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Lancia Thema, 2012 19 Jul 2013 4:22 AM (11 years ago)

•  Lancia Thema, 2012

Safety times 70
The Lancia Thema offers 70 advanced preventive, active and passive safety features. The main devices and systems on board the Lancia flagship are described below.

Active safety
A constant, predictable handling of the car that compensates for any mistakes by the driver, allowing critical situations to be tackled effortlessly, is a fundamental requirement for achieving high active safety. In this field the Lancia Thema comes with not only an excellent braking system, but also the most sophisticated electronic dynamic control devices available today.

Antilock Braking System (ABS): detects and prevents the wheels from locking by acting independently on all four wheels, improving steering control in extreme braking conditions and/or on slippery surfaces (standard);

Antilock braking system with bumpy road detection: this system is able to detect if the vehicle is travelling on rough roads based on the oscillations of the speed signals of the wheels. When a rough road or slippery stretch is detected, the ABS activates a slightly different pressure control that maintains brake pressure in the event of prolonged pressure (standard);

Traction control at all speeds: it is part of the ABS system as standard and aids preventing the drive wheels from slipping during acceleration from standstill or at all speeds by using the brakes on the single wheels or in combination with the engine torque limiting device (standard);

Speed and safety distance control (ACC): the system reduces the Lancia Thema's set cruise speed when it approaches another vehicle in the same lane or when another vehicle enters the same lane. The system returns to the set speed when the vehicle in front accelerates or moves to another lane. The ACC maintains the distance set by the driver between the two vehicles, thus allowing the Cruise Control to be used also in light traffic, without having to continuously modify the settings;

Braking Traction Control System (BTCS): it reduces the risk of the drive wheels slipping during acceleration from standstill or at a low speed by using the brakes on the single wheels in the event of slipping (standard);

Braking assistance: the system applies maximum braking power in emergency braking situations, thus ensuring the minimum stopping distance (standard);

Braking redefinition: the brake signal sends the engine controller a signal that reduces engine power when there are contrasting impulses between the accelerator and brake, allowing the driver to stop the Thema (standard);

Electronic Stability Control (ESC): it increases the driver's control of the vehicle to allow him to maintain a stable direction in all driving conditions. It is useful in critical situations, when cornering and when driving on mixed surfaces in the presence of snow, ice or gravel for example. If a difference between the driver's action on the steering wheel and the vehicle path is detected, the ESC applies selective braking and then restores the accelerator's action, returning the vehicle to the speed the driver wants (standard);

Hill-start Assist (HSA): it prevents the Thema from moving back by maintaining the braking pressure applied by the driver for a brief period after he removes his foot from the brake pedal, in this way helping the driver when starting off uphill from a standstill (standard).

Preventive safety
From climate control inside the passenger compartment and external lighting to the infotainment connection and parking assistance: the Lancia Thema steps in to always ensure utmost peace of mind and prevention, whatever the situation may be.

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): it uses ultra broadband radar sensors that assist the driver during lane changes and when the Thema is overtaken or overtakes vehicles concealed from view. The system notifies the driver of the presence of a vehicle in the blind spots with illuminated icons on the side mirrors and by activating an acoustic signal selected by the driver;

Forward Collision Warning (FCW): the radar sensors located in the front direction are used by the device to check if the vehicle is approaching the vehicle travelling in front of it too quickly and, if necessary, to send a signal to the driver so he can take steps to avoid an accident;

Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL): this system externally adjusts the headlight beam up to 15 degrees to the right or to the left, depending on the direction of rotation of the vehicle (standard);

Automatic Demisting: this allows the automatic temperature control system (ATC) of the Lancia Thema to measure the humidity level inside the vehicle and automatically demist the windscreen without any intervention by the driver (standard);

Automatic headlights: system able to detect decreased lighting conditions (also while going through tunnels) that automatically activates the headlights without any intervention by the driver (standard);

Automatic windscreen wipers: convenient device that automatically detects the presence of humidity on the Thema's windscreen and activates the windscreen wipers (standard on Platinum and Executive);

Daytime Running Lights (DRL): LED daylights that comply with current legal regulations (standard);

LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL): greater forward lighting to make the vehicle more visible with harmonious and effective lighting (standard);

LED taillights: equipped with double lighting harmoniously and effectively integrated in the rear light cluster by way of the single lighting LEDs (standard);

High-intensity discharge headlights (HID): they supply lighting three times greater than the quantity of light produced by traditional headlamps, considerably improving night lighting (standard);

SmartBeam headlights®: the headlight system adapts to the light of the surrounding environment and to the arriving traffic in order to supply maximum lighting (standard for Platinum and Executive);

Ready Alert Braking: device able to predict if the driver is starting emergency braking, and it uses the ESC pump to move the brake pads closer to the rotors and reduce the time required for applying the brakes (standard);

Rain Brake Support: this system uses the pump of the electronic stability control system (ESC) to slightly push the brake pads toward the rotors of the brakes when it rains to keep them dry, thus ensuring excellent braking performance on wet surfaces (standard);

Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP): the device informs the driver when it detects arriving traffic during reversing to leave a parking space. It is enabled when the reverse gear is engaged. The system notifies the driver of the presence of vehicles coming from behind with illuminated icons on the side mirrors and by activating an acoustic signal selected by the driver;

