New Car Overview of the 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid-Fuel Sedan

Description: Hybrid-Fuel Sedan
Base MSRP Range: Not Yet Available
Invoice Price Range: Not Yet Available
Where built: Not Yet Available

Honda's diverse fleet ranks as the least-polluting line in America, and those low-emission numbers are enhanced by a series of hybrid cars that carry an ultra-efficient gasoline-powered engine as well as a battery-powered electric motor.

The latest hybrid for Honda's line is a high-tech gas-electric treatment for the Accord V6 sedan. It differs on the exterior with a unique design for the front grille, special hybrid badges and a spoiler added to the trunk lid.

The Accord V6 Hybrid employs Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) power control unit to manage all energy produced by a gasoline-based V6 engine and electric motor, then apply it in a frugal manner to turn the front wheels.

Honda's 3.0-liter V6 with i-VTEC valve controls adds variable cylinder management (VCM) to trim the number of cylinders firing when a power boost is not required. The six-pack produces a robust 255 hp but pushes fuel economy figures akin to a small four-cylinder plant -- up to 37 mpg.

Other special equipment aboard ranges from a hybrid-powered twin-zone automatic climate control system to electric variable-assist power rack and pinion steering, special IMA display on the instrument panel with a fuel economy meter indicating both instantaneous and lifetime figures, a DVD-based navigation system and 16-inch alloy wheels.