2008 Honda Accord gelekt

Dat Honda aan het eind van dit jaar met een nieuwe Accord zou komen was al bekend. Dat de leukste versie hiervan waarschijnlijk niet naar Nederland komt ook. Nu hebben we voor de liefhebbers ervan goed nieuws, want de foto’s en specs van de achtste generatie van Honda’s middenklasser (en Chevrolet Malibu-concurrent in de VS) zijn verschenen.

Honda biedt de nieuwe Accord aan als Sedan en Coupé, met vermogens tussen 177 en 268 pk. Ook deze generatie is weer een beetje gegroeid, waardoor het de grootste Accord ooit is.

Aangezien de hybride-variant van de vorige generatie dermate slecht verkocht, heeft Honda besloten de nieuwe Accord voorlopig niet als hybride aan te bieden.
Hopelijk voor Honda slaat de nieuwe sedan aan in Nederland, want de verkoopcijfers laten de laatste jaren en gestage afname zien (734 stuks in 2004 t.o.v 359 in 2006).

Voor de duidelijkheid: het betreft hier de versie voor de Amerikaanse markt, waar de Accord zeer populair is. De Europese Accord, die later volgt, zal een iets andere styling hebben (via carscoop).

De Coupé:

Voor alle details volgt nu het persbericht (lange lap tekst alert!):

Overview

Mainstream sedans and coupes represent far more than sensible transportation in today’s marketplace, and incredibly, include amenities that can often meet or surpass features on vehicles $20,000 more expensive. With every launch since its 1976 debut, the Honda Accord has lived up to its reputation as a genuine innovator, successively introducing the automotive mainstream to unexpected levels of technology and performance.

While dependability, quality and reliability define every Honda product, that solid base empowers the company to exceed customer expectations by providing styling, performance, safety, refinement and value that few competitors can match across the board. The all-new eighth-generation 2008 Accord is ready to set an entirely new benchmark for the automotive mainstream with the most dramatic styling, the largest passenger space, and the greatest range of technology in the vehicle’s 32-year history.

2008 Accord at a Glance

* Styling embodies a bold, upscale, sophisticated and prestigious design direction.
* Available as a Sedan (moves from the EPA Midsize just into the EPA Large classification) or Coupe (Compact).
* Available 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with 268 horsepower and 5-speed automatic transmission introduces Honda’s next-generation Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology for EPA City/Highway fuel economy of 19/29 mpg1 (Sedan).
* Accord Coupe V-6 with 6-speed manual transmission uses a unique variant of the 3.5-liter V-6 that also produces 268 peak horsepower, but features VTEC for enhanced low- and mid-rpm torque. EPA City/Highway fuel economy is 16/25 mpg1.
* 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is available with 190 horsepower (Coupe LX-S and all EX and EX-L models) or 177 horsepower (sedan LX and LX-P) and EPA City/Highway fuel economy of 21/31 mpg2 (Sedan).
* Available transmissions are 5-speed manual (4-cylinder only) or 5-speed automatic (all) and 6-speed manual (V-6 Coupe only).
* Standard safety equipment includes Honda’s exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), side-curtain airbags, new dual-chamber front side airbags, active front head restraints and pedestrian safety features.
* All models and trim levels except the four-cylinder with 5-speed manual transmission and Coupe V-6 with 6-speed manual transmission meet stringent PZEV emissions regulations in regions that adhere to California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards.
* Premium features (navigation, interface dial, Bluetooth, information display) and overall refinement (solid driving feel) on par with vehicles one and even two classes above the Accord’s segment.
* Overall packaging improvements result in a 0.7-inch lower center of gravity.

The 2008 Accord comes to market as the most powerful Honda model ever. It has also grown larger to meet the needs of an audience that values hospitality with “equal” front and rear seating comfort for four adults – while also maintaining or improving its fuel economy, lowering its emissions and building on its reputation as a class leader. From a pure performance standpoint, the Accord’s 268-horsepower V-6 engine provides acceleration on par with luxury vehicles from classes outside of the segment.

Dynamically, the Accord engages the driver with a refined and rewarding performance feel, yet ride comfort remains equally impressive for passengers. Furthermore, the level of standard equipment and premium features allow customers to create an environment that matches 21st century expectations. Ultimately, the 2008 Accord adds more emotion and style to the model’s smart-to-own foundation in an all-out effort to genuinely deliver on the promise of an “evolution of the best” with one of North America’s favorite cars.