ParkSense® rear parking assistance system: this system helps detect still objects during reverse parking at low speed. It emits acoustic signals for the driver and is equipped with a screen inserted in the instrument panel in the onboard computer (EVIC), standard;

ParkView® rear reverse camera: it offers a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle on the screen of the navigation system, thus allowing the driver to reverse with greater peace of mind. A grid to use as reference for parking manoeuvres in limited spaces and narrow zones is displayed on the screen. The image is displayed on the Uconnect Touch screen when reverse is engaged (standard);

Keyless Enter-N-Go: several electronic sensors detect the presence of the remote control included in the key when getting into the Lancia Thema. At this point, you can press the starting button without having to insert the ignition key (the driver must press the brake pedal when starting the vehicle); standard;

Electrically adjustable and telescopic steering column with memorising function: it allows the steering column to be tilted and its height to be adjusted to the driver in order to optimize the driver's comfort (standard for Platinum and Executive);

Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM): the driver is informed that the tyre pressure is too low. The pressure sensor modules inside the valve stem of the four wheels send radio frequency signals to a receiver and the system. The information on the pressure of the single tyres can be displayed on the on-board computer (EVIC) (standard);

BeltAlert: it activates an acoustic signal and/or displays an icon on the instrument panel to remind the driver and passenger to fasten their seat belts when the front seat occupants of the Thema travel without having fastened their seat belts (standard);

Auto-reverse sunroof: advanced detection system that in the event of any obstacles is automatically activated to reverse sunroof movement to the opening position;

Electric windows with quick control: electric front windows with quick opening and closing control by pressure located on the front doors, both driver's side and passenger side (standard);

Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS): device that continuously measures the flow of current going into and leaving the battery. If the battery is running down, the system intelligently disables the less critical electric systems to prevent the customer from remaining on foot because the battery is discharged or flat. An icon appears on the instrument panel when the IBS executes an automatic charge lightening (standard);

Garmin® navigation system: maps easy to consult with voice instructions, more than six million points of interest and lane instructions;

Uconnect® Touch: it offers exceptional infotainment functions and advanced on-board technologies to keep passengers connected, safe and completely comfortable (standard);

Uconnect Voice Command: on-board communication system with voice activation that allows the driver to use a Bluetooth compatible mobile phone while keeping his hands on the steering and without taking his eyes off the road. The phonebook is automatically downloaded and up to 1,000 items are synchronised the first time the Bluetooth mobile phone is connected. Afterwards, they can be selected by simply saying the corresponding name. It also allows the driver to select one of the available radio modes and to tune AM/FM stations using natural voice commands. The hands-free option preserves safety, freedom of movement and flexibility (standard);

PowerNet: new electric architecture of the Lancia Thema for connectivity between the different advanced technologies and options for on-board personalisation (standard);

Active direction indicators: the direction indicator flashes three times when the lever is activated for one second to indicate a lane change (standard);

External self-darkening rear view mirror (driver's side): detects and reduces any dazzling created by the headlights of vehicles behind without any intervention by the driver (standard);

Internal self-darkening rear view mirror: detects and reduces any dazzling created by the headlights of vehicles behind without any intervention by the driver (standard);

Mirrors with additional direction indicators: positioned in the external rear view mirrors, the direction indicators more clearly inform other vehicles that the driver is about to turn or change lanes (standard);

Self-lowering of the side mirrors (in reverse): system that automatically lowers the side mirrors to give the driver better visibility of the ground, kerbs or other obstacles when reverse gear is engaged (standard for Platinum and Executive);

Electric sunshade: automatic sun shield to reduce the heat inside the passenger compartment and increase passenger privacy. This sunshade automatically lowers in reverse to provide maximum rear visibility (standard for Platinum and Executive);

Fuel flap with electronic closing (without cap): makes refuelling operations easier and eliminates any contact with fuel spilling. It also protects against any attempted theft of fuel from the tank and vandalism against the fuel supply system thanks to the electronic closing and internal release using the button (standard);

Emergency internal boot release: phosphorescent release handle that can be activated if an adult or child inadvertently remains trapped in the boot (standard);

Anti-theft system: discourages vandalism and attempted theft, often bringing the insurance premium down considerably. This system protects the vehicle from attempted theft or unauthorised access by monitoring the door locking switches and the ignition circuit;

Immobilizer Sentry Key®: it uses the remote control inserted in the key that incorporates a transponder with a pre-programmed safety code to switch off the engine after a few seconds, like a theft-deterrent device (standard).

Passive safety
To guarantee the maximum passive safety level, all possible types of accident were examined on the Lancia Thema: front and side impacts, roll-over, pile-up and fire. The various speeds at which impacts may occur, the different types of obstacles and the protection of passengers with different physical characteristics were also taken into consideration. A whole of technical features that makes the Lancia Thema the most advanced state-of-the-art vehicle as far as passive safety systems are concerned resulted from the in-depth evaluation of all these parameters.

