Honda Cars : Accord named AJAC 2013 Canadian Car of the Year | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The list of three finalists in each category was pared down from nine vehicles that were crowned the winners of their individual categories.

by Joe Duarte of www.autonet.ca

The Honda Accord sedan has been named 2013 Canadian Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), beating out the Hyundai Elantra GT and Porsche Boxster.


Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year honours went to the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, edging out the Ford Escape, while the Porsche 911 Carrera S took the Best New Design prize from the Cadillac ATS and Porsche Boxster.

The list of three finalists in each category was pared down from nine vehicles that were crowned the winners of their individual categories in October at TestFest, which is the annual week-long car of the year testing event staged by AJAC every fall where the association’s journalist members drive and evaluate dozens of all-new vehicles split up into different segments.

Also at the awards presentation, General Motors was awarded the Best New Technology award for its centre airbag, which prevents front seat occupants from colliding with each other in the event of a side crash.

Source;
http://www.autonet.ca/auto-news/auto-shows/2013/02/14/accord-named-ajac-2013-car-of-the-year/ 

Honda Cars : 2013 Ward's Best Engines: Honda 2.4L DOHC I-4 | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda proves a bread-and-butter engine, its all-new 2.4L direct-injection 4-cyl. in the Accord, is more like a piled-high deli sandwich.

by Tom Murphy of www.wardsauto.com

Bread-and-butter engines make the auto industry go ’round, but they rarely dazzle us with superb refinement or sportiness.

These types of high-volume engines are in affordable cars, and their mission is simple: Deliver the occupant reliably from Point A to Point B and blend into the woodwork.

Only a handful of these unsung heroes have earned Ward’s 10 Best Engines honors over the years, and 2013’s standout among this segment is Honda’s all-new 2.4L direct-injection 4-cyl. in the Accord.

Honda’s first DI engine in North America, branded as “Earth Dreams,” is loaded with compelling technologies, including a forged-steel crankshaft with journals micropolished to reduce friction and a pair of chain-driven counter-rotating balance shafts located in the oil pan to offset harmonic vibrations inherent in 4-cyl. engines.

The addition of fuel being injected directly required a completely re-engineered combustion chamber and a new “dished” surface for the piston crowns to enable stable combustion and proper distribution of the stratified fuel charge.

The flatter, more compact combustion chamber reduces unburned hydrocarbon emissions and contributes to a higher compression ratio of 11.1:1, up from 10.5:1 on the previous 2.4L.

Within the cylinder, engineers set out to reduce sliding friction by offsetting the bores from the crankshaft by 0.3 ins. (8 mm), which gives the connecting rods a more favorable angle during each power stroke, boosting efficiency.

Mass was taken out wherever possible, resulting in a 3.5% reduction in overall engine weight compared with Honda’s previous-generation 2.4L.

Part of that weight savings comes from eliminating the exhaust manifold – an emerging trend for a number of new engines – and incorporating exhaust passages directly into the cylinder head.

This new design allows the close-coupled catalyst to mount directly to the cylinder head, on the front side of the engine, enabling it to heat up faster for reduced emissions. The transversely oriented 2.4L also stands more upright now, whereas the previous engine vented on the back side and slanted rearward 15 degrees.

All this technology adds up to an engine that caught WardsAuto editors off-guard for its power and smoothness.

Over the course of a 537-mile (864-km) test drive, two editors exceeded 33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) in this generously proportioned sedan that gets up to speed with no problem thanks to 189 hp, ample low-end torque and a wonderful mid-range punch.

“Honda proves once again it isn’t about the numbers,” WardsAuto editor Drew Winter writes on his score sheet. “This engine is fun and sporty. It’s an excellent, practical engine that delivers both performance and fuel economy in unassuming fashion.”

Under a heavy boot, as engine speed builds past 4,800 rpm, Honda’s well-established VTEC variable valve-timing system transitions to a high-lift, long-duration intake cam profile for outstanding high-rpm engine power. And it all happens with regular unleaded gasoline.

Worthy of a shoutout are two new transmissions that help this 2.4L engine truly shine.

A 6-speed manual in the Accord Sport amps up the fun quotient, and driving enthusiasts also will eagerly accept the all-new continuously variable transmission, developed internally to demonstrate that CVTs aren’t just for poky hybrids.

With excellent transmissions, Honda’s 2.4L DI engine isn't just a bread-and-butter 4-cyl.

Now it's a piled-high deli sandwich.

Source;
http://wardsauto.com/vehicles-amp-technology/honda-24l-dohc-i-4 

Honda Cars : Autos.ca Test Drive: 2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Review and photos by Greg Wilson

Photo Gallery:
2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring

Last month, we drove the 2013 Honda Accord sedan Touring with the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and new-for-2013 continuously variable transmission, remarking that it set a new standard for “understated redesign” but that it offered “an essential goodness and balance of efficiency and performance, space and content, and the old Honda driving magic.”  In a separate comparison test, the same Accord sedan emerged as the clear winner against four other new mid-size four-cylinder sedans.

Now that we’ve got our hands on a V6-powered Accord sedan, we can confirm that it shares most of the four-banger’s positive qualities – the key difference, of course, is its smoother, quieter and more powerful 278-hp V6 engine mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission (replacing last year’s five-speed auto) and its proportionately higher fuel consumption – although it’s not as much as you might expect.  According to the EPA, the 2013 Accord V6 sedan consumes 11.2/6.9 L/100 km city/highway, an impressive 12.5 percent improvement over last year’s V6 – and that’s without a stop/start engine idle feature that many automakers are now using as a convenient tool to lower fuel consumption figures.

Our V6 test car’s fuel consumption display was showing an average of 9.0 L/100 km, very close to the EPA’s combined estimate, but considerably higher than NR Canada’s rather optimistic ratings of 9.7/5.7.   Just for the record, the EPA rates the Accord four-cylinder with a CVT at 8.7/6.5. Both the four-cylinder and V6 Accords use regular grade gasoline.

Accord buyers looking for maximum fuel economy won’t have long to wait for the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid that arrives early this year, followed in the summer by a regular hybrid sedan.

