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A different kind of hybrid (the Accord kind)
After way too many hours at the dealership, my wife and I came home with a 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid with 30,000 miles. I went over my emotional responses last night. This is more of an evaluation of the Accord's hybrid system as it interacts with a V-6.
The first thing I noticed is the standard Honda IMA stuff. Engine shutoff/restart, ECO mode, regen/assist lights, etc. Except for the fact that ECO mode signifies that it is running on 3 cylinders, not lean burn. For anyone who wondered, ECO mode on/off makes about the same shudder as a gear shift (although the Accord shifts so smoothly that it is more like a normal car's shifts).
What is different? The assist is almost entirely geared towards maintaining ECO mode rather than assisting accelerating. It does seem to help acceleration before the engine is warmed up (or when you flat-out mash the throttle for a 6.7 second 0-60).
Now I wonder what I can do to keep it in ECO more easily. First I think I will see if premium fuel will advance the timing. I want to block the grill somewhat, but I'm afraid a piece of cardboard will have to do until next winter. After that?
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