Formula 1 is ultimately a war of technology, an arms race to build the most advanced racers on the planet. Honda’s return to Formula 1 as an engine supplier got off to a bumpy start, but its determination is now paying dividends. The vast quantity of data gathered during races can help inform technologies that are applied to road cars. Believe it or not, the all-new Honda Jazz has benefitted from this.
Think of an F1 car as a mobile laboratory, stress testing components and forever looking for maximum efficiencies. Powered by a 1.6-litre engine and a hybrid power unit, F1 drivetrains come from the same family tree as hybrid road cars. The information gathered on track is very valuable when calibrating for the road in order to maximise performance.
Honda are a household name in Formula 1, but that glorious reputation gained during the late 1980s and early 1990s was tarnished when the Japanese marque returned to F1. However, troublesome years with McLaren have been refreshed with success when partnered with AlphaTauri and Red Bull.
The new Honda Jazz comes exclusively as a hybrid this generation, and eningers have used some F1 know-how to get the most out of it. Yasuaki Asaki, Head of PU Development said: ‘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 Jazz has three carefully calibrated drive modes that it can cycle through for maximum efficiency. EV Drive uses electrical power alone, Hybrid Drive uses the engine to power a generator that then powers the wheels, and Engine Drive powers the wheels directly. But using some of the tricks learned in F1, the Jazz is better informed when making the switch between modes.
The all-new Honda Jazz will hit the road later this year.
Keyword: New Honda Jazz drivetrain inspired by F1