Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Honda overhauls North American operations with eye towards more autonomy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/honda-overhauls-north-american-operations-with-eye-towards-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/honda-overhauls-north-american-operations-with-eye-towards-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/honda-overhauls-north-american-operations-with-eye-towards-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The increasing sales success of Honda North America (HNA) has led to Honda brass in Japan reorganizing regional operations here. The management shuffling here and in Japan is intended to both streamline and confer more responsibility on HNA "as the region assumes a larger role in shaping Honda's global business," and as Honda builds more facilities that serve several roles in the product development pipeline.

Honda's executive vice president and president of HNA Tetsuo Iwamura was named COO of automotive operations, taking over a position that had been handled by company president Takanobu Ito. Iwamura's new role puts him in charge of anything Honda makes that has four wheels, which Automotive News says equates to 78 percent of the company's global revenue.

The current company CFO, Fumihiko Ike, will fill the now-vacant role of company chairman and Kohei Takeuchi will take his place. Takeuchi is presently the operating officer, general manager of the accounting division. The executive swaps take effect April 1, 2013.

Beyond that, a company called Honda North America Services (HNAS) will integrate IT systems, human resources and other responsibilities and streamline operations such as purchasing and manufacturing. It will pluck 50 employees from Honda's offices in Torrance, California, the new company being based in Honda's offices in Marysville, Ohio.

Honda wants to "deliver high quality products to the consumer more quickly and efficiently," and HNA is also expected to have more input into product development. Honda won't confirm it, but that could mean that the next Honda Accord is developed here. Read more in the press release below.

Continue reading Honda overhauls North American operations with eye towards more autonomy

Honda overhauls North American operations with eye towards more autonomy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordhnahnashondahonda north americahonda north america servicestakanobu itoTetsuo IwamuraMon, 25 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20474814/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/honda-overhauls-north-american-operations-with-eye-towards-more/20474814/article-detail.xml 20474814 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/honda-emblem_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/honda-emblem.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #320]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/autoblog-podcast-320/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/autoblog-podcast-320/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/autoblog-podcast-320/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Chicago Auto Show, Holden VF Commodore, Top Gear USA Interview, Driving To The Arctic Circleautoblog podcast logo

Episode #319 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Chris Paukert and Jeff Ross talk about the Chicago Auto Show, the new Holden VF Commodore and Paukert's trip to the Arctic Circle with The List. Dan and Zach took time to have a chat with Adam Ferrara and Rutledge Wood from Top Gear, as well, and that's included in this week's action-packed podcast. We wrap with a couple of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #320:



Topics:


In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Honda Accord Coupe V6 6MT
2013 Range Rover Sport
2013 Volvo S60 T6 AWD R-Design


Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Paukert, Jeff Ross


Runtime: 01:41:11

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #320

Autoblog Podcast #320 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda accord coupe2013 land rover range rover sport2013 volvo s60 t6 r-design2014 holden commodoreaccordadam ferraraautoblog podcast 320chicagochicago 2013chicago auto showcommodorefeaturedholdenhondaland roverpodcast 320range rover sportrutledge woods60s60 r-designtop geartop gear usavolvoTue, 12 Feb 2013 17:15:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #320Autoblog01:41:11 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20459048/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/12/autoblog-podcast-320/20459048/article-detail.xml 20459048 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Honda integrating Siri into select models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/honda-integrating-siri-into-select-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/honda-integrating-siri-into-select-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/honda-integrating-siri-into-select-models/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Honda Accord Coupe

Honda has partnered up with Apple to bring Siri to the Accord, Acura RDX and ILX. Owners who have an iPhone running iOS 6 will be able to ask the software to perform a number of tasks via voice command using the vehicle's on board microphone and speaker systems. What's more, the tech will put the iPhone into an "eyes free" mode, which turns the screen off to help reduce distraction while driving. Honda says it has reworked its Bluetooth and HandsFreeLink systems to accommodate the Siri functionality. While the tech will only be available on three of the company's models right now, we imagine it won't be long before it shows up elsewhere.

As you may recall, Chevrolet integrated Siri into its products with vehicles like the Spark and Sonic, but Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler have also toyed with the tech to varying degrees. The seamless voice command seems to be light years ahead of the tech manufacturers are currently playing with. Check out the full press release from Honda below for more information.