Advanced multistage airbags: they open with more or less force, depending on the seriousness of the impact. The new airbag design of the airbag for the Lancia Thema's driver includes restraint devices that shape the airbag to reduce the force of impact and chest injuries of the occupants. The passenger's airbag is designed to open at a varying speed according to the position of the occupants (standard);

Side window airbags: extensive protection of all the passengers sitting on the front and rear seats. Every side airbag is equipped with its own impact sensor for independent activation on the impact side. The side window airbag is housed in the roof lining, above the side windows (standard);

Knee airbags: housed underneath the instrument panel, the knee airbag opens when the airbag on the driver's side opens, and it was specifically designed to correctly position the occupant during a collision and offer greater protection of the legs (standard);

Pelvis and chest airbags installed on the seat: these increase the safety of driver and passenger on the driver's side in some types of impact. Every side airbag is equipped with its own impact sensor for independent activation on the impact side. The standard side airbags are fitted on the external side of each front seat (standard);

Reactive head restraints: they activate in the event of a rear impact. The headrests are designed to reduce personal injury by decreasing the distance between the headrest and the passenger's head (standard);

Headrest: a rear passenger headrest for all seat positions is also present (standard);

3-point seatbelts: all the external front seat positions and rear seat positions are equipped with seatbelts for pelvis and shoulders (standard);

Height-adjustable seatbelts: these allow the front passengers to raise or lower the upper seatbelt part. This system stimulates seatbelt use by ensuring greater comfort (standard);

Seatbelt pretensioners: the impact sensors activate the pretensioners of the front seats in the case of impact. These latter correctly tighten the seatbelts, in this way reducing the forward freedom of movement of the occupant's head and chest (standard);

Constant Force Restraint (CFR): this device checks the degree of force applied by the seatbelt on the occupant and then gradually releases the seat belt in controlled way (standard);

Occupant Retaining Controller (ORC): it detects an impact and determines if the impact is strong enough to require the airbag to open and if it is sufficient to activate only the first phase of inflation or if the second is also required. In addition, the controller detects the side impacts and determines whether or not to activate the window airbags fixed to the bars and the side airbags built into the seats (chest protection). The controller also manages the seatbelt pretensioners of the front seats (standard);

Active Pedestrian Protection: in the event of accidental impact, the system "lifts" the rear of the bonnet to protect the pedestrian (standard);

Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): it facilitates intervention of first response personnel after an accident by switching on the interior lights, making the emergency lights flash and unlocking the doors of the Thema after the airbags open. It also interrupts the flow of petrol going to the engine (standard);

Door protection bars: for protecting the passengers in the event of a side impact (standard);

Child seat anchoring system (ISOFIX): the system is designed to simplify the assembly of the compatible child seats (standard);

Controlled crumple zones: these are zones designed to crumple in the case of accident in order to absorb the energy of the impact and reduce its transfer to the passengers (standard)

Energy absorbing steering wheel column: the steering wheel column with manual adjustment uses two coaxial ducts made with hydroforming able to execute reciprocal movements to allow the column to advance and absorb more energy during an impact. The new electric steering wheel column uses a calibrated bent element that deforms during steering wheel column movement and ensures optimum management of the energy;

Safety cage structure: this protects the occupants by managing and controlling the energy in the case of impact (standard).

Architecture: American comfort and European handling
Well-being on board means surrounding the driver and passengers with technologies that ensure their highest level of acoustic and climatic comfort. The need to turn the interior into a cocooned and encircling living room stems from this goal. In fact, in addition to the care and craftsmanship quality of the materials, the new Thema's interior stands out for its level of quiet, which is one of the best in the class. This is the result of special attention dedicated during the design stage to improve the soundproofing of the passenger compartment by using cutting-edge technologies and a wide use of ultra resistant steels and composite materials.

The Lancia Thema is also top of its class in terms of driving comfort, handling, steering response and efficiency of the electrohydraulic power assisted steering. In the same way the exceptional structural rigidity, the architecture of the suspensions and the high performance braking system ensure a smooth drive while the dynamic manoeuvrability features prove to be unaltered.

All of the new construction innovations of the model that significantly contribute to turning even the simplest daily commute into a travel experience follow. That is because a "great trip" is not just leaving and arriving, but is instead a continuous string of emotions.

Structural rigidity and quiet
The new Thema is distinguished by advanced steels, elements in nylon composite material and a new architecture of the segment E with second-generation rear-wheel drive for the best in terms of refinement and manageability. Thanks to its excellent torsion strength, the Thema is compact and rigid, and conveys a feeling of great confidence and control. To ensure an exceptional continuity in terms of rigidity on the front and rear sides, the Lancia Thema's rear structure has been reinforced 26% more than models built on the previous platform.

The new Thema is distinguished by one of the best levels of quiet in segment E. By maximising the innovative, ultra-rigid structural design, the engineers were able to increase the quietness of the passenger compartment (as well as to reduce the noise level), and insulate the engine and remove every rustle and noise caused by travelling along the road. The monocoque of the new Lancia flagship boasts improvements in terms of materials and structural engineering, as demonstrated by the two underbody panels in composite material of more than 2.3 metres. The two-panel acoustic windscreen, laminated windows, noise absorbing panels in the passenger compartment and in the cavities of the wheel arches and the rounded door structure with triple seals ensure excellent absorption of road noise and an optimum soundproofing of the passenger compartment.

Latest generation high resistance steels
Thanks to the widespread use of high resistance steels, composite materials and advanced computer-simulated collisions, the new Thema is competitive from all points of view in terms of passive safety, in addition to compliance with the regulations and evaluations of various international bodies.