The Accord DNA

The Accord has always occupied an extremely important position within Honda and within the automotive marketplace. It is more than just the company’s flagship passenger car from engineering and sales standpoints. Reliable, safety-oriented and efficient, the Accord is also the most comprehensive expression of Honda’s DNA worldwide. More than anything else, the Honda Accord stands for:

• Fun-to-Drive – The 2008 Accord model range introduces Honda’s most powerful passenger-car engine in North America, and its double-wishbone front suspension provides a solid feel unlike anything in its class.
• Durability, quality and reliability (DQR) -Year in and year out, the Accord is consistently a high scorer in initial and long-term quality studies.
• Safety – With Honda’s Safety for Everyone initiative, every trim level of the 2008 Accord contains an extensive range of safety technologies, from its Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure to its airbag systems and active front seat head restraints.
• Value -Strong Honda resale value and low maintenance costs help make the Accord historically smart-to-own in the long run as referenced by leading industry resources.

• Versatility – With a new interior that is 3.3 cu-ft. larger than before, the Accord Sedan offers more roominess and comfort than ever. The Accord Sedan’s expansive interior volume of 120.0 cu-ft. moves it just into the EPA Large Sedan category for 2008.
• Environmental – Honda has the highest Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) ratings in America . The 2008 Accord, with two new 4-cylinder engines and two new V-6 versions, is more fuel-efficient . In addition, the Accord meets stringent PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) standards in states using that standard.

2008 Accord Advancements

As Honda’s highest-volume seller in the U.S., by necessity Accord strives to deliver exceptional feature content including outstanding driving qualities, a high level of interior comfort and convenience features, consummate DQR, and the benefits of Honda’s Safety for Everyone initiative. By design, the Accord Coupe is free to connect with a select range of customers that place a high value on sporty style and driving excitement. Stylistically as well as dynamically, the Accord Coupe distances itself from the Accord Sedan to satisfy more enthusiastic drivers with a unique set of attributes all its own.

Key Accord Sedan and Coupe Advancements Include:
• Safety – First Accord to receive Honda’s revolutionary ACE™ body structure.
• Engineering – New features include a lower floor, a dynamic engine mounting system, a lower center of gravity and Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering.
• Quality – Raising the bar on Accord’s legendary DQR.
• Top-of-class power – The most ever for a Honda V-6 and an Accord four-cylinder.
• Excellent fuel efficiency – The most ever for a conventional Honda V-6.
• Best emissions performance – First vehicle to offer four-cylinder and V-6 models that both meet PZEV standards.

Additional firsts for Accord Include:
• First 100% use of four-wheel disc brakes across the entire model range.
• First use of Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) on all models.
• Largest fuel tank (18.5 gallons).
• First 100% use of steering-wheel audio controls across the entire model range.
• First Accord to offer a power lumbar support, auto-dimming inside mirror, compass, multi-line display CD/MP3 player, auxiliary-input jack and subwoofer.
Specific Accord Sedan Benchmarks Include:
• Best in class and largest interior volume in Accord history – now classified as an EPA Large Sedan, Accord Sedan is by definition roomier than any Midsize competitor.
• First use of Active Noise Control (ANC) in a non-hybrid Accord.
• First use of 17-inch wheels on four-cylinder Accord.

Specific Accord Coupe Benchmarks Include:
• Aggressive and emotional new body style.
• First use of Active Noise Control (ANC) in a non-hybrid Accord.
• 18-inch wheels and tires – the largest ever offered on a Honda car.

Durability, Quality and Reliability

For many customers the Durability, Quality and Reliability (DQR) of the Honda Accord is what keeps them returning generation after generation. These fine qualities – and the resale or trade-in value they engender for the Accord – become a powerful purchase incentive. Virtually every major company that studies vehicle residual value have shown that the Accord typically has one of the highest residual values in the industry. As an end result, a high residual or resale value makes the true cost of ownership less than many lower-priced competitors.

