Someone just told me that Honda is abandoning the AH in favor of their new diesel model slated to come out in '09 (?).

Can anyone corroborate or refute this?

Thanks,
Wes

That is correct. According to the news report this morning - Honda will equip mid-size and large size vehicles (like the Accord) with its new Tier 2 Bin 5 diesel engine. However, Honda will release gas/electric hybrid versions of the Civic and its small hybrid model under development for 2009.

Moving to a diesel engine for larger cars is a risky move. Diesel to me still envokes a bad image of Audi's and Saab's. A local mechanic used to call them hunks of junk.

Maybe Honda can change the image of the diesel vehicle. Time will tell.

Honda's diesel will probably be the death of hybrids, it's that good. Plus, there are ways to achieve all the things that we like about our hybrids and put that into a non-hybrid car: lean burn mode, auto-stop, regenerative braking, etc. No need for a hybrid to achieve all that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by livvie Honda's diesel will probably be the death of hybrids, it's that good. Plus, there are ways to achieve all the things that we like about our hybrids and put that into a non-hybrid car: lean burn mode, auto-stop, regenerative braking, etc. No need for a hybrid to achieve all that.

Unless it's a diesel Hybrid. But there maybe some truth in that. Which is why Toyota is bringing out their cheaper (Corolla Priced) 100 MPG Prius two years early to 2009. Specifically to compete with the European Diesels.

No need for a hybrid diesel. They can do without the weight and complexity with other system that will achieve excellent FE and outstanding emission levels. I know that MINI has come up with a system to do exactly that.

I'd drive a diesel Accord.

<Best Tank Economy!><Best Tank Endurance!>

Also, what the US calls an accord here is really the Inspire everywhere else, the accord here is really the TSX (Acura). So I will welcome (real accord) the look because I cannot stand the look of the Inspire.

A diesel hybrid might be interesting from the perspective of bio-diesel. Imagine putting a bio-diesel converter kit into a diesel hybrid.

You'd have some excellent mileage there!