In detail, more than 67% of the underbody structure and 53% of the structure of the upper part of the body is pressed and built with high resistance steels and advanced high resistance steels. The strategic use of advanced steels in the Lancia Thema inspires confidence in high performance driving and contributes to exceptional driving dynamics to offer passengers greater protection. Specifically, the use of high resistance steel is found in the central tunnel, in the body side, in the front wheel arch structures and in the bars of the vehicle. On the other hand, thanks to a tensile strength about twice as high than high resistance steel, advanced high resistance steel is used to build the critical areas of the body demanding greater structural rigidity, such as the cross members of the seats and the upper rear area crosswise behind the back seats, which ensure greater transversal rigidity.

Contributing to its excellent structural strength is hot-pressed ultra-strong steel. It is used for the front pillars, the doors on the body side, the upper section of the front rails and the windscreen channel of the new Thema. Furthermore, thanks to the tensile strength of advanced high resistance steel with finer and lighter applications, the engineers were able to use ultra-resistant steel to reduce the thickness of the pillars and doors without interrupting its classic silhouette. As a result, overall external visibility is significant, also because of the positioning of the windscreen channel, retracted by 7.6 cm.

Having double the strength as that of high resistance steel with maximum energy absorption during an impact, dual-phase steel lets the new Thema compete with the best cars in the world in terms of crash test results. The lightweight and thin dual-phase steel is designed for building the interior of the front bars and the engine compartment area to achieve optimum protection for the car's passengers.

The upper monocoque structure of the Lancia Thema is built in advanced TRIP (Transformation Induced Plasticity) steel. TRIP steel allows a thinner and lighter weight steel to be used for the areas of the B pillar, the lower part of the head and the rocker arms. Reinforcements in composite nylon material have also been integrated in the new Lancia flagship's cavities of the upper part of the upper head and in the A and B pillars to provide greater protection of the passengers in case of impact.

Lastly, laser welding has improved the sculpted body of the Thema in terms of both appearance and aerodynamics. This particular construction technology made it possible to build a single body, without interruptions with the roof panel and the sections of the regular bars.

Architecture and calibration of the second-generation suspensions
The new Thema features front and rear suspension geometries redesigned to ensure exceptional handling, while the new high quality suspension elements make it absolutely unique.

The essence of the Thema's new suspension design lies in lightweight front and rear suspension cradles that breathe life into an ultra rigid assembly, a necessary ingredient in order to guarantee outstanding precision and performance. The new front single tube shock absorbers, the new springs and an unprecedented position of the shock absorber and front suspension mounting also contribute to the optimum control, driving and comfort ratings. All rolled into one, these elements improve handling, which consequently increase lifetime and reduce roughness. In addition, the new high quality hydraulic bushes in the front suspensions limit roughness while driving to prolong the characteristics of even braking.

In the rear of the Lancia Thema, the design of the rear suspensions with five anchoring points is distinguished by roll steer geometry, which provides independent control of the movement of the suspensions (camber and toe-in) so that handling is extraordinary. The new single tube shock absorbers and new springs make driving more polished as handling and dynamics are improved. The high quality urethane compression bumpers and suspension anchoring with rubber bushes for the shock absorbers help the rear suspensions of the saloon to make the passenger compartment quieter. Lastly, the new upper and lower dampers for the seat springs provide greater attenuation of the vibrations so that passengers are more comfortable when travelling over bumpy roads.

The new Thema's road holding is remarkable thanks to the new geometries of the front and rear cambers. Set on -1° in front and on -1.75° in back, the Lancia flagship has improved performance when cornering since the tyres tilt inwards in the upper part in relation to the body. Last but not least, the new large-diameter front and rear anti-roll bars make the chassis agile when cornering, with the body tipping less.

The suspensions of the new Thema ensure performance worthy of a Gran Turismo, as one might expect from the great European saloon cars, making the experience of driving the Lancia flagship one of the best in the world. With the two set-ups of the suspensions and the wheel/tyre combinations available (from 18" to 20"), the new Lancia vehicle ensures great handling and optimum driving comfort.

Two suspension set-ups and wheel/tyre combinations are available: "Comfort" (standard on the Gold and Platinum trim levels with 18" wheels and tyres) and "Touring" (standard on the Executive trim level with 20" wheels and tyres and, on request, on the Platinum trim level if fitted with 20" wheels and tyres).

Electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) to get precise and controlled steering

What gives the driver of the new Thema a new road holding capability is the new (Electro Hydraulic Power Steering) system, which guarantees precise perception of the road, improves steering alignment and reduces steering noise and fuel consumption.

Depending on the control mode, the EHPS system applies a steering effort that varies with the different driving conditions. The ENPS analyses the steering angle, vehicle speed, engine speed and the chassis control systems 13 times a second to provide an accurate sensation of the vehicle's handling and performance. When the Thema is stopped or travels at low speeds, the hydraulic pump increases the power steering to reduce steering effort. The pump reduces the power steering at higher speeds, giving the Lancia Thema a feeling of greater solidity and, as a consequence, the system guarantees fuel consumption cut up to 1.5% and lower energy consumption than a belt pump.

To get an even higher feeling of precision and control, the new Thema Executive with Touring set-up suspensions ensures 25% faster steering and 20% greater steering alignment.

