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Hybrid Honda Accord

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  • vietviet Member Posts: 847
    Hi Dennis and Midcow,

    I like to thank both of you for educating me on hybrid technology with your interesting technical analyses.

    Hi Coguk,

    I have emailed and phoned several Honda dealerships including my favorite Honda fleet manager to put my name on their waiting lists for a superb HAH. It will be very expensive. Be sure to plan from $33K to $37K to pay for a super nice HAH with Navigation system (NAV) including sale tax.

    My co-worker is very happy with the NAV on his 04 Accord EX V6. Via the NAV, he can order the CD number and track number he wants. Another customer said the song and artist's names appear on her NAV screen. It controls the temperature inside the car and it is smart like a small computer. I recently test drove an Accord V6 with a NAV and it was quite impressive.

    I am not sure if Toyota has done a good job to refine the Camry. In 2002, when I test drove a Camry V6 XLE I was too disappointed so I bought an Accord V6 EX to add it up to my awesome collection of 9 Hondas. In term of performance, Camry is not sophisticated as Accord. Honda's know-how and their advanced auto engineering is top notch. As a customer put it, "The Honda's manual transmission shifts like silk or butter". It is not exagerrated at all because I had an 86 Civic and its stick shift worked like...HEAVEN while Camry's stick shift worked like...HELL. When Honda introduces their ROBOT to do the household chores I will buy one immediately. Too tired to clean my toilets and vacuumn my carpets every weekend.

    Honda is going to test its jet plane's engine next year. In 2003, Honda built 17 million engines. It was an awesome figure. Honda Inc. is smaller than Toyota Inc. but as far as I recalled Honda's profit/ asset ratio is better than Toyota.

    It is right that Honda has not made official announcement about the waiting list for the HAH but as a Honda's loyal customer I already had my name (unofficially) on several waiting lists.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Hybrid climate control system seems to be a result of improvements in the IMA system itself. The former exists because the latter allows it to. I'm sure we will continue to see improvements in this area.

    And improvement isn't just to be measured at peak power, because most of the improvement in the new IMA system from engine output has come at "start up" point. From then on, it appears, there is a constant addition of 15 HP to whatever the ICE is capable of.

    I'm curious about "the smaller SUV" in the works (Acura RDX) at this point. If it is based off Acura RDX concept, it could be a hybrid only model! And that thing had 60 HP IMA system (two 30 HP electric motors) with 190 HP 2.4/I-4.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Viet,
    How do you really feel about Honda.
    all kidding aside I think I read where Honda has never had a losing year financially. that is pretty impressive. If they bring there Diesel Accord to America I may be tempted to buy one...
  • dogface5dogface5 Member Posts: 87
    "You would be correct, if we were comparing Electric Vehicles."

    Huh? You make no sense. We are not talking about electric vehicles, we are talking about HYBRIDS. When comparing hybrids, you can't just look at hp/torque, you also have to look at the difference between the hybrid and the non-hybrid counterpart. By your logic, I can attach bike-like foot pedals to my ferrari and call it the most powerful hybrid ever even if the pedals contribute 0.00000000001% to the performance. Don't make sense, does it.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    When you compare hybrid power, shouldn't you be comparing hybrid powertrain?

    If you split it into pieces that make up for the hybrid, and the way they work, you wouldn't be comparing hybrid power, rather the idea/process behind them... aka full hybrid versus mild (or assist mode) hybrid.
  • vietviet Member Posts: 847
    Hi Gagrice,

    I am 100% sure I will buy one of the first HAHs with a NAV system in the US this December at any price. I have been driving and using so many Honda's products in my last 40 years including Honda motorcycles 50cc, 90cc, lawn mower, Honda civic, accords I4, V6, etc. All I can say Honda products are superior to other competitive products. And I trust Honda Inc.