Continue reading Honda integrating Siri into select models

Honda integrating Siri into select models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordacuraacura rdxapplehondailxsiriWed, 30 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20443304/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/30/honda-integrating-siri-into-select-models/20443304/article-detail.xml 20443304 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/honda-accord-coupe-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/honda-accord-coupe-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda will build 2014 Accord Hybrid in Ohio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/honda-will-build-2014-accord-hybrid-in-ohio/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/honda-will-build-2014-accord-hybrid-in-ohio/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/honda-will-build-2014-accord-hybrid-in-ohio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Honda Accord PHEV

Honda has announced that it will invest $23 million in its Marysville, Ohio facility to support production of the upcoming 2014 Accord Hybrid sedan. According to the manufacturer, this means approximately 50 new jobs will be created, and the whole investment will result in a 95,000-square-foot expansion of the Marysville plant.

The Accord Hybrid joins the decidedly homely Accord PHEV (pictured) this fall, using a 2.0-liter i-VTEC Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine mated to a 124-kilowatt electric motor. Honda has yet to release official power or fuel economy figures for the non-plug-in hybrid version of the Accord.

Honda currently operates four manufacturing facilities in Ohio, with the combined capacity to build up to 700,000 cars and light trucks each year. The Japanese automaker also has a facility in Greensburg, Indiana, where the Civic Hybrid and Acura ILX Hybrid are built.

Scroll down for the official press release.

Continue reading Honda will build 2014 Accord Hybrid in Ohio

Honda will build 2014 Accord Hybrid in Ohio originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 honda accord phevaccordaccord phevhondamarysvilleThu, 10 Jan 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20425128/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/10/honda-will-build-2014-accord-hybrid-in-ohio/20425128/article-detail.xml 20425128 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01-2014-honda-accord-phev-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01-2014-honda-accord-phev-fd.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2013 Honda Accord V6 Coupe - red - front three-quarter view

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has revealed its annual list of Top Safety Picks, an award that highlights automobiles it says offer "superior crash protection." A new and still more significant award, the Top Safety Pick+ honor, is given to those vehicles that earn good ratings for occupant protection in four out of five areas of measure. And while some 117 vehicles were given the TSP seal of approval for 2013, just 13 passed muster for TSP+.

To be fair, IIHS only evaluated 29 vehicles with its new testing procedures for TSP+ (we'd expect that the number of qualified cars will rise substantially for 2014). Luxury and Near Luxury midsize cars were the first groups evaluated, followed by midsizers in the Moderately Priced Cars category - unsurprisingly, it's only midsize cars that you'll find among the class this year.

Only two luxury sedans made the list of 13 for 2013: the Acura TL and Volvo S60. The other 11 cars on the list included entries from domestic, Japanese and German car makers: Dodge Avenger, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord (sedan and coupe), Kia Optima (but not its close kin, the Hyundai Sonata, strangely), Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy and Outback, Suzuki Kizashi and the Volkswagen Passat all made the grade.

Scroll down below for the full IIHS press release, and some more information about the methodology behind the institute's new Top Safety Pick+ testing.

Continue reading IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013

IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002013 iihs top safety pickaccordaccord coupeacuraaltimaauto safetyavengerchryslerdodgefordfusionhondaiihsinsurance institute for highway safetykiakizashilegacynissaoptimaoutbackpassats60subarusuzukitltop safety picktop safety pick+volkswagenvolvoWed, 02 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20414992/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/20414992/article-detail.xml 20414992 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/iihs-top-safety-picks-2013-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/iihs-top-safety-picks-2013-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Honda Accord Coupe V6 6MT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/2013-honda-accord-coupe-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/2013-honda-accord-coupe-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/2013-honda-accord-coupe-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Honda Accord Coupe - front three-quarter view, red

One of the first cars I reviewed for Autoblog was - say it with me now - a 2010 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6 w/Navi 6MT, perhaps the rarest of all modern Accord models. I mean, think about it: Of all the different Accord variants on the road, how many are coupes? And how many of those have the larger V6 engine? And how many of those are fully loaded with leather, navigation and all the trimmings? And finally, how many of those have option sheets where the only box that isn't checked is the automatic transmission?

That has to be something like one percent of one percent, right?

So when Honda started rolling its all-new 2013 Accord into the test fleet, I was happy to hear that yet another Coupe EX-L V6 w/Navi 6MT model was available out of the Detroit pool. And while this really isn't the car that serves as the control for judging the entire Accord line, it's still one heck of a sweetheart.

It's the Journalist Special all over again.

