2008 L.A. Auto Show: Honda FC Sport

• Looks like: Our eyes! Our eyes!
• Defining characteristics: Unattractive rearward-bulging fuel cell
• Ridiculous features: Honda expecting this car to turn anyone on to the possibility of a hydrogen future
• Chance of being mass-produced: We can only hope it's zip, nada, please no

So, Honda’s had a few misses with its designs lately — both the Pilot and Accord got lukewarm receptions — and the FC Sport Concept doesn’t help turn that trend around.

In a rare (for these days) well-kept secret, Honda unveiled the FC Sport concept at the L.A. auto show earlier today. The vehicle is a Honda design study that’s supposed to demonstrate the flexibility of its hydrogen fuel cell platform that's used on the FCX Clarity sedan, which is an attractive vehicle.

Dubbed "V Flow," the modular approach for the fuel-cell components allowed Honda to give the FC Sport a low center of gravity, with the majority of the vehicle's weight distributed between the axles.

The vehicle has a forward cabin design, which tries to emulate the look of a mid-engine vehicle, like an exotic sports car. The interior is driver-oriented. The driver sits alone in the front, with up to two rear passengers flanking his sides.

If it weren’t for the odd protrusion coming out the rear, Honda could have had something here. Many styling cues from the FCX Clarity made it onto the 2010 Honda Insight. Perhaps some of the FC’s styling will make it onto the CR-Z Hybrid coupe?

Let's hope not.

Comments

[Cj]

Reminds me of a concept Acura had a few years ago:

http://www.cars.com/go/features/autoshows/vehicle.jsp?vehicletype=concept&autoshowyear=2007&vehicle=concept_acura_advanced&make=Acura&model=Advanced%20Sedan%20Concept

[Lil'Tom]

The designers may have been looking at a Lamborghini Reventon, but that is SOOOO NOT a Reventon.

For some reason the idea if having highly flammable gasses compressed into bottles hanging way out of the back of the car doesn't seem right.

[segfault]

Looks like a Transformer robot car, to go along with Acura's Transformer robot grilles.

[T9]

CJ,
That pic is from last year, not a few years ago, and the two look nothing alike. Instead of buying lunch I bought several shares of GM stock. LOL

[Bloke]

Has Honda lost the ability to make the front end of a car appealing? I think the most recent change to the Civic's front end is for the worst, the Accord really doesn't look all that sleek up front, along with the Acura grill, and then this ugly mug. I liked the CRX (or CR whatever) Hybrid coupe they had a little while ago, but there just isn't anything that is all that great looking coming out of their stables lately.

[Trainer]

I have to agree with Bloke. Honda's lineup is U-G-L-Y. The CR-V has a truly hideous front end.

[Bloke]

The more I look at this car, the more I think if this thing had the front end of a civic I think it would almost have supercar style. Yeah the protrusion in the back isn't so great, but it is upfront that I think really hurts it.

[honda resimleri]

thanks..
http://www.arabaresimleri.somee.com

[CCDC2001]

I keep reading how ugly this car is but, IMHO, it's the coolest car design I've ever seen!!! And it's a Honda?!?! All I can say is I hope this makes it to the market!!

LOVE IT!!!

[anon]

I'm with you CCDC2001 -- I dont care what any of these guys say, that is one of the SICKEST designs for a car I have ever seen. Maybe too bold for them?