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Sedans Honda Accord 2008 Honda Accord VCM
1808 messages, Last post on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:56 PM
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Replying to: dmer (Jun 25, 2008 7:10 pm) I'm not sure there is an advantage in mpg. I think there's supposed to be, but the "real world" mpg's posted here and on the other midsize sedan forums has me kind of thinking that the engineering effort, and money spent on it, could have been better spent........ Looking over the "Real World" mileage stuff here, it looks like the earlier, 2003 to 2007 Honda Accords {the V6 ones} get better mileage on average than the 2008s. In fact, I think the case could be made that the 2003 to 2007 model years could be considered the peak in Accord design....... Looking over the Camry and Sonata "Real World MPG" threads, it looks like a case could be made, that on average, the Camry is at least as good {V6 vs V6}, and the Sonata noticeably better. Neither Camry or Sonata use any "tricks" like VCM to get the job done. Neither car is an exception light weigh in the class either, I think Camry is pretty close to the weight of the Accord, and the Sonata, which is about 4 inches shorter {total length}, still weighs 3540lbs. In the "good old days", neither Camry or Sonata would be able to outshine the Accord in any performance category......... I think that Honda would be miles ahead to drop VCM, and spend the r&d money where it'll do more good. Where they've gone with this, sure reminds me where GM and Ford went in the mid 90s.........
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Replying to: thegraduate (Jun 26, 2008 1:51 pm) 
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Replying to: dmer (Jun 26, 2008 2:03 pm) Don't discouraged about the Accord - it is a great car for the money and as an every day middle America family car. No matter how much leather etc. you put on it, it is not a luxury class car. In this case you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.. |
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Replying to: auld_dawg (Jun 26, 2008 3:51 pm) I agree - a simple 6 speed automotic transmission with a taller overdrive would have given as much of an increase in mileage if not more without complicating the engine and the need for AEMs. |
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Replying to: thegraduate (Jun 26, 2008 12:47 pm)
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Only indirectly related to VCM, but an interesting quick take on Honda and its fundamental corporate culture that focuses on fuel economy. http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/10/news/companies/taylor_honda.fortune/index.htm Although the company has yet to even offer a V8 in the general marketplace, it's also interesting to see Honda's leadership and niche within Indy Car racing. And the next NSX will have a V10 and all wheel drive. But probably no VCM. =) |
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Replying to: ljgbjg (Jun 27, 2008 3:20 am) My reply is posted here. |
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Honda recently announced that it will introduce VCM with its motorcycles starting in 2010. http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/05/28/honda-motorcycles-to-get-variable-cylind- - er-management-and-more/
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Replying to: cstiles (Jun 27, 2008 3:09 pm) Honda Motorcycle cylinder deactivation 2006 prototype Honda Accord VCM seems to be a somewhat complex technology in which all components must be working flawlessly & must be accurately tuned so everything works perfectly in unison. If something is just slightly off, then symptoms start appearing? To me, it's perhaps too 'high maintenance'. As other's have commented, it could have been accomplished some other way. Other car makers have taken a less complex approach, even though they also depend on technology but not to the degree Honda has with their VCM. Perhaps, once they committed to this 3 mode cylinder de-actvation scheme, there was no turning back. Maybe a transitional technology until Honda figures out something else? Also, I am not sure, but I believe the VCM makes some contribution to it's 'Partial Zero Emissions (PZEV1) rating': "AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) is an emissions standard created by the California Air Resources Board" It's stated in their VCM engine specs/description. So, VCM maybe not that beneficial with contributing to mileage savings, but more an impact on emissions output. Another thing not mentioned too much is, Honda's advertisement/promotion that I see here in Calif.. All very strong Eco-green spin. So when you go to a Honda dealer, part of the sales campaign is that you are buying the car for a 'Cause' and therefore, any noticeable non-seamless symptoms, one can overlook because it's for the 'big picture' of World Green. IMO, I believe the on & off green light is part of it, sort of like a placebo effect. Sounds far fetched? I'm seeing a number of consumer products doing the 'green' spin thing. All that being said, in spite of the rough ride or other symptoms that could be caused by Honda's VCM technology, it may be 'reliable' but like I said before, possibly require 'high maintenance' or more servicing to minimize those erratic symptoms.
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Replying to: jusvisitn (Jun 30, 2008 10:18 am) Today, with fuel prices blasting past $4.00, with little prospect of prices coming down to levels seen just 6-12 months ago, explosive sales of fuel efficient cars are being dictated by pure and simple economics. Honda obviously believes in VCM, based on the expanding numbers of cars, trucksters, and motorcycles that are receiving the technology. For those contemplating a class action, the odds may improve for proving your case, since Honda is pushing the technology to a larger part of their product offerings. It's no longer just a niche offering for Honda, especially with potentially hundreds of thousands of motorcycles getting it in the years ahead. Is the system too complex? Is the technology flawed? We'll find out sooner or later. At least the system saves from the cost and weight of installing both an electric and gasoline motor, plus a huge battery pack, to one automobile. Honda is obviously trying to expand its market share among V6-equipped cars. Their bread and butter for years has been the I4 engine. VCM allows them to differentiate its offerings with the more upper-scale, near-luxury, V6 customer. (Just curious, is the technology feasible or practical with a 4 cylinder engine? Shutting down 25% or 50% of the cylinders on a Civic or I4 Accord while cruising at higher speeds?) The benefits of VCM are also skewed toward highway driving. With most hybrids, MPG is better in town than it is on the highway. The stronger business case for the traditional hybrid car is that it excels in urban driving settings. The benefits of VCM come to light while cruising on the highway, where shutting down a bank of cylinders can improve mileage by 10-20%. For much of the USA, where there are open roads, VCM makes a lot of sense on paper. Provided the technology is not flawed. Finally, for those still considering class action against Honda as an option, last Friday, Richard Scruggs, the king of class actions with huge victories over big tobacco, asbestos, and recent shots at the insurance industry post-Hurricane Katrina, was sentenced to 5 years in prison for attempting to bribe a judge. I suppose there is a seamy side to class action litigation also....
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