I ask this because the car feels decidedly more sluggish when I have the A/C condensor "in the loop."

In terms of a 'seat of the pants' estimate of power loss, I'm going to guess that you lose about 15-20% of the car's optimal (read: A/C off) power.

That and the fact that the engine doesn't idle as buttery smooth as it does without the A/C in that loop.

Anyone have any more scientific info. on A/C induced losses?

 

I don't think you loose 10-15% any more, I belevie at some point int he past the AC was a larger drag on the drive trains that it is today, I think they have boosted effieciencies and lowers power lose.

 

Normal cruising I'd say less than 10%, probably like 5% at best. At WOT (wide open throttle) the compressor shuts off and you lose no power.

 

Is this a published function or widely known fact? Don't remember reading it in the manual.

 

Acura had done it on my 2001 CL, I know they also published it on the 2004 RL, I only assume they continue this function. I will try to find it.

 

It was that way on my first car - a 1984 Ford Tempo, so the concept of cutting out the compressor and the fan when the power is needed for acceleration isn't new.

 

They should use electric A/C compressors that aren't driven by the engine, like on some hybrids.

 

I was always under the impression that the recent revision of HP figures (i.e. drop in numbers) now reflected what the HP output would be when the engine has the maximum amount of drain on it (including the A/C). So if I am right, then the TL should be making the advertised amount of power (280 or 305) with the A/C on and more than the advertised power with the A/C off.