Unlike the four-cylinder Accord, the V6 sedan is not available with a manual transmission; realistically, not many V6 sedan buyers would order it anyway.  A six-speed manual is available in the sporty V6 Coupe because that car appeals to buyers who put a higher priority on performance.
  
2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring. 
Our test sedan was a top-of-the-line V6 Touring sedan model loaded with all the latest gadgets and luxury features. As is the trend nowadays, buyers don’t have to order the big engine to get all the toys –four-cylinder Accords are also available in the top Touring trim.  That makes us wonder why the $35,290 Accord V6 Touring commands a hefty $3,700 premium over the Accord I4 CVT Touring model when the only difference is the powertrain.  I guess that’s the price you pay for an extra 107 horsepower.

As we reported earlier, the new Accord is slightly smaller on the outside than the previous model but offers more rear legroom and slightly more headroom and shoulder room despite a significant 79 L (2.8 cu. ft.) reduction in passenger cabin volume.   We’re not really sure how this is possible – perhaps Houdini was consulted – but the cabin does seem roomier and there is a generous amount of rear legroom and adequate headroom and hiproom.  Still, the Accord’s published interior passenger volume of 2,922 L (103.2 cu. ft.) is less than many of its major mid-size competitors.

Good news for golfers: the 2013 Accord sedan’s trunk has increased in size by 31 L (1.1 cu. ft.) to 447 L (15.8 cu. ft.) and the fully lined trunk with a flatter floor will accommodate four golf bags.   The news is not so good for skiers and hockey players: all Accord sedans come with a single folding seatback with a rather narrow, restricted opening with rounded corners.  Most other family sedans have split folding seatbacks which can accommodate long cargo items, like skis and hockey sticks, plus one or two rear passengers (read ‘kids’) at the same time – which seems important in a ‘family’ sedan.  So why doesn’t Honda offer split folding rear seatbacks?  This could be a deal breaker for some sedan buyers.

Before I get to the Accord’s new interior design, let’s talk about the V6 powertrain.  It’s the same silky-smooth 3.5L SOHC 24-valve i-VTEC V6 engine with an improved version of its “variable cylinder management” that automatically switches to three cylinders under light load to save fuel.  Horsepower and torque figures are up slightly and Honda has tweaked the engine to offer more torque and responsiveness.  Indeed, the V6 Accord is very quick off the line, rockets onto the freeway when prodded, and passes other cars with ease.  According to Consumer Reports, the 2013 Accord V6 sedan does 0 to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds – that compares to the four-cylinder Accord with a CVT at 7.7 seconds.  The V6 engine is smooth and quiet at idle and relaxed at highway speeds, turning over just 1,800 rpm in sixth gear.  But while the new 2.4L four-cylinder engine features direct fuel injection, the V6 continues with multi-point fuel injection – somewhat surprising given that Honda is usually at the forefront of engine technology.

2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring. Click image to enlarge

Accord buyers who choose the V6 engine are probably not too concerned with good fuel economy, but even V6 Accords are equipped with Honda’s new driver-selectable Econ driving mode that helps save gas.  By pushing the green leaf-icon button just to the left of the steering wheel, throttle response is muted and the automatic climate control operation is limited, thereby enhancing fuel economy.  For the driver, this has the effect of making the car feel slower when accelerating, but unlike some other cars with a similar feature, we didn’t find a huge difference in performance.  Accord drivers can tell if they’re achieving maximum fuel efficiency by observing the colour of the illuminated arcs around the speedometer – if it’s green, you’re driving efficiently; if it’s white, you can start feeling guilty about contributing to climate change.

The Accord’s new six-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the previous five-speed, is a real smoothy.  And with its wider range of gear ratios, it offers improved throttle responsiveness and better fuel economy.   If you want more performance, just drop the transmission lever from ‘D’ to ‘S’.  This elevates engine revs in any given gear in order to provide more immediate throttle response – increasing the fun but sucking back more fuel.  The new six-speed automatic also offers Honda’s ‘grade logic control’, which prevents gear hunting when climbing grades and provides engine braking when descending hills by gearing down automatically.  Unlike in the Accord V6 Coupe, this six-speed automatic doesn’t come with paddle shifters, probably because Honda believes sedan buyers just aren’t that interested in ‘paddling’.

The Accord’s handling has definitely improved.  With its shorter overall length, slightly shorter wheelbase and slightly wider track, and a reduction in curb weight thanks in part to a new, lighter MacPherson strut front suspension (replacing double wishbones) and a lighter aluminum and steel front subframe, the 2013 Accord feels more nimble and balanced.  It new electric variable assist power rack and pinion steering replaces the previous hydraulic steering and is among the best electric steering systems out there.  It’s nicely weighted – steering effort when parallel parking is easy but not effortless, and at highway speeds it feels responsive and tracks well in a straight line.   My only concern is the Accord’s rather wide turning diameter of 11.6 m (38.1 feet).

2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring.

Contributing to driving safety is the Accord’s new LaneWatch Blind Spot monitor, a feature we think will soon be copied by other automakers.  When the right turn signal is activated, a camera in the right outside mirror sends an image of the area beside and behind the car to the centre screen where the driver can observe other cars travelling in the car’s blind spot.  It’s even better than shoulder checking because cars you can’t see hidden behind the C-pillar are visible in the screen.  We think it would be nice to see a camera image for the driver’s side blind spot, too, but we noted there is a new “Expanded View Driver’s Mirror” that increases the driver’s field of vision by 4.2 degrees.

In addition, all Accords now feature a rear-view camera.  In addition to the normal view, EX-L and Touring models have a wide view that captures objects to the side, and a top-down view that helps judge the exact distance to the object behind the car.  This is really useful when you want to park as close as possible to a wall or barrier without hitting it.  My only reservation with vehicle cameras is that rain, ice, snow and grime can sometimes obscure the camera lens which can make the view murky.

2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring. Click image to enlarge

Another new feature in the 2013 Accord is Forward Collision Warning, which uses radar to detect a potential frontal collision and warn the driver with warning sounds.  As well, a new Lane Departure Warning System warns the driver if the car is moving out of its lane without using the turn signals.  Soon we’ll be able to drive blindfolded!

