Honda reveals fuel cell sportscar in LA

Honda's FC Sport design study was one of the stars of the first press day at the LA Auto Show.

Though billed as only a concept, the FC Sport conveys its designers' desire to build a green sportscar in the future.

The show car utilises a fuel cell propulsion system similar to that in the FCX Clarity production car, which became the first fuel cell powered car to go on sale to the public earlier this year.

Featuring a three-seat layout, with the driver in the middle in front, the custom built fuel cell stack is situated between the rear seats.

Meanwhile, the battery is packaged low down in the middle of the car and the electric motor that powers the rear wheels is mounted in front of the rear axle.

Clever packaging and a bespoke platform means Honda has managed to endow the FC Sport with a low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution, both key to sporty driving characteristics.

Despite the FC Sport's supercar looks, the only output from the 'exhaust' would be water created in the fuel cell.

Although Honda is working on a new hybrid sports coupé for production, it is likely that the prospect of a sports car powered by a fuel cell is still some time away.

Shane O' Donoghue