Contents
- Introduction
- Global debut of Honda Project 2&4 powered by RC213V
- New and refreshed model line-up from Honda
- Civic Tourer Active Life Concept and GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ record-breaking Civic Tourer
- German debut of the UNI-CUB β
- Moto GP championship-winning motorcycle for the road
1. Introduction
Honda presents its re-energised model range of entirely refreshed and all-new cars alongside innovative design concepts
During an important year for Honda, the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show sees the brand presenting its range of entirely refreshed and all-new cars. Alongside the new line-up, Honda will showcase design concepts and advanced technologies, all demonstrating Honda’s unique creativity in meeting the personal mobility challenges of today and the future.
The 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show will witness the global premiere of ‘Honda Project 2&4 powered by RC213V’. A winner of the global design competition run by Honda between its global design studios, Honda Project 2&4 represents the company’s drive to inspire and reward creative thinking.
Embodying Honda’s concept of ‘creative craftsmanship’, Honda Project 2&4 was designed through a collaboration between Honda’s motorcycle design centre in Asaka and Honda’s automobile design centre in Wako, Japan. Honda Project 2&4 is the result of the company’s continuous effort to create a more exciting user experience.
As part of a new and refreshed model line-up, the all-new HR-V and Jazz production models are on display, both demonstrating Honda’s familiar blend of sophisticated design, advanced safety features, and class-leading interior space and versatility.
One of the world’s best-selling SUVs, Honda’s CR-V has been refreshed for the European market in 2015, with a new diesel engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, as well as world-first technologies to enhance occupant safety.
The 2015 Honda Civic and Civic Tourer feature new sporty exterior and interior styling enhancements and there is a new Civic Sport derivative. The car features Honda Connect, an advanced Android-based infotainment system offering WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI and Mirror Link connectivity.
The new Civic Type R is Honda’s race car for the road and represents Honda’s racing spirit and commitment to delivering class-leading performance through creative engineering. The British-built model, which debuted earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, is powered by an all-new 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine and is the most extreme model ever to wear the legendary red ‘H’ badge of a Type R.
The Civic Tourer Active Life Concept underlines the Tourer’s class leading cargo space and versatility within the C-segment. The Concept study shows that style and space can work together; a custom paint colour further enhances the sleek and sporty exterior and an accessorised interior demonstrates the Concept’s suitability for an active lifestyle and the needs of its customers.
During 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Honda will demonstrate its personal mobility device, UNI-CUB β. The device features balance control technology and an omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System), which originated from Honda’s pioneering research into humanoid robots, including the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO.
Honda will be displaying the RC213V-S motorcycle, created by a desire to turn the championship-winning RC213V competing in MotoGP races into a model for the public road. The RC213V-S is not merely the result of a feedback of technologies created by Honda through its competition in races into a commercially available model, but rather represents a wholly new endeavour to make it possible for a machine developed for competition in MotoGP races to run on public roads.
2. Global debut of Honda Project 2&4 powered by RC213V
Winner of Honda’s ‘Global Design Project’ provides the freedom of a motorcycle and the manoeuvrability of a car
‘Honda Project 2&4 powered by RC213V’, the winning entry from Honda’s ‘Global Design Project’, makes its global debut at the 66th Frankfurt Motor Show.
Embodying the concept of ‘creative craftsmanship’, Honda Project 2&4 celebrates Honda’s position as the world’s leading engine manufacturer, providing engines to 28 million people per year across two- and four-wheel automotive, power equipment, marine and aerospace applications.
An example of the continuous effort to create an ever-more immersive driving experience, Honda Project 2&4 brings together the brand’s unique capabilities in two- and four-wheel mobility. Featuring the RC213V competition motorcycle engine, which has been modified to run on public roads, the Honda Project 2&4 provides the freedom of a motorcycle and the manoeuvrability of a car.
