Press Release
BODY
- Sharp-edged’, dynamic styling – Tourer’s design moves away from emphasis on load carrying practicality
- High tensile steel contributes to excellent body rigidity
- Underbody airflow management optimised
The new Accord adopts a more emotional, more sporty styling motif compared to the previous model. The new sharp-edged design gives it a distinctive, strong character with a solid, planted feel. The significantly wider, lower – and in the case of the saloon – longer proportions, distinctive nose and more flowing lines deliver a tauter, more athletic shape.
The frontal styling is dominated by the strong shield-like grille which now features three horizontal chrome bars and a chrome surround. Its lines sweep back into the front light cluster, while beneath it, the upper edge of the bumper runs back, arrow-like into the front wheelarches.
The deep front bumper features three openings in its lower edge, a long central one flanked by smaller elements which house the front fog lamps, where fitted.
Visually strong elements of the design are the pronounced wheelarches, their surrounds ‘squared’ off and muscular and emphasising the car’s wider track and greater sportiness. Scallops in the lower door panels and in the front and rear bumpers provide a strong contrast to the wheelarch surrounds. The beltline now runs through more sculptured door handles and terminates in a shorter rear deck and a rear taillight treatment, which is similar in concept and shape to the front light clusters.
The evolution from the previous generation Accord is even more pronounced in the case of the Tourer, where the emphasis on load carrying practicality has evolved into a more dynamic expression of its sportiness and advanced technology, while still retaining a strong degree of versatility and practicality. Its smarter, sleeker proportions are characterised by a gently sloping rear roof line and a steadily rising lower window edge, the tapering profile conveying the Tourer’s performance credentials. The curved tailgate glass and the sculpted lower panel, with a pronounced raised profile, add further distinction at the rear.
The standard roof rails are finished in silver provide a finishing touch.
Common platform
The Accord’s completely new platform is shared by the saloon and Tourer with approximately 75 per cent commonality between the two. They now have an identical 2705 mm wheelbase, representing an increase of 35 mm for the saloon, and a reduction of 15 mm for the Tourer. Both models are 1840 mm wide, up 80 mm, helping to create a roomier cabin front and rear. The greater width is also reflected in a 75 mm wider track which is now 1590 mm and a key element in the Accord’s more responsive handling.
An increased driving range is possible thanks to the improved fuel economy and a fuel tank capacity increased from 65 to 70 litres. The tank is now fabricated from plastic and is located under the rear seat enhancing safety and load space flexibility.
Higher rigidity
In the continuing quest for greater in cabin refinement and improved handling for a sportier driving experience, the new Accord’s body shell has been engineered to provide even greater body rigidity and reduced torsion. Highly efficient load absorbing pathways in both the front and rear frames effectively deal with suspension input, while specific items include an upper bar running between the two front suspension struts and additional strengthening in the fascia panel area and in the junction between the door pillars and roof structure. Rear suspension vertical rigidity is improved by 20 per cent, while front suspension horizontal rigidity is increased 35 per cent.
Particular attention has been paid to the rear structures of saloon and Tourer. Thus, on the saloon a key component is formed by the C pillars, the wheel housings and the floor cross member which form a complete structural ‘hoop’. A similar arrangement in the Tourer is created by the tailgate opening, the frame of the rear side windows and again the wheel housings. Torsional rigidity in the Tourer is up by 20 per cent as a result.
High tensile steel
Around 50 per cent of the Accord’s body, including the complete passenger cell frame and front and rear side members, is manufactured from high tensile steel, providing greater strength without a weight penalty. Ultra high tensile steel makes up 42 per cent of the total.
An excellent aerodynamic drag coefficient pays dividends in the form of lower wind noise, improved fuel economy and enhanced stability and Honda’s engineers have paid particular attention to underbody air flow management to reduce drag and lift in the new Accord. Key elements include a chin spoiler, front and rear strakes ahead of the wheelarches, an engine undercover, and middle and rear undercovers. Other significant features are a front spoiler that reduces front lift, the rear boot spoiler and a particularly aerodynamic cabin area.
