Wow! It looks like there are enough improvements to consider this a true second generation IMA system. It even has a low cruising speed EV mode.

Honda Announces Development of New Honda Hybrid System Featuring 3-Stage i-VTEC + IMA

Almost 10 minute movie demonstrating the new engine

Simply beautiful, what an advanced engine/motor package.

How well will it hypermile though?

EDIT: (Got signature working!)

 

Hi Romir:

___Nice find! A few Accord IMA/Prius HSD tricks like an EV mode, off the pack A/C in Autostop and after interior temps have stabilized while the ICE is running or not, 30% larger pack cap in smaller and more shock resistant package, more powerful IMA and ICE for ~ 20% increase in performance (0 - 60 in 10 - 10.5 seconds?), 5% better FE (47 city/53 - 54 highway?), lowest PZEV emissions available anywhere …

___Here is what I really like: Gentle acceleration and high-speed cruising: The engine operating in low-speed valve timing mode powers the vehicle. No IMA for slight accelerations! It is about time Honda figured this out!

___Finally, all in a slightly larger and much nicer looking Civic

___Thanks again and Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net

 

From this USA Today story:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...05-honda_x.htm

Something is not adding up here guys !! A 6% improvement does not exceed the Prius in EPA numbers, yet Honda says it will "offer better fuel efficiency" than the Prius?

What gives? *confusion*

 

Considering the way reporting has been on hybrids in the past, I'm not going to take any article too seriously. I agree with lars-ss about the projected mpg if the body weight and drag coefficient are basically the same - does not add up.

 

It looks like it retains the indirect fuel injection. I was hoping it would get direct injection for even better economy numbers.

 

Lars,

Perhaps Honda is talking only about highway MPG ?

 

I'm excited about the `06 Civic hybrid, sounds like the Prius may have met it's match

 

I'm slightly dissapointed. But we realy don't know what the whole package will be. So far Its not something I'm going to trade my car in for.

 

Direct Injection is a big investment to make, and the main benefit for the hybrid would be improved fuel efficiency from the super lean mixtures. However, until the US has ultra-low sulpher gasoline, they can't run any leaner than 20:1 or so. The JDM Honda Stream DI is designed for 65:1 lean, which is well beyond the reach of our current spec gasoline. I believe that once we have low sulpher gasoline in 2007 or 2008, then you'll see far more direct injection cars popping up.

 

I look forward to test driving this thing. I just hope Honda has figured a way to reconfigure the battery so the rear seat can fold down.