    Fact is Honda autos' resale values are better than Nissan's and Toyota's. The market and customers are always wise to determine products' original sale prices and resale prices. The Honda's quality is right there. A manager who got fired from Honda Inc. said he was so pleased to work for Honda Inc., a top-notch company. You cant be wrong to buy a Honda automobile. Depending on how much money you want to spend and how much fun and relaxation you want to enjoy on a Honda's automobile you will make your decision to buy a Honda with a minimum chance of error.
  • dogface5dogface5 Member Posts: 87
    Let's take the first word, HYBRID. HYBRID technology in cars allows two totally different engines, an ICE and an electric motor, to power a vehicle. The addition of an alterate energy source not only has an ADDITIVE effect but more importantly a SYNERGISTIC effect. If I am evaluating a hybrid powertrain, I would be looking at the SYNERGISTIC component (the difference between a mild hybrid and a full hybrid). In my previous post I was referring to the ADDITIVE effect as a means to evaluate HYBRID POWER. The additive effect on HAH is 15hp while it is 30-40 hp on HH and RX400h. In that regard the HH and RX400h are better. This has nothing to do with whether or not it is a mild hybrid or full hybrid, it has to do with the power output of the electic motor (Toyota's is more powerful).
  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    Read Edmund's home page first test report just posted on the Accord Hybrid. 30/37 EPA and $4,000 more than a 6 cyl EX. You get more power (half a second quicker)and all the bells and whistles, except a sunroof. Good article, they obviously liked it.
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    So following you logic a step further if Honda put a bigger IMA of 45 hp on say the Pilot it would be the best? I DON'T AGREE

    Actually when you apply the word synergistic you get more than the sum of the components. An analogy would be 2+2~=5 Actually the two power components are not synergistic. The HAH is rated as linear 255=240+15 while the Prius HSD is less than linear ICE=76 Electic Motor=67 If you add 76 and 67 you get 143, but Toyota only rates the combination as 110. If the HSD were synergistic than it would be greater than the sum or grater than 143 hp. So neither mild hybrid or full hybrid are synergistic.

    YMMV,

    MidCow
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    see your point. The extra power net gain benefit that hybrid brings to the table. You also have to look when that surge of power deliver occurs. For HSD, it is strongest when passing at speed between 30mph and 70mph. There are other things such as fuel economy and lower emission to look for as well. HAH would be rated for City 29mpg/ Highway 33mpg if it does not have VCM(not IMA exclusive feature). We all know HAH does not improve CARB emission rating from EX-V6. Hey but it has 15hp more at peak.


    Let's correct the power and mileage gains of the HAH

    http://automobiles.honda.com/info/news/article.asp?ArticleID=2004- - 091746959&Category=Accord+Hybrid

     from above article:
    "Combined, these technologies along with improvements in aerodynamics and weight saving features like an aluminum hood, allow the Accord Hybrid to achieve an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg highway, up from an EPA-rated 21 city / 30 highway for the Accord EX V-6 Sedan - a fuel economy gain of 43 percent and 23 percent, respectively. The Accord's Integrated Motor Assist System (60%) accounts for over half the gains in city fuel efficiency, while Variable Cylinder Management (15%) and idle stop (25%) is responsible for the rest. During highway cruising, the VCM system (57%) provides the majority of the increase, while IMA (38%) and a lower drag coefficient and greater aerodynamics (5%) also contribute."

    Yes VCM does provide 57% of the highway improvement, but only 15% of the city

    Current V6 automatic Accord 21/30
    Hybrid V6 automatic Accord 30/37

    Total city improvement + 9
    Total hwy improvement +7

    21 + 15%(9) = 22.35
    30 + 57%(7) = 33.99

    So with VCM only the mileage would be 22/34, not 29/33.

    I think it would be a good move for Honda to add VCM to all V6s not just the HAH and Odessey!!

    YMMV,

    MidCow
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    Where do I start? ....

    Let's jst correct one thing and say I disagree with the rest.

    >How does Prius multiply ICE torque and thrust >without shifting a gear? Simple! Convert ICE >horsepower into electricity and output 295lbs->ft of torque through 50kW MG2!

    The 295 ft-lbs of torque is from the electric motor. The electric motor runs from the hybrid battery. Why try to confuse the issue by mentioning the ICE charges the battery. This has nothing to do with multiplying the ICE torque without shifting a gear. The IMA also receives power from the electric motor from the battery, which was also charge by the Honda ICE. So if you logic were true, then the IMA also increases torque and thrust without shifting, but wait it is a 5 speed automatic that shifts. This is a paradox.

    I will restate again, the full Hybrid system HSD as implemented in the Prius by Toyota, wastes energy by running the Generator all the time , especially whne the batteries are fully charged and is not needed. That is why the HSD gets worse mileage on the highway than in town.

