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The new Honda Accord has been lauded by the automotive press for its design, improved ride and interior, and noticeable increases in fuel economy. In fact, the Accord has been named North American Car of the Year. But dealers are struggling to move the new Accord off lots. In February, sales of the Accord dropped 15.8 percent when compared to the year before. According to Automotive News, inventory levels of the Accord stood at a 104-day supply at the beginning of this month - very high by Honda's sparse count. Some dealers have been turning away shipments from the Marysville, Ohio plant. "Where lease is heavy, like Florida, New York, Ohio and California, that's where we're getting hurt. When you get two cars as close as they are, it's not that much better than the Camry that people are going to pay $50, $60 [or] $80 more a month," said Rick Case, CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group. One of Case's dealers in Florida has more than 600 Accords in stock, about 200 more than its usual stock. They have turned away some Accords in January an February. Sources told Automotive News that dealers in the Miami area have turned down around 1,000 Accords since they have too many sitting on their lots. One reason is how consumers are trending towards to crossovers over midsize sedans. But dealers who spoke with Automotive News say there is another reason - the lack of attractive leasing options. The new Accord has a higher starting price than the previous-generation model which in turn raises the price of a lease. Honda's website lists a 36-month lease for the base Accord LX at $249 per month with a $3,199 down payment. Meanwhile, Toyota is offering a 36-month Camry LE lease in the Detroit area for $229 per month with a $1,999 down payment. In other regions, the Camry deal becomes even sweeter. In the Miami area, Toyota is offering a 36-month Camry LE lease for $199 per month with a $3,198 down payment. The various accolades and high-quality that have been key Accord attributes aren't working at the moment. "The quality gap has narrowed between the domestics, Honda and Toyota. When you're buying a car, you have a great story to tell a customer. When you're leasing, they say, 'Well, it has at least three years of warranty on it.' They're just renting it anyway. It is an uphill battle," said a Honda dealer in the Detroit area. Dave Conant, owner of Conant Auto Retail Group which has four Honda dealers in California says he understand why Honda isn't throwing money at the Accord at the moment due to big investment to get it on the road. But he wouldn't be shocked if the automaker offers some sort of incentive support, especially in terms of leases later in the year. "I'll be surprised if we don't see some help in April or May. They're not going to let the car sit on the lot. Without the incentive support, the payment from the car [that customers are] trading to the new one — the gap is too large. They need to do something to bring that closer, and the car will start selling and leasing well again," said Conant. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

The enthusiasm for midsize sedans may be dwindling due to crossovers, but they are still an important segment for many automakers. The Honda Accord is a prime example as it makes up a key part of the Japanese automaker's sales. Last year, Honda moved 345,225 Accords - making 23.4 percent of Honda's 2016 sales. Today in Detroit, Honda introduced the 10th Generation Accord. Design has never been one of the Accord's strongest suits. It always sat in the middle of the design spectrum of midsize sedans which many buyers were ok with. This new one sees Honda taking some risks. Up front, there is larger grille and big bar integrating the headlights. The side profile reveals Honda shortening the front and rear overhangs, adding some sculpting for the doors, and lowering the roofline. The new Accord rides on a wheelbase that 2.16 inches longer, while the ride height has been dropped 0.39 inches. One item that will disappoint a small group of people is the Accord coupe being dropped in this generation. The interior has become a bit more upscale with higher quality materials and a more efficient center stack. There is a fair amount of tech with a seven-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system (WITH ACTUAL VOLUME AND TUNE KNOBS!). The system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Options include a heads-up display, 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi, and wireless device charging. Honda is the latest automaker to join the turbocharged four-cylinder bandwagon with a choice of two for the 2018 Accord. The base is a 1.5L four-cylinder with 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Optional is a 2.0L four-cylinder derived from the Civic Type R. It offers up 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet. The 1.5 will come with a CVT, while the 2.0 features a 10-speed automatic. Both will have the option of a six-speed manual. A hybrid version featuring a 2.0L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder and a two-motor hybrid system will also be available, though details on this powertrain will be revealed closer to the Accord's launch. Honda says depending on the trim, the 2018 Accord is about 110 to 176 pounds lighter than the outgoing model. This is due to increased amount of high-strength steel and aluminum for the body. Pricing for the 2018 Accord hasn't been announced, but you'll be able to pick up one at your nearest Honda dealer this fall. Source: