Honda has always had one of the cleanest and most efficient model lineups in the U.S. market and they look set to continue that trend over the next several years. We already knew that the Japanese automaker would be adding three more hybrids to its lineup over the next two years: the five-door hatchback coming next spring will be followed by the CR-Z-based coupe and a hybrid version of the new Fit. Honda has been saying for over a year that they would keep the hybrid powertrains in these smaller cars which are used more often for urban driving. For the bigger models, they have decided diesel is the way to go. The first diesel model will show up next year in the Acura lineup, most likely starting with the TSX. According to Automotive News, diesels will then spread to the Honda side of the house starting with the Accord and CR-V. Both will likely get the same 2.2L four cylinder diesel that's going into the TSX. The next generation of the Odyssey minivan, which is due in 2010, may be the first Honda vehicle to get the 3.0L diesel V6 that the company is developing. That same engine will probably eventually end up in several other models - possibly the Pilot and Ridgeline - as well as in Acura vehicles like the MDX.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

A European-spec Honda Civic hatchback has been spotted roaming the streets of the the Detroit suburbs wearing a manufacturer license plate. What makes this particular sighting particularly interesting is the i-CTDi badge on the back. This appears to be a Civic with the 2.2L diesel that's currently offered in Europe.

While it's certainly possible that this a mule being tested with the fifty-state legal diesel that's coming to the US market in 2009, it's unlikely. Honda R&D is based out of the company's US base near Columbus, OH and if they were testing on the street it would probably be in a US spec body with no special badging.

Prototype Hondas are rarely seen in the Detroit area. This one probably belongs to one of the domestic car makers who regularly procure foreign models and bring them over for benchmarking purposes. It's not at all unusual to find vehicles like this one being driven around with "M" plates.

[Source: Jalopnik]

This image is part of Honda's official announcement of their upcoming Small Hybrid Sports Concept. Maybe this is what started the rumor of the next-gen Insight last week? Well, rumor begone! Here's the real scoop:

The new Small Hybrid Sports Concept, which "represents Honda's proposal for a future hybrid model." Designed by Honda R&D Europe in Offenbach, Germany, the car will be unveiled in March. OK, maybe this'll just keep the rumors circulating.

Also coming to Geneva is Honda's new fully driveable FCX concept vehicle The new FCX shares the vertical style fuel cell stack with the current FCX concept, although the new version has been "newly developed." Honda says the new FCX has more power and better environmental performance than the old one,a range of 570 km and a top speed limited to 160 km/h. And it sounds like customers in Japan and the U.S. will be able to take a fuel cell vehicle based on this FCX home sometime in 2008.

Lastly, Honda will present a clean next-generation diesel engine in Geneva. Honda says the engine's new technology - a "revolutionary catalytic converter" that uses the reductive reaction of ammonia to convert oxides of nitrogen (NOx) into nitrogen (N2) - reduces emissions to petrol engine levels and meets EPA's Tier II/Bin 5 requirements. This engine will be available within three years.

All right, so maybe the rumors aren't totally squashed. But we do know more now than before. We have to wait a full month for Honda's Geneva press conference on March 6 where these cars will be shown for the first time. For now, you can read the full press release after the jump. And keep checking AutoblogGreen for more rumor killing and rumor enhancing news.

Related:

• Honda has new global ad featuring the FCX concept
• Second generation Honda Insight expected to be unveiled at Geneva Motor Show
• More details on Honda's upcoming Hybrid plans - A new Insight perhaps?
• AutoblogGreen drives the FCX concept vehicle

[Source: Honda]

This post has been edited because I goofed. The sketch is of the new hybrid.

Recently Honda announced plans to create new ultra clean diesel engines for their vehicles to meet all the latest emission standards. Their design would differ from the Mercedes BlueTec technology because the new catalytic converter would produce ammonia on board to use for treating the nitrogen oxide. This would be a zero maintenance design that requires no periodic replenishment of the urea supply. Initial indications were that a 2.2L four cylinder diesel would be built for use in various passenger car models starting in 2009. In an interview with Automotive News CEO Takeo Fukui revealed that Honda will also be building a V-6 diesel for their bigger vehicles like the Ridgeline pickup, the Odyssey van and the Pilot and MDX SUVs. The new V-6 diesels will also meet all the new diesel emission standards for cutting particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions.

[Source: Automotive News - subscription required]