AutoblogGreen

"The best news here is that Honda will be selling a dedicated new hybrid model by 2009."

4 seater Insight! **Fingers Crossed**

I hope they can make a car that's just a little larger, to provide four seats, but with newer technology still provide 70mpg.

I hope their next hybrid will be a PHEV, but still maintained the simplicity of the IMA system. Perhaps if the electric motor has twice the size (20hp instead of 10hp) the car can move under its own power at high traffic and low speeds. Where the mpg really hurts. :(

I have a question for all the ABG readers though. The IMA system, as you probably know is arranged like this: the electric motor acts as the flywheel and is sanwhiched in between the transmission and engine.

Well, is there really any limit to how larger a flywheel can be? If so, that's probably why the Honda electric motors are at a puny 10hp.

Reply

I can see why they would want a dedicated hybrid. As was reported a few weeks ago many buy the Prius to make a statement, it's easy to spot in traffic etc. The Civic hybrid is easy to miss as just another Civic. This green halo effect would probably carry over to another dedicated hybrid.

Also now that Toyota has come out against CAFE http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070730/FREE/70730006/1528/newsletter01 the bloom is coming off their green rose.

Reply

Geez. I'm so sick of all the myth and misconceptions about hybrids.

First, I'm not aware of a 'flywheel' in the IMA system. It's just an electric motor attached to the side of gasoline motor. 'Flywheel' implies that it stores energy, and/or that it is spinning all the time. Neither is true for the Honda design. Honda's IMA was designed to be "simple" but the goal is to SAVE Honda money. However, it is not as efficient compare to Toyota's more complicated design. I own a Honda now, but I'd gladly buy a Corolla w/ Synergy-Drive with NO HYBRID BRANDING any day.

Second, get OFF this misconception about ALL Prius buyers. If people are serious about buying a hybrid and have done some real up-close shopping among the hybrid offerings, they'd know that the Prius is a better, well-designed car; it is certainly a BETTER car over the Civic Hybrid.

The biggest reason why I would NOT buy a Civic Hybrid is because the rear seats do not fold down. Prius is a hatchback and with folded rear seats, it has a large continuous space that can fit a full size bicycle.

Honda's mistake is because it designed the hybrid component as a retrofit to the Civic platform. It's good business decision for Honda, but it certainly diminish the value of otherwise a fine Civic. Do NOT blame the Prius buyers for choosing a better designed car because of Honda's greed.

If people are not in the market for a Prius, fine, just please sit on the sidelines and SHUT UP about the Prius. I don't give a rat's behind about the Hummer, and I do not go around posting BS about Hummers either.

Reply

Why people buy the Prius?
Economics 101, it Saves More MONEY.

People still can't get that? or is it More Right Wing BS pumped into the Prostitute News industry?

If you have a car that gets 20mpg, replacing that with a car that gets 60mpg will save you $1000 dollars a year, with just moderate driving.
That seems to add up to 10,000 dollars in 10 years.

Reply

I like the Civic.
I like the Hybrid Civic, but, I like the 10+mpg More of the Prius.
If honda came out with a better hybrid or a Bio-Diesel Hybrid I suspect honda would see a jump in sales.

Reply

A flywheel is used to even out the power pulses from piston engines. In the Honda Insight, the assist motor acts as an electronic flywheel, adding tiny pulses of power and/or converting power pulses back into electricity, thereby smoothing out power output and reducing weight.

There is very little info available on the new Honda hybrid, just that it will be a unique hybrid only model and be less expensive, likely under $20K. The low cost probably rules out an ultralight design, but it doesn't rule out 4 seats, or even a plug-in option.

Reply

im dr shafi ejaz and i own a honda civic 2007.im pleased with the car.i just want to tell u about an e mail i recieved stating i won some honda on line lottery..is it true?i believe its fake...how can a reputed company like honda let internet thugs use their name like this?its totally unacceptable and i expected better standards from this firm.

Reply