Formula 1 hybrid expertise utilised in new Honda Jazz

Honda will apply its engineering expertise gained from Formula 1 in its new Jazz hybrid which is out later this year.

Honda's Formula 1™ Hybrid Power Unit (PU) programme will be used to improve the energy efficiency of the brand's e:HEV hybrid system for passenger cars.
The latest Honda Formula 1 Hybrid Power Unit, named RA620H, uses a highly efficient 1600cc six-cylinder internal combustion engine, combined with an Energy Recovery System. The advanced hybrid electrical systems 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.

The expertise engineers 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 Jazz's 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.

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 is newly developed for Jazz and engineered to deliver optimum fuel efficiency and an enjoyable driving experience.