Is the remote starter available for the hybrid model? When "building" a model on the Acura site you can only choose it as an option for other models, not the hybrid. So I was wondering if anyone out there knows if it can be done.

 

It doesn't show as an option for the Manual Transmission either. So, I'm guessing it's only available for the 2.0L trim. Either way I wouldn't get the remote starter from Acura, I heard that theirs shuts off when you open the door and you have to start the engine manually again. So, I'd recommend Viper or Compustar, they're just as good, if not better and likely cheaper. But yeah, I would call Acura and ask if there's a reason why it's not available for the Hybrid.

 

Ignition process is the same so it will definitely work. It would defeat the image of the hybrid. I assume you will use it for winter engine "prewarming". But that practice has been debunked in terms of its utility when weighed against emissions and fuel consumption.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-...warming-up-car

A block engine heater would be the easier "greener" choice. Don't mean to lecture just my 2 cents.

Welcome to the forum. Congrats on the new hybrid!

 

Thanks, I will look into either the Viper Smart start or the Compustar Drone.

About the hybrid efficiency...I am still learning this car, but my previous car was a Lexus HS250 hybrid and what happens is the car sits idle on batter power, not running the engine. So when I used to warm up my old car it would cycle between battery and engine but for themost part didn't really use any gas while doing so.

I am not sure how the Acura/Honda hybrid system works yet.

 

In my few months of limited experience, upon initial ignition the ILX is using all gas. Until the gas engine has "warmed up" (when the blue cold engine light turns off), the vehicle will not auto shut-off. I am not even sure that the ILX will auto shut-off when put in Park...

If you have any other questions maybe we should move this discussion in the Hybrid Tech thread?