2005 Honda Accord V6 Hybrid *New info posted*

[Vintalage]

Accord Hybrid Set to debut later this year with V-6 performance and four-cylinder Fuel Economy

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 Elliot, 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.

[pontga00]

I only get red X's...

[Nikki]

Hmmm that Sedan looks the same as it does now....besides the wheels.

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by pontga00

I only get red X's...

Edited. Provided link.

[hotgt]

Originally Posted by Nikki

Hmmm that Sedan looks the same as it does now....besides the wheels.

so does the Civic sedan...the wheels and grille are about the only exterior differences, i guess Honda wants the hybrids to appeal to regular car buyers (well besides the fact that they get great mileage)

[Vintalage]

Pictures now available in thread.

So this Accord V6 mated with an electric engine will deliver more perfromance, power, and better fuel economy than the V6 Accord. Interesting.

[Vintalage]

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.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...d-hybrid_x.htm

[UNCTYPE-S]

can someone tell honda to drive every one of the accord sedans off a bridge

[Vintalage]

It's not that bad looking. Look at the JDM models.

[hotgt]

^^thats because the JDM models are Acura TSX's...i'd rather have one of those!

the sedans are well..."bubbly" to me...they are starting to grow on me, but i liked the previous sedans the most

the new coupe's, however, are badass!

[Jagey]

this hybrid technology is quite interesting

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by hotgt

^^thats because the JDM models are Acura TSX's...i'd rather have one of those!

the sedans are well..."bubbly" to me...they are starting to grow on me, but i liked the previous sedans the most

the new coupe's, however, are badass!

Woops, I meant the Honda Inspire. The Inspire over there is our Accord.

[Vintalage]

Honda Inspire

[VTECSiGAH8R]

Originally Posted by Vintalage

Honda Inspire

You really think that looks good? If you put a body kit on sh1t, surprisingly it still looks like sh1t afterwards.


In any case, I like this hybrid stuff to a degree, but I thought they said the new Accord was already pretty porky. Now add hybrid technology and see how it goes around a corner.

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by VTECSiGAH8R

You really think that looks good? If you put a body kit on sh1t, surprisingly it still looks like sh1t afterwards.

Yes, I do think that looks good. When I first saw the '03 Accord, I was like everyone else saying the rear looks ugly. But the design grew on me and now I see why so many people are buying this car. Well appointed. Nice features. Good performance. Nice, clean design. Decent price. It's not a bad car.

[Mike3800]

Accrod is a great car from every angle.

Value, resale, reliability, looks, economy, performance and saftey, most people that own one don't even know what kind of sedan they really are driving from a performance standpoint, other than the obvious with the V6 that it's "pretty quick".

[VTECSiGAH8R]

I like the coupe, and the sedan is a great package but the rear is ugly as sin and that body kit in the pic you showed makes the car look horrible, at least in that pic. The side skirts look like running boards.

But for someone to say the G6 styling is bad and then say the Accord styling is good, I just get extremely baffled.

[Vintalage]

Because the Accord looks refined. The G6 does not. Honda did a better job. Add the factory spoiler to the sedan and it looks alot better.

Also, the pic I showed is the factory kit on the inspire. I believe it's available on the high-end models. The Accord is a better car all around.

You don't like the styling... that's fine. I do. I don't like the G6 styling. Appearantly you do. Good. I'll stick with the Accord...a reliable car. It would have been nice if we received all the features the JDM model has. Power folding mirrors with intergrated turn signals, SH-AWD, infomation center in the instrument panel, HID headlamps, trunk intergrated 3rd LED brake light strip and LED brake lights, and other goodies. Most likely would send the price way up but ah well. At least give us HIDs.

[VTECSiGAH8R]

Originally Posted by Vintalage

Because the Accord looks refined. The G6 does not. Honda did a better job. Add the factory spoiler to the sedan and it looks alot better.

Also, the pic I showed is the factory kit on the inspire. I believe it's available on the high-end models. The Accord is a better car all around.

You don't like the styling... that's fine. I do. I don't like the G6 styling. Appearantly you do. Good. I'll stick with the Accord...a reliable car. It would have been nice if we received all the features the JDM model has. Power folding mirrors with intergrated turn signals, SH-AWD, infomation center in the instrument panel, HID headlamps, trunk intergrated 3rd LED brake light strip, and other goodies. Most likely would send the price way up but ah well. At least give us HIDs.

They reserve that for the Acuras. They don't have Acura in Japan so they don't worry about offering that stuff there on the Hondas. I generally think the Accord isn't that bad looking, but that kit you showed is horrible for it.

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by VTECSiGAH8R

They reserve that for the Acuras. They don't have Acura in Japan so they don't worry about offering that stuff there on the Hondas. I generally think the Accord isn't that bad looking, but that kit you showed is horrible for it.

True and I know they reserve those items mentioned for acura. But the JDM Accord (Inspire) beats the Acura TSX with the many features it has. The TSX doesn't even have a V6 available.