Mazda HR-X
The Mazda HR-X was the first hydrogen powered concept car produced by Mazda. The car was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1991. It was the first in a series of demonstration hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles produced by Mazda.
| Mazda HR-X | |
|---|---|
 Mazda HR-X in Otaru museum | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Model years | 1991 |
| Assembly | Aki District, Hiroshima |
| Body and chassis | |
| Doors | Gullwing |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2 rotor Mazda Wankel engine |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Range | 190 km (120 mi) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3,850 mm (151.6 in) |
| Width | 1,700 mm (66.9 in) |
| Height | 1,450 mm (57.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,260 kg (2,778 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | Mazda HR-X 2 |
Design
The Mazda HR-X was a small concept car developed by Mazda to showcase the use of hydrogen fuel as a possible environmentally friendly alternative for automotive transport.[1] The car was powered by a two rotor Wankel engine that produced 100 hp (75 kW). 37 Nm3 (3.32 kilograms (7.3 lb)) of hydrogen was stored in a metal hydride tank that was refueled by a single nozzle alongside water for cooling.[2] The engine was connected to the wheels via a 4 speed automatic transmission, while a KERS-like system called Active Torque Control System (ACTS) was used to recover braking energy and reuse it to improve acceleration.[3]
The cabin accommodated two people who entered via gull-wing doors. It was constructed of plastic and designed to be nearly completely recyclable.
Performance
The car was capable of a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) and had a range of 190 km (120 mi).[4]
References
- Cranswick, Marc (2016). Mazda Rotary-engined Cars: From Cosmo 110S to RX-8. Dorchester: Veloce Publishing. p. 144. ISBN 9781845849436.
- "Mazda Advances Environmentally-Correct HR-X: Powered by Hydrogen" (PDF). Hydrogen Today. 4 (1): 3–4. 1993.
- Brown, Stuart F. (1993). "Running on Hydrogen". Popular Science. 240 (2): 53.
- Hoffman, Peter (2012). Tomorrow's Energy: Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and the Prospects for a Cleaner Planet. Cambridge MA: MIT Press. p. 129. ISBN 9780262516952.