Driving Notes
  • This thing is quick. Honda's revised Earth Dreams 3.5-liter V6 produces 278 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque in this application, and that's plenty in a car that weighs in at just 3,400 pounds. Honda does not release performance data, but instrumented buff-book testing has revealed 0-60 times as low as 5.6 seconds. For reference, that's three-tenths of a second quicker than the bonkers Ford Focus ST.
  • Straight-line acceleration isn't the only bit of behind-the-wheel joy here. The steering is nicely weighted with plenty of feedback, the chassis is well-tuned to handle the V6 grunt (though you can get the front wheels to spin on hard launches), and the whole package feels tossable and nimble. As Executive Editor Chris Paukert said to me, it's sort of like a lux'd-out latter-day Honda Prelude. Or to my mind, a more civilized, grown-up version of the current Civic Si.
  • Accord V6 sedans aren't available with the six-speed manual transmission found here in the coupe, and for those who do opt for it, they're in for a treat. Quick shifts are easy to knock off thanks to pleasantly short throws and well-placed pedals with a nicely weighted clutch.
  • I've really warmed to the Accord's new styling... mostly. The front fascia with its LED running lamps is an attractive, aggressive sight, and I like the profile stance with the handsome 18-inch alloy wheels of this test car, but I'm not too keen on those small faux air vents with reflector strips that are housed above the dual exhaust pipes. The chrome trim on the bottom of the rear bumper could certainly go away, too.
  • There's a lot to like inside the Accord, too. Everything in the cabin feels solid and well-built, and the overall design is fresh and modern. I don't quite get the whole dual-screen center console design, and I'm still not a big fan of Honda's new Lane Watch blind spot monitoring system. Yeah, it's cool, but it'd be even cooler if it showed the driver's side trouble spots. Even with the camera in place, I still find myself using the mirrors.
  • But here's the tough part: this whole package, as tested, is $33,140. It's a fantastic car, this Accord Coupe, and for the enthusiast who wants a sort of sporty, larger, surprisingly luxurious coupe, you could certainly do worse. That said, we imagine this build combination will account for maybe one percent of all Accord sales, and at the end of the day, it's a $33k Honda coupe. Fun and stylish, for sure, but a car that is seemingly destined to be more commonly spotted with manufacturer plates than hard tags.

2013 Honda Accord Coupe V6 6MT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda accord coupeaccordaccord coupefeaturedhondaquick spinquickspinFri, 21 Dec 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20408343/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/21/2013-honda-accord-coupe-quick-spin-review/20408343/article-detail.xml 20408343 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/001-2013-honda-accord-coupe-quick-spin628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/001-2013-honda-accord-coupe-quick-spin628opt.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS subjects midsizers to tough new impact test, finds fault with Toyota, VW [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/iihs-subjects-midsizers-to-tough-new-impact-test-finds-fault-wi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/iihs-subjects-midsizers-to-tough-new-impact-test-finds-fault-wi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/iihs-subjects-midsizers-to-tough-new-impact-test-finds-fault-wi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Toyota Camry undergoing IIHS small overlap crash test

Crash tests continue to get ever tougher, and the new "small overlap" test from the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety is giving engineers fits. The new procedure, launched in August, subjects just 25 percent of a vehicle's front end to an impact at 40 miles per hour, and it's proven to be a lot tougher to ace than the institute's old 40-percent overlap test, which is also still in use. The test is designed to simulate impact with a pole, tree or an offset other vehicle - all common crash scenarios.

In its initial round of tests, the IIHS found just three of 11 midsize luxury and near-premium cars up to the job of earning acceptable or good ratings. In this latest go around, the IIHS subjected 18 midsize family sedans to the test, with two earning good ratings, 11 earning acceptable scores, three netting marginal and two suffering poor marks. Of those tested, the Honda Accord and Suzuki Kizashi earned top marks.

Interestingly enough, the IIHS has gone out of its way to highlight the poor performances by the Toyota automobiles it tested. The Camry and Prius V were both called out for poor performances in the small overlap, deeming them "the worst performers of the midsize group." This, despite the fact that both models were new for 2012. Interestingly, both vehicles previously earned Top Safety Pick status, showing just how tough the new small overlap test really is.

IIHS also called out the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta for a poor performance, noting that its driver airbag module actually detached from the steering column during the crash test. The IIHS notes that the detachment occurred "relatively late in the crash and didn't affect the dummy's movement," but it still marked down the Volkswagen as a result.

For a complete list of the vehicles tested and their scores, see the official press release and a video of the test below.

