Accord evolves again
Honda unveiled a thinly veiled concept of its upcoming 2013 Accord at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which is a nearly production ready version of the coupe bodystyle due in fall 2012.
The new ninth generation Accord (available in coupe and sedan bodystyles) will feature three all-new powertrains, including a hybrid and V6 linked to a new six-speed automatic transmission. Class leading fuel economy is an objective, as are safety and technology.
Standard power comes from a 2.4-litre, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine with direct- injection (DI). Outputs are a reported 181 hp (down from the current generation’s 190) and 177 lb.-ft. of torque (up from 162), with an overall improvement expected in fuel economy. Power delivery to the front wheels is handled by a six-speed manual or an optional new continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The optional engine is a 3.5-litre, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V6, paired to a new six-speed automatic transmission but also available with a six-speed manual, with reported improvements in horsepower and torque (the current 3.5 V6 makes 271 hp and 251 lb.-ft.). Six-speed automatic versions will use Honda Variable Cylinder Management, which allows the engine to run on four or three cylinders, depending on power loads.
Due in winter 2013, the new hybrid sedan features the first application of a new two-motor plug-in system to go 15-25 km on electric power alone, at speeds up to 100 km/h. The system uses a 120 kW motor getting power from a 6 kWh lithium-ion battery that can be recharged in less than four hours from a standard 120V outlet (less than 1.5 hours from a 240V charger unit). The gasoline engine is an Atkinson cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder, and it’s all controlled by a CVT.
All 2013 Accords use Honda’s ECO Assist system, engaged at the push of button to change computer mapping for better return on fuel usage, while also providing feedback and coaching on economical driving.
Although the new coupe (as displayed in the Accord Coupe Concept) is evolutionarily bigger, the new sedan is reported to be more compact than the current generation, with shortened length and reduced weight for better manoeuvrability and handling dynamics. However, cabin space is reported to be equal to the current Accords.
For safety and technology, the new Accord will feature a lane departure warning (Honda’s first application of the technology), blind-spot display and forward collision warning. All are camera activated systems. The new models will also get standard rearview cameras and an expanded-view driver’s mirror.
Among the standard features is Bluetooth, which has a text-message reading function (that will read messages from compatible phones through the sound system). Pandora internet radio is also standard.