Honda
2012 Honda Civic
Written by admin on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 | No Comments
Categories: Honda Tags: 2012 Civic, 2012 Honda, 2012 Honda Cars, 2012 Honda Civic, 2012 Honda Civic News
The 2012 Civic is designed to even better meet the diverse needs of the compact-vehicle buyer when it launches this spring. The entire redesigned ninth-generation Civic lineup will become more fuel efficient wîth two models – the all-new Civic HF and the Civic Hybrid – each delivering fuel economy estimates of more than 40 mpg on the highway. Built on the tradition of Honda fuel efficiency, the economical Civic HF model will be the most fuel-efficient gasoline-only powered Civic in the lineup when it launches this spring. Equipped wîth a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, the Civic HF is targeted to earn EPA-estimated fuel economy1 of 41 mpg on the highway.
The 2012 Civic Hybrid, which will be outfitted for the first time wîth a lithium-ion battery and a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated city/highway combined fuel economy1 of 45 mpg, an improvement of 4 mpg compared to the current Civic Hybrid. Both the Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models will be equipped wîth aerodynamic components for improved efficiency and Honda ECO Assist™ technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback to promote more efficient individual driving styles.
‘The Civic is the only model in the industry that can deliver on all fronts – fuel economy, sporty performance, smart packaging, alternative fuel and long-term value,’ said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co.,Inc. ‘For the ninth-generation Civic, we are emphasizing improved fuel economy across the board, from the hybrid sedan to the sporty Si model.’
In addition to the Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models, the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic GX Natural Gas models are also estimated to achieve improved fuel economy compared to the current models. The Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy2 of 39 mpg on the highway, an improvement of 3 mpg when compared to the current model. The Civic Natural Gas vehicle is anticipated to earn a 7 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the current model. The Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic Natural Gas models will all be equipped wîth the Honda ECO Assist technology.
Price: $15,605 – 23,355.
Invoice: $18,260 – 22,030.
Along wîth improved fuel economy, the new Civic lineup also delivers more performance, particularly wîth the Civic Si. The Civic Si sedan and coupe models will be equipped wîth a larger, more powerful 2.4-liter engine as well as a new 6-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The new engine is anticipated to deliver 200 horsepower wîth 170 ft-lb of torque. Even wîth the larger engine and a 22 percent increase in torque, Civic Si is targeted to achieve an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy1 of 31 mpg; an increase of 2 mpg when compared to the current model.
The 2012 Civic lineup includes a sedan and a coupe wîth conventional gasoline models, a new ‘HF’ high fuel economy version, two sporty ‘Si’ performance versions, along wîth one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant.
Performance
The 2012 Honda Civic carries over its powertrain and chassis from the last generation largely unchanged. The output of 140 hp and 128 pound-feet of torque from the 1.8-liter inline-4 engine remains the same, propelling the Civic to 60 mph from a standstill in an underwhelming 9.2 seconds during Edmunds performance testing. Honda has found better fuel economy with science, including refined aerodynamics and less rolling resistance. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on lower model trims, and it’s a slick, hassle-free gearbox to use. Enthusiastic drivers may find it a little too whispery light in its action, but rush-hour commuters will appreciate its light-effort clutch pedal and short, easy shift throws.
Quick electric-assist steering, a civilized degree of body rigidity and a shorter wheelbase make the coupe and sedan sharp handlers. A front strut and multilink rear suspension carry over with only minor enhancements. Drivers seeking maximum thrills will find them in the Civic Si, which uses a larger 2.4-liter engine and six-speed manual to deliver 201 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque — the latter a 22 percent increase. The additional thrust comes on lower in the power band and helps the Si leap out of a corner, yet still poised for the next one. The engine still exhibits its traditional high-revving character, though the broader spread of power improves drivability.