2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring. Click image to enlarge

The Accord sedan’s braking performance is very good – Consumer Reports’ braking tests show a braking distance of 42.4 m (139 feet) from 96 km/h (60 mph) in the dry.  P235/45R18-inch all-season tires, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD, and brake assist, and vehicle stability control are all standard.
For night-time visibility, top-of-the-line Touring models feature new LED (light emitting diode) projector beam headlights, which provide better illumination than the standard halogen projector beam headlights on all other Accord trims.  In addition, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights are now standard on all Accords.

2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring. Click image to enlarge

Inside, the Accord’s new instrument panel makes use of better quality plastics and brighter trim to improve quality appearance.  The instrument panel does away with the previous confusing assortment of poorly arranged buttons in the centre stack and substitutes a touchscreen for the audio controls, and just below it, a simpler horizontal arrangement of buttons for the dual-zone climate control.  These are in addition to the large eight-inch screen at the top of the instrument panel.  As before, it’s not a touchscreen, its menu-driven system controlled by a large dial now positioned at the bottom of the centre stack.  The larger screen displays many functions: navigation, audio, telephone and trip information as well as the rear-view camera image and the LaneWatch feature.

An assortment of new information and entertainment features have been added for 2013:  in addition to hands-free Bluetooth phone and audio operation, the new Accord features a new SMS text messaging feature that allows incoming text messages to be read aloud and the driver to respond with short factory pre-set replies while driving.  As well, e-mail messages can be received and sent.  Perhaps the most advanced feature is Honda’s new HondaLink web audio service.  It requires owners to download apps into their iPhone or Android smartphones and use them to access web-based music, information and entertainment services.

2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring. Click image to enlarge

The first app available in Canada is the AHA web-based infotainment service where users can download any of its 30,000 channels of available news, music, and entertainment – and then play them through the Accord’s HondaLink audio system.  Once downloaded, the driver can control stations using the audio touchscreen, and drivers can even call out songs by their name to find them.  U.S. Accord owners can also use the Pandora internet radio service, but that’s not available in Canada.  The trend seems obvious: a car’s audio/video system is becoming an extension of the owner’s smartphone.  The tricky part will be to take advantage of the smartphone’s features without distracting the driver from his/her primary task.

We found engine and road noise are well suppressed in the V6 Accord, but that’s partly because our ears are being tricked.  2013 Accords feature Active Noise Control and Active Sound Control, which use two microphones, a processing unit and four speakers to analyze undesirable noises entering the cabin and counter them with out-of-phase audio signals.  More desirable noises, however, such as the sporty engine note, are actually enhanced.  So don’t believe everything you hear, or don’t hear, in the Accord.

2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring.

We found the Accord’s leather seats very comfortable and appreciated the driver’s power lumbar and height adjusters – unfortunately, the front passenger seat doesn’t have them.  Seat heaters are standard in both the front and rear outboard seats, and a new side airbag design allows the front seatbacks to be heated (previously only the seat cushion was heated).   Interior storage consists of an open bin at the bottom of the centre stack next to a 12-volt charger and USB/auxiliary port for iPods and smartphones, a small bin under the centre armrest with a 12-volt outlet, small door pockets and a glovebox – but we think the designers should have added more storage space.  We liked the two front cupholders with flexible cup grippers and the folding rear armrest with two cupholders.

The 2013 Accord V6 sedan’s closest competitor is probably the Toyota Camry XLE V6, which offers improved driving dynamics over previous Camrys.  The VW Passat V6 is also similar to the Accord in many ways. The Nissan Altima V6 is less exciting to drive, as is the Chevrolet Malibu 2.0T and the Dodge Avenger V6.  The Ford Fusion is more exciting to drive but its turbocharged four-cylinder engine is not as refined.  The same thing might be said about the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T, the Kia Optima SX, and the Buick Regal Turbo.

All in all, the 2013 Honda Accord V6 is an attractive and luxurious family sedan that offers a nice balance of power, comfort, handling, comfort and technology that won’t alienate mainstream buyers by being too boring or too trendy.  Downsizing it slightly was a bold move, but we think it was the right one for the times.

2013 Honda Accord V6 sedans start at $32,790 for the EX-L trim, and $35,290 for the Touring trim.  They’re built in Marysville, Ohio.
Pricing: 2013 Honda Accord sedan V6 Touring
Base price: $35,290
Options: none
Freight: $1,640
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $36,030

Source;
http://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/test-drive-2013-honda-accord-sedan-v6-touring/?all=1 

Honda Cars : Honda Rebound Aided as Consumer Reports Recommends Accord | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

By Alan Ohnsman - Dec 18, 2012

 

Honda Motor Co. (7267), stung by Consumer Reports’ withering review for its Civic small car last year, got a positive judgment for the revamped 2013 Accord that the magazine said ranks among the market’s best midsize cars.

Among 4-cylinder engine sedans, the new Accord that went on sale in September tops Hyundai Motor Co. (005380)’s Sonata and Toyota Motor Corp. (7203)’s Camry, the Yonkers, New York-based magazine said in a statement today. That version and the V-6 engine Accord both earned the recommended status that eluded the 2012 Civic.

“Honda missed the mark with other redesigned models in recent years, but it nailed this one,” Jake Fisher, director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, said in the statement. The mix of interior room, high fuel economy, ride and handling, features and price underpin Accord’s appeal, the magazine said.

The upbeat assessment of Honda’s top-selling vehicle by the magazine that calls itself the world’s largest independent product-testing organization coincides with a rebound for the carmaker in its biggest market. Along with the unfavorable Civic review, 2011’s natural disasters in Asia slowed Honda production for months and led to a 6.8 percent U.S. sales decline last year. Through November, the Tokyo-based company’s sales rebounded 24 percent.

Honda in November released its modified 2013 Civic, with a restyled interior, new front hood and grille, new rear taillights, quieter cabin, and strengthened front-end to boost crash safety to address the 2012 car’s shortcomings.

The new version of the best-selling U.S. small car is a “major improvement,” Fisher said in an interview at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month, without elaborating prior to the magazine’s review.

