Honda Dreams Coming True

2012 Accord Coupe Concept

 Honda is getting ready to unveil its line of “Earth Dream” engines.  The engines are slated to be incorporated throughout their lineup, but will be making its debut in the Accord this fall.  According to an Automotive News report, the engines (with direct-injected, & variable valve timing) are reputed to increase fuel economy by 10 percent over their current engine lineup, while producing 10 percent more power.  All without changing displacement.

The report also mentions the possibility of a 1.6-liter diesel with 200 pound feet of torque to be released in the United States and possibly a full hybrid set-up for large cars with a lithium battery pack.  The rumors have already started as to whether Honda will resurrect the short-lived Accord Hybrid.  We can only hope that diesels will make their way into the trucks as well.  

Looks like Honda will also be moving towards Continuous Variable Transmissions (CVTs) in a greater way.  It is not clear which vehicles will receive a CVT, but the four & six cylinder, front wheel drive vehicles seem like the likeliest recipients.

As far as future product plans for Honda, a new Accord will be in showrooms this fall.  It will be sporting a leaner look, with shorter overhangs.  The Crosstour will also be sporting some new sheet metal with a mild update for 2013 model year. A redesigned Honda Fit slated for the summer of 2014.  The vehicle will include a 1.5 liter four-cylinder coupled with a CVT, or  manual transmission.  A Hybrid Fit will be available in Europe, but will not come to North America.  Honda is also mulling the idea of a compact crossover that is just below the CR-V, but that isn’t expected until Spring of 2015. For Ridgeline fans, the truck will receive a major redesign for 2014, but expect a fairly different package to emerge, as the styling fuel economy & price will be heavily modified.

Another vehicle in the pipe is the Pilot eight passenger sport utility vehicle will get the new 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V6 during its redesign for 2014.  Expected horsepower is 310 with 265 pound-feet of torque.  A CVT is also expected to part of that redesign, but only on front-wheel drive models of the vehicle.  The Civic will also get a quick makeover for 2013.  There is also the possibility of a sports coupe in order to compete with the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S.  But due to the current size of that  market, the project is not a high priority.