The 10.3-inch front disc brakes combine with 10.2-inch rear discs on the higher coupe and sedan trims, and they prove competent, though they deliver less stopping power than the competition (the lower DX and LX trim levels replace the rear discs with cheaper drum brakes). In Edmunds testing, a 2012 Honda Civic EX-L sedan stopped in 131 feet, a below-average result for this class. On the other side of the spectrum is the Civic HF, a Honda designation for fuel-economy trim last seen in the U.S. two decades ago. Essentially an LX sedan with the five-speed automatic, the HF gets 41 highway mpg through aerodynamic improvements like a smooth underbody and streamlined wheels.
Hypermilers looking for comfier digs get nudged into the Civic Hybrid, which offers options like leather and navigation. New lithium-ion batteries trim about 20 pounds compared to the old chassis, and in tandem with a continuously variable transmission the Hybrid delivers 44 mpg. Though the suspension shows typical Honda reflexes, the hybrid’s leisurely acceleration and grabby brakes don’t inspire much driving fervor.
Comfort
Front and rear passengers benefit from additional leg- and shoulder room in the 2012 Honda Civic. Taller drivers and front passengers will appreciate the 3 inches of additional shoulder room, a wider berth that gives arms and elbows a little more room to roam. Honda’s familiar controls that fall easily to hand are unchanged. The Si in particular offers seats bolstered with stiff thigh and torso support.
But the 2012 Civic also carries over another common family trait: noise. Civics have never been particularly quiet, and the new model doesn’t deviate from this pattern. Road noise is still accepted by buyers as the price of doing business in the compact market segment, but with competitive models now offering quieter passenger compartments — the Cruze comes to mind — the Civic stands out for its complacent acceptance of this flaw.
Design/Fit and Finish
The 2012 Honda Civic plays its exterior design close to its predecessor. It’s a little more windswept, with a steeper windshield angle, tighter taper to its roof line and pronounced character lines along its sides and flanks. The front fascia is tightened up a bit with a smaller grille and a slightly angrier kink in the headlights. Honda designers say principles of yoga inspired the form.
Function
A steeply raked windshield creates a massive cowl atop the dashboard that’s made of dull industrial-grade plastic and it also wraps around the door panels and flows down the center stack and console. Even the air vents are unusually large. It’s a curious selection of interior materials that doesn’t fit with the rest of the car’s competency — especially in light of competitors offering faux-leather and soft-touch stuff as standard equipment.
Set deep in that asymmetrical cowl is a two-tier dash and driver interface, which now includes a 5-inch color display — intelligent Multi Information Display, or i-MID. This monitors audio, Bluetooth and vehicle information, all controlled through steering wheel buttons and keypads. Opt for a navigation system and you’ll have four information zones competing for your attention: digital speedo and i-MID in the top tier and closer to the windshield, and tachometer and nav display below.
Skip the navigation and instead you get an awkward, oversize radio and button array. It’s a busy presentation, and the two-tier configuration has never felt quite user-friendly since its introduction on the previous Civic model. The steering wheel keypads and menu buttons navigate through the i-MID, cruise control and hands-free phone functions, and it’s easy enough to operate for anyone familiar with smartphone compass controls. But first you’ll have to grapple with the 14 buttons and directional commands on the steering wheel alone.
Vehicle Overview
The launch of a new Civic is always an important event. This car is still important to Honda, of course; it’s the automaker’s second-best-selling car. With an affordable full-featured hybrid (even offering leather upholstery) and a 40-plus mpg sedan, Honda offers two models for those who prioritize fuel efficiency. For those seeking full-tilt compact performance, the Si still squeals with the best. But the 2012 Honda Civic seemingly has ceded leadership in its class to its rivals. Both the sedan and coupe are still fine cars and worthy selections, of course. Even so, not only has the competition caught up fast, but it is rewriting the class standards.