Honda Press Release is on Page 2 Dramatic Design of Reimagined 2018 Honda Accord Signals New Direction for America’s Retail Best-Selling Midsize Sedan Jul 14, 2017 - DETROIT, MI Next-generation Honda design, packaging and proportion Interior space and quality that exceeds the midsize class New powertrain lineup: turbocharged and electrified performance Lighter, more rigid body and new chassis design Honda Sensing® technology standard on all models and trims New Accord Hybrid to be made in Ohio Honda today showcased a new direction for America's retail best-selling midsize sedan1 with the world debut of a more stylish, sporty and premium 2018 Honda Accord that launches this fall. The world debut event held today in Detroit can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/honda. The 10th-generation Accord is new from the ground up and features a lighter and more rigid body structure, an advanced new chassis design, two all-new, high-torque direct-injected and turbocharged engines, the world's first 10-speed automatic transmission for a front-drive car and a new generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid technology, along with a host of new safety, driver-assistive and connected-car technologies – all wrapped in a more sophisticated, sleek and athletic design with top class interior space and comfort. "We are redefining the Honda Accord for a new generation of buyers by bringing something unexpected that challenges the idea of what a mainstream sedan can be," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president of the Automobile Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Even as we advance core values like great driving dynamics, safety performance and efficiency, the distinctive design of this all-new 2018 Honda Accord will help it appeal to both head and heart in equal measure." Next-Generation Accord Design and Packaging In reimagining the Accord for its 10th-generation rebirth, Honda designers and engineers went back to the fundamentals of proportion and stance with a sporting and athletic appearance, like a sprinter in the blocks. The approach reinvigorates classic Honda design principles, such as a low and wide body, expansive visibility and sporty seating position, and then translating them into a thoroughly modern, sporty and premium Accord sedan design. The new Accord features a longer wheelbase (+2.16 inches), a lower overall height (-0.59 inch) and wider (+0.39 inch) body, wider wheel tracks (+0.20 in. front, +0.79 in. rear), a shortened overall length (-0.39 inch) and lower, sportier seating position (-1.0 inch front and -0.79 inch back). A sweeping greenhouse positioned farther back on the body completes the new stance and proportion of the next-generation Accord. The combined effect of these changes is a more premium look, highlighted by shorter overhangs, a bold front fascia, a long and low hood, and a visual center of gravity moved closer to the rear wheels. Viewed head-on, the new Accord's greenhouse also angles in more dramatically from the window sills to the roof, further emphasizing the wide lower body, while inside the cabin the seats have been moved slightly inward that contributes to improved hip, shoulder and head room while enhancing occupants' freedom of movement. Also, the longer wheelbase allowed designers to move the second-row seats substantially rearward, giving Accord almost 2 extra inches of rear leg room to offer one of the most spacious rear seating areas in its class. Overall passenger volume is increased by 2.5 cubic feet to 105.7 (based on LX). Trunk space has also been increased by nearly one cubic foot on the 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engine powered Accords and by 3.2 cubic feet on the Accord Hybrid to a top level 16.7 cubic feet (+0.9 cu.ft.). Elegant and modern exterior detailing compliments the Accord's new, more dynamic design. The bold and upright front fascia is highlighted by Honda's signature chrome wing front grille positioned above a large main air intake and flanked by available 9-lamp full-LED headlights and LED fog lights. The chiseled hood features a distinctive and aggressive raised center, and the deeply sculpted body sides enhance the visual length and strength of the lower body. Further, a new laser brazing process that joins the dramatically arching roof to the body side panels creates a clean appearance with no garnish over the rain channels. The similarly low and wide rear view is finished off with an upswept decklid, distinctive LED light-pipe taillights and cleanly integrated dual exhaust ports. Overall aerodynamic efficiency is improved by approximately 3 percent (based on EX trim) to make it the most streamlined Accord yet. Elegant and Tech Savvy Cabin The 2018 Accord also boasts a larger, more premium and tech savvy interior that compliments its athletic and elegant body design, delivering a level of quality and premium feel that belies Accord's mainstream sedan status. The new Accord features a panoramic forward view that is enabled by its lower cowl and by front roof pillars that are 20 percent narrower and moved rearward relative to the driver's seating position. The new soft-touch instrument panel features an ultra-thin profile and three-tier design with a strong upper deck that describes a continuous arc from its outboard section through the side door sills, giving a sense of strength and visual continuity. A more intricately contoured sport inspired steering wheel with deep-set thumb rests and available paddle shifters compliment the Accord's more sophisticated and sporty performance