XeroK00L

Kudos to Honda for breaking the ground. Toyota seems to care more about the performance than fuel economy in their hybrids these days. I hope they'll come up with a more efficient Prius soon too.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=107691

Honda Plans Diesel Engine and 65-mpg Hybrid for U.S.

Date Posted 10-25-2005

DETROIT — Honda Motor Co. says it might be able to build hybrid vehicles that get 65 miles per gallon — 30-percent better mileage than the company's 2006 Civic hybrid — with the help of a high-tech compression-ignition gasoline engine, according to The Wall Street Journal.

At the same time, the company is developing new diesel engines for its larger vehicles in the U.S., says Automotive News.

Like other automakers, Honda is working on so-called homogeneous-charge compression-ignition or HCCI engines. These power plants ignite the air-gasoline mixture by compressing it, as a diesel does, rather than using a spark plug — but at lower temperatures. The company says it expects to show a prototype four-cylinder HCCI system as early as next year.

Honda is working on diesel engines for the U.S. because it can't simply borrow a diesel engine from its European lineup that would easily meet U.S. emission standards. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui says the carmaker might offer a V6 diesel engine in North America on its future products.

What this means to you: Honda is scrambling to develop fuel-efficient hybrid and diesel engines for the North American market.

Bercasio

iTrader: (1)

Honda is scrambling b/c they know Toyota is right around the corner with something real sneaky and competitive. We must remember that these will be the top dogs in the industry for many years to come, when it comes to reliable fuel efficient hybrids and non-hybrid vehicles. They can duke it a out all day long and not be concerned with any other rivals as we all know Honda and Toyota are well ahead of the game.

Bluesman2

I've often wondered about that idea, if they can use high compression ignition in a diesel, why not use it in a gas engine? More torque, less fuel.......

encore888

I think consumers deserve the choice...performance or economy? in their hybrids. This competition is GOOD.

CleanSC

For once people will turn to Toyota from Honda for higher performance vehicles.

LexFather

Glad to See Honda stepping up as well

adidosc

way to go honda! this can only be a good thing, i certainly wouldn't mind something like that for my longer trips and my sc for when i want to hit the autox or cruise in a little more style.

xioix

now toyota knows what the competition will be doing, let see what they do to respond

Bean

iTrader: (1)

Funny how Toyota had a turbodiesel pickup truck in the early 80s that got 45mpg in the city and 53 on the highway. Its even higher with biodiesel.

I'd be interested to see if Toyota can make fuel efficiency and performance (or at least have a different hybrid option for those particular vehicles. The hybrid highlander hasnt been getting very good reviews... its barely getting better mileage than the normal model from what I've read.