USA Today Previews the 2014 Honda FIT Electric Vehicle

By James R. Healey, USA TODay

Honda's Fit is a terrific small car, and turning it into an electric makes it better.

It's quieter. It's smoother. A different suspension improves its ride and handling.

But you can't buy one; lease only, Honda says. Lease is $389 per month for 36 months, no money down, and includes maintenance, collision coverage, navi updates and roadside aid.

You also likely can't get one. Available since July 20, but only in California and Oregon. Some East Coast markets will get a few next spring. Honda plans only 1,100 total 2013 and 2014 models.

Honda explains: "By carefully controlling the lease volumes and regions at this stage, we can assure the successful EV experience while continuing to develop the technology, lower costs and learn about our customers' electric-vehicle needs and desires."

It's a "compliance car," made to meet rules in some states for sale of a minimum number of EVs. More's the pity. The size, style and feisty persona of Fit seem just the thing to elevate battery power from a good deed to a mass-market good deal.

Government rates it 82 miles on a charge; 118 miles per gallon-equivalent in combined city/highway driving. We could only get the range gauge to about 70 after long charge on 120 volts. But, reassuringly, it seemed to drop one mile in range for each mile driven, even using lots of full throttle.

Three mode settings vary the electric motor's horsepower: 123 in Sport, 101 in Normal, 63 in Economy. We used normal, mostly.

The only significant practical drawback in Fit's conversion to an EV: battery placement eliminates the spiffy flip-up articulation of the rear seats (still fold down), so no huge open space in the middle of the for tall or bulky cargo.

Very nice machine. Drives even better than the gasoline version. Quieter, rides smoother, seems to handle at least as well despite what's presumably extra weight.

The simple EV info screen tells you plenty and doesn't bombard you with gratuitous graphics and extraneous data. Probably won't suit those who need repeated validation of their decision to buy an EV, but more than plenty for most drivers.

Front seats have too much lumbar bulge so might get uncomfy on longer trips; depends on your physique.

National Post: Preview: 2013 Honda Accord has ‘styling that endures’

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 Develops New Catalyst to Significantly Reduce Use of Precious Metals

- 50% Reduction in Use of Rhodium -

TOKYO, Japan, September 6, 2012 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the development of a new catalyst which reduces by 50% the use of rhodium, one of the precious metals used in a catalyst. Honda will adopt this new catalyst first to the North American version of the all-new 2013 Accord, which will go on sale in the United States on September 19, 2012, and will continue to adopt it sequentially to other models.

With the backdrop of the increasing volume of global automobile production and the global trend of strengthening emission regulations, the demand for precious metals used for catalyst, including platinum, rhodium and palladium, is expected to continue to increase in the future. Honda has been committed to the effort to reduce the use of precious metals for its catalysts, and has successfully applied a catalyst that does not contain any platinum into practical use with the current model of the North American Accord.

 

The newly developed catalyst allows palladium to speed up the process of absorption and desorption of oxygen, therefore enabling reduced use of rhodium in the purification of exhaust emissions. The adoption of this new catalyst will reduce overall use of precious metals by 22% (including a 50% reduction in rhodium) compared to the current model of Accord. Moreover, the development of the new catalyst has reduced the cost by 37% while complying with the California state standards in SULEV category of the LEV II regulation, which is one of the strictest emissions regulation in the world.

Source;
http://world.honda.com/news/2012/4120906New-Catalyst/index.html

Tim Mings and his love for Honda N600's

Source via;
www.autoblog.com

Honda CR-Z facelift teased on Honda Japan’s website

While the Honda CR-Z is still fresh in our minds, seeing as it was launched here at the end of last year, things are much different in its country of origin. Honda Japan has released a teaser on its website, which announces the coming of the second-generation CR-Z.

Now, although the company is saying “second-generation,” we’re inclined to believe it’s actually the car’s mid-life facelift. Since its launch in 2010, the CR-Z has just only crossed the two-year old mark, and with Honda’s model cycles usually being five years, this one looks to be arriving as scheduled.

The teaser is a slide show, with flashes of Japanese words and pictures of the car. It says, cryptically and in order – “for everybody, for every road, for any speed, enjoy the drive.” Then, it ends with “Life Design Hybrid, Second Generation CR-Z.”