Continue reading IIHS subjects midsizers to tough new impact test, finds fault with Toyota, VW [w/video]

IIHS subjects midsizers to tough new impact test, finds fault with Toyota, VW [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda accord2013 suzuki kizashi2013 toyota camry2013 toyota prius v2013 volkswagen jettaaccordcamrycrash testiihsjettakizashiprius vtop safety pickvideoThu, 20 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20408338/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/20/iihs-subjects-midsizers-to-tough-new-impact-test-finds-fault-wi/20408338/article-detail.xml 20408338 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-toyota-camry-iihs-small-offset-crash-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-toyota-camry-iihs-small-offset-crash-test.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> love affair with Honda back on track with 2013 Accord [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/consumer-reports-love-affair-with-honda-back-on-track-wit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/consumer-reports-love-affair-with-honda-back-on-track-wit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/consumer-reports-love-affair-with-honda-back-on-track-wit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Honda Accord Sport

Consumer Reports and Honda seem to have patched things up thanks to the 2013 Accord. The publication says the four-cylinder sedan now sits at the top of its class after testing, beating out the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, while the V6 Accord is giving the Camry and Camry Hybrid serious competition in CR ratings. The Accord managed to improve its position thanks to its fuel economy, smooth CVT and driving characteristics, though testers also said the Accord boasts "one of the best driving positions available in its class."

That's not to say there weren't a few sore spots. Consumer Reports found the sedan's optional Lane Watch system to be gimmicky given the tech doesn't cover the driver's side blind spot. While the full test results are currently available on the CR web site, the report will also show up in the February issue of the magazine. Expect to see it hit news stand on December 27. Until then, you can check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Consumer Reports love affair with Honda back on track with 2013 Accord [w/video]

Consumer Reports love affair with Honda back on track with 2013 Accord [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 accord2013 honda accordaccordconsumer reportshondaTue, 18 Dec 2012 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20406392/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/18/consumer-reports-love-affair-with-honda-back-on-track-wit/20406392/article-detail.xml 20406392 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-honda-accord-sport-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-honda-accord-sport-628.jpg <![CDATA[Brazilian woman destroys cheating husband's car in public]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It's a tale as old as time. Boy meet girl... boy cheats on girl... girl goes to town on boy's car with a hammer. Wait, what?

Okay, maybe not the most orthodox of love stories, but according to the poster of this video, it's exactly what happened in Sao Paulo, Brazil last week. The description claims that the fiery redhead was enraged by her husband's apparent infidelity, leading her to take out her frustrations on what looks like a '90s fifth-generation Honda Accord.

She wailed on the defenseless Honda with a hammer, hitting the hood, windshield and completely destroying the rear window as many looked on in a mix of curiosity and amusement. At no time did anyone intervene or try to calm the woman down, but she was, after all, wielding a hammer. When enough damage had been done, the scorned lover picked up her bag and strutted off to the sound of applause and whistling. Check out the (admittedly shaky and grainy) video of the destruction, and let it serve as a warning to all cheaters out there - hell still hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Continue reading Brazilian woman destroys cheating husband's car in public

Brazilian woman destroys cheating husband's car in public originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordbrazilhondahonda accordsao paloyoutubeFri, 14 Dec 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402401/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/20402401/article-detail.xml 20402401 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/aftermath-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/aftermath-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year finalists announced [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/2013-north-american-car-and-truck-utility-of-the-year-finalists/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/2013-north-american-car-and-truck-utility-of-the-year-finalists/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/2013-north-american-car-and-truck-utility-of-the-year-finalists/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

North American Car of the Year crystal award

2012 is almost in the books and automakers are spending December gearing up for the 2013 auto show season, which tips off next month at the Detroit Auto Show. Traditionally, the latter opens up with the announcement of the North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year awards, and this year figures to be no different.

But up until this moment, we didn't know which six vehicles would be parked ahead of the stage as finalists, with executives and engineers waiting for the winners to be disclosed. Whittled down from October's "short list" of nominees (11 cars and 10 truck/utility vehicles), the finalists are as follows:

2013 North American Car of the Year:
2013 North American Truck/Utility of the Year:
As determined by a non-profit, independent jury of 50 US and Canadian journalists(*), the pair of lists above arguably feature a surprise or two, and they open up some potentially interesting story lines. Will the Ford and Honda, which compete against each other in the marketplace, split votes among jurors who only want to vote for one family sedan? Did the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ twins miss making the finalists' list because they were listed as separate entries, or did they just not win over enough jurors? Until the voting patterns of the jurors are released (after the awards are announced), we won't really know if any of these scenarios played into the calculations.

What do you think of these six vehicles? Which would you vote for? Which do you think will win? Participate in our polls below by guessing which vehicles will win, then state your case for who should win in Comments.

*Full disclosure: Author is a NACTOY jury member.

