What we know: The Euro Accord is bigger and lower. So is the TSX. Accords will be offered with either diesel i-DTEC engines or conventional 2.0L and 2.4L four-cylinder powerplants, each paired with a standard six-speed gearbox. U.S.-bound TSXs will be offered with the a slightly revised 2.4 liter pumping out roughly 5 lb-ft more torque than the one we know, officially stamping out any and all turbo RDX powertrain or i-DTEC diesel rumors. No matter, whether it's the TSX or not, i-DTEC is coming. At least that's what Honda Motor Company president and CEO, Takeo Fukui, had to say about it at the North American International Auto Show. It's coming in 2009 whether you like it or not.
F1 Launch: Chassis RA108
Honda Racing's F1 Team has a new car. The all-new RA108, launched in Brackley, U.K., and shook down in Valencia, features a relatively unchanged engine program save for some different exhaust geometry, a new transmission and a slightly different airbox needed to accommodate the new aerodynamics and, per FIA regulations, the RA108's fuel mix will consist of 5.75 percent biofuel. Other significant changes include the electronics. Implementing the FIA standard electronic control unit means a bit of work's going to be needed to integrate all of this with the RA108's engine, gearbox and chassis.
Modulo Specials
Honda Access Corporation, Honda's genuine aftermarket parts and accessories subdivision, unveiled two special concept vehicles at this year's Tokyo Auto Salon. Honda's theme: "Realizing dreams together." The results: the Sports Modulo Type R, which is basically a four-door CTR only better, and the Touring Modulo Inspire. Modulo-badged Hondas benefit from functional aero modifications as well as top-of-the-line factory Honda navigation and audio gear.