Honda Accord Hybrid: Honda's Best-Selling Vehicle Goes Hybrid
Accord Hybrid Set to debut later this year with V-6 performance and four-cylinder Fuel

Torrance, Calif. 06/28/2004 -- American Honda released the first images of its 2005 Accord V6 Hybrid, a gas-electric hybrid version of Honda's best-selling car, scheduled to go on-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide later this year. Utilizing a next-generation hybrid powertrain, the Accord V6 Hybrid will deliver power and performance above the current 240-horsepower Accord V6 with the fuel economy of a compact-class, four-cylinder Civic sedan.

"Putting hybrid technology into our most popular model is a further indication of Honda's commitment to hybrid technology and our confidence that consumers are ready for more hybrid models," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Accord hybrid delivers both increased performance and higher fuel economy. It takes hybrid technology into all new territory."

With class-leading performance and fuel efficiency provided by a highly advanced and super-efficient hybrid V6 powertrain, the Accord Hybrid will produce in excess of 240 horsepower with near-peak torque available across the engine's full operating range for exhilarating performance with superb acceleration, passing power and cruising comfort.

Honda's innovative new Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology further enhances the efficiency of the Accord Hybrid by deactivating three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration with no impact to vehicle performance or passenger comfort.
Honda's advanced and super-efficient Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system utilizes a high-output electric motor/generator to provide for more efficient engine operation by capturing electrical energy during braking or deceleration and using that energy to help power the vehicle. In addition, the system features the ability to shut off the engine during vehicle stops for further efficiency gains. The resulting savings in fuel consumption, along with VCM cylinder deactivation, provides for fuel economy comparable to a compact-class Civic sedan powered by a four-cylinder engine.

The Accord Hybrid's exterior has a number of exclusive features including a unique front grille design, new taillight appearance and special hybrid badging, along with a rear trunk lid spoiler and exclusive alloy wheel design.

Honda introduced the Insight, America's first hybrid vehicle and still the fuel economy leader, in December 1999. Honda then took hybrid technology into the mainstream with the introduction of the Civic Hybrid in March 2002. Sales of the Insight and Civic Hybrid accounted for more than half of all U.S. hybrid sales in 2003, according to R.L. Polk vehicle registration data. Civic Hybrid set consecutive sales records in March, April and May with year-to-date sales up nearly 20 percent versus last year through the end of May.

Hybrid Accord vows performance, efficiency

By James R. Healey, USA TODAY
Honda confirmed an open secret Tuesday, saying it will sell a gas-electric hybrid version of the 2005 Accord sedan, making hybrid power available the first time in a midsize family car sold in huge numbers.

Rival Toyota is likely to field a hybrid version of its midsize Camry sedan, but not for at least a year.

Honda also noted that the hybrid Accord will run on just three of its six cylinders part of the time to save more fuel. And it will be marketed not as a fuel-sipper for thrifty buyers, but as a high-end sedan with more power than the gasoline V-6 model, as well as better mileage.

"We see the (hybrid) market expanding, and a key part is offering both performance and fuel efficiency," says Honda spokesman Andy Boyd.

The Accord hybrid is to go on sale in November or December for about $30,000 — roughly $3,000 more than a top-end Accord EX gas car — outfitted with leather upholstery, side air bags, five-speed automatic transmission and other premium features.

Honda forecasts about 32 miles per gallon in town, 38 on the highway, same as a smaller Civic four-cylinder gasoline car. Accord EX with V-6 gasoline engine and automatic transmission is rated 21/30 mpg.

The hybrid system teams the Accord's 3-liter gasoline V-6 with a modest electric motor that kicks in when additional power is needed. Hybrids shut off their gas engines at stoplights and other long pauses.

The Accord will shut off half the V-6's cylinders under light load to save even more. Honda's redesigned 2005 Odyssey minivan will have the cylinder shutoff feature, too. General Motors and DaimlerChrysler also use cylinder shutoff on some models.

Accord hybrid will be rated 255 horsepower vs. the gasoline V-6's 240 hp.

Emphasizing performance "may very well be a good approach," says Jim Hossack, analyst at industry consultant AutoPacific. It distracts buyers from complaints and controversy about hybrids' disappointing fuel economy and injects an emotional appeal that helps command a higher price, Hossack says.

Lexus likewise plans to pitch its RX 440h hybrid as a hot-rod sport-utility vehicle that happens to get good mileage. It will be rated about 270 hp, vs. the gasoline V-6's 230 hp. RX 400h is due in December.

"It's unfortunate" that Honda will be first with the high-performance hybrid pitch, says Lexus spokesman Brad Nelson, "but it's not going to change our approach and our message."

Honda also sells a Civic hybrid and Insight two-seater hybrid. Toyota's hybrid is the Prius sedan.

"It's unfortunate" that Honda will be first with the high-performance hybrid pitch, says Lexus spokesman Brad Nelson, "but it's not going to change our approach and our message."