    The HAH and ALL other car s get better highway mileage than city. And with Honda's IMA implementations almost all drivers are anble to achieve or exceed the EPA mileage estimates. The same cannot be said for the HSD "Full Hybrid" system. Very few drivers achieve the EPA ratings let alone exceed them.

    usbseawolf2000 thanks for your discussion and inpout though.

    YMMV,

    MidCow
  • falcononefalconone Member Posts: 1,726
    Nice article but it failed to mention a few things I am not aware of. Hope you folks can chime in. Anyone know if this engine will be available in the coupe? Is the A/C still belt driven? If so, does that mean autostop will not function in the middle of the summer heat? Overall, it sounds like a great car! I can't wait to drive one.
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    Falconone,

    Only in a sedan and only with 5-speed automatic

    The air conditioner will have two compressors. One will be driven off of the ICE and one will be electically driven. Reason being if the car is stopped and the engine shuts off, only the electric will run. In previous IMA offerings (HCH and Insight) the compressor ran off of the ICE only. So you guessed it, when auto-stop was enabled and you stopped; no air conditioning. The fan would still blow, but on a hot day no cooling except residual.

    On really, really hot days both the electric and ICE compressors run.

    More info on the Temple of VTEC web site.

    YMMV,
    MidCow
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Let me try to understand what you are suggesting. Here are two scenarios. The first represents the way Honda has chosen to power the Accord Hybrid. The second is an arbitrary set up from Honda’s parts bin and assumes that it could power the Accord Hybrid instead.

    A: 240 HP 3.0 V6 (Accord) + 16 HP electric motor
    B: 68 HP 1.0 I-3 (Insight) + 80 HP electric motor (FCX)

    “B” would make for a more powerful hybrid power plant. Is that so?
  • usbseawolf2000usbseawolf2000 Member Posts: 759
    "Hybrid climate control system seems to be a result of improvements in the IMA system itself."

    Prius already had electric that can do full blast with the ICE turned off on Oct 2003. In terms of comfort, HSD is more than 2 years ahead of IMA then?

    "I'm curious about "the smaller SUV" in the works (Acura RDX)....that thing had 60 HP IMA system ..."

    Yea, it is about time IMA take the right route by increasing electric drivetrain power. I believe HAH is a rushed job to get performance hybrid on the market. It simply has the optimized IMA system off the Civic hybrid which is not powerful enough for 240hp ICE.

    Dennis
  • usbseawolf2000usbseawolf2000 Member Posts: 759
    "An analogy would be 2+2~=5 Actually the two power components are not synergistic."

    Gas ICE + Electric Motors = Best of both worlds(synergy). Hybrids get better mpg, lower emission, higher power efficiency, no need to plug in, and no need for $20,000 expensive battery. When I say power efficiency, I mean Prius' performance of 4 cylinder auto Camry.

    "Prius HSD is less than linear ICE=76 Electic Motor=67 If you add 76 and 67 you get 143, but Toyota only rates the combination as 110."

    You should add ICE power + Battery power. Some of the ICE power is split to generator to power 67hp electric motor. Therefore, you can't count it twice.

    Dennis
  • usbseawolf2000usbseawolf2000 Member Posts: 759
    "So with VCM only the mileage would be 22/34, not 29/33."

    That looks correct. You calculated EX-V6 with VCM would get 22/34. My calculations were HAH without VCM.

    Dennis
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    My definition of “rushing” seems to be different from yours. If Honda were to rush into things, we would have seen a 400 lb. electric component to the drive train and an overall effect of adding $7K to the price tag.

    OTOH, Honda seems to have chosen to adopt an evolutionary process to improve the little things first before going for the big ones. That’s no “rushing” in my book. If Accord Hybrid gets 30 mpg for me in city driving, is there a problem?

    To stay on the topic, do you think Edmunds made a false statement by calling HAH the most powerful hybrid they have driven?

    PS. I’m trying to keep this thread on the subject. HSD-IMA battle ground can be created elsewhere. I will participate just as soon as I have enough time to burn in the battle field.
  • dogface5dogface5 Member Posts: 87
    If you apply the word synergistic solely to power you can't get a result that is greater than the sum of its parts. Engines (just like everything else) have to obey the laws of physics. They can't make power out of nowhere. NO DUH!

    However, the term synergy refers to the following:

    Considering the goals that hybrids want to achieve, an important parameter to consider is the ratio: performance/fuel consumption. In this regard hybrid technology can and is synergistic.

