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The comparatively straight frame rails are deployed to help benefit not only safety, but to enhance driving dynamics and cabin space. Some 40 percent of the vehicle's overall frame is made with 980-MPa and 1,500-MPa steels. two 70-mPa hydrogen storage tanks (one 24 liters; the other 117 liters; the efficiency of the powertrain and the on-board storage result in a range of 366 miles), but also serve as the basis for a plug-in hybrid and as a battery-electric vehicle. Honda is nothing if not serious about electrification. It should be noted that the Clarity Fuel Cell uses hydrogen simply as a fuel: hydrogen and air go into the stack, where they're transformed into electricity and water. The water is the exhaust and the electricity is used to power the motor. So, it is essentially an electric vehicle that you don't plug in but simply refuel in a way that is completely analogous to refilling a gasoline-powered vehicle. And recognize that the vehicle range is also the sort of thing that would be pretty much in line with a conventional vehicle: an Accord with a V6 has an EPA combined number of 25 mpg and a 17.2-gallon fuel tank, so that's 430 miles. An electric vehicle tends to have rather linear acceleration, meaning that as you depress the accelerator there is a consequent direct increase in speed (the top speed of the Clarity Fuel Cell is 103 mph). To make the vehicle even more appealing to those who are more interested in the sort of torque-based (the maximum torque is 221 lb-ft) quickness rather than the fuel efficiency that the hydrogen provides (the MPGe ratings are 69/67/68 city/ highway/combined), they've created a Sport mode for even greater responsiveness. OK. This is a highly-advanced vehicle in terms of how it is powered. But it is also a highly-advanced vehicle in the fundamental structure. Remember that this is a platform that is going to be accommodating three different types of comparatively nontraditional powertrains, so engineering had the oppor- tunity to go at the development in a way that is outside the bounds of traditional approaches, with a primary example being the use of ultra-high-strength steels. For example, they are using a high-formability (l) 980-MPa steel for some of the body in white components, which is said to be the first application in the world. There is also 1,500-MPa hot-stamped steel in the body frame: the two 40 HONDA