Honda is breathing hard down Toyota's neck today with a concept car that previews its own FCV or fuel cell vehicle. The model was first shown in Japan late last year and we got our first glimpse today at the Detroit Auto Show. First impressions? The FCV looks amazingly well built and even though it's very futuristic, it pays tribute to some of the Mk1 Insight's design.
If the production model looks anything like the FCV Concept, we want to place an order today. From every angle, it's very futuristic, thanks to clean, but very sharp lines. Honda designers have made a wide chrome wing to represent the front grille. This tapers towards the sides, where the bumpers rise up.
The rear wheels have been partially covered to streamline the design. Some might say this is similar to the Citroens of old, but Honda is actually paying tribute to the early Insight, an eco worrier which to this day manages to impress by doing up to 60 mpg on the highway.
A new hydrogen tank
Honda's FCV works just like everyone else's, using a fuel cell stack to turn hydrogen into electricity which then powers an electric motor. The car is said to be able to drive 300 miles (483 kilometers) on a single tank, not in the laboratory, but in the rear world. Best of all, refueling takes a fraction of what recharging an EV takes.
The Honda FCV is like an engineer's wet dream. For example, the fuel stack has been shrunk by 30%, but its electric power output has actually increased. The tank is stored entirely under the hood, unlike on the FCX, Honda's current hydrogen car, which has it in the tunnel, between the seats.
As a result, the cabin of the FCV Concept appears roomier. The interior strives to achieve harmony between man and machine with supportive bucket seats and touchscreen controls.
Honda has previously confirmed its new FCV will debut in Japan during March 2016. Shortly after that, it will be launched in Europe and America. No pricing information has been made available yet, thought it should cost roughly $50,000.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News