View Poll


View Poll

Continue reading 2013 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year finalists announced [w/poll]

2013 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year finalists announced [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15002013 cadillac ats2013 ford c-max2013 ford fusion2013 honda accord2013 mazda cx-52013 ram 1500accordatsc-maxcadillaccx-5fordfusionhondamazdanactoynorth american car of the yearNorth American truck of the yearnorth american truck utility of the yearramWed, 12 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20400146/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/12/2013-north-american-car-and-truck-utility-of-the-year-finalists/20400146/article-detail.xml 20400146 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/nactoy-award-crystal_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/nactoy-award-crystal.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #312]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/autoblog-podcast-312/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/autoblog-podcast-312/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/autoblog-podcast-312/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

More Honda Fit models, mandatory black boxes, too many GM pickups, Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel autoblog podcast logo

Episode #312 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and George Kennedy talk about reports of a soon-to-be-expanding Honda Fit line, the possibility of a mandated and standardized black box for every car, GM's glut of pickups, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel that's coming soon. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #312:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Honda Accord Touring
2013 Nissan Sentra SR
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, George Kennedy


Runtime: 01:31:41

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #312

Autoblog Podcast #312 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda accord2013 hyundai veloster turbo2013 nissan sentraaccordautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 312black boxchevroletfeaturedfitgmgmcgrand cherokeehondahyundaijeepnhtsanissanpodcastpodcast 312sentrasierrasilveradovelosterveloster turboTue, 11 Dec 2012 17:31:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #312Autoblog01:31:41 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20399996/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/11/autoblog-podcast-312/20399996/article-detail.xml 20399996 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Honda to export more American-built vehicles than it imports from Japan by 2014]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/honda-to-export-more-american-built-vehicles-than-it-imports-fro/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/honda-to-export-more-american-built-vehicles-than-it-imports-fro/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/honda-to-export-more-american-built-vehicles-than-it-imports-fro/#commentsFiled under: ,

Honda workers celebrate millionth car exported from US

A silver Honda Accord sedan is rarely a vehicle worth getting too excited over, but we're sure the folks at Honda's Marysville, Ohio assembly plant would beg to differ. This week, a silver 2013 Accord EX-L sedan earmarked for South Korea rolled off the line, making it the one-millionth vehicle Honda has exported from the US over the last 25 years. More importantly, Honda also announced that by 2014, it plans to export more cars from the US than it imports from Japan.

Starting with the very first Honda exported to Taiwan from Ohio in 1987, the automaker has exported more than $22-billion worth of vehicles and vehicle parts, with 1994 standing as a record year in which 105,511 vehicles were shipped out. This year, Honda and Acura have 11 models that are exported out of the US accounting for almost 100,000 units shipped to more than 40 countries. With a goal of increasing production capacity from 1.63 million units up to 1.92 million units by 2014, Honda expects to "far surpass" its 1994 export record.

For more, check out Honda's official press release by scrolling below.

Continue reading Honda to export more American-built vehicles than it imports from Japan by 2014

Honda to export more American-built vehicles than it imports from Japan by 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordexportexportinghondahonda exporthonda north american productionmarysville ohioFri, 07 Dec 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20396457/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/07/honda-to-export-more-american-built-vehicles-than-it-imports-fro/20396457/article-detail.xml 20396457 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/honda-one-millionth-export_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/honda-one-millionth-export.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Car and Driver</i> lists 10Best for 2013, same as it ever was]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/car-and-driver-lists-10best-for-2013-same-as-it-ever-was/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/car-and-driver-lists-10best-for-2013-same-as-it-ever-was/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/car-and-driver-lists-10best-for-2013-same-as-it-ever-was/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



Forgive us for having the distinct feeling of déjà vu, but it certainly feels like we've been here before. By that we are referring Car and Driver and the announcement of its annual 10Best vehicles for 2013. To be sure, it's an impressive selection of cars that combine heart-pounding performance and frugal sensibilities, but it also represents something of a broken record on the part of C/D. We're not so sure that's a flaw, though, as the resulting list is tough to argue with.

Vehicles like the Ford Mustang, Porsche Boxster, and BMW 3 Series have maintained their high-horsepower spots on this list for several years now. Even on the more practical and nimble end, the Honda Accord, Honda Fit and Mazda Miata have not budged. These continued spots are even in light of redesigns for some vehicles such as the Accord, Boxster and 3 Series.

In fact, the only newcomer to the 10Best list this year are the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ twins, which knocked out the Cadillac CTS-V. We think it would have been a huge misstep to have excluded the FR-S/BRZ, even in light of the supercharged Caddy's lamentable departure from 10Best.

Without further ado, here are 2012 Car and Driver 10Best winners:

After perusing our gallery of the winners, bounce on over to Car and Driver to check out the full 10Best roundup, along with a collection of videos on each car. Be sure to let us know in Comments what you think of this year's list!