Its exceptional engine, a 999 cc V-4 four-stroke unit, was originally developed for the world-class MotoGP motorcycle racing series and has been specially tuned for the public road. The engine conforms to Honda’s ‘The Power of Dreams’ guiding philosophy that inspires innovation and originality. With a 14,000 rpm red line, the unit is mated to a six-speed DCT gearbox and delivers peak power of 215 PS at 13,000 rpm, and peak torque of 118 Nm at 10,500 rpm.
Drawing on Honda’s racing heritage, the body design and engine position have been inspired by the legendary Honda RA272 of 1965. The structure reveals the core frame and functional components of the car, much as would be more customary for a motorcycle, and is similarly compact. Overall length is3,040 mm, width1,820 mmand height995 mm. A weight of just405 kgmaximises the power of the mid-mounted engine which, together with the low centre of gravity, ensures an exceptionally high level of responsiveness.
The exhilarating feeling created from the open cockpit is significantly enhanced by the driver’s seat, uniquely suspended just above the road. The ‘floating seat’ design places the driver as close to the action as possible, evoking the freedom of a bike and completing the immersion provided by Honda Project 2&4’s extreme performance and unique engineering.
3. New and refreshed model line-up from Honda
2015 range showcases the diverse application of Honda’s creative engineering
Honda HR-V: A new generation of subcompact SUV
The all-new Honda HR-V delivers a unique proposition to the subcompact crossover segment: characterful coupé looks with the tough stance of an SUV, the space and versatility of an MPV, sophisticated-yet-fun driving dynamics and fuel-efficient performance. From the very first glance, the new HR-V portrays a characterful youthfulness, with the distinctive, boldly-sculpted lines of a coupé merged with the tough stance of a robust SUV.
The new HR-V is available with a choice of highly efficient 120 PS 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel or 130 PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engines, both part of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series. The diesel engine is matched to a six-speed manual transmission while the petrol engine is offered with either six-speed manual or CVT transmissions.
For more information on the all new Honda HR-V, please visit http://hondanews.eu/gb/en/cars/models/hr-v
Honda Jazz: third generation redefines the B-segment hatchback
The third generation of Honda’s versatile and hugely popular sub-compact hatchback, the all-new 2015 Jazz delivers greater space, versatility, refinement and technology.
The all-new Jazz follows Honda’s ‘man maximum, machine minimum’ design concept. This philosophy aims to achieve a compact, highly efficient package by maximising the space for occupants while minimising the space utilised by the car. Class-leading interior capacity and Honda’s innovative packaging solutions are further enhanced thanks to Honda’s Magic Seats system, offering a range of configurations for transporting cargo and passengers.
For more information on the all new Honda Jazz and a wide variety of accessory packs, please visithttp://hondanews.eu/gb/en/cars/models/jazz
Honda Civic Type R: a race car for the road
The new Civic Type R is Honda’s race car for the road and represents Honda’s racing spirit and commitment to delivering class-leading performance through creative engineering. Furthermore, the new Civic Type R is an expression of the brand’s pioneering approach to technological innovation. A world-first application of Honda’s new 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine, a sporting sound, aggressive function-led styling, and pioneering new chassis technologies combine to deliver one of the most immersive and rewarding driving experiences.
The Type R also sees the debut of the new ‘+R’ mode that increases the response of various chassis and drivetrain systems to deliver an even more intense driving experience, ideal for the track.
At the heart of the new Civic Type R is an all-new, direct-injected turbocharged 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine, which delivers unrivalled power, torque and performance figures in the front-wheel drive hot hatch segment. Peak power output is 310 PS at 6,500 rpm, and peak torque is 400 Nm between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm – both higher than for any previous Honda Type R model.
For more information about the Honda Civic Type R and a wide variety of accessory packs, please visithttp://hondanews.eu/gb/en/cars/models/civic
Honda NSX: the icon drives again
Complementing the Type R on the Honda stand is the hotly-anticipated NSX hybrid supercar. Developed to fulfil the concept of a ‘human-centred supercar’ that puts the driver first in every aspect of its design.
