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"  LOS ANGELES \u2014 The all-new Honda FCX zero-emission, hydrogen\u2013powered fuel-cell vehicle has gone from prototype to production model almost overnight for its North American debut.  The second-generation FCX, called the Clarity, is a slick looking, low-slung, short-nose sedan. It features an all-new, compact V-Flow fuel cell (FC) platform that&amp;#039;s reportedly 20-percent smaller and 30-percent lighter than the current FCX model. Even more impressive, Honda claims it&amp;#039;ll deliver 30 percent more power and 30 percent more range (up to 270 miles) than the current model.  The Clarity uses a V-Flow fuel-cell stack in combination with a compact (50-percent smaller than previous the model) and efficient lithium-ion battery and single hydrogen storage tank to power its drive motor, which is positioned inside the gearbox for better torque. So you can expect it to get up and go on the highway, instead of operating like the little engine that could.  The FC stack is centrally located under the floor between the two front seats, while the hydrogen tank and ultra capacitor are housed behind the rear seat. Positioned vertically, rather than horizontally like other fuel-cell stacks, the V-Flow is capable of output in the 100-kw range. Plus, its compact size allows the passenger cabin to be more spacious. For the performance-minded, this layout also allows the car to maintain a low center of gravity and optimum front-rear weight distribution for better handling.  The challenges to getting hydrogen power up and running in the U.S. are real (e.g., cost, fuel accessibility, etc.) and should hamper the mass-market roll out of hydrogen-powered fuel cell. But U.S. Honda president and chief executive Tetsuo Iwamura remains steadfast: &amp;quot;There is nothing experimental about this car,&amp;quot; he says today. &amp;quot;Instead, it speaks to the real potential of hydrogen power as a real alternative to gas.&amp;quot; Honda officials estimate that fuel efficiency will be in the 68-mpg range, which is double what the current gas-powered Accord gets.  The new powertrain isn&amp;#039;t the only environmentally conscious enhancement that went into this vehicle. Plant-derived bio-fabrics also are used in the interior. They offer outstanding durability and resistance to damage from sunlight, Honda says.  The FCX Clarity is set for limited release during summer 2008 with some leases offered to retail outlets in Southern California. Although nothing is finalized, current plans call for a three-year lease with a price of $600 per month. \u2014Chuck Tannert   RELATED STORIES \u2022 DRIVE GREEN: The Real Truth About Hydrogen  \u2022 TEST DRIVE: Honda FCX Prototype   "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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