Honda Neowing Leaning Three-Wheeler Hybrid Concept Revealed
Honda appears to be following Yamaha into the leaning three-wheeler segment, revealing a radical new concept model for the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. Whereas Yamaha’s first leaning trike, the Tricity, is a commuter-friendly scooter, Honda is taking a much more aggressive approach with its Neowing concept.
According to Honda, the Neowing sports an original linkage mechanism for its front wheels. We’ve previously written about Honda patenting leaning three-wheeler technology which appears to be in play here. This distinction is important, as Piaggio has filed a patent infringement suit against Yamaha for the Tricity concept’s leaning mechanism, and Honda no doubt wants to stay out of that fray.
As if a leaning three-wheeler isn’t special enough on its own, Honda equipped the Neowing with a hybrid powertrain combining a horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. Honda says the hybrid setup “generates plentiful torque for powerful acceleration.”
The Neowing’s performance focus is supported by its big beefy brake calipers, aluminum frame, fat rear wheel and carbon fiber bodywork.
Tokyo Motor Show update: While no new information was revealed about the Neowing, we did scare up a photo of the left side.
[Source: Honda]
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