2009 Honda CR-V
Written by admin on Monday, April 25, 2011 | No Comments
Categories: Honda Tags: 2009 Honda CRV, 2009 Honda CRV News, 2009 Honda CRV Pictures, 2009 Honda CRV Specification, Honda CRV
The Honda CR-V is designed to deliver an ideal balance of style, functionality and features in a versatile and accommodating 5-passenger crossover SÚV package. Three distinct trim levels (LX, EX and EX-L) provide unique styling cues and feature content that accommodate shoppers seeking everything from basic function to premium appointments – yet all come equipped with the same high level of safety equipment. The 2009 CR-V achieves the highest five-star crash safety rating by the federal government for both frontal and side impacts1 , the highest rating possible. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the CR-V as a ‘Top Safety Pick.
‘The right balance of style, refinement and performance is helping the Honda CR-V earn a top spot in the SÚV sales charts,’ said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ‘Úpscale styling, a spacious interior and sedan-like handling appeal to shoppers lòòking for a crossover sport utility vehicle.’
The CR-V highlights the company’s ongoing emphasis on safety by implementing features that go beyond conventional industry standards with innovations that include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, a pedestrian safety design and standard Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), also known as electronic stability control. Additional standard safety equipment includes side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; VSA; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Price: $21,095 – 28,795.
Invoice: $19,635 – 26,775.
A highly rigid body and fully independent suspension result in a quiet cabin and smooth, agile handling performance. The 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and standard 5-speed automatic transmission provide an excellent balance of power (166-horsepower) and fuel economy (EPA-rated 20/27 city/highway mpg2 , 2WD). A dynamic forward cabin blends the familiar CR-V identity into a sculpted lower body with a rugged appearance. A two-tier grille and a side profile with an arched window shape and chrome trim accent the CR-V’s distinctive and upscale presence.
The CR-V’s unit-body construction features extensive use of high-strength steel to provide rigidity. Comprised of a front MacPherson strut layout and a rear multi-link suspension, the high-rigidity body and independent suspension offer an engaging driving experience rare for this class of vehicle. State-of-the art noise absorption materials help to reduce engine and road noise for an ultra-quiet cabin.
The inside of the CR-V blends the company’s renowned ergonomics and innovative storage integration with modern and efficient styling. Abundant standard and available features like a Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System3 with voice recognition and a rear view camera accentuate the attention to premium details. A retractable center tray table on LX and EX models and a center console with storage on EX-L provide two beverage holders, and EX and above models also contain an additional 12-volt power outlet and house the auxiliary audio input jack.
Models outfitted with a leather interior (CR-V EX-L) come equipped with a dual-zone automatic climate control system and a power driver’s seat with eight-way adjustment and power lumbar support. Additionally, all CR-V EX-L models are equipped with the premium audio system. On the CR-V EX and EX-L, a dual-deck cargo shelf provides additional storage versatility in the cargo area, while providing enough clearance underneath for grocery bags or items such as a folded stroller.
The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System3 with voice recognition and rearview camera, available on the CR-V EX-L, features a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to an internal single-disc CD player and a digital audio card reader that can play MP3 and WMA® files from CompactFlash® cards. The navigation system contains more than 7 million points of interest and can control the audio system. The voice recognition is capable of recognizing and entering numbers, street names and cities.
The CR-V LX and EX audio systems provide 160 watts of power. Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on all trim levels, allowing for portable music device playback through the audio system. All audio systems feature MP3/WMA CD playback capability and Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC) that automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. The CR-V LX has a four-speaker audio system with a single-disc CD player. The CR-V EX adds two speakers (tweeters) and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. The CR-V EX-L equipped audio system increases power output to 270 watts and delivers sound through seven speakers, including a subwoofer. XM® Satellite Radio4 is standard on the CR-V EX-L.
Powered by a 2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 161 lb-ft. of torque at 4200 rpm, the CR-V offers refined and responsive performance with good fuel economy2 and low emissions (ÚLEV-2). The Drive-by-Wire (DBW) throttle control works closely with the transmission for extremely smooth shift points and intuitive gear holding on hilly roads. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.