Market Position

The Accord has consistently been one of the top five best-selling vehicles in the U.S. for nearly two decades. As Honda’s best-selling vehicle in U.S., Accord is the bedrock of the company. The sedan market in the U.S. is consistently strong, with annual sales in the neighborhood of 2,000,000 units, with Accord accounting for nearly one-fifth of all Midsize vehicles sold. Accord appeals directly to two of the growing segments in the automotive market – young couples and empty nesters. As these people seek sophistication and fun combined with great resale value and quality in their vehicles, Accord meets their needs and desires. At the same time it appeals to the more practical virtues of a great family vehicle.

In contrast, the Accord Coupe has historically appealed to singles, young couples without children and “empty nesters” that want to capture the spirit of driving that a coupe provides. Today’s sports-coupe buyers want even more emphasis on sportiness and that is the reason why the 2008 Accord Coupe so visibly stands apart from the sedan – both visually and in handling performance.

Primary Competitive Set

Though the Accord Sedan has just over 120 cu-ft. total interior volume and is classified as a Large sedan by the EPA, its prime competition remains in the upper end of the EPA Midsize class.

The Midsize sedan segment is one of the most competitive in the entire automotive field with more than 20 unique model lines from manufacturers large and small all vying for customers’ attention. With top-selling products achieving sales figures in the neighborhood of 400,000 units per year, broad appeal is essential to success. Likewise, design, engineering and quality must reach the highest standards. As with products across the auto industry, buyer expectations for Midsize sedans are evolving to favor products with more interior room and personality.
The primary competitors to the 2008 Honda Accord are the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima. The Accord Sedan is well positioned to compete with these vehicles with its expansive interior, more daring styling, excellent driving character, overall quality and high levels of safety. Beyond its direct competitors, the Accord Sedan also competes with a secondary set that includes the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Avalon. The primary competitor for the Accord Coupe is the Nissan Altima Coupe and Toyota Solara.

Exterior

The Accord Sedan embraces a traditional three-box shape that emphasizes both a dynamic and athletic feel with the sophistication of a timeless sedan form. The design is intended to convey a prestigious presence toward family, friends and business associates in much the same way a good suit can be worn on totally different occasions with a consistent feeling of style and class.

The focal point for creating the exterior began with the belief that a sedan should reflect both American values and embrace values shared worldwide. Truly a global effort, the Accord design theme of “athletic dynamism” brings together contributions from Honda design centers in Italy, Germany, Japan and the United States.

Dimensionally, the Accord Sedan’s overall length of 194.1 inches (4-cylinder models) is 3.0 inches longer than the 2007 model, the width of 72.7 inches is 1.1 inches wider, and the height of 58.1 inches is 0.9 inches taller. Even though the size is larger in every dimension, the vehicle’s torsional rigidity has increased by 20% as a result of advanced body construction that uses 48% high-tensile steel – the most high-tensile steel by volume of any Accord to date. A significant benefit to the advanced body construction is that total vehicle weight increased only by approximately 5% despite the larger size, greater rigidity and added features.

The Accord Coupe styling radically breaks from the sedan with a uniquely aggressive image. Its long hood, sleek roofline and muscular lines suggest an even more powerful presence and a heightened agility compared to the sedan. Dimensionally, the Accord Coupe’s overall length of 190.7 inches is 2.9 inches longer than 2007 model, its width of 72.7 inches is 1.4 inches wider, and its height of 55.7 inches is 0.7 inches higher. Compared to the 2008 Accord Sedan, the Accord Coupe is 3.4 inches shorter in length and 1.7 inches shorter in height. Both 2008 vehicles are the same width.

An overview of the top Accord body highlights includes:

• Expressive styling – The 2008 Accord Sedan becomes more upscale and prestigious with a more substantial front end with distinctive 6-point grille, taller and longer hood line, more aggressive flared fenders, unique upper and lower style lines along the body side, and a dynamic roofline.
• Sporty and exciting – Accord Coupe dramatically breaks from the Accord Sedan with unique body panels, glass and lighting that creates a rakish, aggressive appearance from its recessed grille and muscular wheel flares to the 18-inch wheels and projector-beam halogen headlights of the Coupe V-6.
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) – The ACE™ body structure is the latest Honda unit-body construction design that optimizes the structure’s ability to disperse crash energy in a frontal collision. The 2008 Accord Sedan and Coupe are projected to rate 5 Stars from NHTSA for frontal crash tests and a “Good” rating in IIHS frontal crash tests.
• New frame rail system – Positioning the frame rails inside the Accord’s body structure floor (instead of underneath it) creates a nearly flat bottom under the car, providing greater aerodynamic efficiency and reduced under-floor turbulence.
• Increased rigidity – New design techniques and widespread use of high-tensile steel make the 2008 model the most rigid Accord ever, yielding benefits in ride, handling and an overall reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
• More slender A-pillars – Provide a greater field of view without compromising strength.

