Hybrid Car Review

Honda Accord Hybrid to be used as pace car at the IndyCar Series. Although pace cars aren't required to be too fast, perhaps this will combat hybrids reputation for less power than their counterparts.

03.24.06
Honda Accord Hybrid Named IndyCar Series Pace Car

The Honda Accord Hybrid will serve as Official Pace car for the 2006 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series, IRL officials have announced, marking the first time a car utilizing hybrid technology has been used to pace a major auto racing series.

The Delphi IRL Safety Team also will use Honda vehicles in 2006, operating a fleet of Honda Ridgelines as well as a Honda Pilot, all equipped for the various safety and medical needs of the Team.

Now in its second year of production, the Accord Hybrid features Honda's third generation of the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) that operates in combination with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology to deliver high levels of fuel efficiency from the 3.0-liter Honda V-6 engine, along with highly responsive and powerful performance. The result is an SAE-rated 253 horsepower and 232-foot pounds of torque.

"The IndyCar Series has long been recognized for its leadership in motorsports safety and innovation," said Brian Barnhart, president and COO of the Indy Racing League. "We are proud to partner Honda in rolling out the Accord Hybrid Safety Car, a motorsports first."

The Accord Hybrid's list of technical features includes more than just hybrid engine technology. Electric Power Steering enhances steering response, Drive-by-Wire throttle control enhances acceleration, and a four-wheel independent suspension provides the handling required for an IndyCar Series pace car. The air conditioning system also features hybrid technology that switches to an electric compressor to keep occupants comfortable when the vehicle is not in motion.

Modifications to the Accord Hybrids required for IndyCar Series Pace Car duty include a safety roll cage and high-performance wheels and tires for race track use. The Accord Hybrids will be utilized at all domestic IRL races in 2006, except the Indianapolis 500.

Honda Performance Development (HPD), a subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., is the single provider of engines in 2006 for the IRL IndyCar Series. Honda joined the IRL at the start of the 2003 season, and late last year announced a new plan to continue as an engine supplier in IndyCar racing through the 2009 season. HPD will prepare and maintain the Honda Indy V-8 engines used by all teams for competition in the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500.