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2006 Honda Civic Hybrid Preview

Larger, Faster and More Efficient

Between Toyota and Honda, the world was officially introduced to the mass-produced hybrid automobile in 1997. Cars like the quirky Honda Insight and the roomy but oddly-shaped Toyota Prius were the first to venture into that brave new world, but by no means have they been the last step forward. The technology thats featured on these cars is improving rapidly; thinner motors, more efficient power generators, lighter, smaller batteries - and the list goes on and on. Remarkably, these two arch nemeses managed to propagate the hybrid scene, now teeming with entries from Toyotas subsidiary brand Lexus, and American automakers Ford and GM, with Nissan and Subaru in hot pursuit.

Besides

Besides bearing technology that speaks of preserving the world for future generations, the latest generation Civic Hybrid actually looks as if its from the future. (Photo: American Honda)

bearing technology that speaks of preserving the world for future generations, the latest generation Civic Hybrid actually looks as if its from the future. The all-new four-door notchback sedan became the basis for the totally revised Civic Hybrid; this shape, while not the most flattering of the Civics available, is popular in the Hybrids biggest markets - North America

Both conventionally powered and hybrid versions of the new Civic Sedan have grown significantly. (Photo: American Honda)

and Japan.

Both conventionally powered and hybrid versions of the new Civic Sedan have grown significantly, increasing in outward dimensions by 1.4 inches in length, to 176.8 inches, 1.5 inches in width, to 69.0 inches, and the biggest increase of all, its wheelbase makes a gain of 3.2 inches to 106.3 inches - approaching midsize territory.
Within its larger skeleton, Honda has used the space to improve occupant and pedestrian crash protection, while upping interior volume and

Within its larger skeleton, Honda has used the space to improve occupant and pedestrian crash protection, while upping interior volume and cargo carrying capacity to make its compact car even more useable, and comfortable, to the average consumer. (Photo: American Honda)

cargo carrying capacity to make its compact car even more useable, and comfortable, to the average consumer. There is little visual difference between the Hybrid model and the conventionally powered Civic; super smooth body panels and a slippery shape are common to all Civic Sedans. The Hybrid merely gains a lip spoiler on its tail, and lightweight, low-drag wheels similar in style to those found on the Insight.

Both the old car and new car use a 1.3-liter inline-four with iVTEC

Both the old car and new car use a 1.3-liter inline-four with iVTEC variable valve timing backed by Hondas IMA hybrid system. (Photo: American Honda)

variable valve timing backed by Hondas IMA hybrid system, however, while the general descriptor remains, its the details underneath that make the difference. Before we get into the details of the electric motor, lets have a quick glance over at the gasoline engine specs: it now produces 95-horsepower and 91 lb-ft of torque, which is a reasonable figure for an engine so small. By comparison, thats a whole 15-horsepower more than the engine included in larger Toyota Prius, and a serious step forward from the current 2005 Civic Hybrid, although if placed side-by-side to the more powerful Accord Hybrid it would appropriately lag behind by at least a furlong.
When its gasoline and electric power sources are working in tandem, the Civic Hybrid is able to produce a total output of 110-horsepower at 2,500 rpm and 123 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: American Honda) />Honda was able to extract such power from the tiny engine, while keeping fuel economy and low emissions in mind, thanks to a new three-stage i-VTEC variable valve timing system, plus a massive friction reduction project. The new system uses hydraulics to couple and uncouple five five-rocker-arm assemblies allowing the car to have three distinctive profiles, each maximizing performance without sacrificing economy. Also interesting is that the new engine features a cylinder deactivation system that shuts down all four cylinders when coasting or during mild deceleration by sealing the valves shut to reduce energy losses in regenerating power. Ion-plated piston rings, aluminum die-cast pistons and ultra finely ground cylinder

During low-speed cruising mode, providing theres enough juice in the battery pack the engine is completely deactivated and the car is powered by the electric motor alone. (Photo: American Honda)

walls reduce friction.

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