Additional innovative 2008 Accord technologies include:
• Repositioned fuel tank sits lower and farther forward than before for better weight distribution and a lower center of gravity.
• Fuel tank size increased nearly 8% (18.5 gal. vs. 17.2 gal.).
• Flat-blade windshield wipers provide modern and upscale look.

Interior

Premium quality with a simple, modern and spacious design describes the philosophy behind the Accord’s interior. Rather than adding feature after feature to assault the senses with opulence, a variety of design techniques were used to enhance the feeling of width and space to express premium quality. Considerable attention was paid to interior shaping and detailing just as it was for the exterior, where the traditional three-box sedan form was enhanced by sculpting of the body panels. The exterior concept of using a beveled corner where the front bumper and fender meet is similarly applied to the lower part of the instrument panel to create a spacious feeling while entering the vehicle. Careful attention was paid to the symmetry of the exterior and interior of the vehicle – including sight lines related the dashboard height and the visual presence of the hood to the driver.

While the interior is larger than the previous-generation Accord, the fundamental reason for increasing its size is grounded in the goal of producing equal seating comfort for front and rear passengers. In other words, the vehicle provides a sense of true hospitality to all of its occupants. Real differences in usable space can be noticed in the hip-point distance between front and rear passengers (+ 1.0 inch compared to the 2007 model).

Furthermore, the increased hip-point distance and lower floor allows rear occupant knee space to increase by three inches compared to 2007. By Honda’s in-house measurements, the few sedans on the market with more rear knee space include the Mercedes Benz S550, BMW 750i and Lexus LS 460.

The wider interior (+1.5 inches), combined with a more compact lumbar support system (EX and above), allows the front seats to be positioned farther apart to allow for a 2.75 inch wider center console compared to the 2007 Accord. Not only does a wider console provide the obvious enhanced functionality, but it also conveys a sense of openness more commonly found on high-end luxury vehicles.

A traditional zone approach separates operation-related instruments (top) and information-related instruments (lower). At night, the controls are further separated by color to distinguish between climate controls (aqua green) and audio controls (white). Classically-styled gauges for the speedometer and tachometer are round (instead of being truncated at the bottom). The steering wheel was meticulously fashioned with a shape, size and mass consistent with the finest luxury automobiles.

Overall, the 2008 Accord Sedan has gained 3.3 cubic feet of interior space (120.0 cu-ft. total). Sedan customers traditionally value the comfort and utility of greater interior space, and as a result, the new Accord looks, feels, and simply is bigger. The Accord offers more interior space than its prime competitors in most dimensions. Building on Honda’s already excellent reputation for interior styling (one of the significant strengths of the previous generation Accord), the new Accord has an even more upscale presence.

Key interior features and benefits include:

