2003 honda accord info

[wylin]

temple of vtec

The all-new 2003 Accord is set to go on sale in September. Here is a brief overview of what's new.

All 4-cylinder models get the 2.4L i-VTEC motor (K24) which debuted in the 2002 CR-V. It is rated at 160hp @ 5500 rpm and 161 lb-ft @ 4500. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard in all 4-cylinder models, with an all-new 5-speed automatic available.

The 3.0L V6 has been extensively reworked for a 20% increase in horsepower and a 7% increase in torque (240hp@6250 rpm, 212 lb-ft@5000 rpm). For sedan models, the motor is only available with an automatic transmission. In early 2003, a 6-speed manual transmission will finally be offered with the V6, but only in the Coupe model. Some items of note include an all new Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system, a new high-inertia intake manifold design, high-flow/low-restriction exhaust system, 3-rocker VTEC system with roller followers, and a new cylinder head design which integrates part of the exhaust manifold. Even with all this technology and added performance, the new motor achieves better fuel efficiency numbers than before, and it only requires regular unleaded fuel.



ABS brakes are now standard on all models

Side airbags are available on LX 4-cylinder models, and standard on EX and V6 models

Side curtain airbag system available on the EX V6 Sedan

Full 4-wheel double wishbone suspension

Available next-generation Voice Activated Satellite Navigation System

New second-generation Traction Control System (TCS) integrated with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) for V6 models

Dual zone climate control in EX models

Body is 27% stiffer in torsional rigidity

Chassis is tuned for "a sportier, more European feel"

Wheels/Tires are 195/65R15 on 4-cylinder DX and LX models

EX models get 16" Alloy wheels wearing 205/60R16, LX V6 gets the same size tires, but steel wheels with plastic cover

DX and LX 4-cylinder models get 11.1" disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear

EX and all V6 models get 11.1"/10.2" rotors





<!--EDIT|wylin|Aug 19 2002, 10:08 PM-->

[wylin]

[mrazntre]

LED gauge cluster... nice.

[wylin]

car reminds me of 2002+ corolla doesnt it? its kinda like weird lookin

[Arex]

The new Accord has got to be the ugliest yet...at least for now. They tend to grow on me over time, but I'm very skeptical about this latest generation. It seems as though they've lately been trying to emulate the Camry (in that 3/4 rear view, check out the c-pillar and tail...imagine if the clear lights beneath the red was body colored).=P The Euro Accord looks much nicer. I think we get that as an Acura though. I do like the new interior. Very handsome.

Alex

[wylin]

nah the american TL and CL are unique to america and made in Ohio along side the USDM accord. The euro model is upmarket like the TL but in a 5 door sedan or a 4 door sedan thats a lil smaller then the US model (fat ppl in america). The japanese model is even smaller and is more akin to the 94-97 accord in size.

note TL exists in japan as the Inspire/ Vigor - but is made in america, CL is discontinued after 2003. New TL will be out in 2004.

dude i wish we got euro accords ACCORD TYPE R h22 powered LSD equiped accord is bad ass!



<!--EDIT|wylin|Aug 20 2002, 09:08 PM-->

[Arex]

Actually, from what I've read on www.vtec.net, the Euro-spec Accord will be the basis for the TSX. According to them, the TSX fits in below the TL in America as a replacement for the departed 4-door Integra.

Alex

[wylin]

yah, i dont really log on that site too much but making sumthing based on the euro accord to replace the 4 door integra is pretty dumb. Its directly competes w/ existing accord sales and the reason the RSX was made 2 door only was to save $ and because 4 door integra sales were flat (rsx and integra are civic derivatives)

U'd think honda would want to compete instead w/ its rivals. nissan and toyota in the Compact Front Engine Rearwheel drive entry level luxury sedan market aka. the BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class competition. Honda is sorely lacking a "sports sedan" the large TL is sporty but no more a sport sedan than the FWD ES330 (larger motor for 03') maxima and I35.

They need an FR sedan thats about the size of the current accord, w/ a derivative of the s2000's 240hp/153lb torque 2.0 motor. This would help honda's sales of sporty cars in japan and also help create a sport sedan to compete w/ the IS300 and G35 sedans. and if its good enuff w/ the Audi, BMW, mercedes sedans.

**note** Audi A4 is either a FWD or AWD vehicle but is typically grouped w/ the other 2 german sedans because of size and price (30-40k range)

TSX orginal article
http://waw.wardsauto.com/ar/auto_product/index.htm



<!--EDIT|wylin|Aug 21 2002, 04:02 PM-->

[deez nuts]

Good specs, but it looks kinda like a Corolla in those pics =/

[johnny]

good engine specs but the car is just too damn ugly... I would rather get an IS300.