Integrated Motor Assist IMA
The ILX Hybrid is powered by the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System, which has been designed on the premise that much of an engine's power is only used during acceleration or on steep inclines. Thus, the system incorporates a 1.5-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine along with an electric motor. The small, efficient engine operates alone when cruising at a steady speed while the electric motor assists the engine when additional power is required.
The ILX Hybrid is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT works like that of a multi-speed bicycle, in which different ratios are achieved by changing the size of gears on each side of a chain. Yet instead of a chain with multiple gears on each end, the transmission uses a metal push-belt, running between a pair of pulleys that continuously vary their diameter.
The ILX Hybrid is powered by the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System, which has been designed on the premise that much of an engine's power is only used during acceleration or on steep inclines. Thus, the system incorporates a 1.5-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine along with an electric motor. The small, efficient engine operates alone when cruising at a steady speed while the electric motor assists the engine when additional power is required.
- Connected exclusively to the continuously variable transmission, the engine has an EPA Estimated Fuel Economy of 39 miles per gallon in the city, 38 on the highway and 38 combined.27
- Under certain conditions, the electric motor alone can propel the car up to 45 mph.
- Deceleration and braking recharge the battery that supplies power to the electric motor.
- Though new to Acura, the IMA system has seen real-world use and been in continual development for over a decade.
The ILX Hybrid is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT works like that of a multi-speed bicycle, in which different ratios are achieved by changing the size of gears on each side of a chain. Yet instead of a chain with multiple gears on each end, the transmission uses a metal push-belt, running between a pair of pulleys that continuously vary their diameter.
- Rather than the five or six ratios of common automatic transmissions, the CVT offers an infinite number so as to provide the most efficient drive ratio possible at all times.
- When combined with the Drive-by-Wire throttle, the CVT allows the engine to stay at its most efficient RPM while speed is adjusted largely by ratio changes.
- Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow you to switch between pre-determined fixed ratios to give you control of the transmission when desired.
No comments:
Post a Comment