Car and Driver lists 10Best for 2013, same as it ever was originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 best10best3 seriesa6a7accordaudibmwboxsterbrzcar and drivercar and driver 10 bestfitfocusfocus stfordfr-sgolfgtihondamazdamiatamustangmustang boss 302mx-5 miatas6s7vw golfWed, 05 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20394696/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/05/car-and-driver-lists-10best-for-2013-same-as-it-ever-was/20394696/article-detail.xml 20394696 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-honda-accord-ex-l-sedan-1354717181_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-honda-accord-ex-l-sedan-1354717181.jpeg <![CDATA[<i>Car and Driver</i> "Masters of the Middle" comparo sizes up Passat, Fusion, Altima and Accord]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/car-and-driver-masters-of-the-middle-comparo-sizes-up-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/car-and-driver-masters-of-the-middle-comparo-sizes-up-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/car-and-driver-masters-of-the-middle-comparo-sizes-up-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Car and Driver mid-size sedan comparison test - 2013

Last year, the Volkswagen Passat 2.5 SE won a Car and Driver comparison test of mid-size sedans, beating the Honda Accord V6 and Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. A couple of months later, the same Passat model won a mid-size comparo from Motor Trend against the Hyundai Sonata GLS and Toyota Camry LE. Earlier this year, the VW won an even larger C/D comparison test, beating the Chevrolet Malibu Eco, Accord EX-L, Sonata SE, Kia Optima EX and Camry SE.

That's a convincing string of victories, but they're all against the old hotness. So C/D put the Passat 2.5 SE against the freshest mid-sized competitors, the all-new-for-2013 versions of the Ford Fusion SE EcoBoost, Honda Accord EX and Nissan Altima 2.5 SV, and, well, you'll have to see if the German's enormous back seat and good chassis were enough to keep it on top. You can find out how they all ranked, and why, in the video below.

Continue reading Car and Driver "Masters of the Middle" comparo sizes up Passat, Fusion, Altima and Accord

Car and Driver "Masters of the Middle" comparo sizes up Passat, Fusion, Altima and Accord originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fusion2013 honda accord2013 nissan altima2013 volkswagen passataccordaltimacar and drivercomparisonfordfusionhondanissanpassatvideovolkswagenMon, 12 Nov 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20376709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/12/car-and-driver-masters-of-the-middle-comparo-sizes-up-p/20376709/article-detail.xml 20376709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/cdmid-sizecomparo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/cdmid-sizecomparo.jpg <![CDATA[Infographic: 30 years of American-built Honda Accord]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/infographic-30-years-of-american-built-honda-accord/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/infographic-30-years-of-american-built-honda-accord/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/infographic-30-years-of-american-built-honda-accord/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Are we allowed to say that this infographic celebrating the 2013 Honda Accord might be - so far - the most interesting thing about the car? Breaking down thirty years and eight generations of Accord production at Honda's Marysville, Ohio plant, it's a detailed chart of how the Accord went from a 75-horsepower sedan that got 28 mpg, took 12.9 seconds to reach 60 mph in 1982 and boasted a digital clock, to a 185-hp (the four-cylinder model) sedan that gets 35 mpg, takes seven seconds to get to 60 mph and boasts the kinds of features you'd also find in a Mercedes-Benz.

The factory numbers are just as interesting, the Marysville plant taking six years to build its first million cars, then taking just two years to add another one million during the third-generation Accord, repeating the feat again twice during the fifth and sixth generations. The latest sedan and coupe carry the hopes of those nine million others that came before it, each generation of which made Car and Driver's 10-Best list. Let the games begin - after you check out the infographic, which you can click on to enlarge.

Infographic: 30 years of American-built Honda Accord originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordhondainfographicmarysvilleohioThu, 01 Nov 2012 07:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20361837/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/infographic-30-years-of-american-built-honda-accord/20361837/article-detail.xml 20361837 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/accordinfograph_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/accordinfograph.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Honda Accord Coupe HFP hitting dealerships next spring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/2013-honda-accord-coupe-hfp-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/2013-honda-accord-coupe-hfp-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/2013-honda-accord-coupe-hfp-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Honda Accord Coupe HFP

The totally new 2013 Honda Accord has just now started trickling into dealerships across the country, but here at SEMA, we're already getting our first look at what the future has in store for Honda's midsize offering. Arriving in Honda showrooms next spring is this limited-edition HFP performance edition of the 2013 Accord Coupe, and although no power upgrades are on tap, there's some extra kit that will indeed make things more interesting out on the road.

