In article <fdGdnR1QwLAOtuncRVn-ig@rogers.com>, "LBJGH" <bite_mee@hotsnail.back> wrote:
>I agree. Why wouldn't they do the IMA with the 4cyl and get diesel fuel
>economy with V6 performance?
>
>
>"Bobby Fischler" <francishals@yahoo.co.nz> wrote in message
>news:ae681794.0410180936.6be6ecfb@posting.google. com...
>>I would rather have a quick Accord 4 cylinder LX hybrid that gets 59 mpg.
>>
>> Will hybrids come down in cost due to higher demand and mass production?

The Civic Hybrid gets "only" 45/51 mpg, so it is unrealistic to
expect that the heavier Accord 4-banger would get 59 mpg with a
similar hybrid scheme.

The Civic Hybrid also doesn't perform like a 6. And I think it
underperforms the normal 1.7L-4 since it is downsized so much. So
again, unlikely to get v6 performance from Honda's hybrid in a
small 4. Their IMA design uses a very small motor which enables
fuel shutoff, some torque assist, engine operation at more
efficient operating points. But doesn't provide as much power &
torque enhancement as the Prius or Escape.

Yes, I do expect that hybrid costs will come down with economies
of scale and technology advances. But right now the battery
supply (and cost and technology) is probably the limiting factor.
So, it might be a while before prices drop appreciably.