capabilities. Meticulous attention to the tactile and visual quality of surface materials and decorations communicates modernity and soft-spoken elegance throughout the cabin. The inboard positioning of the seats provides for improved freedom of movement and is complimented by longer, wider and more deeply padded arm rests, front and rear; while the Accord's newly designed seats feature taller shoulder bolstering for a more premium appearance and improved lateral support. New high-accuracy seat padding with variable firmness improves seating comfort and support. The driver's seat now has available 12-way power adjustment with height-adjustable lumbar support, and passenger comfort is further enhanced by available new heated and ventilated front seats and by improved available rear seat heating with both seat bottom and seat back heating elements. The tech-savvy and easy-to-use 2018 Accord cabin also features an all-new HMI that includes an ultra-slim 7-inch TFT driver's meter and a new 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface with physical volume and tuning knobs and more intuitive, smartphone-like features and functionality including customizable app tiles and home-screen shortcuts, along with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility. The Accord also will offer the next-generation of HondaLink telematics with new capabilities including emergency roadside assistance, remote locking/unlocking and engine start, stolen vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics, geofencing, speed tracking and more. Touring trims of both 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter models also feature a new 6-inch driver's Head Up Display with selectable information, including speed, engine rpm, turn-by-turn navigation, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Additional new or improved connected-car technologies available on the 2018 Accord include wireless device charging, automatic Bluetooth® phone pairing with Near Field Communication technology, 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi-enabled over-the-air system updates. Audio systems vary by trim, starting with 4 speakers and 160 watts on LX, 8 speakers and 180 watts on Sport and EX trims, and 10 speakers and 450 watts on EX-L and Touring trims. All models feature USB charging ports (two 2.5-amp ports on EX and above) along with Bluetooth connectivity. Accord Performance: Turbocharged and Electrified The 2018 Accord takes an entirely new approach to performance by featuring three advanced new powerplants – two direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines and the third generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. The 2018 Accord also features a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission (10AT) with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, the first of its kind for a front-wheel-drive car, and an available 6-speed manual transmission for both turbocharged engines. The new 1.5-liter, 16-valve DOHC direct-injected turbo with dual Variable Timing Control (dual VTC) produces a peak 192 horsepower (HP) at 5,500 rpm and 192 lb-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 5,000 rpm, up from 185 HP at 6,400 rpm and 181 lb.-ft. at 3,900 rpm on the existing, normally aspirated 2.4-liter model. The new 1.5-liter turbo is mated to a Honda continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or, in Sport trim, to a CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission (6MT). The Accord can also be equipped with a new 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC direct-injected turbo with i-VTEC® valvetrain paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission or, in Sport trim, to the 10AT or an available 6MT. The new 2.0-liter turbo, sharing much of its design with the race-bred 2017 Civic Type R, produces 252 HP at 6,500 rpm and 273 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm, compared to 278 HP at 6,200 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. at 4,900 rpm for the 3.5-liter V6 that it replaces. Both turbocharged engines utilize a host of new technologies, including high-efficiency low-inertia turbos, variable valve timing, low-pressure-loss air intake and high-accuracy direct injection, to deliver immediate and powerful response along while still anticipated to receive top level fuel economy ratings. The two new automatic transmissions – the CVT for the 1.5-liter engine and new 10AT for the 2.0-liter engine – take greater advantage of available torque while maximizing quietness and efficiency during highway cruising. The redesigned CVT has an 11 percent lower ratio compared to the current version for more powerful launch performance, while the new 10AT is 22 lbs. lighter, has a 68 percent wider overall ratio range with a 43 percent lower first gear, and a 17 percent taller top gear compared to the current Accord's six-speed automatic. Production of New Accord Hybrid Returns to Ohio An all-new, even more refined and fuel efficient Accord Hybrid will be again built in Marysville, Ohio after a couple of years of production in Japan, and will be powered by the third-generation of Honda's innovative two-motor hybrid technology, offering improved power delivery with no compromise to interior or cargo space and packaging. The new hybrid powertrain will utilize a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine with greater than 40 percent thermal efficiency, the highest for any mass-produced Honda engine, paired with Honda-developed electric motors that are the first drive motors in the world to use magnets containing no heavy rare-earth metals. As before, the Accord two-motor system operates without the need for a conventional automatic transmission. Additionally, a new, more compact intelligent power unit (IPU), containing the hybrid battery pack and its control systems, is now mounted under the rear floor instead of in the trunk, preserving both cargo space (16.7 cu.