Consumer Reports’ review of the new Accord appears today on ConsumerReports.org and in the January issue of the magazine to be published Dec. 27. Honda’s U.S. unit is based in Torrance, California.

Source;
 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-18/honda-rebound-aided-as-consumer-reports-recommends-accord.html

Honda Cars : Family sedans review: Redesigned Honda Accord excels, Subaru Legacy loses ground | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Family sedans review: Redesigned Honda Accord excels, Subaru Legacy loses ground

Dec 18, 2012 12:00 AM

Consumer Reports has completed testing several new or updated family sedans, and the results are a bit mixed.

Honda Accord
The all-new Honda Accord looks very much like last year's model (what?!?!?  Are these guys even looking at the same car?!?) , but the sedan demonstrated a real improvement in our tests. Although Honda has slipped with other models it redesigned in recent years, it nailed this one. The new Accord is roomy, nice to drive, well equipped, and very fuel efficient.

Inside, you are treated to one of the best driving positions available, comfortable seats, and terrific visibility. All Accords have a standard backup camera--rare among family sedans. Uplevel models include advanced safety features seldom found in this category, including forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems, and Honda's new LaneWatch blind-spot camera system.

Honda has also kept the Accord's pricing competitive. Our $23,270 four-cylinder LX and $30,860 V6 EX-L cost the same as or less than many other similarly equipped family sedans.

Subaru Legacy
With a mild update, the Subaru Legacy dropped a couple points in its overall test score, falling a bit short in refinement and performance.

For 2013, Subaru tweaked the steering and suspension, which helped make emergency handling more secure and predictable. But the changes also robbed the car's ride of its plushness; it's still good, but no longer great. We feel the same about the recently tested Outback.

Fuel economy from the redesigned 173-hp, 2.5-liter "flat-four" engine is impressive for an AWD car. Still, most competing four-cylinder sedans are quicker. The Legacy's real Achilles' heel is its continuously variable transmission. It's well behaved during casual driving, but it tends to exacerbate engine noise when you're accelerating or merging on the highway, and its performance is a bit rough around the edges.

Chevrolet Malibu
Our latest Malibu, tested with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, outscores the mild-hybrid Malibu Eco by a fair bit. The Malibu shines with a plush, comfortable ride and a very quiet cabin. It also has simple controls, decent fuel economy, and secure handling. However, the rear seat remains relatively tight, with less space for legs and knees than in most other family sedans.

Even though it is priced below the previously tested Eco, this Malibu is also no great value, costing notably more than higher-rated competitors. Sales incentives seem inevitable.

Bottom line:
The family sedan segment has been significantly freshened this year, with many cars being updated or redesigned. (Consumer Reports' test of the redesigned Ford Fusion comes next month.) Consequently, consumers shopping this segment have many tempting choices to pick from. But it definitely pays to dig in and do the research to see which best suits your needs and budget.

Source;
 http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/12/family-sedans-review-redesigned-honda-accord-excels-subaru-legacy-loses-ground.html

Honda Cars : New Honda Accord outperforms higher-priced luxury vehicles like BMW, Mercedes and Lexus | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The release of the all-new 2013 Accord arguably marks the biggest launch in Honda’s history, and the automotive giant is not holding anything back. Coupled with a complete redesign and a whole slew of industry-leading standard features, the ninth generation Accord is living up to the hype of the media buzz surrounding its launch.

“The latest incarnation of the Accord represents the best value-per-dollar of any vehicle on the market,” said Chris Kelly, who road tested the all-new Accord for VehicleTests.com. “After seeing all the high-tech standard features that come with the Accord, I got reverse sticker shock because the car was so inexpensive with more technology and safety features than a lot of luxury cars that are twice its price,” which is why VehicleTests.com awarded the 2013 Honda Accord with its vaunted 5-Star rating.

The 2013 Accord comes at starting price of $21,680 with an array of hi-tech standard features, including a rearview camera and Expanded View Driver’s Mirror. Other standard technologies include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface, Multi-Information Display (i-MID), SMS text messaging function and Pandora Internet Radio interface. These are just some of the reasons for the high praise from VehicleTests.com, which produces independent test-drive videos for consumers.

Honda

Citing "reverse sticker-shock" based on the vehicle's high-tech features compared to its affordable price, VehicleTests.com awarded the 2013 Honda Accord a 5-Star rating.

“After I spent the whole day driving the new Accord, I found myself missing the great features it has once I got back into my own car,” adds Kelly. “You get used to those features really fast.”
 
Drive safer
One of the features to which Kelly refers is the new Honda LaneWatch blind-spot display, which enhances visibility of the passenger-side roadway thanks to a camera that displays what is in your blind spot on the i-MID screen. The Lane Departure Warning system uses cameras to make sure the vehicle is aligned within the lines on the roadway and alerts the driver if he or she is drifting. There is also Forward Collision Warning, which alerts the driver if he or she is closing in too fast on the car ahead.

This new technology, coupled with the 2013 Accord’s standard safety features, also contributed to its 5-Star rating from VehicleTests.com. The vehicle comes with four-wheel anti-lock braking system, a total of six airbags, including front and rear head airbags and dual front side-mounted airbags. In addition, the Accord has emergency braking assist, electronic brake force distribution, both a driver and passenger head restraint whiplash protection system, stability and traction control and tire pressure monitoring. Additionally, the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface and SMS text messaging function allows for hands-free phone usage, which means less distracted driving.
 
Go faster for less
The 2013 Accord comes in eight different trim levels, from the standard LX to the EXL, including the all-new Sport and top-of-the-line Touring models. Engine options include the 2.4L four-cylinder with 185 horsepower and the six-cylinder with 278 horsepower, which is more horsepower than the Lexus ES, BMW 328i or Mercedes Benz C Class. However, more power doesn’t mean less fuel economy. Due to its new Earth Dreams technology, the 2013 Accord offers better gas mileage than previous Accords that had less horsepower.

