New 2008 Honda Accord sedan and coupe emphasize innovative 'green ...

Road Test??¦And Beyond: All-New 2008 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe

TORONTO, Aug. 21 /CNW/ - The new, redesigned 2008 Honda Accord comes to market with an expanded range of innovative technologies designed for greater efficiency, enhanced safety, and more power across the lineup of stylish sedans and coupes. The eighth-generation Accord truly exemplifies the "Honda Benefit" of providing Canadians a vehicle that is "green, safe, fun," and includes an emphasis on expressive styling, fun-to-drive performance and innovative packaging. "During its 30-year history in Canada, the Honda Accord has been a perennial segment leader with average annual sales in excess of 24,000 units," said Jim Miller, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "Canadian buyers have exhibited passion for the refined features, strong performance and overall design of the Accord." "With over 735,000 Accords sold to date since its introduction in 1976, the Accord has remained a clear choice for Canadians looking for high levels of dependability, quality and reliability - attributes that are hallmarks of the Accord. With a new level of engineering sophistication, the 2008 Accord is designed to exceed expectations with innovative technologies, a more spacious interior and increased power, while retaining good fuel efficiency and a fun-to-drive character that have always distinguished the Accord in the marketplace." The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles with two variations of a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder and two iterations of the 3.5-litre V-6 engine. The two L4 engines have 177 and 190 horsepower, respectively, with estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 9.4/6.5 L/100km (with manual transmission). An available 3.5-litre i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 268 horsepower - the most ever for any Accord - while introducing a new generation of fuel-saving advanced Variable Cylinder Management(TM) (VCM) technology and achieving low emissions. The VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power in and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, resulting in an estimated city/highway fuel economy rating of 11.0/6.7 L/100 km. A VTEC version of 3.5-litre V-6 engine is featured in the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 with 6-speed manual transmission. Another innovative technology for Accord is Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering. This new steering system uses variable mechanical ratio steering, in addition to variable power assist, to provide precise on-center feel and greater responsiveness at larger steering angles. Premium quality with a spacious design describes the philosophy behind the Accord's interior. The larger interior is intended to provide "equal" seating comfort for front and rear passengers. There is increased rear legroom and width to allow the front seats to be positioned farther apart for a wide center. Redesigned front bucket seats are larger, and feature substantial lateral support to complement the Accord's sporty side. The fold-down lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility. The sedan includes a lockable pass-through perfect for skis. The larger Accord is expected to attract buyers who traditionally favor larger family cars. The latest generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Bi-Lingual Voice Activation (available on EX-L) uses a larger 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey(TM) guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. Navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth(R) HandsFreeLink(R). The Accord Sedan's exterior styling emphasizes both an athletic and dynamic feel with the sophistication of a timeless sedan form. Even though the Accord is larger in all dimensions, its torsional rigidity has increased by 20 per cent as a result of advanced body construction. The Accord Coupe styling radically departs from the sedan with a more aggressive image. Its long hood, sleek roofline and muscular lines suggest power and enhanced agility. The EX-L Coupe with V-6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission also features larger 18" aluminum alloy wheels, chrome door handles, front fog lights, dual exhaust finishers and rear lip spoiler. The Accord Sedan rides on a longer wheelbase and is slightly longer than the 2007 model. The Accord Coupe wheelbase is also longer than the 2007 model. The longer wheelbases contribute to improved ride characteristics. The premium suspension design and wider track (along with wider tire sizes and standard ABS and VSA) are intended to enhance driver confidence and handling performance in all situations. Through a comprehensive approach to vehicle safety, Honda seeks to provide the highest level of occupant and pedestrian protection in all its cars and trucks, regardless of size or price. Every 2008 Accord integrates sophisticated safety technology that includes driver's and front passenger's dual-chamber side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System; side curtain airbags; and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags. New for Accord is an Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE) body structure that enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. All Accords also feature active head restraints designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist and four-wheel-disc anti-lock brake system with brake assist and electronic brake distribution. The on-sale date at Honda's 214 retailers across Canada is September 21. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Honda is the world's preeminent maker of engines for automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment. With 130 manufacturing facilities in 29 countries worldwide, Honda now attracts nearly 20 million customers annually. Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Ridgeline and Civic, and the Acura CSX and MDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario. A new, third plant in Alliston, with the capacity to produce up to 200,000 efficient 4-cylinder engines annually, is scheduled to open in 2008.

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For further information: Sandy Di Felice, (416) 287-4730; Richard Jacobs, (416) 287-4708

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