    (performance/fuel consumption)_{ICE} + (performance/fuel consumption}_{electric motor}<< (performance/fuel consumption}_{hybrid}. This is the synergism that I am referring to.
  • usbseawolf2000usbseawolf2000 Member Posts: 759
    "The electric motor runs from the hybrid battery."

    Not true. The 50kW motor runs from both the HV battery and the generator. By generating electricity and with assist from HV battery, HSD Prius can output high thrust without the need to shift any gear. See the "Heavy Acceleration" demonstration at the below link.

    http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/prius/key_features/hybrid_syn- _drive.html

    "So if you logic were true, then the IMA also increases torque and thrust without shifting,..."

    To a degree, yes. But IMA system design did not take advantage of that Synergistic effect(removing transmission). First, IMA's electric motor is not powerful enough to allow that. Second, the design is a pure parallel hybrid.

    A hybrid needs to be a series hybrid or a series-parallel(HSD) hybrid in order to remove the need for a transmission. HSD Prius can be either series or parallel depending on where the ICE power got split. I think you know this already.

    "The HAH and ALL other car s get better highway mileage than city."

    They ought to be the other way around. Highway highspeed driving has more drag than city low speed driving. That's a fact. Have you ever question if Santa Claus is real? You will need to question childhood beliefs to make breakthroughs from underlying assumptions.

    Dennis
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    Not to belabor defintions , but Synergism defintion - cooperative action of discrete agencies such that the total effect is greater than the sum of the effects taken independetly.

    "Gas ICE + Electric Motors = Best of both worlds(synergy). Hybrids get better mpg, lower emission, higher power efficiency, no need to plug in, and no need for $20,000 expensive battery. When I say power efficiency, I mean Prius' performance of 4 cylinder auto Camry."

    Actually the Camry with the old 4-speed automatic was faster 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds. The new for 2005 for the Camry 5-speed automatic should drop approximately another .5 seconds making the 0-60 mph time around 8.7 seconds. The Prius 0-60 mph time vaies between 10.2 and 11.9 depending on the tester. So the Prius is not equal to the 4 cylinder automatic Camry in performance.

    I had originally said:
    Prius HSD is less than linear ICE=76 Electic Motor=67 If you add 76 and 67 you get 143, but Toyota only rates the combination as 110."


    response:
    You should add ICE power + Battery power. Some of the ICE power is split to generator to power 67hp electric motor. Therefore, you can't count it twice.

    Wow ! You are agreeing with me without even realizing it. The conversion loss is 33 HP (143-110) Than means 33 hp is wasted because the ICE is always running the generator. Otherwise the 67 hp electric motor could be linearly added to the 76 hp ICE and obtain 143 hp total. If you add two discrete components together and the total is less than the sum is that called dissynergism ?

    Gosh if the IMA lost 33 hp then the result would be less than the nomal V6 accord. 15 electric _ 240 ICE -33 converison loss= 222 Hp. But no, the IMA is additive so you get an effective 255 hp.

    Someone mentioned earlier that the 15 hp electric is a quick-to-market solution to get a perfromance hybrid to the market. Actually, the 240 hp v6 is a pretty stout engine to start with. As with all Honda Vtec engines they are fairly high reving and fairly low torque ( not as low as the Atkinson , high mpg implementation in the Prius HSD engine) and maybe just maybe 15 hp adds enough torque to allow better, more effcient low end torque to improve acceleration at the lower 0-3000 rpm range.

    Anyway, Hands down the IMA in the HAH is a winner. Excellent performance and very good mpg.

    YMMV,
    MidCow
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    LOL

    Original
    "The HAH and ALL other car s get better highway mileage than city."


    Response:
    They ought to be the other way around. Highway highspeed driving has more drag than city low speed driving. That's a fact. Have you ever question if Santa Claus is real? You will need to question childhood beliefs to make breakthroughs from underlying assumptions.


    Maybe it ought to be the other way around and you are right to a degree air drag is a killer even with low CD. 85 mph has a much lower mpg, than 75 which has a much lower mpg than 65.

    However, Newton's second law , that which is in motion tend to stay in motion. The whole reason you shift to higher gears ( or a high eCVT effective ratio) when you go faster, less power is need to maintian speed tahn to accelerate to a speed.

    While from a friction and wind resistance standpoint are higher at highway speed, all cars except the Prius, CVT insight get better mpg at highway speeds than they do in the city. So does than mean Santa Claus is still real? ROFLMAO

    Have a good weekend.