As all teasers are, there are not many details, other than there may be a change to the headlights or DRL (or both), a new wheel design and an inclusion of a S+ button. Your guess is as good as ours on what the S+ may be.

Since guessing what the car will feature is fun, let’s start the speculation with the curious S+. The logical guess should be that the S+ button will alter the CR-Z’s engine response and perhaps firm up the suspension to give the hatchback added sportiness.

The CR-Z could also get a lithium-ion battery, seeing that the Civic Hybrid already has said battery unit. Perhaps, the CR-Z might get the torque vectoring SH-AWD, which will give the small car 4WD capability. Or, could Honda abandon the hybrid powerplant and shoehorn in a screaming petrol engine? That’s probably unlikely, as the CR-Z branding is of a hybrid.

To know the absolute truth, we’ll have to wait till the end of the month, when details will be made available. Danny has driven the current CR-Z, click here to get his take on the car.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2012/09/07/honda-cr-z-facelift-teased-on-honda-japans-website/

Honda Boss Retires, Gives $1,000 to Employees for Each Year of Work

All too often we hear stories of how CEOs get paid the big bucks, and how employees are just employees. But, a story has come to light in Ann Arbor that sheds a positive light on how employees can be treated and how a Honda (NYSE:HMC) dealership would treat its employees with care and kindness. In this business environment, this type of story is certainly not commonplace.

In a recent article, “Howard Cooper gives $1,000 per year of service to 89 employees as ‘thank you’” by Lizzy Alfs at the Ann Arbor news, it was disclosed that Cooper was retiring from his Honda business and selling it. Cooper was the owner of the Howard Cooper Import Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The dealership had won multiple ‘Readers’ Choice Awards’ from the Ann Arbor News for ‘Best Auto Dealership Service’; multiple awards for ‘Best Car Dealership’ in Ann Arbor by Current Magazine and had received the Honda President’s Award multiple times as well. Within Ann Arbor, the firm was certainly well respected.

Cooper retired and as he was leaving, he gave $1,000 for each year of work, to each of the 89 employees. So if someone worked 26 years, then they got $26,000. According to the Ann Arbor news article,

“I wanted to thank my employees and that was a way I could do it,” Cooper told AnnArbor.com. “I hope it makes a difference in their lives like they have made in mine.”

 

“My employees are very important to me and the reason for my success,” Cooper told AnnArbor.com in April. “I know of a couple of buyers who would have paid more, but taking care of my employees was important to me.”

 

And so that’s what he did, he took care of his employees, and in the process he probably gained even more respect in Ann Arbor. Although I never had the chance to meet him, now I wanted to meet him as well. Within the comment section of the Ann Arbor news, one commentator would note:

Individual workers are the engine of economic activity. Mr. Cooper should be commended for recognizing that great CEOs alone don’t make great companies; they lead and reward employees who make companies great.

Although Cooper’s actions would reflect positively on Honda, an international company, one commentator on the Ann Arbor news noted:

“This is where small, local businesses trump big, international ones. What a great story.”

Last night I was watching the Democratic National Convention and Elizabeth Warren, the Leo Gottlieb Professor of Law at Harvard, referenced the idea of helping others. To some, her reference could have been viewed as a slam against Romney’s “Bain prosperity gospel”. However, her reference need not belong to any political party, but to those who help the less fortunate and not just the wealthy. She quoted Matthew 25:40:

“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Perhaps that is exactly what Cooper did — he helped others. He worked hard, he was respected in Ann Arbor, and employees weren’t thanked by their titles, but on how long they had helped him.
I just wish we had more people like Howard Cooper in this world.

Source;
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kaipetainen/2012/09/06/honda-boss-retires-gives-1000-to-employees-for-each-year-of-work/

All-New 2013 Honda Accord Brings Remarkable Levels of Luxury, Agility, Efficiency and Sophistication to Midsize Segment's Legendary Nameplate

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

All-New 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan Melds Power, Luxury and Efficiency with Electric-Only Driving Mode

09/05/2012 - TORRANCE, Calif.