Maximum stopping power
The new Thema is equipped with a powerful braking system that guarantees performance and sensations at the top of its category. In detail, the system offers:
    highly balanced brake linings designed to provide an even and regular braking sensation, guaranteeing long life and performance;
    new brake servo;
    high performance brake linings with fading effect resistance and an exceptional feeling of the pedal;
    brake callipers with elevated retraction that reduce parasitic friction with vibration dampening springs to achieve higher efficiency;
    compensation of the hydraulic pressure that automatically perceives every fault in terms of vacuum in the brake servo or in the relevant brake linings. This latter system intervenes if a pipe brakes by activating the ABS pump to the maximum and allowing the brakes to operate as usual until the system is repaired.

Completing the Lancia Thema braking system are the Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support systems. The first, a Thema exclusive in its class, is able to automatically perceive the accelerator's release by the driver. It slightly increases the braking pressure (not enough to slow down the vehicle) to ensure that the brake pads and discs are properly aligned in view of emergency braking. Rain Brake Support on the other hand goes into operation when the system windscreen wipers come on and automatically applies a braking pressure pulse (not enough to slow down the vehicle), removing water from the brake pads.

Technology: connectivity and entertainment
Thanks to the innovative Uconnect® Touch - the infotainment system with the biggest touchscreen of its class - the new Lancia Thema has latest generation infotainment functions that integrate information in real time, multimedia entertainment, portable mobile devices, voice commands and personalised settings to make every journey safe and fun, regardless of the destination.

New Uconnect Touch 8.4 and 8.4N system and the biggest touch-screen of the class

Researched to enrich the driving experience and perfectly integrated in the design of the new Lancia Thema, the innovative Uconnect Touch 8.4 includes an 8.4" QVGA touchscreen, Uconnect system with voice commands and Bluetooth®, SD card reader (compatible with music files in MP3/WMA format), USB port with iPod® command, DVD, single DVD player with exclusive reading of the MP3/WMA formats, automatic dual zone climate control commands and AM/FM radio.

Standard on the entire range, the system is complete with an 8.4-inch touchscreen where all of the information necessary for driving and comfort on board is clearly and immediately displayed. And again with maximum safety and ease of use in mind, both audio and connectivity controls located on the spokes of the steering wheel and an innovative voice-activated hands-free device are available. In detail, this latter feature - called Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth® - lets the driver manage a Bluetooth compatible phone while keeping his hands on the steering wheel and without taking his eyes off the road. The phonebook is automatically downloaded and up to 1,000 items are synchronised the first time the Bluetooth® mobile phone is connected. Afterwards, they can be selected by simply saying the corresponding name. Using voice commands, the driver can also select one of the available radio modes and tune AM/FM stations in a totally natural way and with utmost freedom of movement.

Completing the functions of the Uconnect Touch 8.4 system is the handy USB port with iPod® control. Situated under the armrest of the central console, this multimedia input lets the driver control an iPod or another mobile peripheral device using the Uconnect Touch system and the audio controls on the steering wheel. The USB port also makes it possible to recharge any USB-supplied device in addition to playing and checking audio files in MP3 and WMA format saved on a USB pen drive.

The Uconnect Touch 8.4N is offered as standard on the Platinum and Executive, on request on the Gold trim levels. Added to the functions described above is the Garmin® navigation system with more than six million points of interest. The big 8.4" touchscreen provides driver and passengers with detailed instructions and simplified visual signals while the vehicle is travelling, in addition to an extensive database of points of interest that makes it easy to find restaurants, stores, hospitals and other destinations in the vicinity.

Alpine® Premium audio systems
The new Lancia Thema offers three high-fidelity audio systems among other things featuring high quality Alpine and Harman Kardon® speakers and amplifiers.

Supplied standard on the Gold and Platinum trim levels, the first premium system with six speakers has a six-channel amplifier with 276 W of power, two 3.5" speakers located in the instrument panel, two 6 x 9" speakers set inside the front doors, and two 6 x 9" speakers positioned in the parcel shelf.

The second Alpine Premium hi-fi system with nine speakers and subwoofer, standard on the Executive trim level and optional on the Platinum, has a 12-channel amplifier with 506 W of power, digital signal processing (DSP) with 7.1 audio surround, three 3.5" speakers in the instrument panel; two 6 x 9" speakers set inside the front doors, two 3.5" speakers positioned in the rear doors, and an 8" subwoofer set in the centre of the parcel shelf.

Also available upon request on the Executive trim level is a Harmon Kardon® sound system complete with 19 speakers plus subwoofer, supplying a total of 900 W of amplification. The sophisticated high-fidelity audio device consists of an 11-channel system with 900 W of power, six 3.5" speakers positioned in the instrument panel, two 6 x 9" speakers set inside the front doors, four 3.5" speakers placed in the rear doors, two 6 x 9" speakers set in the parcel shelf of the vehicle, four 3.5" speakers placed in the parcel shelf of the vehicle, a 10" subwoofer positioned in the centre of the parcel shelf and a 12-channel Harman Kardon® amplifier.

Services: exclusivity and accessibility
In placing his trust in a car manufacturer - whichever one it is - the customer asks to be satisfied at best. But when he turns to Lancia, he does not settle for that. One wants much more than that from a brand with a great tradition, one that has written so many important pages in automotive history while remaining faithful to its values of exclusivity and distinction: he expects to be pampered.