While the all-new Accord has a lot more horsepower, the cabin was extremely quiet during the road test. “Normal conversation volume measures in at 65 decibels,” says Kelly. “The new Accord measures in at an exceptional 56 decibels. It was amazing to see the amount of soundproofing that Honda put into the vehicle.” Under the hood of the 2013 Accord, you’ll find a thick soundproofing mat, which helps keeps most engine noise away from the cabin. However, Kelly says that the Accord also features additional rubber gaskets around the edges, which provides even more soundproofing.

As part of its road-test, VehicleTests.com drove the vehicle for 50 miles on the highway at 60 miles per hour with cruise-control, in order to test the fuel economy — listed at 35 miles per gallon. Kelly and his team found that the Accord they tested actually exceeded the listed miles per gallon by a good amount. However, he could not disclose the actual figures for legal reasons.

The American-made Honda Accord has been one of the best selling cars in history, which is one of the reasons why it has boasted the highest resell value of any car in its class and has won many resell value awards from Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.com. In fact, New York Honda dealers are already celebrating its sales success - it is selling faster than any Honda in history.

Based on early reception, this vehicle is receiving — including the high rating from VehicleTests.com — it looks like Honda’s problem is not going to be market share because customers know a deal when they see one. With industry-leading standard features, a shockingly low MSRP and more technology and safety features than many more expensive luxury vehicles, Honda may have a challenge keeping up with the demand in the market place.

“The new Accord is selling faster than any Honda in history,” said Rob Sabbagh, President of the Tri-State Honda Dealers Association.

Source (with video of the road test);

http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/review-2013-honda-accord-article-1.1193218

Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Accord Coupe -- "Guilty You" Commercial | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Accord Coupe -- "Speedy You" Commercial | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Accord Commercials | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Accord, Cadillac ATS Among Models Set for Federal Crash Tests | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

By Anita Lienert, 

 

Just the Facts:

• The 2013 Honda Accord, Cadillac ATS and Nissan Pathfinder are among the 54 vehicles set to undergo the latest round of federal crash testing, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• NHTSA will rate 33 passenger cars, 16 SUVs, one van and four pickup trucks, including the 2013 Ram 1500 and Toyota Tacoma.
• The testing covers approximately 85 percent of the new model year vehicles available for sale in the U.S., said NHTSA.

WASHINGTON — The 2013 Honda Accord, Cadillac ATS and Nissan Pathfinder are among the 54 vehicles set to undergo the latest round of federal crash testing, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NHTSA will rate 33 passenger cars, 16 SUVs, one van and four pickup trucks, including the 2013 Ram 1500 and Toyota Tacoma. Other new vehicles set for testing include the 2013 Ford C-Max Energi, Ford Fusion Energi, Acura ILX, Cadillac XTS, Dodge Dart, Nissan Altima, Toyota Prius V and Volkswagen Beetle.

The test results, which are posted on the window stickers of new vehicles, help consumers to make informed choices about a vehicle's safety.

The testing covers approximately 85 percent of the new model year vehicles available for sale in the U.S., said NHTSA. Absent from the list are the 2013 Tesla Model S and the Coda electric sedan.

Federal safety regulators will also test certain safety systems, such as lane departure warning and forward collision warning in select 2013 vehicles. They include the 2013 Audi A4, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis and Subaru XV Crosstrek.

NHTSA tests vehicles with the highest sales volumes and compares them, using star ratings, to highlight which vehicles "go above and beyond what is federally required."

Five stars represent the highest rating; one star represents the lowest.

Edmunds says: Results will be posted online at safercar.gov as vehicles are tested. Ratings for several 2013 vehicles with carry-over designs, such as the 2013 Mitsubishi i, are already posted.

Source;
http://www.insideline.com/honda/accord/2013/2013-honda-accord-cadillac-ats-among-models-set-for-federal-crash-tests.html

Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Accord first drive from Consumer Reports | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda Cars : Truthaboutcars: 2013 Honda Accord Sedan & 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid Drive Review | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Accord Review - The new Accord is good, and it knows it | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda Cars : National Post: Preview: 2013 Honda Accord has ‘styling that endures’ | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The Honda Accord Coupe is an attractive car with sporty flair that will still accommodate four adults.

ByClare Dear, Special to National Post

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. — At first glance, the 2013 Honda Accord doesn’t look much different than the current edition. While the automaker painstakingly pointed out the LED headlights — a first for Honda — the revised rear end, the sweeping curves here and flowing character lines there, it didn’t seem like much had changed — that is, until I was following another Accord sedan on our drive here and the owner of a current-generation model pulled up alongside a couple of colleagues ahead of me to check out their ride. The 2013 Accord is indeed different.

Perhaps it’s Honda’s pattern of making less than dramatic styling changes from generation to generation. Accord project leader Shoji Matsui says the goal is to create “styling that endures.” That said, one really needs to see this new kid side by side with its senior sibling to fully appreciate the subtle changes in the all-new ninth-generation Accord. There’s zero carryover from the past. It’s svelter, more flowing and less boxy when compared with the current car. The wheelbase has been trimmed, the overall length is shorter and the height has dropped. The width of the Accord has been increased, while the front track has been widened. The rear track is unchanged.

While the exterior package is trimmer, Honda says the Accord’s interior room is class leading, especially in the rear seat where legroom has been improved noticeably. Trunk space, too, has increased 50 litres to 447.

Less noticeable are the changes made to improve the car’s aerodynamics. Drag has been reduced 7%, which helps boost fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise. The A-pillars are now nearly flush with the windshield, while the windshield wipers fit tight to the rear edge of the hood. The underbody has been tailored to reduce drag with the addition of covers in front of the engine and transmission, as well as the rear wheels and trunk area.

On V6 models, additional covers have been added under the driver and front passenger’s floor areas. In addition, ground clearance is purposely lowest just in front of the rear wheels, causing a low-pressure area between the wheels that pulls the air flow around the rear wheels instead of across them. Improving visibility was a priority for the Accord design team. It has lowered the belt line and made the A-pillars thinner to minimize blind spots.

Reducing noise and vibration was another priority, with numerous steps taken to achieve that goal, including the addition of sound-blocking material to minimize the intrusion of road and engine noise and the use of a one-piece instrument panel that reduces rattles and squeaks. A sophisticated active sound and noise cancelling system is standard on all models, helping to further improve quietness in the cabin.