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan will provide the athleticism and craftsmanship of the all-new Accord platform, charged with a remarkable dose of hybrid efficiency and electric torque. Set to go on sale in early 2013, the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan will offer premium technology, exceptional cabin space, the ability to run in an all-electric mode for 10 to 15 miles1 and a calculated1 total driving range over 500 miles.

The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan features one of four efficient new powertrains for the all-new Accord. The Accord Plug-in Hybrid will also serve as the basis for a conventional hybrid version of the Accord Sedan, which will join the Honda Accord lineup in the summer of 2013.

The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid is powered by Honda's first two-motor hybrid system, and uses a new Earth DreamsTM 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, teamed with a powerful 124-kilowatt (kW) electric motor. Electric driving is supported by a 6.7 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, and total system output is 196 horsepower.

To maximize driving efficiency, the uniquely designed two-motor hybrid system allows the Accord PHEV powertrain to move seamlessly between all-electric EV Drive, gasoline-electric Hybrid Drive; and direct Engine Drive. Fuel efficiency for the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid is expected to exceed 100 MPG-e, and it's also expected to receive an Enhanced AT-PZEV rating from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Beyond its function as a full-electric vehicle, owners of the 2014 Accord PHEV will be able to choose two additional driving modes to manage battery capacity and tailor the capabilities of the plug-in Accord to their own commute. In its default upon start-up, the Accord PHEV acts as a pure electric vehicle and will continue on in full-electric mode until battery capacity necessitates the automatic switch to gas/electric hybrid operation. At higher speeds or under high demand for acceleration, the gasoline engine can kick in to provide additional power.

In "HV" mode, the plug-in Accord acts as a conventional hybrid, blending motor power between gasoline and electric to maximize fuel efficiency while maintaining the battery charge level. In "HV Charge" mode, the Accord PHEV blends gasoline and electric power while also augmenting the battery charge level.

The 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan will feature an electric servo braking system similar to the setup on the Honda Fit EV, which allows for exceptionally natural brake pedal feel, while extending the range over which the regenerative braking can take place. In addition to its efficient powertrain, the Accord PHEV features remarkably swift charging times. The plug-in Accord can be fully charged from a low-charge indication point in less than three hours using a standard 120-volt household electrical outlet, and in less than one hour using a 240-volt "Level-2" charger. The free HondaLink™ EV smartphone application will allow owners to easily monitor the charging state of the Accord PHEV.

Based on the Touring trim level of standard Accord Sedan, the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan will feature three exterior color choices, including two standard Accord shades (White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl) plus a model-exclusive Burnished Silver Metallic exterior color choice. The Accord PHEV will also feature a weight-saving aluminum hood, 17-inch forged alloy wheels, a unique front bumper along with enhanced underbody aerodynamic treatments.

A host of visibility technologies are standard on the 2014 Accord PHEV, including a rearview camera, an expanded-view driver's mirror, Honda's new LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), and LED mirror-mounted turn indicators.

Standard Features
The Accord PHEV is available in a single highly equipped trim level, based on the standard features of the premium Accord Touring model. Standard Accord PHEV features include:

•Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
•USB/iPod® connectivity
•Dual-zone automatic climate control
•Pandora® internet radio compatibility
•Smart Start and Smart Entry
•Honda LaneWatch™
•Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition2
•Multi-view rearview camera
•HondaLink™ EV telematics system
•Heated front seats
•Auto-dimming rearview mirror
•Leather-wrapped steering wheel
•Driver's 10-way power seat with 2-position memory
•HomeLink®
•Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID)
•Audio with touchscreen interface
•Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
•Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
•Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
•Bio-Fabric seating surfaces
•Expanded-view driver's mirror
•LED mirror-mounted turn signals
•LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
•LED headlights
•Fog lights
•Chrome-plated door handles
•Decklid spoiler

Powertrain
The Earth Dreams technology used on the Accord PHEV includes an i-VTEC 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine coupled with a two-motor hybrid drive system. The hybrid system features a 124-kW electric motor powered by a 6.7-kWh Li-Ion battery pack. The gasoline engine produces a maximum 137 horsepower (hp) at 6200 rpm. In conjunction with the two-motor hybrid-drive system, the total power output peaks at 196 hp, which surpasses the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt and projected output of the Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. The EarthDreams engine horsepower alone surpasses the total gas-electric output of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid.