Honda's HFP upgrades start with visual add-ons like 19-inch alloy wheels and a rear decklid spoiler, and further changes are found underneath that sheetmetal with the addition of a unique sport suspension that lowers the car by 15 millimeters and enhances overall handling. Of course, no sporty Accord would be complete without the necessary body enhancements to the front fascia, side sills and rear bumper, and don't worry, there will be plenty of HFP badges on both the exterior and interior.

Speaking of interior, the Accord HFP will have red illumination found throughout the cabin as well as - wait for it - specially branded floor mats.

A Honda spokesperson confirmed to Autoblog that the HFP package will be available with both the four- and six-cylinder engine. We've already had a chance to drive a two-door Accord with the V6 engine, and it's seriously good. The HFP add-ons should make this a truly sweet package.

Only 500 of the Accord Coupe HFP models will be produced, and the whole package will be offered as a $4,650 option package, not including the cost of installation. Scroll down for the full details in Honda's press release.

Continue reading 2013 Honda Accord Coupe HFP hitting dealerships next spring

2013 Honda Accord Coupe HFP hitting dealerships next spring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda accord2013 honda accord coupeaccordaccord coupehfphondalimited editionsemasema 2012Tue, 30 Oct 2012 19:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20365828/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/30/2013-honda-accord-coupe-hfp-sema-2012/20365828/article-detail.xml 20365828 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-honda-accord-hfp-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-honda-accord-hfp-sema.jpg <![CDATA[FL man injured after attempting to show skills to football recruiters by jumping moving car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/26/fl-man-injured-after-attempting-to-show-skills-to-football-recru/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/26/fl-man-injured-after-attempting-to-show-skills-to-football-recru/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/26/fl-man-injured-after-attempting-to-show-skills-to-football-recru/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Florida man attempts to jump speeding car to impress football recruiters - video screencap

There are the right ways to get noticed by football scouts and there are the wrong ways. Performing life-threatening car stunts to show your skills are definitely in the latter category, but Bladimir Barreto, 19, of Palm Bay, Florida, decided that videotaping himself jumping over a moving car was an appropriate way to display his vertical jump to college recruiters. Instead of landing a spot on a college football team, though, Barreto landed himself in the hospital with serious injuries.

Attempting to mimic stunts performed by a certain crazy Swede and Kobe Bryant, Barreto had one of his brothers drive toward him in a '80s Honda Accord while another brother recorded it all. Instead of clearing the sedan, it looks like Barreto mistimed his jump, resulting in him being hit by the car and thrown into the air. The YouTube video description says that he suffered broken legs and a serious head injury, but USA Today did not give specifics, only saying that he was conscious when life-flighted to a nearby hospital.

The report does say that the police charges are pending against the driver of the car for not having a valid driver's license and reckless driving.

Warning: While not overly graphic, the video below could be disturbing to some viewers. And, obviously, don't try this at home.

Continue reading FL man injured after attempting to show skills to football recruiters by jumping moving car

FL man injured after attempting to show skills to football recruiters by jumping moving car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordbladimir barretocar failcar jump failcar jumping stunthondajump failvideovideo failFri, 26 Oct 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20362128/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/26/fl-man-injured-after-attempting-to-show-skills-to-football-recru/20362128/article-detail.xml 20362128 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bladimir-barreto-car-jumpin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bladimir-barreto-car-jumpin.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/2014-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/2014-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/2014-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Accord Gets Friendly With A Volt-esque Powertrain

2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid

After 30 years, Honda is trying to teach the old Accord new tricks, and they're of the plug-in variety.

We've been teased by various prototypes at auto shows and in spy shots, but Honda will finally start selling the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid in January 2013. Part of the overhauled ninth-generation Accord lineup, which will also include four-cylinder and V6 models and a non-plug-in hybrid (completely different than the first-gen Accord Hybrid that was sold from MY 2005-2007) later in 2013, this PHEV is a slightly confounding creature. Everything works well, the car behaves exactly how you'd expect an Accord plug-in to work and the included LaneWatch display is incredibly well done, but there is more going on under the hood than will make sense to the average driver. It took a small cluster of green car journalists 15 minutes of back and forth with Yasuyuki Sando, the Accord PHEV's chief engineer, to finally figure out what the different drive options are for this car. But more about that in a bit.

The last few years have not given Americans a lot of confidence that Honda still knows how to make an engaging gas-electric vehicle. The CR-Z and Insight struggle for proficiency and don't inspire. Now, with the 2013 Accord, the challenge is clear: increase the efficiency level of Honda's incredibly popular mass-market sedan to meet today's regulatory and consumer demand, and don't make it boring. Based on an afternoon cruising the hills and highways of Southern California, it's clear Honda has met this challenge with a lot of newfangled technology hidden away in a largely normal-looking vehicle.

