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Non-Tech : Alternative energy -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Rock_nj who wrote (2333)	10/28/2005 3:41:58 PM
From: russet	Respond to of 16955

A simple method of tapping barometric pressure differences above ground is done efficiently by a windmill. On another note,... Canada's Most Affordable Hybrid: New 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid TORONTO, Oct. 28 /CNW/ - Honda Canada brings to market Canada's most affordable hybrid - the all-new 2006 Civic Hybrid. With a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $25,800, the Civic Hybrid provides the ultimate in clean and efficient technology with the highest fuel economy and lowest emissions of any Civic. "In 2000 we brought North America its first hybrid, the Honda Insight, followed by the first-generation Civic Hybrid and Canada's most powerful hybrid, the Accord V6 sedan hybrid," said Jim Miller, Executive Vice President, Honda Canada Inc. "Today, we evolve the Civic Hybrid offering and bring the most affordable hybrid to Canada's most fuel-efficient fleet of vehicles that keeps fuel costs down while keeping performance up." A new generation of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology helps the new Civic Hybrid achieve an estimated fuel economy rating of 4.7 L/100km (city) and 4.3 L/100km (highway), and provides a maximum driving range of about 1,000 kilometers. The new system also helps Civic Hybrid achieve Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) certification. One of the unique features of the Civic Hybrid is that it can deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain steady-state cruising situations. The Civic Hybrid features a 110-horsepower, 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) for improved fuel economy and performance. The new Honda IMA system consists of a 1.3-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine connected to a high-power electric motor and a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A battery pack is used to capture and store electricity for the electric motor. The system uses a gasoline engine as the primary source of power and an electric motor provides additional power and electricity regeneration capability. During acceleration, the engine or the engine and electric motor propel the vehicle. During cruising, the gasoline engine and/or the electric motor can propel the vehicle. This means the Civic Hybrid can drive on the electric motor alone in certain cruising situations, a new capability for 2006. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as a generator to charge the battery pack. At a stop, the engine can enter an idle stop mode to save fuel, and the engine is turned off until the brake pedal is released. New Technologies Dramatic new technology has also been added to the electric motor, Intelligent Power Unit and battery pack to improve performance, reduce size and minimize weight. The 15-kilowatt electric motor uses a high performance magnet and flat wire construction to improve torque output over the previous model by 30 percent, horsepower by 46 percent and efficiency by 3 percent. By itself, the electric motor is rated at 20 horsepower @ 2000 rpm and torque is rated at 66 lb-ft. @ 0-1160 rpm. The brain of the IMA system - the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) - is 13 percent smaller and weighs slightly less than in the previous Civic Hybrid. Related components including the Power Control Unit (PCU) and DC/DC converter are also smaller and weigh less while providing greater operational capabilities. The 158-volt battery pack provides 27 percent more assist power, can recharge 14 percent faster and its size has been reduced by 12 percent. A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is standard on Civic Hybrid. The newly designed transmission provides a wider range between the maximum and minimum gear ratios to enhance acceleration and minimize engine rpm at high speeds. The transmission provides smooth and predictable transitions and helps keep the IMA system operating at its peak efficiency. A hybrid dual scroll air conditioning compressor that is both engine and internal electric motor-driven helps minimize the air conditioner's impact on fuel economy and allows the Civic Hybrid's automatic climate control system to operate even when the engine is in idle stop mode. A cooperative regenerative braking system has been added that intelligently directs braking power between the hydraulic brakes and the electric motor. Less reliance on the traditional braking system and reduced engine pumping losses translate into greater electrical regeneration (170 percent more than the 2005 Civic Hybrid) and ultimately improved fuel economy. Safety for Everyone Honda makes choosing a safe car simple by including a high level of standard safety equipment in every Civic. Honda's strategy contrasts the common industry practice of bundling safety equipment such as anti-lock brakes, side airbags and side curtain airbags with unrelated comfort and convenience option packages. The 2006 Civic integrates Honda's most advanced safety technology with the revolutionary Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure, active front head restraints and segment-exclusive standard side curtain airbags and front side airbags in every model and trim level. The ACE Body Structure enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing front frame structures that provides an increased opportunity for two vehicles - including larger and smaller vehicles with differing bumper heights - to properly connect during a collision. A first-of-its-kind in the industry, the ACE Body Structure elevates real-world safety to a new level by better utilizing the crumple zones between two vehicles and dispersing energy away from the passenger area through more load- bearing channels. Inside, Civic Hybrid incorporates side curtain airbags and front side airbags as standard equipment, along with Honda's first-ever active head restraints that are designed to reduce the chance of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Additional standard safety features include dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), anti-lock brakes (ABS), front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Honda is the world's preeminent maker of engines for automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment. With more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries worldwide, Honda now attracts nearly 20 million customers annually. Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Ridgeline, Pilot and Civic Coupe and Sedan, and the Acura CSX and MDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario. For further information: Sandy Di Felice, (416) 453-6505; Richard Jacobs, (416) 287-4708; Archived images on this organization are searchable through CNW Photo Archive website at photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media.