    YMMV,

    MidCow

      
    Dennis
  • dogface5dogface5 Member Posts: 87
    Which one is more powerful?
    A. the accord with 240 HP and 16 HP electric motor is more powerful. Plain and simple, it generates more total power.

    But my question to you is this: is that really important? Making it hybrid only increased power output by 15hp. Is that a significant increase in power? I think not. When comparing "hybrid power" you can't just look at the sum, you have to look at the parts (where is the power coming from?)

    Don't take my word for it, you can define "hybrid power" any way you like because that phrase does not have a set meaning. In other words, there is no right answer. I just think that my definition is more logical and more useful than some of the others that have been offered on this thread.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    It sounds like you should be able to get decent mileage and performance with the V6 using the VCM technology. It kind of makes the added equipment to be a hybrid near worthless. Not to mention the added cost to manufacture.
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    gagrice,

    I completely agree. One other trick that Honda incorporates on their manual shift high miles per gallon cars is a wider gear ratio spread with a much taller 5th and/or 6th gear (Corvette is the champion in this aspect).

    If Honda would make their top gear or drive ration taller in both automatics and standards they could easily gain another 15-20% highway mileage.

    Honda Corporate Listen:

    (1) add VCM to all engines ( 4 cyl with 2 cyl shutdown ?)
    (2) Add taller gearing to all vehicles, a truly cruiser top gear

    YMMV,

    MidCow
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Now that we have settled the issue of &#147;more power&#148;, I will move on to your concern.

    Making it hybrid only increased power output by 15hp. Is that a significant increase in power?

    Significant is a relative term, in more ways than one.
    At 1000 rpm, 15 HP may be translating to 35% of the total motivation.
    At 3500 rpm, 15 HP may be translating to 10% of the total motivation
    At 6000 rpm, 15 HP may be translating to 6% of the total motivation

    So, how much it helps varies with the band over which the engine operates. Now, here is another theory of relativity…
    At peak power, 15 HP is just 6% of the total power, but that&#146;s because the ICE is much more powerful. The very same 15 HP would translate to 20% of peak power if the ICE didn&#146;t have enough juice (something like 70 HP).

    IMA complements the ICE. As a result, HAH is expected to have a perfectly flat torque curve, all the way from off-idle engine speed to peak power. On top of it, the whole set up weighs barely over 100 lb and does not cost a whole lot more than addition of gadgetry like navigation system does.

    When comparing "hybrid power" you can't just look at the sum, you have to look at the parts (where is the power coming from?)

    What is the point of hybrid power? The very term &#147;hybrid&#148; represents amalgamation, not separation, of multiple parts (in this case, motors). HAH has electric and gasoline motor integrated into a single unit to drive the vehicle, to complement each other.

    Let me throw in Honda&#146;s Hybrid Scooter prototype because it shows a different facet of the technology. The power train in the scooter is designed to operate in parallel (ICE + Electric Motor => Wheel) or series (ICE -> Electric Motor => Wheel), depending on the situation. During low load requirements (less power), only electric motor drives the vehicle, but if there is a higher load requirement, the system turns to assist mode (parallel). Under low load conditions, the ICE may be used as a generator. Even in this case, there is no &#147;individualism&#148; involved.

    Here is a non-hybrid illustration of the same. Consider a supercharged 300 HP engine. Do you drill down to component level for power comparisons? Or are these pieces synergized (for Toyota folks) or integrated (for Honda folks) into a single power producing unit?
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    I agree. But, I somehow doubt VCM will add power. Would it? Hybrid does. And I have noticed people bashing VCM as well since it doesn&#146;t show &#147;enough&#148; improvements. However, VCM and IMA complement each other quite well, one helps more on the highway, and the other in city.

    Speaking of cost, a navigation system can cost $2200, and a premium audio system can cost $1400, a V6 engine seems to add a $3K or so premium on top of an I-4, and likewise, a V8 seems to add a $3-5K premium on top of a V6, so, what is wrong with hybrid adding a premium of $3K?

    That being said, I hope Honda&#146;s next move in its IMA car lineup comes in the form of redesigned Civic Hybrid (about $20K), and to bridge the gap between HAH ($30K) and HCH, a four cylinder HAH ($25K). This I-4 HAH could build upon Accord EX.
  • dogface5dogface5 Member Posts: 87
    I find that your post contradicts itself in many places.