-ft.) and the flexibility of a 60/40-split and folding rear seat, standard on all models and trims. Detailed specifications on the 2018 Accord Hybrid, including power and fuel-economy ratings, will be release closer to launch. New Approach to Body and Chassis Design The 2018 Accord's new body structure is lighter and more rigid, utilizing 29 percent ultra-high-strength steel, the most extensive application of this weight-saving material in any current mass-produced Honda car. Overall, the new Accord employs 54.2 percent high strength steel (above 440 MPa). Key body features include the latest generation of Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with crash stroke front frame, tailor-tempered rear frame members for improved crash-energy absorption, and the extensive use of structural adhesives for increased rigidity, cabin quietness and weight reduction. Total vehicle weight is down between approximately 110 to 176 pounds, depending on trim, while body torsional and bending rigidity are improved 32 and 24 percent, respectively, aiding ride quality, cabin quietness, and dynamic performance. Mated to the new body is a more sophisticated new chassis design. The 2018 Accord's lighter chassis features a new Macpherson strut front suspension with L-shaped aluminum control arms mounted to an all-aluminum front subframe. The new setup better isolates and manages varying road inputs, improving handling precision, ride quality and cabin quietness along with outstanding high-speed stability and control. The new, more space-efficient rear suspension is a multi-link design mounted to a more rigid, floating rear subframe. Fluid-filled compliance bushings at all four corners further improve ride comfort and absorption of road irregularities, and all new Accords also feature, for the first time, an Adaptive Damper System with the ability to adjust shock absorber damping force every 1/500 of a second, providing for a more compliant and controlled ride in all driving situations. The new Accord has a 10 mm lower center of gravity. The adoption of lighter-weight turbocharged engines and other body design changes reduce the vehicle's moment of inertia, resulting in crisper turn-in and steering response. All models now have near optimal FWD weight distribution of approximately 60/40 (front/rear). Accords with the new 2.0-liter i-VTEC turbo and 10AT check in at approximately 61/39, a significant improvement versus the current V-6 and 6AT Accord. All new Accords will now come equipped with a Two-Mode Driving System featuring Normal and Sport settings, allowing the driver to dial-up/down the vehicle's sporty reflexes depending on the driving environment. The system engages with multiple chassis and drivetrain components, including the new dual-pinion variable-ratio electric power steering (EPS), automatic transmission, drive-by-wire throttle, adaptive dampers and Active Sound Control system, to provide the driver with an expanded range of driving characteristics. An ECON mode is also available that helps improve fuel efficiency by modifying throttle mapping and HVAC operation. Along with the first application of structural adhesives to Accord, cabin quietness is further enhanced by a comprehensive sound-insulating package that includes full underbody covers, which also aid aerodynamics, front and rear fender and engine compartment insulators, alloy wheels with Honda-proprietary resonator technology, sound-absorbing carpet, acoustic laminated windshield glass – plus front door acoustic glass on EX and above – and a new, three-microphone Active Noise Control system. Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology For 2018, all Accords will feature the full suite of Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment. Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and new Traffic Sign Recognition. Additional available driver-assistive technologies include Blind Spot Information, front and rear parking sensors, Cross Traffic Monitor and Driver Awareness Monitor; and all models feature a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with dynamic guidelines. Standard advanced active and passive safety systems include Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), advanced front airbags, driver and front-passenger side airbags and new driver and front-passenger knee airbags. The Accord targets top U.S. government (NCAP) and IIHS collision safety ratings. Accord Models and Trims More detailed information will be provided closer to launch, but the 1.5-liter powered Accord will be available in six trims – LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Touring. The 2.0-liter model has four trims available, which are Sport, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Touring. And the new Accord Hybrid will be available in five trims – Hybrid, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Touring. Sport trims for both 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engine variants will now feature available short-throw 6-speed manual transmissions. Accord Manufacturing All variants of the 2018 Accord will be produced at Honda's Marysville, Ohio auto plant2, at which the company is investing with numerous enhancements to further advance quality and