Honda J-VX concept (1997)
Concept car · 1997 · Hybrid
The IMA hybrid coupe that became the trailblazing Insight.
The J-VX, shown at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, previewed Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology and directly foreshadowed the production Insight of 1999. A 1.0-litre direct-injection three-cylinder engine was mated to an ultra-compact motor/generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission, with an ultra-capacitor rather than a battery storing recovered energy. The lightweight coupe delivered performance equivalent to a 1.5-litre car while consuming just 3.5 L/100 km.
Key facts
- System: Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) mild hybrid
- Engine: 1.0L direct-injection 3-cylinder
- Energy storage: Ultra-capacitor
- Fuel economy: approx. 3.5 L/100 km
- Legacy: Basis for the 1999 Honda Insight
Production
- Status: Concept only
- 1997 hybrid coupe concept that previewed the Insight but was never sold.
- Revealed at 1997 Tokyo Motor Show
Source: Tokyo Motor Show Archive