    First you say that any amount of hp from an electric motor is significant because it is constant over the power curve. Yes. But remember gasoline engines are not like this, their power output is a function of RPM. This inherent difference in the power delivery is precisely why you have look at the components separately. Knowing those numbers separately is pretty important.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...who thinks this hair has been split enough different ways already?

    Gosh, folks - you've got a generous-sized car that will go from 0-60 in the 7 second range, get an honest 30-35 mpg, and have the promise of good reliability and resale. Just exactly what is it that is worth arguing about?
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    One of the place you find me suggesting complementary nature of IMA and ICE has me mentioning a single straight line torque curve, correct?

    I couldn't care less about what the torque curve of the two entities integrated into hybrid powertrain on their own. It is the hybrid power that matters, not gasoline versus electric.
  • falcononefalconone Member Posts: 1,726
    Thanks for the info midnight. Now the big question is if the Honda dealers will be as obnoxious as the Toyota dealers with respect to price. Though I really like the technology in this car, the price premium does NOT warrant purchase solely on fuel savings. Considering that you can get a non hybrid Accord V6 at a considerable discount, it makes the argument more compelling not to buy this car. Once prices are on a level playing field, then I may bite.
  • usbseawolf2000usbseawolf2000 Member Posts: 759
    "If Accord Hybrid gets 30 mpg for me in city driving, is there a problem?"

    Maybe. We don't know yet because we don't have info/spec for the comparable hybrid. If Camry Hybrid and Altima Hybrid get 45 mpg in the city, then the answer is yes.

    "do you think Edmunds made a false statement by calling HAH the most powerful hybrid they have driven?"

    No. Edmunds made the right statement as I said it before. What is in question is how the power is achieved. HAH power output is unbalanced between gas ICE and electric motor.

    Dennis
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    a V8 seems to add a $3-5K premium on top of a V6, so, what is wrong with hybrid adding a premium of $3K?

    In a domestic vehicle where it is offered the V8 over V6 premium is usual only about $800-$1000. I find all the extra cost of the hybrids out of line. I will wait till the dust settles. I still think the VCM V6 is a better option for good highway mileage and the Accord Diesel the best option by far.
  • usbseawolf2000usbseawolf2000 Member Posts: 759
    "Actually the Camry with the old 4-speed automatic was faster 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds."

    Performance is not measured only by 0-60mph. For 30mph-50mph acceleration, Prius is faster than Camry. Prius might be faster than Accord 4cyl auto in 30mph-50mph also.

    "Wow ! You are agreeing with me without even realizing it. The conversion loss is 33 HP (143-110) Than means 33 hp is wasted because the ICE is always running the generator."

    No, I am not agreeing with you. You assumed that the battery can supply 67hp to the electric motor(MG2) right? That is not the case. The battery only supply about half(~34hp) of the power to 67hp MG2. The other half comes from the generator MG1, which was split from the ICE. This enable Prius to have smaller battery and extend the HV battery life. Prius ICE with 76hp plus HV battery ~34hp equal 110hp.

    For IMA used in HAH, all the electric power has to come from the battery because there is only one motor/generator. HAH IMA can not generate electricity and assist at the same time.

    Dennis
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Try building Cadillac STS/V6 and STS/V8. I opted to do it with "Luxury Performance" package on both, and here is a summary...
    STS/V6: $49,590
    STS/V8: $58,560

    That is a difference of $9K. The only difference in the packaging, that I noticed, is: V6 lacks xenons, intelligent cruise control and magnetic ride control.

    Thats a lot of money for V8 plus these features, isn't it? If you simply averaged it out, you're talking almost $2250/feature.
  • usbseawolf2000usbseawolf2000 Member Posts: 759
    "when you go faster, less power is need to maintian speed tahn to accelerate to a speed."

    Yes, acceleration take more gas than maintaining the same speed. The question should be comparison between maintaining high speed versus maintaining low speed. It does not matter what car, maintaining high speed will get lower mpg.

    Dennis
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    We will talk about Camry/Altima hybrid when we have some clue about them. You're already playing with numbers.

    Back to Accord Hybrid, do you think getting 30 mpg in city (for real, not by fooling EPA estimate) for a midsize sedan with 255 HP, a problem? (your earlier answer was... may be, so I thought about revisiting the issue).
  • usbseawolf2000usbseawolf2000 Member Posts: 759
    "As a result, HAH is expected to have a perfectly flat torque curve, all the way from off-idle engine speed to peak power."

