REPORT: Honda plans a return to larger hybrids
2009 Honda Skydeck Concept - Click above for hi-res image gallery
To put it mildly, sales of the Honda Accord Hybrid never quite set the world on fire. Regardless, Japan's second largest automaker is reportedly hard at work developing its proprietary Integrated Motor Assist hybrid platform so that it can once again be used to power larger vehicles like the Accord.
To make it all work out, Honda is adding an extra electric motor to the mix for a total of two, both of which will be more powerful than the single pancake motor used in the current Insight and Civic Hybrid. Also on the menu is a lithium ion battery pack to replace the current nickel metal hydride unit, with added capacity to allow for electric-only operation.
Word on the street (or at least the Nikkei daily newspaper in Japan) is that Honda might place this next-gen hybrid powertrain in a minivan sometime in 2011 or so. Before that, though, we can look forward to the launch of Honda's sporty CR-Z hybrid hatchback. It's important to have your priorities straight, right?
Gallery: 2009 Honda Skydeck Concept
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
RG 9:08AM (10/27/2009)
The failure of the Accord Hybrid was due to a rare Honda's misstep where the focused on performance, rather than efficiency.
I am pretty confident that if the Accord Hybrid came with IMA and a four cylinder, you could still buy one. As it is, the IMA in addition to the V-6 didn't give you much additional power, or efficiency, but cost more. Far from a winning combination. If Honda takes these lessons learned from moving forward, along with the successes of the Camry and Fusion Hybrid, they should be in good shape.
On a somewhat related note, I really dig the Honda concept pictured. I think, if matured obviously, it could be an excellent MPV option to slot below the current Odyssey. The seating is slick, but know that it will never see the light of production.
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marz 9:26AM (10/27/2009)
+1, what he said
Dustin 9:43AM (10/27/2009)
RG, because the V6 is shorter than the 4cyl, it was possible to add IMA to the V6 version, whereas with the 4cyl it was not possible in the existing engine bay. (Remember the hybrid was introduced two years into the 7th generation chassis). That explains the choice - it was V6 hybrid or nothing.
I believe the reason it was unsuccessful is because at that time people were expecting "Hybrid" to mean "50mpg." So the Accord's mpg seemed like a disappointment, when in actually it was excellent for a 255hp V6 car. Nowadays, thanks to cars like BMW's 20mpg hybrids, we now have a different outlook on the word hybrid. I believe if the 2005 Accord Hybrid were released today, with people downsizing from SUVs and such, it would be much more accepted and successful.
Luis 10:13AM (10/27/2009)
"a rare Honda's misstep"
They've been having a lot of those "rare" missteps lately. Have you seen the Acuras? And just wait til the Accord Crosstour comes out. Honda's Hybrid program has been a relative total misstep ever since they quit selling the original Insight. Mild hybrids just haven't done the trick for any company that's produced them: Honda, GM, etc. They lack the pizazz that people look for in a Hybrid. Or something.
PG 9:14AM (10/27/2009)
Honda - stop shoving your hybrids down the public's throats and start making real cars again. Nobody bought the Accord Hybrid and nobody's been buying the Insight. And for the love of God, the FCX Clarity is NOT a sportscar.
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RG 10:20AM (10/27/2009)
What do you mean "real cars?" Do you mean RWD cars, or sportscars, or both?
Other than the s2000 and NSX name me one other RWD car Honda has sold in the states in the past 30 years.
Those cars were the exception, not the rule
jrhmobile 9:25AM (10/27/2009)
On a slightly different tack, I really like the design of the Skydeck concept. Clean, with an animated face that is far friendlier than the ugly grinning fascia taking over the Mazda line or the overwrought Kabuki face-painting on Opel's latest concept cars.
Compared to the ugliness that's taken over Acura and is slowly spreading to the Honda automotive line, this is an incredibly clean concept. I wish Honda would take this look into account as they design future concept and production cars.
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Nellydesign 10:49AM (10/27/2009)
I kinda disagree. We commonly harp on Acura and say its grille looks like a beak. This one actually IS a beak. Seriously, what's with that?
myworld 9:45AM (10/27/2009)
It would be nice to see a plug on Honda's new hybrids.
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Ligor 9:59AM (10/27/2009)
this new Honda face is silly at best
someone please have some bolllllz and design something nice over at honda
we been dealing with their crapy styling for ages, please
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Hamud 10:13AM (10/27/2009)
Those pillars up front are definitely not a good idea.
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Evan 10:57AM (10/27/2009)
It's pretty clear that Honda does not have a solid plan, by the way they've danced between pushing Hydrogen, small hybrids, and large hybrids instead of focusing on one vision and sticking with it.
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:10AM (10/27/2009)
If I were Honda, I'd develop a 2-mode system before I added cost to the system by going to Lions.
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Bratmaxe 11:46AM (10/27/2009)
Honda cant make real HYBRIDS. they need to STFU.
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Patrick 1:24PM (10/27/2009)
Honda is really going for the beak design theme with Acuras and its newest Hondas. Please stop.
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P.V. 4:45PM (10/27/2009)
Honda's Accord Hybrid would do a lot better today than it did when it was actually sold, so I'm excited to hear this news.
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rby 8:33PM (10/27/2009)
I LOVE the way this thing looks, especially on a hybrid...
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rodrigo 2:38AM (10/29/2009)
another ugly car from Honda, whats next?/ the crz is ugly, the so called replacement of the crx, ugly thing....
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