Honda FC Sport

Posted on November 22, 2008 12:00 AM

Honda may be a mass-producer of automobiles but it is still very much a performance-oriented carmaker and even though it is focussing on developing more fuel-efficient, environment-friendly models, the ‘sports element’ is not fading away. This is evident from the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, 3-seat sportscar concept which is being displayed at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show this weekend.

"The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum," said Dan Bonawitz, Vice-President of American Honda Motor Company. "People who love sportscars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future."

The Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas in California was responsible for the FC Sport design study and has, as its primary objective, the use of existing fuel-cell technology as the basis for an ultimate Honda sportscar.

The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda's V Flow fuel-cell technology - already used in the FCX Clarity sedan that is in the showrooms in America - and reconfigures it into a lightweight sportscar design with an ultra-low centre of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically-driven fuel-cell powertrain.

The high-output Honda fuel-cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle's performance potential. A modular approach to fuel-cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport's low centre of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sportscars.

The ideal placement of the Honda V-Flow fuel-cell stack and related components demonstrates the benefits of a platform-specific, hydrogen-powered fuel-cell powertrain. The FC Sport is configured to accommodate a custom-formed high-power fuel-cell stack, located between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor resides just forward of the rear axle. Two fuel storage tanks, visible from above, are located above the rear axle.

The optimal placement of fuel-cell components for performance also allows for a relatively large passenger cabin (by conventional supercar standards) with enough space for three seating positions. The interior layout focuses primarily on the driver with a racecar-like central driving position. The enclosed canopy opens upward from the rear to allow for entry and exit. Two rear passenger seats flank the driver's left and right side.

The sleek, low-profile body is designed to convey a high-technology appearance with sculpting that combines angular shapes in the front of the vehicle that taper into geometric, hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel-cell. Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle's racing pedigree. The hydrogen storage tanks, visible from the rear deck, showcase the FC Sports fuel-cell technology in much the same way that a "naked bike" motorcycle showcases its engineering technology.

The glacier white body colour conveys the FC Sport's clean environmental aspirations while the dark wheels and deeply tinted glass provide a symbolic contrast befitting of the vehicle's unique combination of clean power and high performance. Green construction techniques further contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. An organic, bio-structure theme is carried through to the body construction where exterior panels are intended to use plant-derived bio-plastics.

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