Resulting from a three-year intensive engineering programme by a global design and engineering team at Honda’s development centre in Raymond, Ohio, the NSX features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and rear lights that pay homage to the original NSX.
Every element of the exterior body design has been carefully fashioned for total airflow management, generating stability-enhancing downforce and aiding vehicle systems cooling. The NSX has undergone extensive testing at the company’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel, leading to a number of significant changes from concept to final body design, including modified bonnet vents, new front wing vents, modified side air intakes, and an optimised rear spoiler.
At the heart of the NSX’s performance is an all-new mid-mounted, 75-degree, DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT. The V6 engine employs a race-inspired compact valve train and dry sump lubrication system to help lower the centre of gravity. The all-new nine-speed DCT delivers synapse-quick gear changes and rev-matching downshifts. The rear direct-drive electric motor, housed between the engine and transmission, supports acceleration, braking and transmission shifting performance.
For more information about the Honda NSX, please visit http://hondanews.eu/gb/en/cars/models/NSX
Honda CR-V: the biggest-selling SUV in Europe
One of the most popular SUVs in the world, Honda’s CR-V is refreshed in 2015, with revised styling, new comfort and connectivity features, and world-first technologies to enhance occupant safety.
Highlights of the European 2015 model-year CR-V include a new diesel engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission and a world-first safety technology known as ‘Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC) system’ introduced as part of Honda SENSING.
Using both radar- and camera-based safety technologies Honda’s new i-ACC system is capable of predicting and automatically reacting to other vehicles ‘cutting-in’ to the vehicle’s lane. Based on extensive real-world research of typical European driving styles, Honda’s i-ACC uses a camera and a radar to sense the position of other vehicles on the road. It then applies an algorithm to predict the likelihood of vehicles in neighbouring lanes cutting-in, enabling the equipped vehicle to react quickly, safely and comfortably.
Honda’s advanced infotainment system, Honda CONNECT, has been introduced to the CR-V, offering convenience and connectivity while on the road. Key features include internet radio, internet browsing, satellite navigation and rear-view parking camera.
For more information on the Honda CR-V and a wide variety of accessory packs, please visit http://hondanews.eu/gb/en/cars/models/cr-v
Honda Civic: new design, new technology and a new Sport derivative
For the 2015 model year, both the Civic and Civic Tourer have benefitted from a sporty new exterior design featuring new headlamps with integrated daytime running lights and a sleek new front bumper. The Civic hatchback also features a new rear bumper, side skirts, a rear spoiler finished in black, and LED rear combination lamps.
The Civic’s 477 litre and Civic Tourer’s 624 litre boot capacity remain the best in their respective segments. The 2015 Civic range benefits from the all-new Honda Connect in-car audio and information system.
Each model in the 2015 Civic range now offers Honda’s City- Brake Active (CTBA) system as standard. Specifically designed to help avoid or mitigate low speed accidents, the system uses radar technology to scan the road ahead, automatically applying the brakes if an imminent risk of collision is detected. The system is engineered to operate at speeds below 19mph.
The European Civic line-up has been expanded with the introduction of a new derivative, the new Civic Sport. Based on the Civic hatchback, and powered by the 1.6-litre i-DTEC, 120 PS diesel engine or the 1.8-litre i-VTEC, 142 PS petrol engine, it features a colour-coded rear spoiler and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.
For more information on the Honda Civic and a wide variety of accessory packs, please visit http://hondanews.eu/gb/en/cars/models/civic
4. Civic Tourer Active Life Concept and GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ record-breaking Civic Tourer
All-new concept underlines the Tourer’s class leading cargo space and versatility
Honda will reveal the Civic Tourer Active Life Concept at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, underlining the Tourer’s class leading cargo space and versatility within the C-segment. The Concept study shows that style and space can work together; a custom paint colour further enhances the sleek and sporty exterior and an accessorised interior demonstrates the Concept’s suitability for an active lifestyle and the needs of its customers.
