GT5 Transcripts/Honda Dualnote

The Honda Dualnote Concept was a revolutionary sports car presented at the 35th Tokyo Motor Show in 2001. The "Dual" in the name to its hybrid powerplant. In concrete terms, it was a Honda IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system consisting of capacitors and an electric motor paired to a mid-mounted 3.5-liter DOHC V6. The engine drove the rear wheels, while the front wheels were powered by their own separate motors. The combined power output was 394 HP, while still managing 42.3 MPG fuel economy. In other words, this was an unprecedented hybrid all-wheel-drive sports car.

The hybrid system activated the electric motor at slow speed, while the gasoline engine kicked in when accelerating. The electrical energy is harvested through regenerative braking. The ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) adaptively distributed driving force to one side or the other as needed, while at the same time employing regenerative braking to an individual wheel. This not only helped the car corner in a sharper manner, but made full use of regenerative energy.

"Dual" was also a keyword for the car's styling, which combined soft and hard lines into one harmonious form. The car was 172 inches long, 72 inches wide and 47 inches tall, but even with these compact dimensions, it was a true 4-seater with 4 doors. The car was labeled a future version of the high-performance sports sedan.