That is why the direct relationship between dealer and customer plays a primary role at all times, before the purchase, upon final delivery and during after-sales service. It is there that it is necessary to meet all the needs of someone used to receiving accurate and precise answers. It is only in this way that someone who buys a Lancia Thema will feel like a special, satisfied customer and will be won over by a truly unique and exclusive treatment.

For that customer the brand has come up with a programme that exceeds normal expectations and offers brand new services also for customers of the flagships. This is how "Top Care Thema" was created. It is an exclusive programme that follows the private customers of the major European markets throughout the first year. A dedicated team contacts them right after delivery and then again after four and twelve months to collect impressions and offer helpful hints and support. It will be the same preferential channel to which all Top assistance on the advanced functions of the Thema can be requested, even at home and as one requires.

FGA Capital - a finance company specialising in the automotive sector - is offering financial solutions ideal for demanding customers for the commercial launch of the Lancia Thema. Starting with leasing, the formula dedicated to freelancers, self-employed workers and entrepreneurs that allows them to use the car without tying up capital. You can choose the contract duration and the amount of the first instalment, and also enjoy a highly flexible final redemption value. Particularly suitable for "professional customers", this formula is even more appealing thanks to the new Extended Warranty to accommodate the specific needs of mobility of this category distinguished by a frequent use of the car, and therefore by high mileage. Marketed in the main European markets during the next few months, what's exciting about the new Extended Warranty is duration up to 96 months, the unlimited mileage and the contents: practically complete coverage for the vehicle components. What's more, you will even receive the same level of coverage for the entire duration of your loan, a distinctive feature on the market.

In some markets (Italy, UK, France, Spain and Netherlands), long-term hire is available. It is the answer best suited to the needs of both the "single entrepreneur" and small-medium companies (fleets) because it represents the most complete offer for those who work and for those who need to benefit from using the car, cancelling the tax costs and reducing those regarding the hassle of bureaucracy and administration. In addition, this solution guarantees the availability of an always new and efficient "vehicle fleet" thanks to the service included in the instalment.

Moreover, aware of the fact that special customers deserve exclusive services, FGA Capital and Lancia have conceived "Ypsilon Tender to Thema", an original offer for managers of those companies that choose the Thema as their official car. In detail, these special customers can benefit from a new Lancia Ypsilon free of charge for 12 months. The exclusive "Ypsilon Tender to Thema" takes its cue from the world of boating. Every prestigious yacht has its own tender, a small and practical boat used for easily reaching coves and beaches otherwise inaccessible. In the very same way the new Ypsilon has become the tender of the Lancia Thema flagship, a fashion city car that meets all mobility needs while maintaining all of the comfort and attention to detail that are classical hallmarks of the Lancia brand.

Finally, it is always possible to combine all the financial products with the usual car insurance services, such as GAP, Fire&Theft and Comprehensive and so on for credit protection. All are absolutely integrable in the finance plan chosen and are offered at a discounted rate with respect to the current market conditions.

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•  Honda Accord Coupe,  2013

Pandora® Internet Radio Compatibility
The Accord incorporates a wide range of entertainment features to accommodate the ever-changing preferences of customers. All Honda Accord models are designed to provide a convenient interface for Pandora® internet radio. Pandora® is a free music service that allows users to open an account online and create up to 100 personalized internet "radio stations" that are based on favorite songs or artists. Users can choose among their stations and listen via computer, and can also download a free smartphone Pandora® app, which allows users listen to the same list of personalized stations via their compatible phone. Though Pandora® is free, phone data charges apply.

At this time, the Pandora® Audio USB interface in the Accord only supports the iPhone. To use Pandora® in the Accord, an iPhone is connected via the USB port located in the center console. The vehicle's audio source is set to iPod, the Pandora® app is launched on the iPhone. (If the Pandora® app is not launched, the phone will function as an iPod.) The i-MID (or navigation display in vehicles with navigation) and audio touch-screen displays Pandora® information and album art, and the audio controls allow listeners to choose from among existing stations, pause, resume, skip forward, and mark a track with "like" or "dislike" ratings. To ease driver use, some functionality of the Pandora® iPhone app is locked out when using the Accord's Pandora® interface.

Pandora® internet radio audio can also be streamed wirelessly to the Accord by a compatible cell phone (not only the iPhone) via the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connection. With this type of connection, however, only the sound level of the Pandora® radio station can be controlled through the Accord; other features of the Accord's Pandora® interface are not available.

HondaLink
The 2013 Accord is the first Honda product to feature HondaLink™ technology. It's the new center point for Honda owners for hands-free access to cloud-based services, audio and information, and is designed to keep Accord drivers informed and connected while on the go. HondaLink is available in EX-L and above Accord Sedan and EX and above Accord Coupe.

HondaLink works with the owner's compatible smartphone to connect the Accord with music and information resources, internet apps, roadside assistance and more. Set to launch in September 2012, Aha™ by Harman is the first HondaLink resource; future apps will expand the functionality of HondaLink substantially, and allow Accord owners to easily add capability.

Once the Honda Accord VIN and owner information are in the HondaLink owner database, the HondaLink Data Cloud can store personalized information for the Accord owner, including Navigation system POIs (points of interest), routes, preferences and more.

Owners can use the HondaLink website to access information or change preferences. HondaLink is also accessible via Twitter, Facebook, and other online tools. A series of free HondaLink apps are also available, including My Honda, personal profile and roadside assistance. Because HondaLink utilizes a cloud-based platform, as features, functions and apps grow, Accord owners will be able to enjoy the latest capabilities.

