2013 Honda Accord hits 36 MPG highway

Filed under: Sedan, Honda

Honda has released official Environmental Protection Agency ratings for the 2013 Accord. Base models come equipped with a direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. When mated with a new six-speed manual gearbox, the sedan returns 24 miles per gallon city, 34 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined.

Engineers have also developed a new continuously variable transmission for peak fuel economy. When paired with the CVT, the four-cylinder yields 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined. Those numbers mark an increase of four mpg city and two mpg highway over the old automatic, but land the Accord behind the 38 mpg of the 2013 Nissan Altima.

While the new direct-injection system and transmissions account for a large portion of that increase, tricks like an electric power steering system and reworked aerodynamics also help. Sport trim bumps power up to 189 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque with no significant fuel economy penalty. Buyers who step into the 278 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with its 252 lb-ft of torque can look forward to 21 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. That's an increase of one and four mpg, respectively, which helps push the six-cylinder to 25 mpg combined.

2013 Honda Accord hits 36 MPG highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com

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

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.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): http://www.hondanews.com/channels/honda-automobiles-accord
For consumers: http://automobiles.honda.com/accord/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HondaAccord
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda/
On Google+

¹ Based on 2013 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

² Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.

³ Based on frontal crash- and side crash-safety ratings and Overall Vehicle Score in the NHTSA NCAP testing. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). Model tested with standard side airbags (SABs). Vehicles tested under the new program cannot be compared to MY10 and earlier vehicles.

⁴ Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.

® The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd  is under license.

® HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.

® iPod is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. All rights reserved. iPod not included.

® Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.

® Pandora, the Pandora logo and other Pandora marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pandora Media, Inc. or its subsidiaries worldwide.

Source: hondanews.com

Honda Automobiles: 2013 Honda Accord 30 Year Infographic

2013 Honda Accord 30 Year Infographic

Source: hondanews.com

Honda Automobiles: American Honda Reports August Sales: Total Sales Up 59.5 Percent; Acura Sets Monthly Light Truck Record on Record RDX Sales

American Honda today reported August 2012 U.S. sales of 131,321 units, an increase of 59.5 percent compared with August 2011 (an increase of 53.6 percent based on the daily selling rate*). The Honda Division posted August 2012 sales of 115,675 units, an increase of 57.9 percent compared with August 2011. Acura's U.S. August sales of 15,646 units increased 72.8 percent compared with August 2011.

Honda

• Honda division posts strong August sales of 131,321, best August sales in two years


• Accord posted its second best sales month of the year at 34,848 units, up 89 percent; Civic sales up 106 percent with 24,897 units sold


• CR-V continues sales success at 23,877 units, up more than 44 percent


• Odyssey sales up more than 61 percent from August 2011, with 12,750 units sold in August

"It's clear that demand for Honda products continues to be strong, and we're on track to post our best yearly sales results in four years," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "Honda is finishing the summer on a high note, and there's more to come as we build momentum toward the fall launch of the all-new 2013 Accord."

Acura

• RDX sets its 4th-consecutive record sales month with 2,926 units, up 156.9 percent compared to August 2011


• MDX remains the top-selling Acura vehicle with sales of 5,549 units, up 77.5 percent from August 2011


• The TL was Acura's best-selling sedan with sales of 3,201, up 33.2 percent

 

"Acura sales continue to show great upward momentum, led by our strong light truck lineup," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "The all-new 2013 Acura RDX is a hit with buyers thanks to its increased comfort, utility and power, along with class-leading fuel economy."

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 27 days for August 2012 and 26 days for August 2011. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 205 days for 2012 and 204 days for 2011. All other percentages in release are unadjusted; see table for adjusted DSR figures.

For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.automobiles.honda.com. For media inquiries please visit www.hondanews.com. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries please visit www.acuranews.com.