Utilising the unique centre fuel-tank layout, the Civic Tourer Active Life Concept makes full use of its 1,668 litres* cargo space and a low loading height. Features include a smart loading rack capable of transporting two bicycles, along with a retractable arm which can be extended from the rack, making maintenance and repairs easier. Other maintenance accessories include a built in integrated air pump, a large light located on the tailgate, an extended shade area and a retractable bench.
Further accessories include a toolbox, bottle holder, water tank and a front wheel holder which are all integrated within the trunk side lining. Other clever storage solutions include a special aero shape roof box designed to accommodate essential cycling accessories such as shoes and helmets.
The dynamic exterior styling of the Civic Tourer Active Life Concept reflects the sporty and active lifestyle of the customer; featuring a custom blue paint finish with a lower gun-metallic gradation and a silver roofline, which help accentuate the Civic Tourer’s sleek styling and aerodynamic design. New 18-inch alloy wheels and a custom design rear bumper further highlight the Civic Tourer’s sporty character.
The interior also features a customised theme; blue stitching can be found on the steering wheel and on the gear shift, along with a sporty black roof lining, which is also found on the Civic Sport and Civic Type R.
The front seats combine both suede and leather and feature a carbon tape with blue piping that runs along the centre and along the upper outer areas of the seat, continuing into the suede door lining.
Of course, space doesn’t have to come at the cost of efficiency, and to demonstrate that belief, and proving in emphatic terms the efficiency of the new i-DTEC engines from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series, the Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC recently set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for fuel efficiency. The 25-day ‘real-world’ challenge in June saw the car average 100.31mpg in an 8,387 mile drive across 24 contiguous EU countries.
* Seats down, up to roof lining
For more information on the Honda Civic Tourer and a wide variety of accessory packs, please visit http://hondanews.eu/gb/en/cars/models/civic-tourer
5. German debut of the UNI-CUB β
Personal mobility device available to ride in Germany for the first time
During the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Honda will demonstrate its personal mobility device, UNI-CUB β. The device features balance control technology and an omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System). This innovation originates from Honda’s pioneering research into humanoid robots, represented by the research and development of the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO. These technologies allow the rider to move UNI-CUB β forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally simply by shifting their body weight and leaning towards the intended direction.
Since it was first introduced as a concept in 2012, Honda has been testing and verifying the potential utility of the UNI-CUB through a demonstration and testing programme in Japan, conducted jointly with the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan). The new UNI-CUB β is an evolution of the UNI-CUB, developed after analysis of the programme’s data and user feedback.
Smaller and lighter, UNI-CUB β weighs 25 kg and features enhanced design and materials, with improved usability and a lower seating position. In total, UNI-CUB β stands 620 mm high, is 510 mm long and 315 mm wide. Power is provided by a Lithium-ion battery giving a 3.7 mile range, or 1.5 hours endurance at 2.5mph. Maximum speed is 3.7mph.
With this model, Honda will take another step forward and verify the business feasibility of the device by offering the UNI-CUB β to other businesses and organisations in Japan through a fee-based leasing program.
During the Frankfurt Motor Show there will be a five minute demonstration once an hour, after which test rides on the device are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
6. Moto GP Championship-winning motorcycle for the road
The RC213V-S street legal version of Honda’s multiple championship-winning RC213V MotoGP racer is on show alongside CBR1000RR Fireblade and VFR800X Crossrunner
Honda RC213V-S
The RC213V is a machine created by Honda exclusively for racing that won consecutive championships in the MotoGP class of the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix in 2013 and 2014. In creating the RC213V-S, Honda has made changes to the RC213V that are necessary in order to allow for use on the public road.
Naturally, the RC213V-S has inherited many of the characteristics that have made the RC213V so successful on track. These include light weight and specifically machined components, plus the expert skills and techniques required for precision manufacturing. In addition, the RC213V-S is equipped with the same fully-adjustable control technologies deployed to adapt the RC213V to each individual circuit and rider.
