Honda Has Used Formula 1 Hybrid Expertise In Making The All New Jazz
Using engineering expertise from its motorsport team, Honda drew knowledge from its Formula 1 Hybrid Power Unit (PU) programme, to improve the energy efficiency of the brand's e:HEV hybrid system.
As the all-new Honda Jazz has arrived in our Vertu Motors Honda showrooms, advanced hybrid innovation has driven from the racetrack to the road.
Honda's racing heritage dates back to 1958 and in 1965 the brand saw its first Formula 1 win. Throughout its participation in Formula 1, Honda has won a total of 74 Grands Prix and six constructors titles.
The latest Honda Formula 1 Hybrid Power Unit, named RA620H, uses a highly efficient internal combustion engine, combined with an Energy Recovery System.
The advanced hybrid electrical systems ingeniously recycle energy produced by the brakes and exhaust gases to generate extra boost power for acceleration and to reduce turbo lag.
Last season, Honda’s Hybrid Power Unit helped its partner teams, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso (now known as Scuderia AlphaTauri), achieve a total of three race wins and six podium places.
During races, Honda Formula 1 engineers are constantly assessing and changing the ratio of energy recovered and deployed by the hybrid system to deliver optimum performance. The expertise they have developed in running hybrid power units at optimum efficiency and power output inspires Honda's range of advanced e:HEV powertrains in its passenger cars.
The latest road-going beneficiary of this technology is the all-new Jazz.
Its e:HEV hybrid system recycles energy and harnesses it to charge the battery and support engine output, for strong performance, seamless switching between drive modes and maximum efficiency.
Honda’s Yasuaki Asaki, Head of PU Development, explains: ‘During a Formula 1 race weekend, teams have to manage very carefully how much fuel they use to comply with the sport’s regulations.
‘In a race we can divide the total fuel allowance over the number of laps, but there are going to be situations where a team might wish to use more fuel in order to get higher performance and in other parts of the race they will want to save fuel for later, while behind a safety car for example.
‘In a race, the communication between the race engineer and the driver is key to achieving that best balance. However, in our road-going e:HEV hybrids we apply our expertise to ensure the Powertrain control units deliver the best possible power to efficiency ratio for the driver, in any required driving mode.’
The e:HEV system was newly developed for the brand-new Jazz and engineered to deliver optimum fuel efficiency and an enjoyable driving experience.
To deliver such a highly-rewarding driving experience and exceptional efficiency, the advanced e:HEV hybrid set-up seamlessly selects from three interchangeable drive modes:
EV Drive: the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly. EV Drive is also engaged when the car is decelerating, harvesting energy through regenerative braking to recharge the battery.
Hybrid Drive: the engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor. In Hybrid Drive, excess power from the petrol engine can also be diverted to recharge the battery via the generator motor.
Engine Drive: the petrol engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch and driveforce is transmitted directly from engine to the wheels. For driving at highway speeds, Engine Drive is used, supplemented by an on-demand peak power ‘boost’ from the electric propulsion motor for fast acceleration.
In most urban driving situations, optimum efficiency is achieved through seamless transitions between EV Drive and Hybrid Drive.
Honda’s participation in the highest level of motorsport has enabled Honda to maintain its highly advanced engineering capabilities and apply its on-track expertise to the road.
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