FYI from the Honda press release...

Driver feedback system designed for fun and economy

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 — American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced that a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology named the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist™) will debut on the new Honda Insight in spring 2009.

The Honda Insight Concept, making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, provides a strong indication of the design and styling of the all-new gasoline-electric hybrid model from Honda.

Eco Assist combines multiple functions: the driver-activated ECON mode that optimizes control of the continuously variable transmission, engine and related powertrain components to conserve fuel; and a feedback function that uses speedometer background color to provide real-time guidance on environmentally responsible driving. An economy scoring function further provides feedback about current driving techniques, as well as feedback on cumulative, long-term driving style.

http://automobiles.honda.com/insight-hybrid/events.aspx

Following is Japanese press release with some pictures.
http://www.honda.co.jp/news/2008/4081120a.html

Enjoy,
Ken@Japan

 

This will be a great feature on the Insight! I have been waiting for someone to come up with this for the HCH11 as a after market item. Maybe this will get the ball bouncing. I would love to be able to control the assit part of the IMA and it would be nice to have some control over the CVT! H