efficiency, including the introduction of additional technologies and processes. Accord was the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be made in America and has been in continuous production at the Marysville Auto Plant since November 1982, with cumulative U.S. production exceeding 11 million units over 35 years. The 2018 Accord's 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines will be produced at Honda's Anna, Ohio engine plant, and its CVT transmission will be manufactured at the company's Russells Point, Ohio plant. The all-new, Honda-designed 10-speed automatic transmission will be produced at the company's Tallapoosa, Georgia plant2. Honda recently announced a combined $149 million investment in the Russells Point and Tallapoosa plants to facilitate production of the new 10AT. Additional details concerning new manufacturing technology and investments will be announced closer to launch. View full article

If you want a six-cylinder engine in your midsize sedan, the selection of models has been steadily declining. At the moment, you can only get a six from Ford, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Come the 2018 model year, there will be one less automaker. Honda announced today that next-generation Accord, due later this year, will feature two turbocharged four-cylinders. The base will be a 1.5L four-cylinder (most likely from the Civic with 174 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque) and a 2.0L four-cylinder with i-VTEC valvetrain - derived from the Civic Type R. Offical power figures are not out, but Honda says both engines will have the option of a six-speed manual. The 1.5L will also feature a CVT, while the 2.0L will get an all-new 10-speed automatic. "With these three advanced new powertrains, the tenth-generation Accord will be the most fun-to-drive, refined and fuel-efficient Accord yet. Just as the new Honda Civic injected new energy into the compact car segment, we expect this all-new 2018 Accord will make people rethink the midsize sedan," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of America Honda Motor Co., Inc. The Accord Hybrid will also be returning for the next-generation model. Not many details are known, but Honda says it will feature a new two-motor hybrid system that is more refined. Source: Honda Press Release is on Page 2 All-New 10th Generation Honda Accord Launching This Year with Advanced New Powertrain Lineup Jun 9, 2017 - TORRANCE, CA Two high-performance, high-efficiency turbocharged engines First-ever 10-speed automatic transmission for a front-wheel drive car Available 6-speed manual transmission for both turbo engines Next-generation Honda two-motor hybrid powertrain technology New, more aggressive design direction complements powertrain lineup Honda will launch the most stylish and fun-to-drive Accord ever later this year. The all-new, completely redesigned and reengineered 2018 Honda Accord is the tenth generation of America's best-selling midsize sedan, the number one choice of individual American car buyers cumulatively since 20101. A new-from-the-ground-up design that features a more aggressive stance and proportion than any previous Accord complements the lineup of advanced new powertrains. The three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains in the 2018 Accord will include two direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission and a sporty 6-speed manual transmission that will be available on both turbo engines, as well as the next-generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. The new Accord design will have a dramatically lower and wider appearance that creates a more aggressive and athletic stance. Additional details on the all-new 2018 Accord design, technology and performance will be released in the weeks ahead. "With these three advanced new powertrains, the tenth-generation Accord will be the most fun-to-drive, refined and fuel-efficient Accord yet,"said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of America Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Just as the new Honda Civic injected new energy into the compact car segment, we expect this all-new 2018 Accord will make people rethink the midsize sedan." The 2018 Accord will feature two available high-torque, high-efficiency turbocharged powerplants, a 1.5-liter direct-injected DOHC Turbo with dual variable cam timing (dual VTC), mated to either a Honda continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or 6-speed manual transmission; and a 2.0-liter direct-injected DOHC Turbo with i-VTEC® valvetrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission – the industry's first 10AT for a front-wheel-drive passenger car – or a 6-speed manual. An all-new, even more refined Accord Hybrid will be powered by the next-generation of Honda's innovative two-motor hybrid technology, which uniquely operates without the use of a conventional automatic transmission. A perennial best-seller with American car buyers, the Accord has been the U.S. retail sales leader in the midsize sedan segment for four straight years (2013-2016). For the first five months of 2017, based on retail sales data, Accord is the top selling midsize sedan in America and the second best-selling passenger car overall, surpassed only by the new Honda Civic2. Accord also is an unprecedented 31-time recipient of Car and Driver magazine's coveted 10Best award. Since its launch in 1976, American car buyers have purchased more than 13 million Accords. Accord is the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be made in America and has been in continuous production at Honda's Marysville, Ohio auto plant since November 1982, with cumulative U.S. production exceeding 11 million units over 35 years of U.S. manufacturing3. The new 2018 Accord's 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines will be produced at Honda's Anna, Ohio engine plant. The Accord's CVT transmission will be manufactured at the company's Russells Point, Ohio plant, and its new 10-speed automatic transmission will be produced in the company's Tallapoosa, Georgia plant. Honda recently announced a $149 million investment in the Russells Point and Tallapoosa plants to facilitate production of the new 10AT and its components in America. Additional investments related to manufacturing of the new Accord will be announced closer to its fall 2017 launch. View full article