You’ll find the seats have been improved, compared with the previous generation. They are more supportive, thanks to many changes in the structure and materials — “Even better than NASA seats,” quipped one presenter in a shot at rival Nissan, which is touting space-age seat design in its new Altima.

Among other interior features, the seamless, soft-touch instrument panel is dominated by an eight-inch touchscreen digital display mounted high on the dash for easier viewing. The audio buttons are arranged below the screen, with the easy-to-use controls for the climate/ventilation system located further down on the centre stack. As an example of the attention to improving craftsmanship, considerable time was spent finding the right stitching to secure the leather wrapping on the steering wheel. The designers wanted stitching that felt good in the driver’s hands and, after evaluating numerous samples, opted for a new chain stitch to replace the conventional baseball stitching.

I wish I could tell you how successful these improvements are, but Honda has placed an embargo on mentioning any driving impressions. It also restricted me from telling you the pricing for the new Accord, but I will say it’s a reasonable guess that the price walk will get rolling at around $24,000 for the base LX sedan and work its way to the $35,000 neighbourhood for a top-of-the-line Touring V6.

Look for the specific numbers closer to the sedan’s on-sale date Sept. 24.

The sedan will be offered in four trim levels, starting with the LX, which comes with such standard features as heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, power driver’s seat and a rear-view camera. The Sport, EX-L and premium Touring model complete the sedan lineup. Honda is also offering a coupe, now a rarity among Japanese manufacturers after Toyota killed the Solara mid-sized two-door and Nissan axed its Altima coupe this year. The Accord Coupe is an attractive car with sporty flair that will still accommodate four adults. It will be offered in three trim levels: EX, EX-L Navi and EX-L V6 Navi.

Depending on trim, both the sedan and coupe are available with one of two new Earth Dreams engines — a direct-injected 2.4-litre four-cylinder, the base powerplant or a significantly updated 3.5L V6. The naturally aspirated four-cylinder, which operates on regular-grade fuel, generates 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 4% in hp and a 12% boost in torque compared with its predecessor. The addition of a high-flow exhaust system boosts the output to 189 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque in the Sport sedan.

The four-cylinder engine can be paired with either an all-new six-speed manual gearbox or a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) that helps improve fuel efficiency.

The V6 now delivers 278 hp (an increase of seven hp) and 252 lb-ft of torque, making it Honda’s most powerful V6 to date — and it also runs on regular fuel. It, too, can be mated to the six-speed manual gearbox or a new six-speed automatic. When paired with the automatic, the V6 is fitted with a new generation of variable cylinder management and a special SOHC i-VTEC valve train.
Depending on driving conditions, the engine will operate on three or all six cylinders to help boost fuel efficiency.

Both powertrains significantly surpass the previous-generation models in fuel efficiency. The four-cylinder sedan with the CVT has an estimated fuel consumption rating of 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 5.5 L/100 km on the highway. Its combined rating of 6.7 L/100 km is an 11% improvement. The V6 sedan with the automatic transmission has an estimated rating of 9.7 city, 5.7 highway and 7.9 L/100 km combined. This combined rating is an 8% improvement.

There’s an even more fuel-efficient Accord coming soon. Honda provided an opportunity to take a prototype version of its Accord plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sedan for a spin. Scheduled to launch early next year as a 2014 model, it’s powered by a new 2.0L Earth Dreams four-cylinder and two electric motors.

Source;
http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/09/09/preview-2013-honda-accord-has-styling-that-endures/

Honda Cars : All-New 2013 Honda Accord Brings Remarkable Levels of Luxury, Agility, Efficiency and Sophistication to Midsize Segment's Legendary Nameplate | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

09/05/2012 - TORRANCE, Calif.


Honda today announced the all-new 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe, a storied nameplate that will once again redefine sophistication, efficiency and driving joy in the midsize class. Completely redesigned for 2013, the all-new Honda Accord provides a host of powertrain, engineering, electronic and safety firsts combined with Honda's trademark visibility and smart design.

Better, not bigger, the completely new Honda Accord lineup includes Sedan and Coupe models powered by 4-cylinder, V-6 and hybrid powertrains, teamed to manual, automatic and continuously variable transmission (CVT) options. The 2013 Honda Accord Sedan goes on sale September 19, 2012, with the Coupe to follow on October 15, 2012. An all-new, two-motor 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan is scheduled to debut in early 2013, followed by a conventional hybrid based on the same powertrain architecture in the summer of 2013.

Using the most high-strength steel in the model's history, the 2013 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe bodies combine sophisticated and athletic styling with remarkable aerodynamic streamlining. Revised Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structures improve frontal crash safety, making the all-new Accord one of few midsize offerings expected to excel in the upcoming small-overlap frontal barrier crash test.

All-new Earth Dreams™ powertrains include the first U.S. application of Honda's next-generation 2.4-liter direct-injected 4-cylinder engine. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe will also offer a more powerful and efficient V-6, and in early 2013, an all-new two-motor 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan will debut. Four transmissions are available, including the first-ever application of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models, a six-speed automatic on V-6 models, and unique 6-speed manual transmissions on 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models and the 3.5-liter V-6 Coupe. Fuel efficiency is the best ever for an Accord in the EPA Midsize class, with 4-cylinder models earning up to an EPA 36 mpg highway rating1 and V-6 models getting up to an EPA 34 mpg highway rating.1

Other new Accord technologies include the first application of the all-new cloud-based HondaLink™ system, which lets drivers put away their smartphones and still stay connected to the people, music and social media they love. Also debuting on the 2013 Accord is the exclusive available Honda LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. The all-new 2013 Honda Accord also receives a rearview camera and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror as standard equipment.

New Accord Technology

•Honda's first use of direct injection (DI) in North America contributes to the 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine's excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions.

•A new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), available with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, contributes to the Accord's improved fuel efficiency. Honda's unique G-Design Shift logic creates a connected feel and provides a more immediate acceleration response than conventional automatics or other CVT designs.

•New MacPherson-strut front suspension improves ride and handling qualities, while also reducing interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The new lighter aluminum and steel front subframe also uses a proprietary Honda friction-stir welding process.