Although not finalized at press time, anticipated fuel economy ratings for the 2014 Accord PHEV are expected to exceed 100 MPG-e1 in full-electric mode, provide a 10- to 15-mile1 EV driving range and a calculated1 total driving range over 500 miles. When in gasoline-only mode, it is expected to return one of the top EPA fuel economy ratings among mid-size sedans, and is also expected to earn an Enhanced AT-PZEV rating from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The two-motor hybrid system in the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid allows power from the gasoline engine to flow directly to the front wheels, power the generator to supply electrical propulsion or even charge the battery pack. The Accord PHEV hybrid system moves seamlessly and automatically through its three powertrain states to maximize performance, efficiency and range.

From a low-charge indicator point3, recharge time for the Li-Ion battery pack when plugged into a standard 120-volt wall outlet is less than three hours, among the fastest in the Accord PHEV's class. And when plugged into a Level-2, 240-volt charger the recharge time is less than one hour - the quickest in the class. This is about half the required charge time of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid. The battery pack is mounted above the rear suspension, which helps maintain interior and trunk space and provides protection for the battery pack in a collision.

Body
The Accord body received further improvements in weight reduction, aerodynamic efficiency and rolling resistance in its transformation to Accord PHEV. All are designed to help Accord PHEV drivers maximize their driving range from every watt of electrical energy and every gallon of gasoline. Weight reduction features include:

•All-aluminum front subframe
•17-inch forged aluminum wheels
•Aluminum brake pedal
•Aluminum hood
•Aluminum rear bumper beam
•Puncture repair kit (in place of gasoline-engine Accord's spare wheel and tire)

Aerodynamic advancements include:
•Powertrain undercover
•Cabin floor undercovers
•Rear decklid spoiler
•Aerodynamic wheel covers

Reductions in rolling resistance include:
•Low rolling-resistance tires
•Low-friction wheel bearings

Chassis
The Accord PHEV chassis begins with the core engineering of the Accord Sedan, but then adds an all-aluminum front subframe (replacing the steel and aluminum version on the gasoline-engine Accord). The Accord PHEV uses proprietary 17-inch forged-aluminum wheels with a special low-aero drag design, fitted with 225/50-17 tires.

As with the gasoline-engine Accord models, the Accord PHEV uses an electric power steering (EPS) system that automatically adjusts the amount of steering assist for conditions. The EPS system is more efficient than a traditional hydraulic system, and it operates consistently whether the vehicle is using electricity, gasoline, or both.

The Accord PHEV features a braking system similar to the system in the Honda Fit EV, which provides fully electronic control of the hydraulic brake system. This system results in an improvement in regenerative braking efficiency compared to a hydraulic booster system used in other hybrids.

Interior
Sophisticated and contemporary, the redesigned 2013 Accord Sedan interior serves as the ideal basis for the 2014 Accord PHEV interior. Like the Fit EV, the Accord PHEV features a next-gen Honda Bio Fabric seat material, a new fabric that offers conventional softness and durability, but with reduced manufacturing environmental impact. The interior features several brighter trim accents and is available in gray to compliment the choice of three exterior colors.

With the Accord PHEV's free and convenient HondaLink™ EV smartphone app, owners can remotely schedule charging of the Li-Ion battery pack (taking advantage of "off-peak" electricity rates), monitor the state of charge, and even pre-warm or pre-cool the vehicle's interior while charging before they drive. This suite of capabilities is similar to those offered on the new 2013 Fit EV. HondaLink EV features include:

•Charge scheduling
•Charge status
•Charge complete notification
•Drive range display
•Charge station locator
•HVAC pre-conditioning

Safety
Like the all-new Accord, the new Accord PHEV offers a greater range of standard active and passive safety features than any other vehicle in Honda history. These include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The Accord PHEV also has an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) to audibly warn pedestrians when it is approaching in EV Drive mode. Based on internal testing, the 2014 Accord PHEV is 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) tests.

Manufacturing

The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan will be built in Sayama, Japan.

Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedanis available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/all-new-2014-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-sedan-melds-power-luxury-and-efficiency-with-electric-only-driving-mode