Late last week, Honda introduced a refreshed 2016 Accord in Silicon Valley. The location was chosen for the Japanese automaker to make the point of one the biggest changes for this model - introduction of Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay. Standard on EX models and up, these systems allow your phone to take the place of the vehicle's infotainment system. Additionally, all Accord trims come with the option with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving and safety features that includes Forward Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Collision Mitigation Braking System. Outside, the 2016 Accord looks more like an Acura (for better or worse) with a new front grille and LED taillights. The top Touring trim gets LED headlights. A set of 19-inch wheels are available on higher trims. Powertrains largely carryover from the current model. The 2016 Accord arrives at dealers later this summer. Source: Honda Press Release is on Page 2 Honda Introduces the Highest Tech Accord Yet in High Tech’s U.S. Hub—Silicon Valley Jul 23, 2015 - MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. Upgraded 2016 Accord features one of the first applications of both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ in a volume-produced vehicle More dynamic styling, including first 19-inch wheels on Accord Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive tech available on all trims New 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface Honda introduced a refreshed 2016 Accord loaded with advanced technology in Silicon Valley today, the first time the company has launched a new vehicle in the U.S. tech hub. Coming to market in August, the 2016 Accord will be the first Honda model and among the first high-volume cars in the marketplace to feature both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. These and other major upgrades to technology and features make it the most high-tech Accord ever. The 2016 Accord Sedan and Coupe receive dynamic new styling, a new Display Audio touchscreen interface, and Honda Sensing™, the most comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies in the midsize car class. The 2016 Accord also adds HD Radio®, heated rear seats, front and rear parking sensors, and a number of other new features and technology to be revealed in coming weeks. Details on the Accord Hybrid will be announced at a later date. "Where else to introduce the most technologically advanced midsize sedan, the 2016 Accord, than in Silicon Valley," said John Mendel, executive vice president of the Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Customers want their vehicles to be more intelligently integrated with their smartphone-powered lives, and we are committed to delivering that experience starting with Accord, retail car buyers' most popular vehicle the past two years." Exterior and Interior design The 2016 Accord gets a major facelift with sportier, more sophisticated styling, front and rear. In front is a more sharply creased and intricately structured bumper fascia with outside edges that tuck into intake-like meshed areas that house new LED fog lights (Sport trim and above). A new aluminum hood features sharper character lines that meet up with a brighter, more expressive front grille. In the rear, the Accord gets restyled LED taillights and a similarly aggressive rear bumper fascia redesign. While all models feature restyled wheels, the Accord Sedan (Sport and Touring trim) and Coupe (Touring, new for Coupe) get new, larger 19-inch wheels and tires. The Touring sedan also gets a new rear deck spoiler. All models, Coupe and Sedan, feature the expanded use of LED lighting – LED taillights for all models, LED headlights for the new Touring Coupe, and LED daytime running lights (DRLs) for Sport and above trims. Honda Sensing™All 2016 Accords also can now be equipped with Honda Sensing™, among the most comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies in the class. Honda Sensing includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and is available as a standalone option on all trims with the exception of Touring, where Honda Sensing is included as standard equipment. Also, all 2016 Accords feature a standard Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and Expanded View Driver's Mirror and, for the first time, new auto high-beam headlights (Touring trim) that enhance nighttime visibility and driving convenience by defaulting to the high-beam setting and automatically switching to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is detected. Display Audio with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ The Accord audio and digital experience also is significantly upgraded with the application of a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, on EX and above trims, as well as available HondaLink™ Assist (e911) and HD Radio. The intuitive and easy-to-use capacitive touchscreen lets users swipe, tap and pinch—just like on a tablet or smartphone—to control the vehicle’s audio system, display settings and other advanced features. