Thursday, June 6, 2013

Japanese-Market Non-PHEV Honda Accord Hybrid Unveiled

By Karla Sanchez of www.automobilemag.com

Japan may get a version of the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid before we do, as photos of the JDM Accord have been revealed online. While the JDM Accord Hybrid appears to share some front styling with that of the Accord Hybrid PHEV, we hear the U.S.-market Accord Hybrid will look more like regular I-4 and V-6 Accords.

Like the Honda Accord PHEV, the Accord posted on Honda’s Japanese site has blue trim on the front grille, and blue-hued headlights. Unlike the PHEV, though, this Accord wears more conservative wheels, and we don’t see the PHEV’s charge port flap on the front panel.

The 2014 Accord Hybrid will utilize Honda’s first two-motor hybrid system that consists of a 137-hp 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle I-4 that works with a 124-kW traction electric motor, which can function as an electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), and a 105-kW electric motor for power generation. Total peak output is rated at 196 hp. Honda expects the non-plug-in Honda Accord Hybrid to achieve 49/45 mpg city/highway. As for pricing, we expect it to start in the high $20,000 range, topping out closer to the $34,220 Accord V6 Touring than the $40,570 Accord PHEV.

The new hybrid will be built in Ohio, like the Honda Civic Hybrid and Acura ILX Hybrid.

What do you think: Should the U.S.-spec 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid borrow styling cues from the Japanese-market model or look more like regular Accords already in dealerships? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below


Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/japanese-market-non-phev-honda-accord-hybrid-unveiled-228363.html#axzz2VRYyebbM

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