The available, fully-automatic Real Time 4WD system enhances the CR-V’s all-weather capabilities when driving in rain, snow and dirt roads – without the significant weight, fuel economy and handling performance drawbacks of a conventional four-wheel-drive system. Three new colors have been introduced for the 2009 model year: Crystal Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Úrban Titanium Metallic.
The CR-V is a global product for Honda sold in 160 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa – the most of any Honda automotive product. Worldwide, the CR-V is assembled in seven countries at eight factories, including the Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio.
2010 Honda Fit
Written by admin on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 | No Comments
Categories: Honda Tags: 2010 Honda Fit, 2010 Honda Fit News, 2010 Honda Fit Pictures, 2010 Honda Fit Specification, Honda Fit
The Fit offers a long list of standard feature content, outstanding fuel economy and performance while still maintaining a high level of affordability. Entry-level customers can receive a tremendous value from the Fit without sacrificing function or design.’ Compact on the outside with an overall length of 161.6 inches, the interior provides an impressive passenger volume of 90.8 cubic feet for its class and a rear cargo volume of 20.6 cubic feet. The rear Magic Seat provides convenient one-motion dive-down functionality and can fold flat into the floor to create a rear cargo volume of 57.3 cubic feet.
Safety highlights include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, standard anti-lock brakes and more. Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, dual front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment on all models. Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as electronic stability control, is included on Fit Sport models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System1.
The engine produces 117 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 106 lb-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. The Fit equipped with the available automatic transmission achieves an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) city/highway fuel economy rating of 28/35 miles per gallon2 . The Fit with a manual transmission and Fit Sport with either a manual or the available automatic transmission achieve an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 27/33 miles per gallon2. Emissions ratings are CARB ÚLEV-2 and Federal EPA Tier 2, Bin 5.
The front MacPherson strut suspension and torsion beam rear suspension settings are tuned to provide a sporty, refined and dynamic driving experience. Fifteen- and 16-inch wheels (Fit and Fit Sport respectively) feature 175/65 R15 84S (Fit) and 185/55 R16 83H (Fit Sport) tires. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses 10.3-inch ventilated discs in the front and 7.9-inch drums in the rear.
Price: $14,900 – 19,115.
Invoice: $14,385 – 18,425.
The Fit comes with standard amenities such as air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS), auxiliary audio input jack, power windows, power mirrors and power door locks. The Fit Sport adds alloy wheels, an underbody aero kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless remote entry and cruise control. The Fit Sport audio system provides six speakers, a five-mode equalizer and a ÚSB Audio Interface3. The Fit Sport is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System4 with Voice Recognition, featuring a 6.5-inch screen and more than 7 million points of interest.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 Honda Fit is a subcompact four-door hatchback available in two trim levels: base and Sport. Base Fits come standard with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories and a four-speaker sound system with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio input. The Fit Sport adds 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, lower body extensions, a rear spoiler, cruise control, map lights, a driver armrest and an upgraded audio system with six speakers and a USB port. A navigation system is available, but only on the Sport.
Interior Design and Special Features
The current Fit feels more like a real car than its even more pint-sized predecessor. Taller drivers will be at ease, as the standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel makes for an agreeable driving position. Rear passenger space is quite impressive for a compact hatchback — two adults can ride in back for an extended trip without complaint. Interior materials are just so-so, but all major controls are clearly labeled and easy to use.
The rear “Magic Seat” can be configured in a variety of ways, and it’s a key part of the Fit’s appeal. The rear seatbacks fold completely flat at the pull of a lever, and the headrests needn’t be removed first. You can also flip up the rear seat cushion to create a tall load area right behind the front seats. The front passenger seat also folds down, creating room for items up to 7 feet, 9 inches in length. Maximum cargo capacity is a scarcely believable 57.3 cubic feet.