• Large, comfortable size – Roomier than any previous Accord, for both front and rear passengers the Accord feels like it’s a class above with a 120-cubic-foot EPA Large size interior (combined interior and trunk).
• Sophisticated styling – Every Accord trim level has a dynamic and upscale presence, starting with a navigation system-style display screen on all vehicles – even those without navigation. The interior exudes high quality and refinement, right down to the tactile feel of interior paneling and available soft leather.
• Advanced safety – The 2008 Accord and Accord Coupe feature a comprehensive array of passive safety features including six air bags, 3-point seat belts with front pretensioners and load limiters, and front Active Front Seat Head Restraints. (Please refer to the Safety tab for more information.)
• Innovative technology – The 2008 Accord features aspirational technology in impressive levels. The new-generation voice-activated Navigation System includes the Zagat Survey™ guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions, an 8-inch screen and an interface dial. The vehicle also includes the first use of Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® in a Honda product.
• Upscale comfort – Redesigned front bucket seats are larger, and feature substantial lateral support to complement the Accord’s sporting side.
• Three interior Sedan color themes – Ivory, Gray and Black.
• Two interior Coupe color themes – Black and Ivory.
• Three accent themes – Gunmetal in LX, silver or woodgrain in EX, EX-L and V-6.
• Fold-down lockable rear seatback – Increases cargo-carrying versatility. Sedan includes lockable pass-through.
• Dual-zone automatic climate control – Standard in EX-L and V-6 models.
• Audio systems – Two impressive audio systems are available in the 2008 Accord and Accord Coupe. The standard system features 160 watts, a single-disc CD player and six speakers. The premium audio system, which comes standard on EX-L and V-6 models, has a six-disc CD changer, 270 watts total amplification and seven speakers including a subwoofer. The systems use the central display screen found in all Accord trim levels. The systems include:
o Standard AM/FM/CD with MP3/WMA® playback, and new Radio Data System (RDS) function.
o All trim levels have MP3 capability and an auxiliary audio input jack.
o All trim levels have steering wheel audio controls.
o XM Satellite Radio is standard on all leather-equipped (EX-L and V-6) models.
o All trim levels have speed-sensitive volume control (SVC).
• Available power moonroof – Incorporates one-touch open/close operation.
• 8-way power driver’s seat – Standard in EX and above models.
• Power driver’s lumbar – Standard in EX and above models.
• 4-way power passenger’s seat – Standard in Sedan EX V-6.
• Driver and front passenger auto up/down window controls – Standard in Sedan LX-P and above models; and all coupe models.
• Auto-dimming mirror – Standard in EX-L and all V-6 models.
• Active Noise Control (ANC) – A new version of this technology is standard in V-6 automatic models and 200-hp four-cylinder models.

Powertrain

All 2008 Accord engines deliver increased horsepower across the board, along with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. The sedan is available with either a 177-horsepower engine (up 11 horsepower) or a 190 horsepower 4-cylinder engine (up 24 horsepower) with a choice of 5-speed manual transmission (standard) or 5-speed automatic transmission (available), or a 268-horsepower V-6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Accord Coupe is offered with a 190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine (up 24 horsepower) or a 268-horsepower V-6 engine (up 24 horsepower) with a choice of 5-speed manual (4-cylinder) 6-speed manual (V-6) or 5-speed automatic transmission (all engines). In total, these powerplants represent the most powerful and advanced technologies of any Accord in history, and are also projected to deliver excellent real-world fuel economy performance.

Key engine features include:

· The 2.4-liter Accord Sedan LX and LX-P four-cylinder engine produces 177 hp and features a DOHC i-VTEC valvetrain system. It produces 11 more horsepower than the 2007 Accord’s 2.4-liter engine, due primarily to a higher compression ratio and related engine tuning.

· A 190-horsepower 2.4-liter engine is standard in the Accord Sedan EX, EX-L and Accord Coupe LX-S, EX and EX-L.

· All sedan 4-cylinder engines with automatic transmissions have City/Highway mpg (calculated using*EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21/31 2008 EPA method).

· The new 3.5-liter V-6 engine (with automatic transmission) uses Honda’s exclusive i-VTEC valvetrain system that incorporates Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to enable engine operation in 6, 4 and 3-cylinder modes to improve fuel economy.

· Active engine mounts on the i-VTEC V-6 engine work with the VCM system for smooth engine operation.

· The V-6 engine with automatic transmission has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19/29 mpg* City/Highway (Sedan, calculated using 2008 method).

· The Accord Coupe V-6 manual transmission engine (3.5-liter VTEC) is a unique variant of the Accord V-6 that uses a specially tuned VTEC valvetrain (without VCM) to enhance low- and mid-rpm torque and contribute to its sport-oriented character.

· All engines feature exhaust manifolds built into the cylinder heads, allowing for closer proximity of the catalytic converters and helping both engines achieve PZEV emissions standards with automatic transmission.

