Honda Hybrid Platform Promises 'Exhilarating DriveHondaHonda is doubling down on hybrid powertrain technology, and while we've known more hybrids are coming, Friday marks the first time Honda revealed details about how it's improving the next-generation system. But first, of course, there's a new name.The new setup is simply called "Honda Hybrid," which, to be fair, is a lot easier for folks to understand than the two-motor "e:HEV" system before it. Plus, who doesn't love a little alliteration?HondaHonda is being coy with the exact details for how today's system is improving, but it's still spilling some beans. For starters, the Honda Hybrid will be based on the technologies amassed in e:HEV; in other words, the same basic principles we've come to learn about how Honda's two-motor hybrid system will likely apply here. That means it should use an internal combustion engine largely, but not exclusively, as a generator to charge a battery pack that then drives an electric motor.Honda says this next-gen system will feature an "expansion of the high-efficiency operating range of the engine"—perhaps targeting one of the system's weak points, which is high-speed highway cruising efficiency. Additionally, Honda says it's improving efficiency in general through downsizing of the drive unit. Currently, Honda uses a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine for all of its hybrids here in the U.S. The only way to downsize from there and maintain the power one might need for American roads would likely be to employ the use of a turbocharger. Nissan does exactly that with its version of this tech, pairing a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with the Rogue E-Power. This allows the engine to run at a lower rpm on the highway, theoretically allowing for improved fuel economy.AcuraBeyond the hybrid system itself, Honda let on that its vehicles with the new powertrain will be built on a new platform, which the carmaker promises will bring optimized rigidity and weight reduction advantages. Once again, details are slim, but the platform adopts "a new approach to body rigidity management which brings about vehicle behavior as if the body is flexing during cornering and improving roadholding performance." (We're mighty curious to learn more.)Additionally, Honda says it will feature what it calls a "Motion Management System" and "original Honda integrated control technology." Lastly, Honda calls out that it's developing a new e-AWD system. These three innovations should all improve the drive, and Honda says they'll enable its hybrid models to deliver "a high-quality and exhilarating driving experience at the will of the driver, appealing to all senses of the driver, while providing peace of mind."Yes, Honda's hybrids are mighty efficient, but per usual, the company appears to be taking the driver enjoyment aspect of the powertrain into deep consideration. We're still being kept in the dark when it comes to specs and explanations for what these technologies will do, but it's an optimistic preview of the onslaught of Honda hybrids to come.If You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State