Honda Accord Hybrid to pace Indy series for 2007
In an announcement that is shocking to nobody, Honda again was chosen (for the third year in a row) to pace the IndyCar series for 2007. The model chosen was the Accord Hybrid, which makes sense, as the Accord, and especially the hybrid version, is largely considered Honda's top of the line model, and the highest-performing version of the Accord. For those unaware, the Accord hybrid uses Honda's third generation IMA, or Integrated Motor Assist, which combines an electric motor with the 3.0 liter gasoline V6 engine used in other Accord models.
Additionally, Honda will be supplying trucks and support vehicles for the series again this year. Again, this is not surprising, as Honda is the sole engine supplier for IndyCar, and prepares and maintains the engines under their Honda Performance Development (HPD) subsidiary. The IndyCar Series will run on 100 percent ethanol fuel this year.
Changes to the vehicle are few, consisting mainly of safety requirements such as a roll-cage and high performance wheels and tires. Johnny Rutherford, the pace car driver for the year and past Indy 500 winner, says that no other changes are needed, "The available power and torque were both greater than I expected. The Hybrid is capable of performing everything that I ask of it on race weekends, and more."
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[Source: Paddock Talk]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
tbyron 12:52PM (3/15/2007)
OH, come ON! This is stupid, using a 4-door sedan, at the END of its design cycle, as a pace car. Indy Car/IRL...worthless series.
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John W Griffin 10:47PM (5/26/2007)
Mr. T Byron, I became a Hondaholic in 1982 after purchasing my first Accord. Since then I have had an '88, a '90, a 2000 and now an '04 Acura TL. Even at the END of the design cycle, Honda's old technology is usually superior to the new yechnology of other companies. Buy a Honda and enjoy the technology.
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