Honda FCX Clarity 2009

In developing the FCX Clarity, Honda has managed to strike the perfect balance between futuristic technology and the very human desire for a thrilling ride. The result amounts to zero emissions and maximum driving experience.

Yes, the FCX Clarity is the car of the future, but it’s ready for the road this summer.

Shaping Standards

This dynamic full-cabin sedan was designed to set the sedan standard for the next century. The aggressive front end features a 6-sided grille and the whole package is wrapped up in a sophisticated, rich color we call Star Garnet Metallic.

Back to the Future

Even from the rear, this vehicle commands attention. Elegantly tapered passenger cabin lines complement the accentuated fender flares. A high center slopes down lower at the fenders. And in the back you’ll find an under-trunk storage well, offering a convenient place to store valuables away from prying eyes. Honda adds another first with the addition of refractive rear privacy glass on part of the trunk, which helps the driver see better through the rear view.

Secret Ingredients

Ever wonder what the future feels like? Spend some quality time inside the FCX Clarity and you’ll be pleased to discover that craftsmanship is alive and well there, as is advanced interior comfort. Everything inside this roomy four-passenger vehicle is designed with humans in mind.

Rooted in Comfort

A significant percentage of the seating material in the FCX Clarity is derived from plants to extend its environmental sensibility even further. The revolutionary Honda Bio-Fabric provides a CO₂ reduction of 30% compared to conventional polyester made from petroleum products.

Better fabric for the environment is better for you, too. Silky soft to the touch, this Honda Bio-Fabric also provides outstanding elasticity—which helps to prevent sagging—as well as durability sufficient to withstand everyday wear and tear. And each seat is individually contoured to complement the human form.


Evolved Interior

The interior of the FCX Clarity has a clean, inviting feel accomplished with naturally warm earth-tone colors. Silver accents with piano-black finish complete the distinctive markings of this highly evolved species.

Seats and Storage

All the amenities you’ve come to expect from Honda are right there where you need them. Heated and cooled seats keep you comfortable no matter the season. A rear center console does double duty as a tray table, and front and rear door pockets are convenient places to stash your stuff.

Technology of Tomorrow

The advanced technology on this car isn’t all reserved for the powertrain. A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™* with voice recognition and rearview camera helps you coming and going — and it even finds your nearest hydrogen station. XM® Radio† and an MP3/auxiliary input jack in the center console rock your world. Even the glove compartment is outfitted with Honda’s USB Audio Interface.**

Dash Around Town

A multi-layered instrument panel floats before your eyes, and 3-D gauges stand out with the information you need. The futuristic hydrogen-consumption gauge changes color and size to reflect hydrogen consumption as your driving conditions change. During high consumption the ball becomes large and amber colored. As consumption decreases, it shrinks and turns yellow then blue. If you’re ready to go high tech with the car of the future, just hit the Vehicle Start Button.

*The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available in the United States, except Alaska. See your Honda dealer for details.

†Required XM® Radio monthly subscription sold separately after 90-day trial period. Installation costs and other fees and taxes may apply after initial trial period, including a one-time activation fee. Subscription fee is consumer only. All fees and programming subject to change. Subscriptions subject to Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com. XM service only available in the United States except Alaska. The XM name is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

**The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA® or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your local Honda dealer for details on compatibility. Windows Media® Audio is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft® Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

From the start, Honda engineers designed this car to be tons of fun to drive. Acceleration in the FCX Clarity is smooth and powerful for a great overall driving experience.

Information gleaned from multiple generations of Honda fuel cell vehicles pays off right now. Compared to the previous model, the powertrain on this next-generation FCX Clarity:

• Is over 397 pounds lighter
• Has 120% better power-to-weight ratio
• Is 20% more fuel efficient
• Has a powertrain that is 45% more compact and 10% more energy-efficient

Free and Clear
First, the basics: a fuel cell vehicle is powered by an electric motor running on electricity generated by a hydrogen-powered fuel cell stack. The more efficient Honda E-Drive electric motor lets you drive with peace of mind knowing that you are helping to reduce the amount of CO₂ being released in our atmosphere. The compact coaxial motor is quieter and can run at higher rpm, for greater efficiency and speed.

Get Vertical

The Vertical Flow (V Flow) fuel cell stack is one of Honda’s greatest breakthroughs in this area. The new design is smaller, allowing for better packaging efficiency. With a smaller stack, there’s room for more people. This ingenious design allows higher cell voltage stability and reduces the amount of heat generated. Gravity also helps with drainage of the excess water.

Added Power

The compact, high-efficiency lithium-ion battery pack is used as a supplemental power source capturing lost energy during deceleration and braking. The new lithium-ion battery delivers improved performance and energy recovery in a more lightweight, compact package. The new battery is significantly lighter and smaller than the ultra-capacitor of the 2005 FCX, allowing it to be stowed under the rear seat. This gives the car more passenger space and a bigger trunk.

and We believe high safety standards can apply to all vehicles—even the groundbreaking ones. Six airbags are standard. Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) systems are standard. Even a Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) is present and accounted for.

And the FCX Clarity passed all the rigorous tests required by U.S. safety standards that other Honda models have endured. So you can drive the FCX Clarity with confidence.

Next Best Thing to a Co-Pilot

Honda Motor Co., LTD introduced the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) in 2003, and we have now added it to the FCX Clarity. CMBS™ can help detect certain potential collisions and, through the use of visual and audio alerts plus an automatic tug of the seat belt, it can alert the driver to take action. If a collision cannot be avoided, front seat belts are automatically retracted and braking force reduces the vehicle's speed to help lessen the force of the collision.*

Honda has also taken safety precautions with regard to tank and refueling safety. Learn more.

*Depending on the speed of closure between the vehicles, CMBS may skip one or more alerts prior to braking.