Aha™ by Harman
A new feature called Aha™ is accessed via HondaLink and is standard on the Accord EX-L Sedan and above, and standard on Accord EX Coupe and above. Aha organizes the Accord owner's favorite content from the web into personalized on-demand radio stations in the vehicle. Aha is a comprehensive, cloud-based platform optimized for the automotive environment that provides a simple integration point for HondaLink equipped vehicles to bring in a wide range of current and future applications into the audio system head unit. This new capability allows users to access their favorite podcasts, internet radio, on-demand music, restaurant recommendations, and even audio updates from Facebook and Twitter.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Audio
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Audio (Accord EX-L Navi and Accord Touring) systems featuring the 15GB HDD-based memory are programmed from the factory to copy music tracks from pre-recorded CDs, enabling customers to store many CDs worth of music on-board for easy access. The system will not copy music from burned CDs or from USB flash drives. Based on music files measuring an average size of 4.2MB per song at a 128kbps bitrate, approximately 3,500 songs can be loaded into the 15GB system (approximately 175 CDs).

The HDD-based system records music at a variable rate between 4X to 8X of the original music track time. The automatic-recording default setting can be changed to manual if desired.

The audio system can display information about the music tracks, such as artist names and song titles using the Gracenote® database in the system software. This database can be periodically updated to reflect newly released music. Gracenote updates can be downloaded by Accord owners at automobiles.honda.com in the Ownerlink section (up to four updates per year maximum). The updates can then be loaded onto a CD-R or onto a USB thumb drive, which in turn can be used to update the Accord's audio system. Even without a Gracenote update, newly released audio tracks will play on the sound system, but will play without accompanying text information on genre, artist, album name and track name.

Song By Voice®
Navigation-equipped Accords offer the Song by Voice® feature. From most navigation screens, the driver can simply press the TALK button on the steering wheel. With so much audio content potentially available on the HDD or from an iPod, Honda engineers set out to make it easy to find content. So drivers can simply give a voice command, such as "Play song 'Danny Boy,'" and the system will automatically begin playback. Song by Voice also lets the driver choose music by artist, album, track name, genre, playlist and even composer.

SMS Text Message Function
All Honda Accord models have a standard SMS Text Message function that can read incoming texts aloud over the audio system, and allow the driver to reply with any of six factory preset messages. The system works with SMS-capable cell phones that have an active data plan and the Message Access Profile (MAP), such as the Blackberry, Droid X and others. The iPhone does not support this feature.

Once a compatible phone is paired with the Accord's Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system, the text messaging function is enabled. When the phone receives a text message, an alert appears on the i-MID (or navigation screen in vehicles equipped with navigation). Using the audio system controls, the driver can choose to have the message read aloud, can select among the preset reply choices, or can call the sender - all without touching the phone. To help avoid driver distraction, the text of the incoming message is not displayed on-screen while the vehicle is moving.

LaneWatch™ Blind Spot Display
The new LaneWatch™ blind spot display is standard on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring Sedan models, and on EX-L Coupe. It uses a camera positioned below the passenger-side exterior mirror to display a wide-angle view of the passenger side roadway on the intelligent Multi-Information Display (i- MID). The image appears when the right turn signal is activated, or when a button on the end of the turn signal stalk is pressed.

The typical field of view for a passenger-side mirror is approximately 18- to 22-degrees, but the LaneWatch™ blind spot display field-of-view is about four times greater, or approximately 80-degrees. The system helps the driver to see traffic, as well as pedestrians or objects, in the vehicle's blind spot. To help make judging distance easier, the display has three reference lines. Drivers are encouraged to visually confirm roadway conditions prior to changing lanes.

On navigation-equipped models, when LaneWatch™ is in use and a navigation turn prompt is needed, the image changes to split-screen so that LaneWatch™ and navigation information can be displayed simultaneously. LaneWatch™ can also be customized to suit the driver's preferences. Turn-signal activation of the LaneWatch™ system can be turned on or off, as can the three on-screen reference lines. Screen brightness, contrast and black level are also adjustable.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

The Accord EX-L and Touring model each feature a new Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system as standard equipment. When the system detects a vehicle ahead and determines that collision is possible, it provides the driver with visual and audio alerts to encourage avoidance actions. (The system does not include an automatic braking function.)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is new for 2013 on Accord EX-L and Touring models, and provides the driver with visual and audible alerts if the vehicle begins to move out of a detected lane without using the turn signal indicator. A button on the lower left portion of the instrument panel allows the system to be switched on and off.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

The line-topping Accord Touring features Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). This vehicle speed and distance control system uses a grille-mounted millimeter-wave radar to monitor the distance between the Accord and the vehicle directly ahead (the same radar is used for the Touring's FCW system). Like a conventional cruise control system, the ACC system can maintain a preset speed. In addition, by combining radar data with data from speed sensors, ACC can regulate the Accord's speed to maintain a preset following distance interval between it and the vehicle directly ahead.

The system is activated by pressing the "MAIN" button on the right-hand spoke of the steering wheel. When this button is pushed, "ACC" will appear on the instrument panel indicating that the ACC system has been turned on. To select the ACC cruising speed, the driver accelerates to a chosen speed and presses the "Set/-" button, which is also located on the right-hand spoke of the steering wheel. Once selected, the chosen cruising speed is shown on the Multi-Information Display in the center of the speedometer.

