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Three Cell
There’s a surprise on the Honda show stand at the Los Angeles Auto Show in the shape of this: the FC Sport Design Study.
That’s 'FC' as in fuel cell: this is, essentially, a coupe version of the Honda’s hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity production car. Which means it uses a fuel cell stack to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, with water being the only by-product.
Honda figures the fuel cell drivetrain should provide 'supercar levels of performance' along with proper supercar handling: the battery pack, fuel stack and hydrogen tanks are all fitted around the rear axle, effectively making this a mid-engined supercar for three.
Three? Yep, the FC Sports Design Study has a McLaren F1-style seating plan, with a central driver’s seat flanked by a pair of passengers sitting slightly behind. Other neat touches include a rear-hinged canopy and F1-style 'barge boards' behind the front wheels to improve aero flow.
As for the looks – well, make up your own mind. We can’t help thinking it’d make a nice family car... for a family of Imperial Stormtroopers.
Unlike the FCX Clarity, we won’t see the FC Sport enter production any time soon. Instead, think of it as an indication that there’s plenty more than can be done with Honda’s hydrogen technology.
How about a Ariel Atom-style fuel cell lightweight, guys?
Based on 6 reviews
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OK, sorry, I don’t mean to double post, but think about it.
Some high-ranking employee in Honda, somewhere, looked at this design, and thought “yeah, that really gives a positive image for our company.“
Hooray, alternative power.
BOOOOOOOOOOOO bad design.
Search for some extra pictures, and I can guarantee that you will ascertain that this is indeed:
THE UGLIEST CAR EVER CONCEPTUALIZED
No seriously. Go look at a Pontiac Aztek. And then look at this.
Then flee back to the Aztek.
In the words of Top Gear Aussie: What WERE THEY THINKING?
good work on the engineering…but someone sure beat that car with the ugly stick!
Actually, folks, I’m suprised that the Top Gear staff didn’t post the 3/4 rear shot of this car.
If you do see it, you might be convinced that the car as a savage case of the hexagonal hemmhroids….
Actually… the looks grow on you a bit.
I wonder how it handles. Think you guys can persuade Honda to let the Stig have a go?
I agree with you there… not the best looking at all. The front is much too boxy for my tastes. I still think it looks pretty mean though (but the knowledge of the technology involved in this concept adds to this).
I’ll give them points for ingenuity, but let’s be honest, not the best thing to look at really…
Wow, way to go Honda! They’re extremely innovative and always bring plenty to the table. Honda goes with engineering just as well as peanut butter goes with ladies… and that’s pretty darn well!