Honda’s 2008 Accord

Like others Honda has no imminent need to launch its next generation accord not just in India but in any part of the world but it has been a leader and setting benchmark for other manufacturers. Now it is getting ready to launch its next generation accord. Will the eighth generation accord can keep the accord’s charisma? let’s check out

Engine and Transmission:

Honda has upgraded both the engines for the new accord – the new 2.4-liter engine now makes 177 horsepower at 6300rpm (7% in horsepower compared to its predecessor) and 218Nm of torque at 4300rpm. Accord’s new engine also features superior technolgies like iVTEC(Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) and VTC (Variable Timing Control). Because of the the use of new fuel injector, new dual probe spark plugs, near-zero evaporative emissions equipment and the special i-VTEC system that leaves one exhaust valve closed in each cylinder at low rpm the retuned engine is expected to offer superior mileage/fuel efficiency.

Accord’s new v6 engine displaces 16% more than the current 3.0-liter Accord V-6. The increase in displacement leads to a 10% increase in horsepower and a substantial 18% boost in torque as compared to the previous V-6. 2008 Honda Accord’s 3.5L engine develops 268bhp at 6200 rpm and 336Nm of torque at 5000 rpm. Accord’s new engine is not just VTEC, It features a new generation of Honda’s advanced Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) – the variable displacement technology with a special SOHC i-VTEC valvetrain that allows the engine to operate in three different modes. (During startup, acceleration or when climbing hills – any time high power output is required – the engine operates on all six cylinders. During moderate speed cruising and at low engine loads, the system operates just one bank of three cylinders. For moderate acceleration, higher-speed cruising and mild hills, the engine operates on four cylinders) Depending on driving conditions, the engine operates on three, four or all six cylinders to help boost fuel economy or power as needed. Honda claims improved mileage for both the engines. To absorb the inevitable vibrations while the engine was running on three or four cylinders, Honda uses active engine mounts and active noise control system. The same 5 speed automatic/manual may be offered.

Design and Engineering:

If you are a fan of Honda’s typical styling then the 2008 accord is not for you. Honda’s new Accord is too conserative in styling. The new design will not excite you at any angle. While the existing accord’s rear has the signs Mercedes C-class, the upcoming accord’s rear resembles the BMW 3 series. The substantial-looking C-pillar and tailamps will loot the exclusivity from the 3 series. But here we have to stop our critics, the new accord is more spacious – the car has become longer by 60mm, wider and taller by almost 25mm.

The 2008 Accord sedan is now classified as a “Large” car, according to the interior volume rankings of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When its peers – the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima(teana in india) were ranked as a “Midsize.” Accord’s legroom,hip-room, shoulder room everything has grown since Accord’s wheelbase is also stretched by 58mm. The end result is the roomier passenger cabin (passenger volume is 106 cubic feet) more than the camry and the teana. But the stretch has a flip side too accord’s turning radius has jumped to 5.7m. The center of gravity for the entire vehicle was also lowered by 10mm to strengthen the Accord’s handling chracterstics. 2008 accord’s features a double-wishbone suspension in the front and a new multilink suspension setup in the rear replacing the previous double-wishbone setup. The new accord steering incorporates variable gear ratio for better maneuverability.

Safety and Special Features:

2008 Accord features disc brakes on all wheels with ABS. The new accord also features stability control and multi stage airbags. 2008 Accord features steering mounted audio and cruise control, bluetooth, navigation system with voice recognition and automatic headlamps. Few of these things may feature when it hits the indian shores.

Honda has tried to incorporate all these electronic comfort, convenience and information systems into the 2008 accord which has compromised the Accord’s legendary ergonomic simplicity. But don’t worry when the new accord comes to India, Honda will strip down few things to check the cost which will benefit us.

Price and the Launch:

The current seventh generation Accord on sale in India has helped Honda Siel to improve its sales numbers by more than 30 per cent a month. The all-new Accord will be launched by mid 2008 in India and a price increase for both the models might be around five per cent. The 2008 accord is redesigned to be more upmarket, interiors have become roomier and gets more power engines, sure it will attract more than just loyal owners.

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