Honda has always had one of the cleanest and most efficient model lineups in the U.S. market and they look set to continue that trend over the next several years. We already knew that the Japanese automaker would be adding three more hybrids to its lineup over the next two years: the five-door hatchback coming next spring will be followed by the CR-Z-based coupe and a hybrid version of the new Fit. Honda has been saying for over a year that they would keep the hybrid powertrains in these smaller cars which are used more often for urban driving. For the bigger models, they have decided diesel is the way to go. The first diesel model will show up next year in the Acura lineup, most likely starting with the TSX. According to Automotive News, diesels will then spread to the Honda side of the house starting with the Accord and CR-V. Both will likely get the same 2.2L four cylinder diesel that's going into the TSX. The next generation of the Odyssey minivan, which is due in 2010, may be the first Honda vehicle to get the 3.0L diesel V6 that the company is developing. That same engine will probably eventually end up in several other models - possibly the Pilot and Ridgeline - as well as in Acura vehicles like the MDX.
A while back we somewhat cynically informed you of an Acura TL converted to all-electric that was being made available for the low low price of *cough $185,000. It seems no one took advantage of the offer but that has turned out to be a good thing for Luxury Electric A.K.A. Potential Difference, the company behind the vehicle. Why? Because today, at the Democratic National Conference, where electric cars are getting all kinds of love, Luxury has announced they will take their prototype car, "The Electric," on a transcontinental trip to promote the potential of electric vehicles. According to Luxury Electric founder and Nevada Democratic Party Delegate Elliott Small, "The coast-to-coast drive will show that all-electric automotive technology is ready today. We're eliminating the biggest barrier to mass-market acceptance of electric vehicles by showing that they are not only practical for daily commuting, but deliver outstanding performance, range, comfort and durability as well."
Along the way they have a planned stop in Atlanta to demonstrate some rapid charging technology for which they hold patent licensing from Georgia Tech Research. No word on how quickly they can re-charge their lithium ion phosphate batteries but Engineering VP Bill Rowling, who also runs Truckcity CB & Solar, claims they can get 140 miles to a charge. The transcontinental trip announcement lacked a start date though it did mention they are still seeking sponsors for the event. If you'd like to help them out perhaps you can buy this prototype, since it's still being offered for the reduced price of $150,000 on Autotwins (who also feature it on Craigslist). With that kind of cash we suspect they could convert another TL and still have funds with which to electrically traverse America. The company's ambitions don't stop with conversions either. According to their website, they have their own original design they intend to offer in 2010. Hit the jump to see their 2010 design, a quick tire squealing video of their prototype and the official press release.
Luxury Electric Announces Completion of World's First Full-Sized, Long-Range, All-Electric Luxury Sedan at 2008 DNC "The Electric" to Embark on Historic Transcontinental Drive after Convention
The founders of Luxury Electric, one of America's first electric car companies, today announced at the 2008 Democratic National Convention plans to take their prototype car, "The Electric," on a record-setting transcontinental trip, the first for an electric luxury sedan. "We will demonstrate that electric cars can perform as well or better than gas-powered cars," said Luxury Electric founder and Nevada Democratic Party Delegate Elliott Small. "The coast-to-coast drive will show that all-electric automotive technology is ready today. We're eliminating the biggest barrier to mass-market acceptance of electric vehicles by showing that they are not only practical for daily commuting, but deliver outstanding performance, range, comfort and durability as well." "Most people commute easily on 30 to 50 miles per day, the average distance electric vehicles can go between charges," said Engineering VP Bill Rowling. "To achieve our goal of driving cross country, we've improved that to about 140 miles per charge." Luxury Electric has an exclusive license for two rapid battery re-charge patents from the Georgia Tech Research Corporation and will demonstrate that technology in Atlanta during the coast-to-coast drive. "The new battery technology will allow full charges from any outlet in as little as 10 minutes," said Small. "The cost of the electricity will work out to about $4 per 150 miles. Future motorists will be able to buy electricity from wind or solar power sources, resulting in a virtually zero emissions vehicle that performs as well as traditional autos." Throughout the convention, Small will be assisting with Colorado Delegate Nate Vanderschaaf's Electric Vehicle Rolling Showcase. About the Luxury Electric Company Based in Las Vegas, Nev., the Luxury Electric Company is dedicated to bringing the first all-electric luxury vehicles to the American marketplace. Luxury Electric is seeking sponsors to support the first transcontinental drive in an electric luxury car. The company is currently taking orders, with down payments placed in escrow to leverage funding opportunities and to encourage investment in developing this technology, critical to solving the global energy crisis. See www.luxuryelectric.com for more information.
Forbes has published a list of 10 diesel cars Americans will be able to purchase soon. Automakers expect that the new generation diesels will catch up on American soil thanks to their refined engineering, which translates into reduced emissions and more torque along with mileage increases of around 30 percent. This is the good news, the bad news is that the U.S. doesn't always get the most fuel-efficient oil burners, especially when it comes to the smaller models. Forbes' list doesn't offer much information about EPA mileage or price, but it does give us a few vehicles we can keep an eye on for our diesel dreams. Follow us after the jump for the complete list.
Click for a high res gallery of the 2009 Acura TSX
In recent weeks, we've heard about two light duty diesel programs being shelved at Toyota and Ford. Now, an anonymous poster on the Motor Trend forum is indicating the same fate may await the new Acura 2.2L i-DTEC diesel. Honda engineers have been talking about this engine and its innovate new urea-free NOx catalyst for more than two years. At this year's Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed the engine publicly for the first time and announced it would go on sale in an Acura car in early 2009.
Although Honda/Acura PR people don't like to talk about specifics of new products in advance, it has been assumed the engine would land in the TSX which is based on the European spec Honda Accord which is already so equipped. The MT poster indicated that Acura is having trouble getting the automatic transmission version of the diesel to pass emissions. Since Americans tend to be averse to shifting for themselves, without an automatic the whole program could get canceled. The veracity of this story is unknown and may not be accurate. Modern electronically transmissions and engines tend to be easier to pass emissions because the reduced driver input makes it easier for the engineers to calibrate the responses to pass the test. We asked Honda officials for a comment but they haven't yet responded and very likely won't.