    And the result is? 0.5 second faster for 0-60mph?

    "Let me throw in Honda&#146;s Hybrid Scooter prototype because it shows a different facet of the technology."

    If Honda use it for the hybrid car, it should be equilvent to HSD but HSD should be simplier. Achieving the same thing with different design but the simplier design wins. Does Honda call it IMA as well or another name?

    Dennis
  • usbseawolf2000usbseawolf2000 Member Posts: 759
    "As a result, HAH is expected to have a perfectly flat torque curve, all the way from off-idle engine speed to peak power."

    And the result is? 0.5 second faster for 0-60mph?

    "Let me throw in Honda&#146;s Hybrid Scooter prototype because it shows a different facet of the technology."

    If Honda use it for the hybrid car, it should have equivalent benefits as HSD but HSD should be simpler. Achieving the same thing with different design but the simpler design wins. Does Honda call it IMA as well or another name?

    Dennis
  • usbseawolf2000usbseawolf2000 Member Posts: 759
    "Back to Accord Hybrid, do you think getting 30 mpg in city (for real, not by fooling EPA estimate) for a midsize sedan with 255 HP, a problem?"

    My answer is still inconclusive because there is no other performance hybrid to compare with. You might want to believe there are no problem by comparing with Accord EX-V6 numbers. My answer to you is, wait until performance mid-size sedan full hybrids arrive. By looking at HCH and Prius, I can speculate that full hybrid design get higher mpg, performance, lower emission, for the larger car than IMA design.

    If magazines test HAH and show that it does not achieve EPA numbers, does it mean HAH also fooled the EPA test? Then it will be true for all the cars.

    Dennis
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Try building Cadillac STS/V6 and STS/V8. I opted to do it with "Luxury Performance" package on both, and here is a summary...
    STS/V6: $49,590
    STS/V8: $58,560


    You are probably right. I was thinking back to when I ordered new Chevy trucks and the small V8 was an additional $800 over the standard V6. Now they throw so much other stuff with the engine upgrades it is hard to decipher what you really get for the additional bucks.
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    just for a moment, forget about what's under the hood and only concentrate on how the car the performs.

    the only thing that may be sacrifice on the accord would be its electric power steering versus the regular set up. it's still a very solid feeling car that handles and rides like the regular V6 but with more mid-range punch.

    oh, and it does so with better fuel economy.

    remember this car is picked by many sources to be the best mid-size car in the market.

    now take their beloved prius, its design sacrifices too much. it handles dreadfully with its skinny tires and its seats are uncomfortable because they're so thinly padded. despite your claims, mid-range response is modest and you feel the nudging and acceleration sag as the motor switches in and out of battery recharge mode. and you got to love its cross wind stability.

    the most remarkable thing about the accord hybrid is how transparent its operation is from the regular accord. that is until you come to a stop and the motor(s) shut off.

    the camry hybrid may work as successfully but all we have from toyota so far is the prius.
  • dogface5dogface5 Member Posts: 87
    If what Edmunds says is correct, I have no doubt that the HAH will be a tremendous success. I don't know what the sales expectations are at this point, but I think it will sell big. There are a lot of Honda fans and other people who are waiting for a Hybrid that is practical, and HAH will be it.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    A flat torque curve does more than helping in a 0-60 run. In a perfect world, engines will deliver a perfectly flat torque curve through out the band that the engine operates in. In the imperfect world, we seem to be happy with 90% or better of the peak torque. In case of HAH, this seems to be almost 95% or better, and from 1000 rpm to 6000 rpm.

    As far as simplicity goes, things couldn&#146;t get simpler than IMA. Part (or all) of the flywheel replaced by electric motor with additional electrical components (energy storage and wires), in an otherwise conventional drive train.

    My answer is still inconclusive because there is no other performance hybrid to compare with.

    Without having another hybrid to compare with, being able to get 30 mpg or better in city from a 255 HP family sedan is good enough for me.

    By looking at HCH and Prius, I can speculate that full hybrid design get higher mpg, performance, lower emission, for the larger car than IMA design.

    I have been trying to keep HCH and Prius off this thread, but you continue to insist so I will respond. However, do not expect me to keep babbling on the topic. If you wish to continue, please do so in an intended thread, and leave this alone for Accord Hybrid.