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are designed to support seamless smart phone integration and offer a multitude of new functions and features. Apple CarPlay® takes the things you want to do with your iPhone while driving and puts them right on your car’s built-in display. You can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third party apps. Apple CarPlay® is compatible with iOS 8.4 or later and iPhone 5 or later. Android Auto™ was designed to give drivers a simple, intuitive way through touch and voice to minimize the potential for distraction so the driver can stay focused on the road. Compatible with Android 5.0 and higher, Android Auto features Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, music and numerous popular apps. To take full advantage of these new systems and features, the 2016 Accord's new 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen is paired with an upper 7.7-inch high-resolution display screen and steering wheel-mounted controls. The upper screen can display audio settings, turn-by-turn directions, time and trip information, LaneWatch™ and Rearview Camera displays, incoming calls, SMS text messages when stopped, and parking sensor alerts. Upgraded FeaturesThe Accord value proposition is further bolstered by new standard and available features: Accord EX and above trims (Sedan and Coupe) with automatic transmission get remote engine start, 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen and HD Radio. SiriusXM satellite radio and Homelink remote, previously on EX-L and Touring, are now standard on EX and above trims. Sport and above trims in the sedan lineup also get a new 60/40 split and folding rear seat, previously a one-piece folding design. The Accord Sedan in Touring trim gets heated rear seats, front and rear parking sensors and new rain-sensing windshield wipers. Advanced Powertrains The Accord will continue to be offered with two advanced Honda engines: a direct-injected (DI) 2.4-liter inline i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder and a 3.5-liter VTEC™ V-6 that is the most powerful engine offered in a Honda sedan to date. Available transmissions include a sporty and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the 4-cylinder engines, unique 6-speed manuals for the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines, and a 6-speed automatic for V-6 models. View full article

August 8, 2012 Drew Dowdell Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com Honda today release pictures of the re-sculpted 2013 Honda Accord sedan and Coupe. As one of their perennial best sellers, Honda did not stray too far from the formula that has kept them near or at the top of the mid-size family car segment for years. The overall look of the next Accord isn't much of a surprise since it is so close to the barely disguised concept-as-a-production-car Accord shown at the Detroit Auto Show last January. Honda has repackaged the Accord to allow for more room on the interior while being slightly smaller outside. Further information on power trains will be released later in 2012, but we expect the 2013 Honda Accord to be available with a new 2.4 liter 4-cylinder and an all new 3.5 liter V6 with cylinder deactivation. Both will come with direct injection and stop-start technology. Transmissions will be a CVT and a new 6-speed automatic respectively. We are also expecting the eventual return of the Accord Hybrid, this time using an all-new 2-mode system with plug-in capability replacing Honda's IMA. Aside from the familiar LX and EX trims, Honda is introducing "Sport" and "Touring" designations on the Accord with Sport sitting between the LX and EX 4-cylinder models and Touring being the top trim available. Drew Dowdell is Managing Editor of CheersandGears.com and can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter as @Cheersngears View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 22, 2012 Spy photographers strike once again, this time getting shots of the new Accord Sedan and Coupe while undergoing some hot weather testing. Lets begin with the Accord coupe. The coupe mule caught in these pictures is almost identical to the concept shown at NAIAS in January. The front end features a wraparound grille and LED-infused headlights. There’s a noticeable character line running from front fender to the door handle. Next is the sedan which appears to be somewhat daring for Honda. Like the Coupe, the Sedan has a noticeable character line running down the doors. Also, the Accord sedan gets a more raked windshield and a extended roofline. And to top it all off, spy shots of the Accord’s interior have appeared. The big change is with the Accord’s center stack. Honda has realized that having a mess of buttons isn’t the best of ideas and has cut back on the amount and organized the buttons in a way to make it easier to find what you need. Also, the new Accord is taking some notes from the CR-V with its instrument cluster. The next accord will drop the pair of dials (speedometer and tachometer) and go towards a center speedometer with a with a digital display in its center. Left of the speedometer is the tachometer, while on the other side could be a fuel gauge. Source: Automotive.com, Motor Trend William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article