Honda's Next-Gen Hybrid System: Lighter, Faster and More Fun to Drive
As manufacturers continue to grapple with the challenges of electric vehicles in the American market, Honda has made its intentions clear by refocusing on hybrid powertrains. The company's future plans for these machines are looking more promising than ever, thanks to a new generation of hybrid platforms that promise to be lighter, quicker and even more fun to drive.
The Next Generation Hybrid System consists of three different platforms: Small, Medium and Large, each designed to be modular and adaptable to various models. These advancements aim to reduce weight while maintaining crash safety, resulting in a significant reduction of around 90 kilograms (200 pounds) in vehicles like the Honda Civic. The lighter platform leads to improved fuel efficiency and reduced production costs.
While the new platforms do build upon existing hybrid technology, they offer some exciting innovations. For instance, the Large platform features a new transmission with a "hi" and "lo" gear range, which can be particularly beneficial for towing. Another notable feature is the S+ Shift mode on the Medium platform, an advanced system called S+ Shift that mimics a virtual eight-speed transmission using shifting paddles on the steering wheel.
During my test drive at Honda's proving grounds in Japan, I had the chance to experience these new platforms firsthand. The results were surprisingly impressive, with the car responding aggressively to braking and giving a noticeable kick when accelerating. This made me smile behind the wheel – it was a blast driving this next-gen hybrid prototype!
The S+ Shift system proved particularly effective, even if it does mean revving the engine more than necessary. However, the overall effect was a car that felt responsive, in control, and most importantly, lots of fun to drive.
While Honda hasn't announced the first production models to utilize these new platforms just yet, sources suggest they will start appearing under the skin of various machines as soon as next year. It's likely that the next-generation Civic will be among the first to benefit from this technology, which promises to bring a significant boost in driving dynamics.
For now, we'll have to wait and see how these new platforms translate into production vehicles. One thing is certain: Honda has made significant strides forward with its Next Generation Hybrid System, and the results are looking remarkably promising.
As manufacturers continue to grapple with the challenges of electric vehicles in the American market, Honda has made its intentions clear by refocusing on hybrid powertrains. The company's future plans for these machines are looking more promising than ever, thanks to a new generation of hybrid platforms that promise to be lighter, quicker and even more fun to drive.
The Next Generation Hybrid System consists of three different platforms: Small, Medium and Large, each designed to be modular and adaptable to various models. These advancements aim to reduce weight while maintaining crash safety, resulting in a significant reduction of around 90 kilograms (200 pounds) in vehicles like the Honda Civic. The lighter platform leads to improved fuel efficiency and reduced production costs.
While the new platforms do build upon existing hybrid technology, they offer some exciting innovations. For instance, the Large platform features a new transmission with a "hi" and "lo" gear range, which can be particularly beneficial for towing. Another notable feature is the S+ Shift mode on the Medium platform, an advanced system called S+ Shift that mimics a virtual eight-speed transmission using shifting paddles on the steering wheel.
During my test drive at Honda's proving grounds in Japan, I had the chance to experience these new platforms firsthand. The results were surprisingly impressive, with the car responding aggressively to braking and giving a noticeable kick when accelerating. This made me smile behind the wheel – it was a blast driving this next-gen hybrid prototype!
The S+ Shift system proved particularly effective, even if it does mean revving the engine more than necessary. However, the overall effect was a car that felt responsive, in control, and most importantly, lots of fun to drive.
While Honda hasn't announced the first production models to utilize these new platforms just yet, sources suggest they will start appearing under the skin of various machines as soon as next year. It's likely that the next-generation Civic will be among the first to benefit from this technology, which promises to bring a significant boost in driving dynamics.
For now, we'll have to wait and see how these new platforms translate into production vehicles. One thing is certain: Honda has made significant strides forward with its Next Generation Hybrid System, and the results are looking remarkably promising.
! It's like they're really focusing on making these cars more fun to drive, which is exactly what we need more of. And 90 kg lighter? That's a huge win for fuel efficiency and cost-cutting! 
Plus, the S+ Shift mode sounds like an awesome innovation - I'm already imagining myself cruising around with that virtual eight-speed transmission 
. Can't wait to see these new platforms in action next year, especially on the Civic! 
. And 90kgs less weight? That's huge for fuel efficiency and production costs too! 
I mean, electric cars are cool and all, but they're just not as much fun to drive as a good ol' gasoline-powered ride. And let's be real, who needs that fancy S+ Shift mode when you can just shift gears yourself? 
Plus, towing is way more fun with the hi gear range, it's like having your own personal tow truck! 
I'm excited to see what Honda comes up with next, maybe a new line of hybrid muscle cars? That'd be awesome! 
. And the fact that it makes the car feel more responsive and in control is a total win-win. Honda's definitely doing something right with this Next Gen Hybrid System 
.
, I mean who needs electric when you can just make hybrids more efficient and fun to drive?! They're already 90kgs lighter, which is crazy! And that S+ Shift mode? More revving for me! I love how they're focusing on these little details that'll make driving a joy, not just about saving the planet 
. Can't wait to get my hands on those new Civic models next year 
and I'm like totally behind it!!! 90kgs lighter is a huge deal! I've been saying it for ages that hybrids are the way to go, but honda's finally catching up 
. And that S+ Shift mode sounds like a total game changer 
. Does anyone know when the first production models will be out? 
let's hope honda can make this tech available on more models soon too 
... just kidding! I kinda love the sound of this new gen system 
. And towing with a "hi" and "lo" gear range? Genius! Honda's really innovating here.
... it sounds like a total blast to drive! I'm definitely stoked to see how this tech translates to production models next year. Honda's really bringing their A-game here.
. Give me some good ol' hybrid fun any day 
It's like they're trying to make hybrids actually fun to drive now 
. The fact that they've managed to reduce weight while keeping safety features intact is pure genius 
. I'm loving the S+ Shift mode on the Medium platform - who wouldn't want a virtual 8-speed transmission at their fingertips? 
Now, I know some people might be worried about the environmental impact of these cars, but from what I've seen, Honda's clearly done its homework 
. Can't wait to see these new platforms in production next year! 
The fact that they're making these systems modular is also super smart, so we can expect to see them pop up in all sorts of different models. I'm especially stoked about the S+ Shift mode – it sounds like just what drivers need for some extra excitement on the road! Can't wait to get behind the wheel and feel that adrenaline rush myself 
and it's SO FAST 
like what even is that? anyway back to this honda thing... so they're saying these new hybrid platforms are lighter and stuff... but like how much weight are we talking about here? 200 pounds is like, what even is that in real life? 
can you imagine taking that off your car? maybe I'll get one of those cars someday lol. do you think honda will make any electric models too? I've been hearing that's where the future is 
. i mean, i'm not even a huge matcha fan, but these treats were life-changing! have you guys ever tried those? anyway, back to honda... what's up with all these new hybrid systems? can't wait to see what they do next... oh, and did i mention the best matcha dessert stand was literally this tiny stall tucked away in a corner 
That's what I got from driving that next-gen prototype. It's all about the feel, the connection between you and the car, and how that changes when you're cruising or cornering. And with this S+ Shift system, it's like having a virtual co-pilot that helps you navigate the road, even if it means revving the engine more... but trust me, it's worth it! 
. Bring it on!
. I'm excited to see how these new platforms make their way into production vehicles next year. Fingers crossed that we'll get our hands on the next-gen Civic soon!