    HCH is ready for replacement in a year. Being a newer design, I expect Prius to be better. Now, as far as real life mpg is concerned, there is a perfect place to look, average fuel economy from the database at greenhybrid.com. HCH is at 48 mpg, and Prius (new) is at 49 mpg (numbers, as of Oct 15).

    As for size, HCH and Prius aren&#146;t much different. The boxy and hatchback style give it more interior room in an otherwise similar package. Perhaps, Honda will consider bringing the next HCH in 5-door HB form

    If magazines test HAH and show that it does not achieve EPA numbers, does it mean HAH also fooled the EPA test? Then it will be true for all the cars.

    Believe it or not, I believe it IS true for all cars. It is not a hybrid-only issue, although a full hybrid is likely to skew it more than ICE-heavy (assist-mode) hybrid or conventional ICE vehicles.

    I would rather prefer a more realistic approach to this by not throwing in too many variables, rather, keeping it simpler. A highway mileage could be measured by simply driving the vehicle a considerable distance at a set speed, something like 60 mph. The distance needs to be enough to ensure enough recycling of resources (electric and ICE) especially in case of hybrids.

    A city-based measurement could involve a similar approach with lower speed and stops (based on distance involved), again, enough to ensure all modes of power train involvement are covered.

    Perhaps we will see something along the lines in the future from EPA since it did invite suggestions from people couple of months ago (I discovered it too late to provide mine). And a similar approach should be used for emissions testing also.

    As far as magazines or other reviewers are concerned, there numbers should be used for comparison only if they are realistic comparisons, not based on two different baselines. Otherwise we could say C&D got about 16-18 mpg from Jetta TDI, HCH and Prius in their test (which they did), and couldn&#146;t be wrong (since they did).
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Here is a picture of Euro Accord "Muscle-Tec" (2003 Geneva Auto Show)

    350 HP of Hybrid (IMA) power delivered via all four wheels. The powertrain was a hybrid of...
    2.0-liter I-4 DOHC i-VTEC (200 HP)
    Electric Motors/IMA (150 HP)
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    OK, since you decided to venture there... could you please point us to the C/D test in which they got 16-18 mpg from Jetta TDI, HCH, and Prius? I subscribe to that mag and I don't remember any test they did that achieved that kind of fuel economy.

    Also, I think it's interesting that you believe fuel economy numbers should be compared only when they have the same baseline, yet you refer to the fuel economy numbers from greenhybrid.com, which are based on many different baselines.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    The C&D issue I referred to is from "Fuel Misers" issue from couple of months ago.

    As for baseline comparisons, there is a large enough sample of data to draw comparisons. For specific information, you could go to the website and dig up the intended information. It is not like those numbers have been simply tossed up.

    Regardless of conditions, HCH fuel economy is right where it can be expected to be if we were to lug on to EPA estimates (45-51 mpg). But is the same true for Prius?

    For same reasons as HCH, I think HAH would be able to have more respect for its EPA ratings, after all its reliance is far more on a gasoline engine than is on electrical component. ;-)
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Yes, C/D did the "racetrack" circuit in their September review, I forgot. I'm sure that circuit mimics the typical daily use of hybrid cars. ;-)

    If the HAH performs comparably to the HCH in tests like C/Ds, here is what we can expect:

    Highway: 34 mpg (91.5% of EPA)
    (Interesting to note that Prius achieved 98% of its EPA rating)
    City: Either 25 mpg or 33 mpg, depending on whether the HAH acts more like the HCH in economy mode (higher number) or not.
    Racetrack: About 11 mpg (based on HCH's 16)

    Maybe C/D will do a follow-up test with the HAH.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Yes, C/D did the "racetrack" circuit in their September review, I forgot. I'm sure that circuit mimics the typical daily use of hybrid cars. ;-)
    Oh, I hope not, especially if the chassis is set up the way it is in some cars. :-)

    Seriously though, this was meant to demonstrate how fuel economy (achieved) is affected by driving style. Thats was the point not whether HAH or Prius or HCH would do well on track.

    Or do you think it makes sense to take a number and disregard everything that affects it?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I'll ignore the insult.

    Seriously though, this was meant to demonstrate how fuel economy (achieved) is affected by driving style.

    Is there some relationship here to the HAH?
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