Honda is planning on displaying its fourth-generation Intelligent Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid powertrain, the 2006 Civic Hybrid, at the Frankfurt motor show, according to a GreenCarCongress.com report. The 2006 Civic Hybrid with the new IMA is 18 percent more powerful than the 2005 model. Compared to the 2005 Civic Hybrid’s 47-48 miles per gallon, the 2006 model offers a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 50 mpg, the report says. The new IMA also allows the driver to cruise solely with the power of the electric motor. The fourth generation Honda IMA system consists of a 93-hp 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine connected to a 20-hp electric motor and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Combined, the powertrain delivers 110 hp (83 kW) and 123 lb-ft (167 Nm) of torque. The 158-volt, 5.5-Ah Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery captures and stores electricity from regenerative braking for the electric motor. The 2006 Civic Hybrid is larger and more powerful, but still maintains higher efficiency than the 2005 model. This new hybrid is aimed at efficiency rather than the recent trend of performance hybrids, according to the report.