2.4-liter i-VTEC in-line 4-cylinder engine (Sedan LX, LX-P)

* 2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC® inline four
* 177 horsepower at 6500 rpm
* 161 lb-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm
* i-VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) + VTC
* Estimated EPA mileage of 21/31 mpg City/Highway1 (Sedan AT)
* ULEV-2/PZEV
* Regular unleaded
* 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual

2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine (Sedan EX, EX-L; Coupe LX-S, EX, EX-L)

* 2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC® inline four
* 190 horsepower at 7000 rpm
* 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm
* i-VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) + VTC
* High-flow exhaust system with variable-valve silencer
* ULEV-2/PZEV
* Estimated EPA mileage of 21/31 mpg City/Highway1 (Sedan AT)
* Regular unleaded
* 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual

3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine (Sedan EX V-6; Coupe EX V-6, standard 5AT)

* 3.5-liter, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine
* 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm
* 248 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm
* i-VTEC® provides Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) for fuel efficiency
* ULEV-2/PZEV
* Estimated EPA mileage of 19/29 mpg City/Highway1 (Sedan), 19/28 mpg City/Highway101 (Coupe)
* Regular unleaded
* 5-speed automatic

3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine (Coupe EX V-6, standard 6MT)

* 3.5-liter, SOHC, VTEC V-6 engine
* 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm
* 248 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm
* VTEC provides two intake cam profiles for improved low- and mid-range torque
* ULEV-2
* Estimated EPA mileage of 17/25 mpg City/Highway1
* Regular unleaded
* 6-speed manual

Chassis

Accord has always been considered a sporty performer among mainstream sedans and coupes, and for 2008 the Sedan and Coupe chassis were both developed to increase both driving enjoyment and passenger comfort. A performance-inspired double-wishbone front suspension and an in-wheel double-wishbone multi-link rear suspension are designed to provide world-class chassis dynamics. The Accord Sedan wheelbase of 110.2 inches is 2.4 inches longer than the 2007 model, while the 62.2-inch front/rear track is 1.1 and 1.0 inches wider, respectively. The Accord Coupe wheelbase of 107.9 inches is 2.3 inches longer than the 2007 model (track is identical to sedan). The longer wheelbases contribute to improved ride characteristics. Ultimately, the premium suspension design and wider track (along with wider tire sizes, standard ABS and standard Vehicle Stability Assist) are intended to enhance driver confidence and handling performance in all situations.

Chassis Summary

• Refined driving feel with a fun-to-drive character.
• Double-wishbone front suspension.
• New multi-link in-wheel rear suspension design.
• First application of 4-wheel disc brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist on all trim levels.
• Active safety technologies including ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and VSA. (Please refer to the Safety tab for more information.)
• 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.
• A front strut tower brace on Sedan EX and above models and all Coupe models adds chassis stiffness to accommodate the additional torque and larger tires of the 200-hp four-cylinder and V-6 models.
• Lowering the engine and fuel tank in the chassis and enhancing the roll center helps the Accord corner more flatly and increases driver confidence and passenger comfort.
• Wider track dimensions (1.1-inch front/1.0-inch rear) and wider tires enhance cornering performance.
• Tighter turning radius of 18.5 feet for the Sedan and 18.21 feet for the Coupe improves low-speed maneuverability.
• New engine-mount systems improve powertrain isolation, ride smoothness and steering feel.

“Safety for Everyone”

Through a comprehensive approach to vehicle safety, Honda seeks to provide a high level of occupant and pedestrian protection in all of its cars and trucks, regardless of size or price, as well as increased compatibility with other vehicles as part of the Safety for Everyone initiative introduced in 2003.

Consistent with the Safety for Everyone initiative, every 2008 Accord integrates sophisticated safety technology that includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s airbags (SRS); driver’s and front passenger’s dual-chamber side airbags; and side curtain airbags. The ACE body structure enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load-bearing front frame structures designed to improve the likelihood for two vehicles to connect during a frontal collision in such a way as to absorb more crash energy compared to a conventional design.

Advanced Safety Technology

Every 2008 Accord incorporates newly-designed side-curtain airbags and dual-chamber front- side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), along with active head restraints that are designed to reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Additional standard safety features include dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist, front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.

2008 Accord safety features include:

Standard active safety systems:
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
• Standard Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA ®) with traction control (Electronic Stability Control)
• Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Standard passive safety systems:
• ACE™ compatibility body
• Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags
• Side-curtain airbags for all outboard occupants
• Dual-chamber front-seat side airbags with OPDS
• Active front seat head restraints
• 3-point seatbelts at all positions
• Front seatbelt load limiters and pretensioners
• Head restraints for all occupants
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system (rear seat only)
Trim Levels
The new 2008 Honda Accord is available in Sedan and Coupe body styles and 4 different trim levels for a total of 14 different variants.

