Honda hydrogen-powered concept car to make Canadian debut at auto show

The Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, will make its Canadian debut at the 2009 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, which opens to the public on Friday, Feb. 13.

The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology—already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan—and reconfigures it into what the company says is a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions.

“The Honda FC Sport explores new ways to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice-president of Honda Canada. “People who enjoy sports cars will not be forgotten by Honda in a hydrogen-powered future.”

The FC Sport is configured to accommodate a custom-formed high-power fuel cell stack between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor is placed just forward of the rear axle, while two fuel storage tanks are located above the rear axle. The three-passenger interior layout provides a racecar-style centre driving position, with an enclosed canopy that opens upward from the rear for entry and exit.

Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Civic and Civic Si sedan and coupe, and the Acura CSX sedan and MDX luxury utility vehicle at its two plants in Alliston, Ont., and produces fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines at its new engine plant adjacent to its Canadian manufacturing facilities.

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