Honda GRX

Concerns for the deteriorating environment had been aired globally since the 90's because of the rapidly accumulating greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.

And the gradual depletion of the ozone layer brought untoward fears of weather disturbances and global warming.

It is on this premise that companies, especially automobile companies placed on the shoulders of their R&D to develop ways and strategies to combat Carbon Dioxide pollution. From research, substitute fuels for the industry were proposed, some involved electric cars, hydrogen-powered cars, biodiesel fuels, methane and others that are perceived achievable by present day technology.

In the transition period, hybrid cars were the most likely solution. Though not 100% emission free, it can reduce pollution considerably. Thus in 1997, Honda came out with the J-VX a revolutionary innovation of petrol engine and batteries.

The concept car made quite a stir in the automotive industry, as it became the foundation of future hybrid cars developed in the market. It is this same technology that became the powertrain of succeeding Honda generations of hybrid cars including the GRX.

The Honda Concept GRX Hybrid is the refined version of the J-VX, an ultra-light compact sports vehicle that has been groomed to be a major car contribution in the 21st century.

This concept car is a product designed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in Torrance, California that has a unique synergy system, derived from the company's vast experience in hybrid automotive programs and manufacturing. What is most commendable about this concept model is the aerodynamically sculpted exterior and an equally pleasing interior patterned from the ideas from a Formula One racer.

The concept model is fitted with a 1,500cc six-cylinder, horizontally opposed (for motorcycle applications) gas engine that uses the Honda-developed direct fuel injection system coupled with an extremely compact electric motor/generator set.

The intelligent Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) or the motor/generator is installed between the gas engine and transmission. The IMA gives additional power during acceleration (converts electrical power into kinetic energy) and upon deceleration, the IMA reverses the process from kinetic energy back to electrical current.

The GRX Hybrid powertrain drives the front wheels through an efficient and reliable, continuously-variable transmission (CVT) that aids in the smooth and effective use of both gas engine and electric motor. The core of the powertrain is the IMA for it can match any conventional engine's performance and at the same time greatly reduces fuel consumption and a sizeable amount of emitted gasses.

Safety features and amenities injected into the GRX comes standard on Honda cars like the ABS braking system, the suspension system, the sophisticated controls on the dashboard and the company designed airbags.

The perfected hybrid powertrain concept, together with the lightweight body is the epitome of sporty looks and driving pleasure combined with an environmentally friendly technology and 70 mpg fuel consumption, makes the GRX the car to reckon with in the new millennium.

To date however, production of the GRX has been on hold but the technology is extensively used by Honda Motors in the mass production of a new, more-friendly to consumer's taste models such as the Honda Insight.