Continue reading 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid

2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 honda accord plug-in hybridaccordaccord phevaccord plug-in hybridfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivehondaplug-in hybridWed, 03 Oct 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20318922/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/03/2014-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-first-drive-review/20318922/article-detail.xml 20318922 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2014-honda-accord-phev-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2014-honda-accord-phev-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Honda recalling over 570,000 Accord sedans for power steering issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/honda-recalling-over-570-000-accord-sedans-for-power-steering-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/honda-recalling-over-570-000-accord-sedans-for-power-steering-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/honda-recalling-over-570-000-accord-sedans-for-power-steering-is/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2006 Honda Accord Sedan, front 3/4

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Honda is recalling over 625,762 Accord and Acura TL models. The Accord models in question were all built for the 2003 to 2007 model years and are all equipped with V6 engines, while the affected Acura TL sedans are from the 2007 and 2008 model years.

NHTSA report states that the power steering hoses in these vehicles may deteriorate prematurely, and can cause fluid to leak onto hot parts of the engine. If power steering fluid were to spill onto a hot catalytic converter, it could cause smoke and potentially a fire.

Earlier this year, we reported that 52,615 Acura TL models were being recalled for this same issue, but Honda has now added 573,147 Accords to the list of potentially faulty vehicles.

Honda will begin notifying these new affected customers near the end of October, though not all of these vehicles will be repaired immediately. According to NHTSA, "Sufficient parts are not yet available for owners of the vehicles covered by the September 2012 expansion, but are expected to be available in early 2013."

Scroll down for the official NHTSA statement.

Continue reading Honda recalling over 570,000 Accord sedans for power steering issue

Honda recalling over 570,000 Accord sedans for power steering issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordaccord recallacuraacura recallhondahonda recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallsafetytltl recallMon, 01 Oct 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20337784/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/01/honda-recalling-over-570-000-accord-sedans-for-power-steering-is/20337784/article-detail.xml 20337784 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/001-2006-honda-accord628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/001-2006-honda-accord628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Honda kicks off new Accord sales with configurator, new ad campaign [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/honda-kicks-off-new-accord-sales-with-configurator-new-ad-campa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/honda-kicks-off-new-accord-sales-with-configurator-new-ad-campa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/honda-kicks-off-new-accord-sales-with-configurator-new-ad-campa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Honda has pulled the curtain back on its fully featured 2013 Accord configurator, and let us tell you, this large grouping of zeros and ones is positively sprinkled with wonderfulness. (That may be overselling it a bit - there are a lot of options though.)

The bread-and-butter sedan offers up no fewer than eight trim levels for the 2013 model year, with the most basic LX starting off the range at a reasonable $22,470 (once the $790 destination charge has been tacked on) and the Touring at the top of the charts with a $34,220 MSRP (with destination).

The LX up through the middle-tier EX-L are only available with Honda's 2.4-liter, 185-horsepower four-cylinder, while the top three trim levels are fitted with a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine.

If you want Honda's very good six-speed manual with which to modulate your powertrain, you'll have to select from one of the three lower trims (LX, Sport and EX), and their attendant four-cylinder engines. The four-bangers can also be had with a CVT. All of the V6 cars are only available with a six-speed automatic trans.

Hey, speaking of transmissions, did you know that most Honda buyers who opt for 6MTs are colorblind? Actually, we're guessing at that last part, based on the fact that the manual-trans cars are available in far fewer shades of paint than their auto and CVT brethren. That's right, while your Accord Sport CVT can be had in eight rich shades of blue, red, and grayish-silverish tones, your buddy's Accord Sport 6MT can only be ordered in gray and black. Take that, enthusiast drivers!

There are, of course, any number of exterior and interior accessories that can be added by your smiling Honda dealer, too. We won't run through the full list, but we will say that the remote engine start system, with special key fob, seems like the best deal of the bunch at $400 before installation.

Just for fun, we've added a whole slew of 2013 Accord videos from the box-fresh advertising campaign below. Kick back and watch the car on the move, and then head over to the Honda site and build your dream Accord. It's a great day for midsized sedan geeks.

Continue reading Honda kicks off new Accord sales with configurator, new ad campaign [w/videos]

Honda kicks off new Accord sales with configurator, new ad campaign [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda accord2013 honda accord sedanaccordconfiguratorhondahonda accord configuratorvideoWed, 19 Sep 2012 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20327897/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/19/honda-kicks-off-new-accord-sales-with-configurator-new-ad-campa/20327897/article-detail.xml 20327897 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-honda-accord-configurator-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-honda-accord-configurator-628.jpg -1 2