Image credits: © Honda.

2001 Honda Dualnote news, pictures, and information

The future form of the sports car-DUALNOTE. Honda's vision of the future of sports-minded driving involves taking the load off the driver. We believe that anyone should be able to experience the exhilaration and joy of a purpose-built sports car without the demand for sophisticated driving techniques. Our solution is this totally new, mid-engine 4-seater sports car.
The DUALNOTE concept combines these two seemingly contradictory values into a stunning new vehicle offering dynamic performance, environment-friendliness and safety. With its superb driveability, DUALNOTE responds faithfully to the driver's intentions in all situations, allowing it to break new ground in sports-minded motoring. Once again, Honda offers a whole new style of driving exhilaration.

Sure grip through the curves and straight-line stability. High power and miserly fueleconomy. Sports performance and habitability. In this new age of the automobile, Honda accommodates these conflicting demands with original technology and packaging, to raise each of them to new levels. Designed and tested for both flexibility and rigidity, this new form of car promises a totally fresh kind of driving pleasure.

The new-generation Honda Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System combines a V6 3.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC* engine with electric motor assist. Additional power from the electric motor driving the front wheels raises total output to an astonishing 400HP** and achieves an unprecedented fuel-efficiency of 18km/liter**. This hybrid power unit achieving both high output and environment-friendliness is the powerful heart driving DUALNOTE.

Honda's IT instrument panel is designed to deliver only the necessary information when it is needed, to improve driving pleasure and comfort. With interactive voice-recognition technology at its core, the panel is divided into
3 units: vehicle status readings via 3-D display meters, a center display that transmits extra-vehicular information in an expanded and easily readable form, and an information monitor for display of navigation, e-mail and other information. The interactive, voice-recognition-centered control technology used in this instrument panel is the result of a joint R&D venture between Honda and NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation).

The aim is to deliver the exhilaration of sporty driving. The mid-engine rear-drive/front-motor hybrid 4WD layout achieves a sharp, responsive feel. In addition, Honda has installed ATTS* for smoother, more stable cornering and VSA** to suppress side slip and stabilize upward movements of the body. These two systems work in tandem to control vehicle behavior, resulting in maximum performance from all four tires, with extremely efficient transfer of power to the road and enhanced braking and cornering capabilities.

Electric motors drive the front wheels to move the vehicle smoothly away from rest. The motors also work in concert with the gasoline engine to boost power for sportier driving.

By providing optimal torque distribution to each of the four wheels, Honda IMA accurately responds to driver inputs and road surface conditions to assure that the car accurately traces the intended drive path.

During normal cornering when the car is not accelerating, the system activates regenerative braking of the front inside motor employing the torque difference between inner and outer wheels. This improves cornering capability and efficiently recoups energy.

- Extensive cabin length owing to an advanced monocoque form and long wheelbase
• Variable steering assist enables neutral and ideal handling under a variety of road and driving conditions
• Lightweight and rigid aluminum-composite body designed for sporty driving
• Integrated sensor headlights with built-in sensors for immediate and accurate recognition of objects in the drive path
• Integrated front/rear sensing system employing CCD cameras for more accurate object recognition
• Integrated front upper spoiler controls the aerodynamics of the entire vehicle body and helps achieve a comfortable ride quality
• Touch sensor type door-opener switch for tight security
• Infra-red and ultra-violet light variable control transmittance, aerodynamically efficient windows

Source - Honda

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