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RH77 · 12-08-2011, 10:53 PM

I really hope Honda does get it right and that the system works as advertised, but I have a few concerns...
* Is this an attempt to add more power without finally admitting that they need V-8 power without the assistance of forced induction?
* Secondly, the failures in Toyota's Highlander Hybrid system comes to mind, which uses a rear motor and small battery pack to help propel the vehicle at the rear wheels -- but, using the AWD system for its intended purpose really isn't available and tends to disconnect the rear-drive during wheel slip and cuts the front engine/hybrid-drive significantly -- improvements have been made since its inception, but still, calling it an All-Wheel Drive is misleading.
* Battery packs and electric motors are heavy, but might offset driveline weight and power/FE losses in traditional systems. It also could make the weight distribution closer to 50/50 -- something Hondas/Acuras don't generally have.
* Although simple in design vs. viscous couplings, the rear motors would have to be immediately available for SH-AWD course correction, and would likely function in bursts of torque. I'm curious to see if it ultimately improves FE and handling, or just adds more complexity in programming and operation (this will take a lot of work to refine).
* I am glad to finally see a system from Honda that can operate independently of engine at low speeds / "EV-Mode" -- but curiously through the rear wheels only.

RH77

12-08-2011, 10:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
RH77 Depends on the Day Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Kansas City Area Posts: 1,761 Teggy - '98 Acura Integra LS Sports Cars 90 day: 32.74 mpg (US) IMA - '10 Honda Insight EX Team Honda 90 day: 34.76 mpg (US) Tessie - '06 Acura TSX Base 90 day: 28.2 mpg (US) Thanks: 31 Thanked 41 Times in 35 Posts	I really hope Honda does get it right and that the system works as advertised, but I have a few concerns... * Is this an attempt to add more power without finally admitting that they need V-8 power without the assistance of forced induction? * Secondly, the failures in Toyota's Highlander Hybrid system comes to mind, which uses a rear motor and small battery pack to help propel the vehicle at the rear wheels -- but, using the AWD system for its intended purpose really isn't available and tends to disconnect the rear-drive during wheel slip and cuts the front engine/hybrid-drive significantly -- improvements have been made since its inception, but still, calling it an All-Wheel Drive is misleading. * Battery packs and electric motors are heavy, but might offset driveline weight and power/FE losses in traditional systems. It also could make the weight distribution closer to 50/50 -- something Hondas/Acuras don't generally have. * Although simple in design vs. viscous couplings, the rear motors would have to be immediately available for SH-AWD course correction, and would likely function in bursts of torque. I'm curious to see if it ultimately improves FE and handling, or just adds more complexity in programming and operation (this will take a lot of work to refine). * I am glad to finally see a system from Honda that can operate independently of engine at low speeds / "EV-Mode" -- but curiously through the rear wheels only. RH77 __________________ *“If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research” ― Albert Einstein* _ _