TypeSAddict

HONDA PREPARES A LARGER HYBRID VEHICLE

Honda Motor Co. will introduce a V-6 hybrid drivetrain in Japan and North America as early as next year, reports the Nihon Keizai Shimbun.

The new system will end up in the Honda Accord sedan, MDX SUV or an Acura model, according to the Japanese newspaper. It says the hybrid drivetrain, which combines a piston engine and electric motor, is expected to improve fuel economy by as much as 40% and improve acceleration up to 20% over the same vehicle powered by just a piston engine.

Hybrids offer such improvements by switching between two power sources depending upon which one is more fuelefficient
for driving conditions at the moment—or combining both sources during moments of hard acceleration.

Honda’s new hybrid vehicle will be the company’s largest yet and mirrors Toyota Motor Corp.’s plans to debut a hybrid V-6 version of its RX 330 SUV next year. That’s about when the first U.S. hybrid vehicles will debut.


Sorry, don't have the source, found it on Acuramdx.org.

Zapata

Yeah this should be the RDX, a smaller version of the MDX.

Collective27

Doubt it will be the RDX, it has been stated that a smaller acura suv is still almost 2 years away and this is saying we will see the hybrid by next year. I expect it in the new RL for next fall.

AcuraFan

When does the new NSX come out? I would figure to see IMA in there first then trickle down to the others after that. That way, Acura can say "See? This technology works in a super car, it will work in your sports sedan."

LegendC

Most NSX owners don't want it to be a hybrid.....it is a purpose built "race" car that does not need the weight penalty imposed by the batteries.

AcuraFan

Fortunately, if they already own an NSX, then they don't have to worry about it...the change isn't going to be retroactive. :P The IMA technology debuted in the Dualnote concept sports car which hinted at it's future use in the NSX.

You see, I read a quote from Honda recently that stated they won't build a V8. Now, where does that leave Honda's supercar? With only one alternative if they want to compete with other exotics...IMA. This will certainly make the car heavier but it will be a well balanced, much more powerful, awd super car. Regardless if current owners like it or not.

LegendC

Wouldn't you agree that current owners would be some of the first in line to buy the new one? Seeing as they already subscribe to the NSX philosphy? Personally I don't care if they make it hybrid or not....I would be happy either way as long as it is something groundbreaking. The no hybrid seems to be the concensus on nsxprime.

heyitsme

if the car is very light, a low 300's v6 would be plenty to put it in the 12's.

would probably be more profitable to start in lower end cars with ima and work up.

AcuraFan

Well, generally, new technology starts in the expensive "flagship" cars and works its way down.

heyitsme

the civic already has ima though.

AcuraFan

I think this is a little different technology.

JRock

You guys are missing the obvious: "larger hybrid vehicle" "an Acura model"

Helloooooooo RL/Legend.

Also the NSX won't be hybrid - that'd be stupid.

AcuraFan

Considering the technology showed up in an NSX-like supercar first, I'd say it's a good indication of things to come...besides, has Honda said anything about a large IMA sedan? I think all the RL IMA rumors were started by someone other than Honda.