Sedan Trim Levels:
• LX and LX Premium (LX-P) trim levels are powered by a 2.4-liter, 180-hp four-cylinder i-VTEC engine with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.
• EX and EX-L trim levels are powered by a 2.4-liter, 200-hp 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.
• The EX V-6 is powered by a 3.5-liter, SOHC, i-VTEC® V-6 engine with VCM and a 5-speed automatic transmission.
• The EX-L and EX V-6 are available with a Navigation system.

Coupe Trim Levels:
• LX Sport (LX-S), EX and EX-L trims are powered by a 2.4-liter, 200-hp 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.
• The EX V-6 automatic is powered by a 3.5-liter, SOHC, i-VTEC® V-6 engine with VCM and a 5-speed automatic transmission.
• The EX V-6 6MT is powered by a 3.5-liter, SOHC, VTEC® V-6 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission.
• The EX-L and EX V-6 are available with Navigation system.

Recent Accord Accolades

Accord is the most highly decorated car in Honda’s history. It has been selected as one of Car and Driver Magazine’s 10Best a remarkable 21 times in the last 25 years – more than any other vehicle in the award’s history. A brief history of recent important awards for previous-generation Accords include:

• 2007 Car and Driver – “10Best Cars”
• 2007 AAA/Parents – “Best Car for Families”
• 2007 Cars.com – “Best Car for Small Families”
• 2006 Consumer Guide Automotive – “Best Midsize Car”
• 2006 Kelley Blue Book – “Best Resale Value Award” (Accord Hybrid)
• 2006 Intellichoice.com – “Motorist Choice Awards” (Sport and Midsize Categories)
• 2006 Money – “Best Cars of 2006”
• 2005 Edmunds.com – “Most Researched Cars of 2005” (#1)
• 2005 Autobytel.com – “#1 Overall Most Requested New Vehicle”
• 2004 Automotive Market Environmental Superiority Awards – Best “Midsize” Car
• 2004 Motor Trend – “King of the Road” (family sedan comparison)
• 2003 Ward’s – “Ten Best Engines” (Accord 3.0-liter V-6)

Accord History

Honda Accord was first Japanese-nameplate car assembled in the United States and calendar year 2007 represents the 25th anniversary of its manufacture here. The first Japanese-built Accord was introduced as a 1976 model, and by 1982 it was being manufactured both in Japan and in a brand-new automobile assembly plant in Marysville, Ohio. The success of the Accord set a path for Honda, and conclusively proved that manufacturing cars in America was a viable proposition. Seven more Accord generations followed, leading to the eighth-generation 2008 Accord.

Honda Accord generations:

1st generation – 1976 to 1981
2nd generation – 1982 to 1985
3rd generation – 1986 to 1989
4th generation – 1990 to 1993
5th generation – 1994 to 1997
6th generation – 1998 to 2002
7th generation – 2003 to 2007
8th generation – 2008

Manufacturing

Reflecting a long-standing business strategy to build products close to its customers, nearly 80 percent of Honda and Acura automobiles sold in America in 2006 were produced in North America.

Around 80% of the Accords sold in the United States are produced* at Honda of America Manufacturing Inc.’s Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio. The Marysville plant is the sole global source of the Accord Coupe.

Honda has been continuously manufacturing automobiles in the U.S. longer than any other international auto manufacturer*, beginning on Nov. 1, 1982. Over the years, Honda built a North American vehicle operation encompassing manufacturing, research, development and engineering – all bolstered by a large U.S. supplier base.

From small beginnings, Honda has grown to produce more than 17 million Honda and Acura cars and light trucks in North America. The year 2007 marks Honda’s 25th anniversary for North American auto production and for auto production at the Marysville Auto Plant – further highlighted by production of the 2008 Accord.

Honda began operations at its first North American manufacturing facility in 1979 – the Marysville Motorcycle Plant. American Honda Motor Co. Inc. was the first Japanese automaker to export its U.S.-built cars to overseas markets (1987).