Honda introduced today a new hybrid system, designated to replace the current IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) found on the current Insight, Civic Hybrid and Jazz Hybrid.
 
Named Sports Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive, the system is a lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid system optimized for small-sized vehicles.
 
In addition to fuel economy, the system offers acceleration more powerful than that of existing models as well as a rhythmic and linear feeling. This drive unit combines a newly developed inline 4-cylinder 1.5L Atkinson cycle engine with a 7-speed DCT system with a built-in high-output motor and a lithium-ion battery to improve efficiency by more than 30% compared to a conventional one-motor hybrid system.
 
The combination of the one-motor hybrid system and the engine realizes sporty driving during acceleration and high-speed cruising by using the clutches to engage the engine.
 
Highly efficient electric vehicle (EV) driving is realized during startup and low- to medium-speed cruising by using the clutches to disengage the engine.

Source: Honda