Powertrains and Performance
The front-wheel-drive Honda Fit comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. On Fit Sports, the automatic comes with manual shift control via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. Acceleration times vary widely depending on the transmission: The stick shift’s good for about 9.5-second sprints to 60 mph, but the base Fit with the automatic requires a snooze-inducing 11.0 seconds.
EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined for all Fits with the manual transmission, while the Fit Sport equipped with the automatic is rated at 27/33/30. More conservative shift programming on base models fitted with the automatic yields a superior 28/35/31 rating.
Driving Impressions
Unlike other subcompacts, the 2010 Honda Fit is actually entertaining to drive. With its 2,500-pound curb weight, sharp steering response and willing (if somewhat boomy) 1.5-liter four, the Fit adds a welcome dose of driving pleasure to the daily commute. Going with the manual transmission takes full advantage of the Fit’s engaging personality, though the Fit Sport’s available automatic with shift paddles is a viable alternative. The base Fit’s automatic saps a goodly amount of pep from the engine, though it delivers the best fuel economy in the lineup. In ordinary driving, the Fit rides firmly, but there’s a fair amount of road noise on the highway.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2010 Honda Fit includes antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Fit Sports can be equipped with a stability control system, but curiously, it is only available on models with the navigation system. Braking performance is merely adequate for this segment, as a Fit Sport we tested screeched to a halt from 60 mph in 134 feet.
In government crash testing, the Fit received a perfect five stars for frontal impacts, while in side-impact testing it received five stars for front-passenger protection and four for rear passenger protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Fit its top rating of “Good” for both frontal-offset and side impacts.
2008 Honda Accord
Written by admin on Wednesday, April 06, 2011 | No Comments
Categories: Honda Tags: 2008 Accord, 2008 Honda Accord, 2008 Honda Accord News, 2008 Honda Accord Pictures, 2008 Honda Accord Specification
‘The all-new Honda Accord has become more advanced and refined with a new level of engineering sophistication, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ‘As the Honda brand’s flagship automobile, the Accord is designed to exceed expectations with premium technology, a more spacious interior and increased power, while retaining the fun-to-drive character and innovative feel that has always distinguished the Accord.’
An available 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 268-horsepower – the most ever for any Accord – while introducing a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology and achieving a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV1) rating. The VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, resulting in an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/292 miles per gallon (Accord Sedan V-6).
Also new for Accord, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. Additional safety equipment standard to all Accord models includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), also known as Electronic Stability Control; side-curtain airbags; dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes and more.
The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engine choices. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (standard on sedan V-6 models, available with all 4-cylinder engines and V-6-powered Accord Coupes,) and a 6-speed manual transmission (exclusive to the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6MT).
Price: $20,360 – 30,510.
Invoice: $18,455 – 27,630.
Sedan trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Sedan LX and plus-featured LX-P (177-horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Sedan EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine), to the premium and upscale Accord Sedan EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine). Coupe trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Coupe LX-S (190 horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Coupe EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine) to the premium and upscale Accord Coupe EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine).
Interior
Premium quality with a simple, modern and spacious design describes the philosophy behind the Accord’s interior. The larger Accord Sedan total interior volume of 120.0 cubic feet (+3.3 cubic feet compared to 2007) moves the EPA classification from the midsize sedan class to the large sedan class. The additional space is intended to provide ‘equal’ seating comfort for front and rear passengers. Rear legroom of 37.2 inches (+0.4 inches) approaches the impressive second row legroom of the Honda Pilot SÚV (37.4 inches). The wider interior (+1.5 inches) allows the front seats to be positioned farther apart to allow for a wide center console more commonly associated with the finest luxury vehicles.
The Accord interior is designed for a dynamic, intuitive and upscale presence, starting with an easy-to-read information display on every vehicle. A zone styling approach separates operation-related instruments (top) and information-related instruments (lower). At night, the controls are further separated by color to distinguish between climate controls (aqua green) and audio controls (white). Classically-styled gauges for the speedometer and tachometer are perfectly round (instead of being truncated at the bottom). Steering wheel audio controls are standard on every Accord. Careful attention was paid to the symmetry of the exterior and interior of the vehicle – including sight lines related to the dashboard height and the visual presence of the hood to the driver.