•Three features highly coveted by consumers are now standard on every new Accord: Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, USB/iPod® integration and rearview camera. No other manufacturer provides this level of standard equipment. Honda's Expanded View Driver's Mirror is also now standard equipment on every Accord.

•All Accord models feature standard Econ button with Eco Assist™

•Included on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring Sedan models and EX-L Coupe, Honda LaneWatch™ Blind Spot Display provides an expanded rear view of the passenger side roadway through the intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID).

•All-new Smart Entry & Push Button Start included on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring models.

•Included on EX-L and Touring Sedan and EX-L Coupe models, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) alerts the driver when a potential collision with another vehicle ahead is detected.

•Included on Accord EX-L and Touring models, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alerts the driver when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use.

•New SmartVent™ side airbags mitigate the risk of excessive airbag deployment force while eliminating the need for the prior Accord's Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). SmartVent also allows improved heating of the passenger seatback on EX-L and Touring models.

•The Accord Touring Sedan offers Honda's first light emitting diode (LED) projector headlights for improved visibility. In addition, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) are found on V-6 powered models, while LED brake lights come on all EX-L and Touring models.

•Exclusive to the Touring Sedan, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and a distance interval behind the vehicle ahead.

•The all-new available HondaLink™ connected-car system allows owners to put their smartphones away and still stay connected to their favorite digital content.

Model Lineup

The 2013 Honda Accord Sedan will be available in six model choices, including an all-new top-spec Touring trim (LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6, and Touring), with the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan arriving early in 2013. The striking 2013 Honda Accord Coupe will be available in four model choices (LX-S, EX, EX-L and EX-L V6).

The 2013 Accord Sedan is available in nine exterior colors, including four metallic and five pearl colors. All-new colors include Champagne Frost Pearl, Hematite Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and Obsidian Blue Pearl. The 2013 Accord Coupe is available in seven exterior colors, including two metallic, five pearl and one solid color. All-new colors include Modern Steel Metallic, Still Night Pearl, Tiger Eye Pearl and White Orchid Pearl.

Powertrain

As in previous generations, two gasoline engines are available on the 2013 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe. These include a new Earth Dreams™ 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with Honda's first use of direct injection in North America, and an Earth Dreams™ 3.5-liter V-6 with revised VTEC + VCM functions. The base 185-horsepower (hp) 4-cylinder engine is coupled to a choice of an efficient new continuously variable transmission (CVT), or a new fun-to-shift 6-speed manual transmission on selected models. The Accord Sport Sedan model provides a 189-horsepower version of the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Meanwhile, Accord V-6 models feature a 278-horsepower 3.5-liter engine coupled to a 6-speed automatic or, in the V-6 Coupe, a 6-speed manual transmission.

In early 2013, the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid will debut Honda's new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder two-motor plug-in hybrid system. Available in the Sedan only, this system operates continuously through three modes – all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive – to maximize fuel efficiency.

Body

Crisply styled and aerodynamically efficient, the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe body designs are the most sophisticated in Accord history. The 2013 Accord unit-body uses 55.8-percent high-tensile steel, more than in any previous Accord. In addition, 17.2-percent of the steel is now grade 780, 980 and 1,500 – extremely high grades that have never before been used in any Accord. This contributes to higher body rigidity and reduced weight, which directly benefits ride and handling, interior quietness, performance and efficiency and long-term durability.

With its contoured body-sides, the Sedan's exterior design is sleek, bold and decisive, while the Coupe's design is rakish, taut and athletic. Extensive use of under-covers improve aerodynamics for increased fuel efficiency, while other advances include available LED headlights, DRLs and brake lights, mirror-mounted turn signals, and the standard Expanded View Driver's Mirror that increases the driver's field of vision by 4.2 degrees.

Chassis

Literally every aspect of the Accord's chassis was reviewed or redesigned to create the best possible driving experience. Altogether, the highly rigid unit-body, refined suspension technology and advanced electronics define the 2013 Accord chassis as the most capable in model history. The new Accord is quieter and more responsive on city streets, smoother and more composed on the highway, and even more faithful to the driver's wishes on winding roads.

New features for Accord include a MacPherson strut front suspension, a steel and aluminum front subframe and electric power steering (EPS). Standard Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC) on both 4-cylinder and V-6 models counteract engine noise, particularly at high rpm.

The lightweight MacPherson strut front suspension improves ride and handling qualities while also reducing interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The new aluminum and steel front subframe reduces weight and, in conjunction with the new independent multi-link rear suspension, further reduces NVH. Careful aerodynamic tailoring of the underbody and suspension systems provides additional noise reductions.

The new EPS setup uses an electric motor to assist the rack-and-pinion steering rather than the hydraulic assist of the previous Accord. The result is reduced steering effort and fuel consumption, with improved precision, feel and stability.

Alloy wheels are now standard across the Accord model range, and range in size from 16 to 18 inches. Four-wheel disc brakes are also standard, as is Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist, a 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Hill start assist is also now standard on the Accord.

Interior

A completely new interior provides a level of luxury and craftsmanship never before seen in the Accord. Available in Black, Gray and Ivory cloth or leather, the interior combines welcoming comfort with an impressive range of available technologies. Standard features include redesigned seating, dual-zone automatic climate control and simplified controls and instrumentation.

Compared to the prior edition, both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe offer spacious accommodations for five passengers, and a roomy trunk with a flatter load floor for greater utility. Although the Accord's length has decreased over three inches and the wheelbase is almost an inch shorter, key interior dimensions grow. Rear legroom increases over an inch, both front and rear shoulder room increase, and trunk space is up over a cubic foot. Altogether, the interior is remarkably quiet, stylish and upscale, with high-quality materials, exemplary fit and finish, and advanced seating comfort and ergonomics.

Contemporary onboard electronics help the Accord driver seamlessly interface with the latest generation of compatible personal mobile electronics. Standard features on all Accords include a bright, full-color 8-inch (diagonal) "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID), Bluetooth®2 HandsFreeLink® phone interface, Pandora® internet radio interface and an SMS text messaging feature. A new available Audio with touchscreen display and the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and FM Traffic is also available.

