FRANKFURT: Honda Accord Tourer and i-DTEC Clean Diesel Engine

[siegen]

Honda Presents Accord Tourer Concept and i-DTEC at Frankfurt Motor Show
Next-Generation Clean Diesel Engine Technology

Press Release
Photo Index

September 11, 2007– Honda presented to the world the exciting Accord Tourer Concept and the new generation of Honda diesel engines, i-DTEC at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show.

The premiere of the Accord Tourer Concept provides a strong indication of the design direction of the all-new generation Accord Tourer set to debut in mid-2008. The wider, lower look signals a sportier, more emotional styling approach, and while the design of the current Accord Tourer maximises its load-carrying capability, the new model goes for smarter, sleeker proportions while retaining a strong degree of versatility and practicality. The Concept's greater width makes for a more spacious cabin and also allows an increased track for enhanced handling characteristics.

The all-new Accord range will boast one of the first all-Euro 5-compliant engine line-ups which will consist of two i-VTEC petrol engines of 2.0 and 2.4-litre capacities and a newly developed 2.2-litre i-DTEC next-generation diesel engine. Compared to the current Accord engine line-up, power output will be boosted and emissions and fuel economy significantly improved.

The latest engines will be complemented by innovative new chassis technology that will deliver exceptional handling, greater linear stability and a more involving driving experience without compromising ride comfort.

The all-new Accord will debut in Sedan and Tourer forms at the 2008 Geneva motor show.

The all-new i-DTEC is the 2nd diesel engine Honda has developed. By further improving the current award winning i-CTDi's superb performance, fuel economy and emission efficiencies, i-DTEC has achieved various stringent emission standards in the U.S., Japan and Europe (Honda test data).

The first phase of the programme - compliance with the Euro 5 legislation expected in 2009 - has already reached fruition, and an example of the new engine, which makes its first appearance in next year's Accord range, is being shown on the stand.

Honda continues to work on the second phase of development of its latest diesel engine and has already achieved compliance with the stringent US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier II/Bin 5 emissions requirements. This is of particular significance to the European market in that the Tier II standards are even more demanding than the Euro 6 requirements which remain at the proposal stage. An example of this engine is also on display at the stand.

[siegen]

For those of you that don't know, the current Accord available in Europe is the same car that is sold here as the Acura TSX (minus the 205hp engine, luxury goodies, and Acura interior). This Tourer concept, as well as the Sports4 concept, are the styling direction of the next European Accord and very likely the direction of the next Acura TSX. While it is highly unlikely we'll get a wagon version, the sedan which will be shown later should carry a lot of styling cues from this, specially in the front.

Honda's current diesel, the i-CTDi will be getting replaced by this new clean diesel i-DTEC. It will be equipped with the new catalytic converter (which does not require any sort of Urea injection) for the U.S., to meet our requirements.

Edited September 11, 2007 by siegen

[Northstar]

This is probably the TSX, as siegen said... the profile looks pretty slick, but the rear end is huge and the front, while not ugly, doesn't do anything for me. The front overhand also looks ridiculous in profile:

[regfootball]

g8 wagon=much nicer, however this diesel intrigues me

[Z-06]

The rear profile needs work as N* said, it kinda looks a generation too old. Not a bad looking car.

I thought they were going to make the 2.4l diesel and was going to be introduced in US in MY 2009.

[Dragon]

I read that for some silly reason, the diesel will only be available in California and other states with similar high emissions laws

[CSpec]

It would look a LOT better without that huge front overhang.

[siegen]

It would look a LOT better without that huge front overhang.

A side effect of ACE engineering.

[Robert Hall]

The front overhang doesn't look bad, better than some of GMs...it's a pretty slick looking wagon, kind of Mazdaish.

[K.C.]

This is probably the TSX, as siegen said... the profile looks pretty slick, but the rear end is huge and the front, while not ugly, doesn't do anything for me. The front overhand also looks ridiculous in profile:

Reminds me of the last generation Mazda 6 Wagon. Anyone else see that?

[loki]

looks sharp, but it would be an acura here, right...design wise.

[Robert Hall]

looks sharp, but it would be an acura here, right...design wise.

Yes, the front of the next gen TSX will probably resemble this...

[Robert Hall]

Reminds me of the last generation Mazda 6 Wagon. Anyone else see that?

Definitely...the greenhouse reminds me of the current 6 and the front fenders remind me of the new 6. The rear is almost Audi-like in profile, better than the current Euro Accord which has a flat, nearly completely vertical rear..

[Cory Wolfe]

Looks decent.

[cire]

It's o.k., but I do agree with the other members about the front overhang. I think the new Mazda6 wagon totally blows the doors off this thing. I have to confess that I'm biased towards Mazda.