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

Jason · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2005, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Honda announced that it has developed a New Honda Hybrid System, which features a 3-stage i-VTEC engine that employs Honda's intelligent VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system to provide three stages of valve timing (low-rpm, high-rpm, and cylinder idle mode), combined with Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system that has been made significantly more compact and efficient. The New Honda Hybrid System will be introduced in the all-new Civic Hybrid, to be launched this fall.

The New Honda Hybrid System employs intelligent engine functions and a more efficient IMA system to achieve an approximate 20% increase in system output over the current system(1) and the powerful performance of a 1.8-liter engine while improving fuel economy by 5%(2), reducing the system size by 5% and attainting a world-leading level of emissions performance. The system offers significantly improved performance and fuel economy over the current system.

http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=10428

lars-ss · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2005, 08:20 AM

From that info, I think the new Civic needs it's own RHMDB category....It's like a "generation 2" Civic.....

Delta Flyer · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2005, 08:24 AM

I'd love to see this engine on an Insight, but considering it's low-volumn I'm probably dreaming....

Stevo12886 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2005, 02:09 PM

they've developed the engine...hmm, a five door jazz would be a sweet ride with this set up.

AZCivic · #5 (**permalink**) 07-05-2005, 10:12 PM

Forget the Insight, forget the Jazz.. they already offer a sedan hybrid, just discontinue the Insight and offer this motor in the coupe as an alternative to the HX's lean-burn motor. Since the HX is something like $13,600 currently, you'd think they'd be able to offer the HX with the hybrid drivetrain for $16k or so and have far and away the cheapest hybrid on the market.

MGBGT · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2005, 07:53 AM

Wow, this sounds to have the potential to pass the Prius in fuel economy for 4-seater cars! It's great to see this drive in development. Wohooo!

bowenj405 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-11-2005, 06:35 PM

I'll be interested to see if Honda changes the layout and/or design of the Civic Hybrid. As things stand now the Prius has the advantage in terms of size and usability (since it is a hatchback and the Civic is not). IMHO, of course.

AZCivic · #8 (**permalink**) 07-11-2005, 09:23 PM

There's been no indication thus far that the Civic Hybrid will be any different. In fact when you watch the Honda web movie, you can see they show the size, shape, and position of the battery pack for the 06 Civic as being behind the back seats, once again meaning you don't even get fold down rear seats for the hybrid. Normally hatchbacks don't sell very well in America, but thus far the Prius has creamed the Civic Hybrid in sales, even with it costing more and only getting marginally better real world fuel economy. We'll see if the big power boost and slight increase in economy do much to improve Honda's Civic Hybrid sales.

Mauiloa · #9 (**permalink**) 07-14-2005, 08:18 PM

I've owned 6 Hondas since '75. Time to go Hybrid.
I hope we see a picture of this baby soon...

...cuz I'm ready to buy!