Accord V6 hybrid here

[ff]

The all-new 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid, the world's first V-6 powered gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle and Honda's third hybrid, will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $29,990 when it goes in sale at Honda dealerships nationwide on December 10.

The Accord Hybrid with a 5-speed automatic transmission has earned EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of 29/37 mpg, on par with a compact class Civic 4-cylinder Sedan.

The Accord Hybrid generates 255 peak horsepower (versus 240hp for the Accord V-6 Sedan) with a remarkably broad and flat torque curve for exceptional power and driving performance.

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=308792

I know that the Accord's a boring car, but what's important here is that we might start seeing the hybrid technology find its way into more than just econoboxes.

255 HP is nice, especially when you're getting almost 40 MPG. They don't mention the torque numbers, but I have a feeling that the electric motor will certainly sweeten an already smooth-and-sweet Honda V6 power curve.

I think the near-$30K pricetag is going to hurt them, though. That's so close to the entry-luxury segment.

[blee]

All of the reviews I've seen of this car are positive. I think it's a total winner on all counts, with the only possible handicap being its price. The thing is that the price premium gets you superior performance, unlike most hybrids.

[rumatt]

I like the idea of using hybrid technology to improve the mileage of a "normal" car, rather than using it to create a freakish vehicle that attempts to get 100 MPG.


That said, $30K is nuts. The car will be limited to those who really want to make a statement, or who are essentially donating money to support the development of hybrid technology.

[Jason C]

Better mileage than a 4-cylinder Accord.

Better performance than a V-6 Accord.

How can it lose? (Other than price of course, and unanswered questions about the long-term cost associated with hybrids.)

I like it... I'd love it as a beater if my other vehicle was a dedicated sports car.

[rumatt]

Originally Posted by Captain Morgan

Other than price of course, and unanswered questions about the long-term cost associated with hybrids.

These are not minor details.

[Plaz]

Originally Posted by rumatt

or who are essentially donating money to support the development of hybrid technology.

I bet there are more of those than conventional wisdom would predict. Then again, I might just be an optimist.

[FC]

Originally Posted by Captain Morgan

Better mileage than a 4-cylinder Accord.

Better performance than a V-6 Accord.

How can it lose? (Other than price of course, and unanswered questions about the long-term cost associated with hybrids.)

I like it... I'd love it as a beater if my other vehicle was a dedicated sports car.

If they could put that engine(s) into an AWD Acura TL, THAT would be the ultimate commuter-mobile.

[clyde]

Originally Posted by rumatt

These are not minor details.

Yeah, don't make me break out the cost/HP/L reality on your ass.

[zach]

Originally Posted by clyde

Yeah, don't make me break out the cost/HP/L reality on your ass.

[Jason C]

Originally Posted by rumatt

These are not minor details.

Yes, I know.

PMD predicted in the latest AE that hybrids will take a large hit on the used market because of said unanswered questions. We shall see.