[quote=wwest;156839]
Although the rear motor is theoretically capable of developing 67 HP and 96 ft-lbs torque, the HiHy's traction battery is a 45 KW/60 HP max sustained output unit, and this is the maximum electric assist possible between the two motors. Thus the total HP rating of 268, with 208 delivered by the engine.

You're forgetting that the front generating capacity can be "diverted" (battery charge mode) to help power up the rear drive motor.

I suspect the reason the front motor's capacity is so large (123 KW/165 HP) is for reliability as it is used so frequently.

No, it's so that when that "motor" is acting as a generator it can more rapidly recharge the hybrid battery while simultaneously providing FULL power to the rear 67HP motor and whatever HP is needed for the other "front" motor.


Your point about oversized front motor being more related to regen capacity is well taken.

But the total sustained combined power of the two motors cannot exceed 45KW/60HP, as that is the maximum sustained electrical energy flow the battery will supply - analogous to the maximum total air/fuel mixture flow possible in an ICE, which is the limiting factor in power output regardless of engine displacement.

And that's why the 4WDi version has no more total combined HP at 268 than the FWD, in spite of the additional 67 HP motor.

Pete