2005 Honda Accord news, pictures, and information

All New 2005 Accord Hybrid Uses Advanced Honda Hybrid Technology to Deliver V-6 Performance with Four-cylinder Fuel Efficiency

Honda's third generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system is improved in virtually every area including increased motor output, improved battery performance and greater total system efficiency. Compared to the Civic Hybrid, IMA motor torque output is improved by 26 percent during startup and is more than doubled during driving to 100 lb.-ft. from 46 lb.-ft. Also, battery output density increases by 45 percent while battery assist power increases by 20 percent. Regenerative braking efficiency is up 11 percent.

The Accord Hybrid's 3.0-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine has the same 3.0-liter displacement as the regular Accord V-6, but employs a number of unique features including a dual-stage intake manifold and a high-performance lock-up torque converter. A new, more compact 5-speed automatic transmission wîth an electric oil pump is designed to provide smooth start-up from Idle Stop, and helps allow for packaging of the engine, IMA motor, engine torque converter and automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Adding to overall efficiency is a 'hybrid' air conditioning compressor that runs on both the gasoline engine and the IMA battery and provides for good air conditioning performance even when the engine is in Idle Stop mode.

IMA, VCM and Idle Stop Operation

The IMA system's 12-kilowatt, high-output, electric motor contributes more than 100 lb.-ft. of torque to the Accord Hybrid's 3.0-liter V-6 engine during hard acceleration and recaptures kinetic energy generated during deceleration and braking for storage in the IMA system's advanced nickel-metal hydride battery pack. When cruising at steady speeds where less engine power is required, the VCM system deactivates the V-6 engine's rear bank of cylinders, closing both the intake and exhaust valves for reduced fuel consumption.

Únder light acceleration from a cruising state, the IMA motor can provide power assistance to the engine in three-cylinder mode. When coming to a stop, the IMA system shuts off the vehicle's engine at speeds below 10mph to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. At the moment the driver releases the brake pedal, the IMA motor instantaneously restarts the gasoline engine.

Honda Hybrid Leadership

Honda has long been at the leading edge of new automotive technologies, especially in the area of improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. With the introduction of the Insight in December 1999, Honda became the first company to sell a hybrid vehicle in the Ú.S. With an aluminum body, ultra-efficient IMA powertrain and world-class aerodynamics, the Insight has held the title of America's most fuel-efficient car for each of the past five model years (2000-2004). In March 2002, Honda applied its hybrid technology to the Civic, America's best-selling compact car. The Civic Hybrid accounted for half of all new hybrid vehicle registrations in calendar year 2003 and took two of the top five spots on the EPA's model year 2004 fuel economy rankings. Sales of the Civic Hybrid are up 16 percent to 17,805 units through the end of August this year.

Honda Accord History

Since its introduction as a compact hatchback car in 1976, the Honda Accord has earned widespread acclaim as a leader in smart design, superb quality and world-class efficiency. In its 28-year history, the Accord has constantly re-invented itself, going from the original compact hatchback to today's mid-sized sedan and coupe. The seventh-generation Accord, released in 2003, once again raised the bar for performance, safety and value in its class wîth a highly efficient and powerful 3.0-liter, 240-horsepower VTEC V-6 engine, standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) and standard features such as tilt-telescoping §teering, air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and door locks, and an AM/FM/CD stereo. In addition, the seventh-generation Accord was one of the first mid-sized sedans to bring luxury features such as a voice-activated navigation system, XM satellite radio and side curtain airbags to the premium mid-size §egmènt.