Redesigned front bucket seats are larger, and feature substantial lateral support to complement the Accord’s sporting side. The fold-down lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility; the sedan includes a lockable pass-through.
Three impressive audio systems are available – all with MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system features 160 watts, a single-disc CD player and six speakers. A Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating radio stations that often includes call letters, station type and programming information.
The Accord Sedan EX and Coupe LX-S add a 6-disc in-dash changer. The premium audio system, which comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Sedan EX-L models, has a six-disc CD changer, 270 watts total amplification and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM® Satellite Radio is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models. The latest-generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice activation (available on EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey™ guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. Navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.
Exterior
Intended to convey a prestigious presence, the Accord Sedan embraces a traditional three-box shape that emphasizes both a dynamic and athletic feel with the sophistication of a timeless sedan form. Dimensionally, the Accord Sedan’s overall length of 194.1 inches (4-cylinder models, V-6 models add 0.2 inches for front spoiler lip) is 3.0 inches longer than the 2007 model. The width of 72.7 inches is 1.1 inches wider, and the height of 58.1 inches is 0.9 inches taller. Even though the size is larger in every dimension, the vehicle’s torsional rigidity has increased by 20 percent as a result of advanced body construction that uses 48 percent high-tensile steel – the most high-tensile steel by volume of any Accord to date. A significant benefit to the advanced body construction is that total vehicle weight increased only by approximately 5 percent despite the larger size, greater rigidity and added features.
The Accord Coupe styling radically breaks from the sedan with a uniquely aggressive image. Its long hood, sleek roofline and muscular lines suggest power and a heightened agility compared to the sedan. (concept carz) Dimensionally, the Accord Coupe’s overall length of 190.9 inches is 3.2 inches longer than 2007 model, its width of 72.8 inches is 1.2 inches wider, and its height of 56.4 inches is 0.6 (LX-S) to 0.7 (EX, EX-L) inches higher. Compared to the 2008 Accord Sedan, the Accord Coupe is 3.2 inches shorter in length, 1.7 inches shorter in height and 0.1-inch wider.
Chassis
A performance-inspired double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension are designed to provide world-class chassis dynamics. The Accord Sedan wheelbase of 110.2 inches is 2.3 inches longer than the 2007 model, while the 62.2-inch front/rear track is 1.1 and 1.0 inches wider, respectively. The Accord Coupe wheelbase of 107.9 inches is 2.8 inches longer than the 2007 model (track is identical to sedan). Últimately, the suspension design with wider tire sizes, standard ABS and standard Vehicle Stability Assist is intended to enhance driver confidence and handling performance.
The 2008 Accord Sedan also comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels depending on model. (The Accord Coupe has 17-inch aluminum wheels standard, with 18-inch aluminum wheels available on the Coupe V-6). The 17-inch wheels are the first for a four-cylinder Accord and the Coupe’s available 18-inch wheels are the largest ever for a Honda car.
Powertrain
All 2008 Accord engines deliver increased horsepower across the board, along with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. In total, these power plants represent the most powerful and advanced technologies of any Accord in history, and are also projected to deliver excellent real-world fuel economy performance. All engines only require regular unleaded fuel.
Safety
Through a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety, Honda seeks to provide a high level of occupant and pedestrian protection in all of its cars and trucks, regardless of size or price, as well as increased compatibility with other vehicles as part of the Safety for Everyone initiative introduced in 2003. Consistent with the Safety for Everyone initiative, every 2008 Accord integrates sophisticated safety technology that includes the ACE body structure; side curtain airbags; driver’s and front passenger’s dual-chamber side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s airbags (SRS).
Additionally, the Accord has active front seat head restraints that are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include VSA, a four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution (EBD), front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.
