American Honda announced on September 17 that it will debut the all-new Accord Hybrid, the world's first V-6-powered hybrid vehicle and Honda's third hybrid model, at dealerships nationwide on December 3. The all-new Accord Hybrid utilizes the third-generation of Honda's advanced Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) full hybrid system in combination with new Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology to deliver the world's best V-6 fuel efficiency — on par with a 4-cylinder, compact class Civic — along with highly responsive and powerful V-6 performance. With the introduction of the Accord Hybrid, Honda now becomes the first company in the world to offer three distinct hybrid models including the world's first V-6 hybrid. The Accord Hybrid achieves an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 30mpg in the city and 37mpg on the highway, an increase of 43 percent over the current Accord V-6 in city driving and 23 percent in highway driving. In addition, the Accord Hybrid delivers 255 horsepower (versus 240hp for the Accord V-6 sedan) with an exceptionally broad and flat torque curve for outstanding power and driving performance. Acceleration performance from 0-60 miles per hour and from 50-70mph is reduced by one half second compared with the already powerful and sporty Accord V-6 sedan. The Accord Hybrid's instrument panel incorporates an exclusive display that shows key operating indicators of the IMA system, including the state of the IMA battery charge, the level of IMA motor assist or charge, and a light to indicate Idle Stop mode. There is also an "ECO" light to indicate that the vehicle is achieving a high level of fuel economy and the VCM is operating in 3-cylinder mode. To further improve overall fuel efficiency and maintain precise and responsive handling, the Accord Hybrid uses a number of exclusive weight saving features including a lightweight aluminum hood and bumper beams (front and rear), along with a magnesium engine head cover and dual-stage intake manifold. Other fuel saving features include an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system — like the one used on the high-performance S2000 sports car — and a new more efficient dual scroll "hybrid" air conditioning compressor. Honda's third generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system is improved in virtually every area including increased motor output, improved battery performance and greater total system efficiency. Compared to the Civic Hybrid, IMA motor torque output is improved by 26 percent during startup and is more than doubled during driving to 100 lb.-ft. from 46 lb.-ft. Also, battery output density increases by 45 percent while battery assist power increases by 20 percent. Regenerative braking efficiency is up 11 percent. The Accord Hybrid's 3.0-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine has the same 3.0-liter displacement as the regular Accord V-6, but employs a number of unique features including a dual-stage intake manifold and a high-performance lock-up torque converter. A new, more compact 5-speed automatic transmission with an electric oil pump is designed to provide smooth start-up from idle stop, and helps allow for packaging of the engine, IMA motor, engine torque converter and automatic transmission. Adding to overall efficiency is a "hybrid" air conditioning compressor that runs on both the gasoline engine and the IMA battery and provides for good air conditioning performance even when the engine is in Idle Stop mode. The IMA system's 12-kilowatt, high-output, electric motor contributes more than 100 lb.-ft. of torque to the Accord Hybrid's 3.0-liter V-6 engine during hard acceleration and recaptures kinetic energy generated during deceleration and braking for storage in the IMA system's advanced nickel-metal hydride battery pack. When cruising at steady speeds where less engine power is required, the VCM system deactivates the V-6 engine's rear bank of cylinders, closing both the intake and exhaust valves for reduced fuel consumption. Under light acceleration from a cruising state, the IMA motor can provide power assistance to the engine in three-cylinder mode. When coming to a stop, the IMA system shuts off the vehicle's engine at speeds below 10 mph to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The moment the driver releases the brake pedal, the IMA motor instantaneously restarts the gasoline engine.