Honda's 'At-Will' Torque Control Hybrid Performance driving

[botsapper]

A different twist to the the hybrid class, Honda all-wheel drive system will put two electric motors that power the rear wheels that offers torque vectoring assistance in true performance modes but it also allows the 6-cyl to maximize power/fuel economy performance. In turning or cornering modes, the drive-by-wire electric motors independently disconnect for torque-split control and the 'dragging' motor converts to electric regeneration to the other motor. The elegance of the simplicity and less complicated transmission hardware makes it very attractive for spirited hybrid driving.

CAR and DRIVER Blog » Acura’s Next SH-AWD System Will Power the Rear Wheels with Electric Motors

[RH77]

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