In developing RC213V’s powertrain, Honda’s aim was to create a motorcycle engine with MotoGP winning potential. To this end, the engine needed to achieve a high enough power output to enable the speeds needed for MotoGP while being as compact as possible. To meet these goals, as well as MotoGP regulations, Honda adopted a 999cc, 90-degree V4 engine with detailed modifications to allow the engine to fit within the mandated dimensions.
The RC213V-S engine retains all of the above features, but with a modified rpm profile for output characteristics better suited to public roads. It shares a gear-based timing system for superior valve actuation accuracy at high rpm – just as with RC213V. However, the pneumatic valve mechanism was changed to a coil-spring system for greater durability and easier maintenance in day-to-day running. Similar considerations see the seamless transmission used in RC213V replaced with a conventional gearbox.
The RC213V-S is available in two states of tune, as standard with 159 PS (117 kW) at 11,000 rpm or with 215 PS (158 kW) at 13,000 rpm when fitted with the optional Sports Kit. The RC213V-S was designed with riding on public roads as the core premise, but is available with the optional Sports Kit, designed exclusively for racing or riding on closed circuits.
For more information on the Honda RC213V-S, please visit http://hondanews.eu/eu/en/motorcycles/media/pressreleases/55702/honda-to-launch-rc213v-s-by-turning-rc213v-competing-in-motogp-races-into-a-model-for-public-road-ri
Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
From 1992 to date, the CBR1000RR Fireblade’s story is one of constant evolution and development. Honda’s ‘Total Control’ concept – a design philosophy running through every single model – has resulted in a motorcycle in total balance, combining exceptional performance and handling with a satisfying ability to extract the very best from every rider.
For the 2014 season, the CBR1000RR Fireblade was updated with enhanced peak power and mid-range torque. The engine now produces peak power of 181 PS (133 kW) at 12,250 rpm with 114 Nm of torque at 10,500rpm. The riding position was also improved and a track-focused CBR1000RR Fireblade SP model created for the first time.
Since the first model, all-round usability of potent engine performance – especially throttle control at partial openings – has been a principal factor for Honda’s engineers, achieved through the Programmed Dual Sequential Fuel Injection system (PGM-DSFI). The MotoGP-derived slipper clutch ensures full power transmission together with ultra-smooth gear shifting and light feel at the lever. In the critical hard braking, back-shifting corner-entry phase it decreases the torque passed from engine to the rear wheel, reducing the chance of traction loss and increasing stability.
For more information on the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, please visit http://hondanews.eu/eu/en/motorcycles/media/presskits/35617/2015-cbr1000rr-fireblade6
Honda VFR800X Crossrunner
Built to deal with whatever the road ahead has to offer, the VFR800X Crossrunner’s muscular and minimal adventure-sport style showcases the V4-VTEC engine and aluminium twin-beam frame. Long travel suspension – front and rear – smooths the ride over rough tarmac, while the upright riding position and wide handlebars deliver razor-sharp steering response and agile handling from city to countryside. Honda has also engineered the Crossrunner to handle long distances, with a seat height that adjusts to either 815 mm or 835 mm for optimal comfort.
The 782cc liquid-cooled 16-valve DOHC 90° V4-VTEC engine has been designed to generate more low-to-mid-range torque and peak power. Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) operates one pair of inlet / exhaust valves per cylinder at low rpm, switching to four as revs increase. The engine has a characterful feel and produces a unique, thrilling howl through its 4-2-1-1 exhaust Maximum power is 106 PS (78 kW) at 10,250 rpm, while peak torque of 75 Nm is delivered at 8,500 rpm.
Housing the engine is a specifically honed chassis,equipped with the 43 mm Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) telescopic fork which features 131 mm axle travel and stepless spring preload adjustment. This combines with the gas charged rear-shock to create do-it-all adventure-sport-touring capability, blending all-round practicality with focused performance.