###

Source: hondanews.com

Honda Automobiles: HPD Baltimore ALMS Race Report

Circuit:       Oriole Park at Camden Yards (2.04 mile temporary street circuit), Baltimore, Md.
Weather:    Cloudy, warm, humid, 88 degrees F

Top 10 Overall Race Results:

Ps.	Class	Drivers	Team	Chassis/Engine	Laps/Notes
1.	1. LMP2	Christophe Bouchut/Scott Tucker	Level 5 Motorsports	HPD ARX-03b Honda	67 laps
2.	2. LMP2	Luis Diaz/Ricardo Gonzalez	Level 5 Motorsports	HPD ARX-03b Honda	-2.158 seconds
3.	1. LMPC	Ryan Dalziel/Alex Papow	CORE Autosport	Oreca FLM09 Chevrolet	-2.821 seconds
4.	1. GT	Wolf Henzler/Bryan Sellers	Team Falken Tire	Porsche 911 GT3	-4.995 seconds
5.	2. GT	Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner	Corvette Racing	Chevrolet Corvette C6	-7.203 seconds
6.	3. GT	Johannes van Overbeek/Scott Sharp	Extreme Speed	Ferrari F458 Italia	-7.698 seconds
7.	4. GT	Dirk Muller/Joey Hand	Rahall Letterman	BMW M3	-8.462 seconds
8.	5. GT	Jorg Bergmeister/Patrick Long	Flying Lizard Mtspts	Porsche 911 GT3	-9.047 seconds
9.	6. GT	Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia	Corvette Racing	Chevrolet Corvette C6	-9.311 seconds
10.	2. LMPC	Tomy Drissi/Bruno Junqueira	RSR Racing	Oreca FLM09 Chevrolet	-10.491 seconds

Other Honda-powered Results:

24.

3. LMP1

Klaus Graf/Lucas Luhr

Muscle Milk Pickett

HPD ARX-03a Honda

62 laps

                                   Level 5 Best in Baltimore

In a wild race run Saturday afternoon through the streets of downtown Baltimore, Level 5 Motorsports celebrated the best day in the team"s history of American Le Mans Series competition, finishing first and second overall and in LMP2 at the Baltimore Sports Car Challenge.   After two hours of racing around the 2.04-mile temporary street circuit, it was the HPD ARX-03b of Christophe Bouchut and Scott Tucker carrying a 2.158-second margin to the checkers ahead of teammates Luis Diaz and Ricardo Gonzalez.

Level 5 was quick to capitalize on various misfortunes that struck all three LMP1 contenders, including the pole-qualifying Muscle Milk Pickett Racing HPD ARX-03a of Klaus Graf and Lucas Luhr.  Starting driver Graf was pulling away from the field – and had built a lead of almost a full lap after 45 minutes of racing – when the gearbox actuator failed, resulting in a long pit stop for repairs. 

With a replacement actuator installed, the Muscle Milk team resumed the contest more than six laps down to the leaders.  But the team persevered to a third-place finish to protect its LMP1 championship lead with two races remaining in the 2012 American Le Mans Series.

Level 5 took command of the LMP2 contest when Conquest Racing"s David Heinemeier Hannson was penalized for contact with the LMP1 Lola of Dyson Racing.  Spins, suspension failure and a pit lane penalty further delayed both Dyson entries.

That turned the overall lead over to the #95 Level 5 HPD of Diaz, with teammate Bouchut in the #055 ARX-03b taking over at the front in the final half-hour.  It was the first overall American Le Mans Series triumph for both Bouchut and Tucker.  The pair also extended its championship lead over the Conquest duo or Heinemeier Hansson and Martin Plowman, who suffered race-ending suspension failure with less than 20 minutes remaining.

Baltimore marked the first 1-2 overall finish for LMP2 machines in the American Le Mans Series competition since 2008, when the Acura ARX-01bs of Andretti Green Racing, Patron Highcroft Racing and de Ferran Motorsports finished 1-2-3 at the Grand Prix of Detroit.

With just two races remaining in the 10-race 2012 season, HPD and its partner teams and drivers continue to lead their respective driver, team and manufacturer championships.  The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron resumes Sept. 15 with a four-hour run at Virginia International Raceway in Danville, Va.

Scott Tucker (#055 Level 5 Motorsports HPD ARX-03b) led a 1-2 overall finish for Level 5 Motorsports, also won the Michelin Green X Challenge for fast, clean and efficient performance:  "The guys from Conquest have a really strong effort.  David [Heinemeier Hansson] was able to pass me going into Turn 5.  We anticipated this, so we planned if it happened, [to] take no chances and just be really steady with the car.  This is great for the team, a great day.  Finishing first and second overall, and winning the Green X Challenge, with Christophe [Bouchut] qualifying on the pole:  we"ll be putting this in a bottle and saving it!"