The 2013 Accord is also the first Honda product to offer available HondaLink™ technology, which works with the owner's compatible smartphone to connect the Accord with music and media resources such as Aha™ by Harman, internet apps, roadside assistance and more. Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are also available.

Safety

The 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe offer the greatest range of active and passive safety features in Honda history. Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is standard on all Accord models, and available new technologies include Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Collision safety engineering includes the updated Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which improves occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions, and the most extensive use of high-strength steel in Accord history. The Accord's impact-absorbing front body design can even help attenuate energy in the event of a frontal collision with a pedestrian.

Passive-safety features include six airbags, including dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags. New SmartVent™ side airbags reduce the risk of excessive airbag deployment force and eliminate the need for the Accord's previous Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS).

Based on internal testing, both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe are expected to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and 5-star ratings in federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests3.

Manufacturing

Celebrating 30 years of Accord production in the United States, the all-new 2013 Honda represents the expanding capabilities of Honda in North America. Virtually every aspect of the Accord was developed, tested and finalized by Honda associates throughout California and Ohio. The Accord is produced4 in Ohio by Honda of America Mfg. Inc. using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Additional media information including detailed pricing, features and high-resolution photography of the 2013 Honda Accord is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

Source; http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/all-new-2013-honda-accord-brings-remarkable-levels-of-luxury-agility-efficiency-and-sophistication-to-midsize-segment-s-legendary-nameplate

Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Accord Interior Leaked | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

I am guessing someone from the online Honda training took a pic with their phone, for the record, wasn't me....

The recently-revealed Honda Accord, a very sober-looking and serious car, was first shown a few weeks ago, and people generally liked it, despite the fact that some argued it looked a bit too much like a Kia. However, what will really set the all-new Accord apart from its Korean rivals is the unmistakeable Honda interior.

Now, thanks to a post on Temple of VTEC, we can now bring you a complete, albeit bad quality picture of the interior which, at least from a design standpoint, doesn’t disappoint. It features two screens on the center console, one which will be touch-operatad (HondaLink), while the other larger one will show the sat-nav or useful information (i-MID).

It also features a completely redesigned instrument cluster with the oversized speedo in the center, with the tachometer on the left and fuel and temperature gauges on the right. Other highlights include an ‘Econ’ button, a very nicely designed multifunctional steering wheel and a generally very modern and clean layout which gives the impression that everything is close at hand.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2013-honda-accord-interior-photo-leaked-48792.html

Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Spy Video | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Great find! Thanks for the tip Ron!

Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Accord Lane Departure Warning System | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda Cars : Honda sees 2013 Accord powering revival from troubled ’11 | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

By Dan Eaton

Honda has high hopes its signature car is ready to make a new mark.

Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. on Monday started production of the 2013 Accord, the automaker’s flagship sedan that has been assembled at the company’s Marysville plant for the past 30 years. In that time there have been eight generations of the Accord.

“Many people doubted Honda in the last few years,” Honda of America CEO Hide Iwata told a group of workers and visitors at the launch. “Many wondered if we would overcome the many challenges.”

Honda encountered a turbulent 2011. It dealt with production and supply problems caused by a March earthquake in Japan and flooding later in the year in Thailand. Sales have rebounded in 2012, and the newest Accord is expected to further drive that improvement.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich attended the launch and praised Honda for its commitment to the state and its $8 billion in investment in Ohio since opening its motorcycle plant in Central Ohio in 1979.

The new Accord is scheduled to reach showrooms next month. Pricing hasn’t been disclosed, but it is expected to be comparable to the 2012 model, which starts at $21,480.

The 2013 Accord has a more sculpted exterior, in auto industry speak, and though most details about its interior remain under wraps, the company made public a few of the technological elements, including a standard-feature Bluetooth phone interface, Pandora Internet radio and a variety of voice controls. Safety features include a driver’s view mirror, lane shift warning and front collision warning systems and a blind-spot camera mounted in the sideview mirror and activated by using the turn signal.

Accord Model Leader Mike Fischer said that feature is exclusive to Honda and gives the driver an 80-degree view of their blind spot compared with a normal 20-degree view.

Fischer said the interior has more space but the exterior dimensions are smaller than the eighth-generation Accord.

It also is the first Honda to get the company’s next-generation engine and transmission, dubbed Earth Dreams. Denis Kovacs, engine model leader, said the newest powertrain gives the vehicle improved fuel efficiency and better performance.

“That’s a balance our customers like,” he said.

Fischer said the powertrain provides 10 percent more output; fuel economy is improved by 4 percent. The engine is made at Honda’s plant in Anna, and the transmissions are manufactured in Russells Point.

Spokesman Ron Lietzke said Honda is not disclosing production projections but said the Marysville plant is running above capacity with overtime work. The facility, which is the sole producer of Accords for North American market and some exports, has an annual production capacity of 440,000 vehicles. It also produces the Acura TL sedan.

Source;
http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2012/08/honda-sees-2013-accord-powering.html?page=all

Honda Cars : Video Find: 2013 Honda Accord – A One-Minute Silent Film | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Written by: Erick Ayapana of www.motortrend.com Just a few days after the first 2013 Honda Accord rolled off the assembly line, the automaker has released the following video of its new midsize sedan in action (the B-roll footage is silent, so feel free to add your own soundtrack or narration).

The video features a 2013 Honda Accord sedan sporting metallic beige paint. It’s unclear what trim level or engine the sedan carries since shots of the rear were avoided, though the alloy rims and chrome accents suggest that it’s at least a mid-level Accord. As previously reported, the 2013 Honda Accord will initially be offered with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a CVT or a six-speed manual. A 3.5-liter V-6 will follow, with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. A plug-in hybrid will complete the model range.

The 2013 Honda Accord is expected to reach dealerships next month, though pricing hasn’t been released yet. Its launch follows the release of the 2012 Toyota Camry and 2013 Nissan Altima, two of the Accord’s main rivals. The Accord will also compete with the upcoming 2013 Ford Fusion, which should arrive in showrooms by this fall.

Source;
http://wot.motortrend.com/video-find-2013-honda-accord-a-one-minute-silent-film-251185.html