Honda Accord Hybrid Packs V6 Punch September 2004

American Honda will release in December, the worlds first hybrid vehicle to combine the power of a V6 and the fuel economy of a small car.

The Accord Hybrids power and fuel economy is better than the regular Accord, thanks to Hondas Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technologies. The Accord hybrid 3.0-litre engine and IMA system has 190kW up 13kW over the standard Accord V6 while having the fuel consumption of a four-cylinder Civic-sized car. By using the ouput from the IMA electric motor, overall torque peaks at 314Nm.

The Accord Hybrid is the first hybrid vehicle that combines superb fuel economy with truly exhilarating performance, said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda. By applying hybrid technology to two of Americas most popular vehicles, first the Civic and now the Accord, we are taking hybrids even further into the mainstream.

The Accord Hybrid achieves an estimated US EPA fuel economy rating of 30mpg (7.8 litres per 100km) in the city and 37mpg (6.3 litres per 100km) on the highway, an increase of 43 percent over the current Accord V6 in city driving and 23 percent in highway driving.

The Accord hybrid covers the 0-60 mph dash in just 7.5 seconds, a full half-second better than the regular Accord V6.

The Accord Hybrids instrument panel incorporates an exclusive meter display that shows key operating indicators of the IMA system, including the state of the IMA battery charge, the level of IMA motor assist or charge, and a light to indicate Idle Stop mode. There is also an ECO light to indicate that the vehicle is achieving a high level of fuel economy and the VCM is operating in 3-cylinder mode.

To further improve overall fuel efficiency and maintain precise and responsive handling, the Accord Hybrid utilises a number of exclusive weight saving features including a lightweight aluminium bonnet and bumpers, along with a magnesium engine head cover and dual-stage intake manifold. Other fuel saving features include an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system like the one used on the high-performance S2000 sports car and a new more efficient dual scroll hybrid air conditioning compressor.

New to the Accord engine is the implementation of the advanced version of Honda's variable valve-timing and lift electronic control (VTEC) system or i-VTEC. i-VTEC adds a level of "intelligence" to the legendary VTEC system by adding a Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system that switches between six- and three-cylinder combustion. When high output is required, such as during startup and acceleration or when climbing hills, the engine operates on all six cylinders to deliver superior performance. During cruising and at low engine loads, the system idles the rear bank of three cylinders for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The idled cylinders also remain sealed, alleviating the pumping losses associated with intake and exhaust and giving fuel economy a further boost.

The Accord Hybrid is set to go on sale at Honda dealerships in the US on December 3. Honda Australia has no plans at this stage to introduce the Accord Hybrid in Australia.

SOURCE: Autoweb.com.au

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