Marc Sours (General Manager, Honda Performance Development) on Saturday"s race in Baltimore:  "Congratulations to Scott Tucker and the entire Level 5 Motorsports organization. It"s a great achievement for LMP2 cars to finish first and second overall, for the first time since 2008, when HPD scored a 1-2-3 result with our Acura LMP2 cars. It is also a giant step forward in Level 5"s quest for the championship this year.  Level 5 also won the Michelin Green X Challenge for the second time this year, and the fifth Green X award for an HPD team this year.  It"s unfortunate that Muscle Milk Pickett Racing encountered its problem with the gearbox actuator, but the team carried on in the best spirit of endurance racing, and it continues to lead the LMP1 standings.  The 2012 season is building to an exciting finish, and all of us at HPD are looking forward to the final two road-course events at Virginia International Raceway and the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta."

                                                                        ###

Source: hondanews.com

What brands have Saab owners defected to? Polk investigates

Filed under: Car Buying, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Honda, Saab, Volkswagen

When a brand goes belly-up, it's natural for analysts to wonder where that brand's consumers will turn. General Motors has mothballed more car brands the last decade than most other automakers' have in their entire portfolios, so "Where did [insert brand here] buyers go?" has been a common question asked of The General. According to reports, it didn't do so well at retaining Oldsmobile owners (who supposedly went to Hyundai), or Hummer and Saturn buyers, but did get some return love from Pontiac owners.

A consultant with Polk has turned the loyalty lens on Saab. The Polk Disposal Loyalty Methodology tracks owners selling vehicles within six months of buying a new one. In 2010 and 2011, Polk found that when Saab died, owners went right up the middle of the mainstream to Honda. It was close, though, with just 0.2 percent separating Honda from number two Volkswagen. Audi comes in third.

After that it's back to the masses with Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford trumping import luxury brands. And if you combine all of the General Motors brands that Saab owners have migrated to, GM more than doubles Honda with a 15.2-percent share, so all the love is not lost.

What brands have Saab owners defected to? Polk investigates originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Sep 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com

Honda Automobiles: 2013 Honda Odyssey Offers Unmatched Safety Ratings, Class-Leading Fuel Economy Ratings and High-Tech Convenience Features

The 2013 Honda Odyssey minivan continues to lead its class in fuel economy and safety ratings, while providing spacious accommodations for up to eight passengers and a refined and engaging driving experience. The Odyssey Touring is rated at a remarkable 28 mpg¹, the highest EPA highway fuel economy rating of any eight-passenger minivan. All Odyssey models are an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK, and the Odyssey has earned the best possible overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score,² an accomplishment that no other currently-tested minivan can claim. The 2013 Honda Odyssey goes on sale September 6, and pricing begins at $28,575³.

There are five models in the Odyssey range: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite. Each provides a unique combination of features, value, luxury and in-vehicle entertainment technology. Changes for 2013 include a rearview camera that"s now standard on all Odyssey trims, and the base Odyssey LX now shares a simplified center stack design with the Odyssey EX. The new center stack includes an 8-inch full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) along with a rearview camera, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio, USB input, and CD library function.

Powertrain

All Odyssey models are powered by an advanced 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which provides a balanced combination of performance, fuel efficiency and low emissions. Producing 248 horsepower (hp), it"s the most powerful engine ever for the Odyssey. With 250 lb-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm, the engine offers excellent responsiveness and acceleration, while delivering a class-leading V-6 EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy2 rating of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models (18/27/21 mpg on Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L models). A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L models. Odyssey Touring models feature a 6-speed automatic transmission for enhanced driving refinement.

Body

The Odyssey has a distinctive body design with a signature "lightning bolt" side character line that creates a dynamic appearance, and improves the outward view for third-row passengers through a larger rear window. Interior quietness was a design priority, and the Odyssey"s highly rigid body is constructed of 59-percent high-strength steel to help isolate road noise and to reduce body weight for agile handling and excellent fuel efficiency.

Chassis

For confident driving performance and a comfortable ride, the Odyssey features a long 118.1-inch wheelbase, with a fully independent suspension and standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with traction control. MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension combine to give the Odyssey a quiet, composed ride. Variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering assures light steering effort in low-speed maneuvering coupled with secure highway manners.

Interior

The Odyssey"s roomy interior offers a wide range of seating versatility to accommodate child seats, adult passengers and cargo. The passenger volume measures 172.5 cu-ft. (Odyssey LX and EX) and the cargo volume ranges between 38.4 cu-ft. of cargo volume (all seats up) to 148.5 cu-ft., depending on the seating configuration. With the second-row seats removed, a 4x8 sheet of plywood can fit inside the Odyssey's cargo bay. With the available front console removed, 10-foot-long 2x4 studs can fit inside the vehicle.

