wider acceptance of hybrid vehicles — especially in Europe — due to its low price on entry and high efficiency. When the new model launches in Europe, it will have an estimated sticker price between €16,000 and €20,000 — compared to the Toyota Prius’ list price of €24,000.
Honda is also targeting CO2 emissions of under 100g/km. In comparison, the Honda Civic Hybrid emits 109g/km and the Toyota Prius produces 106g/km.
But unlike the Prius, the new Honda model will use and updated version of Honda’s Intelligent Motor Assist system that cannot power the car with its electric motor alone.
But despite the promises of the new hybrid model, Honda will face an uphill battle in marketing the car worldwide. Last year, Honda sold 10,515 Civic Hybrids in Europe, compared to 149,567 gasoline and diesel versions. The best selling hybrid in Europe — the Prius — managed to sell 31,963 examples. Honda plans to sell 50,000 of the car’s 200,000 annual production in Europe, with about 100,000 sales planned for the U.S.
02/18, 4:06 PM
posted by:
Shismo
Its probably going to be as yawn-inspiring as the rest of their lineup.
02/18, 4:26 PM
posted by:
MY Si
^Maybe you should wake up. Have you seen the new Accord? What about Civic Si? Ridgeline? or maybe, just maybe S2000? I really hope that this is the new CR-Z or a spunky hybrid to knock the Prius off its pedestal.
02/18, 5:22 PM
posted by:
e36m
The ridgeline is something to get excited over? Hopefully this hybrid won’t have the stupid smug hybrid look that the prius has.
02/18, 5:35 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
Honda needs to get back into the hybrid game ASAP. I test drove both the Civic Hybrid and the Prius. If it weren’t for the cost, I would have bought the Prius. The Civic hybrid just gave up too much convenience and performance for not much gain in mileage. Perhaps if it were based on the EX rather than the LX model. We bought a Civic EX instead.
As for the next Honda hybrid, look to the FCX for an idea of how it will look. If it can beat Toyota’s mileage while offering similar performance at a cheaper cost, they’ll have a winner. But then, the Prius is due for a redesign soon too.
02/18, 6:08 PM
posted by:
gbb
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
02/18, 6:26 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Looks like next year will be a very interesting one in alternative fuel vehicles.
Late next year GM should have it’s 4.5 Diesal in their 1500.
New Prius.
New Honda Hybrid.
New Lexus Hybrid.
Nissan will field in-house hybrid.
I’d be surprised if the Prius and the Honda were below 55MPG combined.
DrFill
02/18, 7:20 PM
posted by:
autonut
And possibly Accord diesel. I am routing for this engine to come stateside. The reason Honda hybrids don’t sell, there is not much advantage over non-hybrid version. Diesel will provide better economy and better engine. Also, after 8 years of ownership you don’t have to buy new battery pack of unknown price.
02/18, 7:28 PM
posted by:
Shismo
MY Si – Maybe I have a Acura and I know that I sure as hell won’t be buying another product from Honda/Acura?
When I think of exciting cars, lets just say the Ridgeline, Accord, and Civic don’t pop into my mind. And isn’t the S2000 nearing the end of the line? That said, knowing Honda they’ll let the car rot on the line for 15 years until every vehicle on the market surpasses it…
That said the CR-Z & FCX do look promising. Hopefully the new hybrid will increase the sales by as much as they say it will. And yeah, the next year or two seems to be very promising for alternative fuel & hybrids.
02/18, 7:46 PM
posted by:
hateful83
I’m willing to bet this hybrid is going to be the CR-Z. I read that honda is going to offer that in a bunch of different variations. From a fuel efficient hybrid to an quick Si version, which is cool. The CR-Z, in my opinion, is the best honda design in quite some time.
02/18, 8:12 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
i farted
02/19, 12:02 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
But we already know from interviews with the head of Honda, that this new Hybrid will NOT BE OFFERED IN A GASOLINE VERSION. That being said…just what kind of MPG will it be getting?? I bet it gets 70 or more MPG. If that is the case, this car will be sticker ++ for quite a while. Also it will be priced below the Civic Hybrid, so everyone can be happy and own one. Its all good for Honda.
02/19, 1:11 AM
posted by:
Elvio
must be ugly as hell just like their Acura div.
02/19, 10:42 AM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
I wonder how much they will have to lose on each hybrid to reach their goal by 2010.
02/19, 1:22 PM
posted by:
chadsuke
The environment may be fine, but I don’t enjoy paying over $3 a gallon for gas.
02/19, 2:11 PM
posted by:
LJ
A few things:
1) Last year, when the CR-Z was shown on here, and many other sites, iirc, Honda claimed, a)A new hybrid sedan would be for SALE BY 2008(this Fall), replacing the Civic Hybrid(where is it? Why another concept?).
2) CR-Z (or something like it) would be out by 2009, as a 2010 model(iirc, they first said a hybrid and apossible gasoline engine version only) possibly based upon the Fit platform(and modified).
3) Where are they? Where is the supposed 08 sedan?
02/19, 2:18 PM
posted by:
LJ
http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-cr-z-future.html
Honda just unveiled its CR-Z Concept at Tokyo Motor Show, but has already announced that a variation of the car will make production by 2009.
——————————————————
Looks like from Oct 9, 2007,. So, what’s the deal?
Honda not going to go through with this by 09, or will this “concept” in September be a thinly disguised real-deal?
02/19, 2:27 PM
posted by:
LJ
Sorry, LL, I re-read your post.. and what I said at 2:18 ..yes, looks like this “concept” will(as you reported, and I missed, Somehow..sorry)”give a clear indication” of a production vehicle.
This, though, suggests a car in 08?
http://www.statesman.com/life/content/life/stories/cars/12/08/1208caryear.html
”
Dec 8, 2007 … Honda, which typically says little about future product plans, might introduce an all-new hybrid sedan next year to compete with the Toyota” Unquote
——————————————————
Next year is here. Hmmm.
PS;
(I hope that it’s ok to post links…if not, lemme know via this website/post reply, and I won’t post them again… I don’t check email much)
02/19, 2:57 PM
posted by:
murderedout
Hybrids are useless in Rural areas.
02/21, 10:30 AM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
I’ve never been to Paris.
My Si: you’re using the wrong examples to make your point to Shismo.
GL? CB1300?
e36m: “The ridgeline is something to get excited over?” Only if you make your living selling REAL trucks.
Shismo “I know that I sure as hell won’t be buying another product from Honda/A—a?”
Me neither. at least not the four-wheeled variety