The Sport Hybrid i-DCD is presented by Honda as part of the Earth Dreams initiative

Over all these years Honda has had a preferred hybrid system, none other than IMA (also known as Integrated Motor Assist), from the days of the first Honda Insight and the later hybrid models that followed it. The update to its hybrid powertrain will be called the Sport Hybrid i-DCD, which was presented today.

The system is based on the Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (intelligent dual-clutch drive) and, as a showcase of the new technology, Honda is already working on a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine, with an electric motor that also acts as a generator, coupled to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

According to Honda, the new hybrid powertrain delivers an efficiency improvement of more than 30% compared with a conventional hybrid system. In addition, it brings lower battery consumption, and we can even speak of improved performance compared with the IMA.

The Sport Hybrid i-DCD will not be for high-performance hybrids, but at least the tests on the first test car with this new system, a Honda Fit, reach a maximum of 70 km/h on electricity alone, over a distance of 5 kilometres.

This powertrain will be the third model to reach the market under the Earth Dreams technology, owned by Honda and aimed at entry-level vehicles. The other two systems will be for mid-size saloons such as the Honda Accord (the Sport Hybrid i-MMD Plug-In), or the sportier hybrid powertrain called the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling – All Wheel Drive), used for the upcoming Acura NSX and the nearer-term Acura RL.

Source | Autoguide