The Odyssey"s interior provides three rows of comfortable seating with generous legroom in each row. Up to five Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) positions for child seats (the Odyssey LX has four LATCH positions) allow parents great flexibility in locating car seats.

The driver's seat is 10-way power adjustable (8-way power adjustable on Odyssey LX) for maximum comfort. A "3-mode" second-row seat design provides the ability to attach up to three child seats across the second row (Odyssey EX and above) by relocating the outboard seats to alternate positions closer to the doors. The one-motion, 60/40 split third-row Magic Seat®, one of the Odyssey's most versatile features, is easy to operate with one hand.

The Odyssey offers an extensive range of standard comfort and convenience features, including air conditioning with manual front and rear controls, power driver's seat, power windows with auto-up/down on the driver's and front-passenger's windows, tilt and telescopic steering column, and a maintenance minder system. Odyssey EX models and above come standard with power sliding rear doors, center console storage and a conversation mirror. Odyssey EX-L models include leather-trimmed seating surfaces (front and outboard second row), heated front seats, power tailgate, a cool box, and XM Radio® capability. Standard equipment on the Odyssey Touring includes the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System⁴, a Rear Entertainment System with a 9-inch display, driver"s seat with two-position memory, 115-volt power outlet, fog lights, parking sensors, and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Odyssey Touring Elite adds an Ultra-Wide Rear Entertainment System (RES), blind-spot information system, and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights.

For 2013, the Odyssey offers more technology than ever before, with a rearview camera, 8-inch, full-color i-MID display and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® as standard on the entry-level LX model. A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System² with Voice Recognition is available on the Odyssey EX-L and standard on the Odyssey Touring, and it features an 8-inch, high-resolution VGA color display and GPS technology to provide turn-by-turn guidance. The system also includes subscription-free FM Traffic data and a Zagat® restaurant guide.

The Odyssey Touring Elite features a state-of-the-art, factory-integrated Rear Entertainment System that includes an ultra-wide 16.2-inch flip-down LCD screen and a 12-speaker, 650-watt sound system capable of reproducing Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. A High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input and two wireless headphones for rear passengers are also provided. The Odyssey Touring Elite also includes the Blind Spot Information system (BSI), which helps alert the driver when other vehicles are detected in set zones to the left and right of the Odyssey.

Safety

Safety is a key Odyssey attribute, and an extensive list of safety equipment helps give owners peace of mind. The Odyssey"s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is a Honda-exclusive body design that can enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional standard safety equipment includes: Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®); anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags.

Third-party analysis highlights the Odyssey"s safety credentials. The Odyssey was named a TOP SAFETY PICK (the highest rating possible) by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The rating recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side and rear crashes. The rating also factors in standard electronic stability control as well as rollover performance based on ratings in IIHS tests. The Odyssey earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the rigorous roof-strength test. The Odyssey was also one of the first vehicles, and still the only minivan to achieve NHTSA's best-possible Overall Vehicle Score of 5 Stars, with 5-Star ratings for the frontal crash safety test and both side crash safety tests2 in all evaluated front and rear seating positions and scenarios.

Manufacturing and Awards

Designed, engineered and assembled in the United States⁵, the 2013 Odyssey is truly an American-made vehicle that represents the expanding capabilities of Honda in North America. Virtually every aspect of the Odyssey was developed, tested and finalized by Honda associates throughout California, Ohio and Alabama. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Awards and accolades for the Odyssey include the 2012 "MotorWeek" Drivers' Choice Award for Best Minivan and selection as one of 2012"s 10 Best Family Cars by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. Parenting magazine also recognized the Honda Odyssey Touring Elite as one of 2012"s "Smartest Family Cars." The Odyssey is well known for its exceptional value, and both the 2011 and 2012 models were recognized with Residual Value Awards from Auto Lease Guide (ALG). The Odyssey also captured AutoPacific's 2012 Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA), which is based on over 75,000 surveys completed by owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States.

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¹ Based on 2013 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

² Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). Model tested with standard side airbags (SABs). Vehicles tested under the new program cannot be compared to MY10 and earlier vehicles.

³Manufacturer"s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) excluding tax, license, registration, $830 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

⁴ Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.

⁵ Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Third-party trademarks: The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license. Zagat Survey® is a registered trademark of Zagat Survey, LLC. MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award is a proprietary trademark of MotorWeek. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.

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Source: hondanews.com