2008 Detroit Auto Show: Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid Mason City IA

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What it Is

New Cars: Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid Concept Preview - First shown at the British Motor Show in 2006, the Mazda5 Hydrogen is powered by a rotary engine that burns either gasoline or hydrogen and is assisted by an electric motor. Mazda has continued development and brought the concept to various shows as a talking point. In late 2008, the vehicle will be available for lease in Japan, making it the first hydrogen-powered, internal combustion engine offered to the public. Cost of the lease, according to the automaker, will be around $4,000 a month. The rotary provides most of the propulsion, while the electric motor chips in with torque assist, start/stop and regenerative braking. Transitions from one fuel or mode to another are seamless, and in the case of running out of hydrogen, automatic. There are hydrogen sensors under the hood and in the passenger compartment to prevent a fire by shutting off the flow of gas.

Bob Beamesderfer
MyRide Road Test Editor