Honda has introduced a new one-motor hybrid system for small vehicles, called the 'Sports Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive system'.

Honda now has three similar systems that can accommodate different vehicle sizes and characteristics.

The latest unit combines a new I4, 1.5-litre, Atkinson cycle engine with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The high-output motor and lithium-ion battery improve efficiency by over 30% compared to a conventional one-motor hybrid system.

Sporty driving during acceleration and high-speed cruising uses the clutches to engage the engine. Efficient electric vehicle (EV) driving is used during start up and low- to medium-speed cruising by using the clutches to disengage the engine.

This system contributes to the improvement of fuel economy by increasing energy regeneration using the clutches to disengage the engine during deceleration.

A two-motor, plug-in version for medium vehicles offers quick acceleration with an EV-like driving feel and high fuel economy.

This uses a new two-litre Atkinson cycle engine, electric CVT coupled with two built-in motors and a lock-up clutch, a lithium-ion battery and a smart system which can switch modes to match driving styles and situations.

'EV Drive' drives by the electric motor using electricity from the battery and regeneration during deceleration.

'Engine Drive' for medium-to high-speed cruising connects the engine and axle directly connected by a lock-up clutch and engine power is mechanically transferred to the wheels.

'Hybrid Drive' for urban driving and powerful acceleration uses the motor with electricity generated by the engine.

This hybrid system, which is also suitable as a plug-in hybrid system, will be installed to the North American version of the Accord, scheduled to be introduced in January 2013.

The combination of a V6 engine and a high-output three-motor system achieves acceleration performance equivalent to that of a V8 engine with fuel economy better than that of an I4 engine.

A new V6 3.5-litre direct-injection engine is installed in the front of the vehicle and combined with a newly-developed seven-speed DCT system with a built-in motor. This unique Honda technology uses two motors installed in the rear to control torque distribution to the right and left rear wheels.

Using independent motors for the right and left rear wheels, positive torque is applied to the outside wheel and negative torque is applied to the inside wheel, making independent control of torque distribution to the rear wheels possible without relying on engine output.

Depending on the radius of the curve, the energy generated by the inside wheel is recovered electrically and applied to the outside wheel to self-generate torque necessary for the vehicle to make the turn.