The following-distance interval is selected by pressing the "Distance" button on the steering wheel. Using this button, the driver can choose one of four following intervals: approximately 1 second, 1.35 seconds, 2 seconds or 2.8 seconds. Each time the button is pressed, a vehicle-shaped icon on the Multi-Information Display changes to reflect the chosen following interval:

    One bar representing approximately a 1-second interval
    Two bars representing approximately a 1.35-second interval
    Three bars representing approximately a 2-second interval
    Four bars representing approximately a 2.8-second interval

Once ACC is activated, the system's electronic control unit (ECU) adjusts the throttle and applies light braking to maintain the chosen following-distance interval between the Accord and the car directly ahead. If a vehicle from another lane cuts in front of the Accord (between the Accord and the car that it has been following) the system will beep and the "vehicle" icon will flash on the Multi-Information Display to alert the driver that a new vehicle has been detected. The system then adjusts the throttle and applies braking to maintain the pre-set following interval between the Accord and the new vehicle. A vehicle icon will appear each time a vehicle moves into the ACC system's range. Conversely, when a vehicle moves out of the system's range, the icon changes to an outlined image. If the vehicle directly ahead of the Accord brakes suddenly, a series of beeps will sound and the word "BRAKE" appears on the Multi-Information Display, warning the driver to apply the brakes.

If the vehicle directly in front of the Accord accelerates out of the radar's detection zone or moves to another lane, and another vehicle is not within the system's range, ACC will accelerate the Accord until the pre-set cruising speed is achieved. When a vehicle moves out of range, the vehicle icon on the Multi-Information Display will change from solid to outline.

The driver can switch between ACC and conventional cruise control by using the "Distance" button located on the steering wheel. Cruise control system status is displayed continuously on the Multi-Information Display.

Because the ACC system's millimeter-wave radar can be affected by rain, snow, fog and other types of inclement weather, the ACC system should not be used during these conditions.

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System With Voice Recognition And FM Traffic

The Honda Accord's available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System uses GPS technology and a fast new 60-GB hard-drive based (HDD) system to provide drivers with turn-by-turn guidance to their chosen destination. The system adds FM traffic data for 2013 and provides coverage in many large metropolitan areas within the U.S., allowing the driver to choose faster, less congested routes. Unlike some other in-car traffic data systems, FM Traffic has no recurring subscription fee. Faster, more capable and easier to use than any previous-generation Honda system, the Accord's new system is similar to current Odyssey and Pilot navigation systems.

Accord's navigation features an 8-inch (diagonal) high-resolution WVGA (800x480 pixel) backlit color display that takes the place of the lower-resolution i-MID display in non-navigation models. The system can be controlled by voice, or with a convenient interface dial. The new technology allows the voice-activation system to respond to more casual command phrases that require less user familiarization, in addition to the previous capability of being able to understand spoken city and street names. For example, a voice request for "Radio 98.3 FM" can now be spoken in approximately a dozen different ways ranging from "change the radio station to 98.3" to "98.3 FM." This logic applies to audio functionality of the audio/information screen. The navigation system can also be controlled by voice with conventional navigation commands like, "Find nearest Chinese restaurant" or "find nearest ATM."

The audio system is automatically muted when the "Talk" button is pressed. The voice-recognition technology allows the driver to simply speak city and street names aloud, and the system responds by displaying the matches available in the database. Points of interest on the map (such as restaurants or grocery stores) can be displayed with brand logo icons or you can have the system provide turn-by-turn navigation - all by voice command. The massive point-of-interest (POI) database includes telephone numbers, which can be dialed by using the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system when the driver's cellular telephone is connected to the system.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System uses Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) in combination with detailed information from the vehicle's mapping system to pinpoint the vehicle's location and to provide a host of useful mapping and route guidance features. The antenna can utilize up to 12 satellites from a network of 24 global positioning satellites. If the antenna is obstructed by a tunnel, a parking garage or a tall building, an internal gyroscopic system and a speed sensor track the location of the vehicle so that the map information remains current and reliable. The vehicle clock is independently controlled by GPS data, so when time zones are crossed while driving, the clock will automatically set itself to the current time.

A digital version of the Zagat Survey® restaurant guide provides detailed information and reviews on select restaurants in the database. The reviews can be read on-screen or spoken over the audio system by a synthesized voice.

The navigation system can also suggest scenic routes based on the National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads guide. The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The program is a grassroots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has funded 2,832 projects for state and nationally designated byway routes in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. Scenic-route information for 126 routes can be accessed from inside the "Information" menu and is displayed on the map as a green-and-red segmented line.

Chassis

Befitting the 2013 Accord's mission to advance every aspect of the driving experience, literally every aspect of the chassis engineering and componentry was reviewed, revisited and redesigned as needed to create the strongest possible dynamic driving experience. Now its highly rigid unit-body, refined suspension technology, and a host of electronic advancements quite simply define the 2013 Accord chassis as the most capable in Accord model history. The result is a car that is quieter and more responsive on city streets, quieter and smoother riding the highway, and even more faithful to the driver's wishes on winding roads.

All-new chassis features include a MacPherson strut front suspension, a new steel and aluminum front subframe, and new electric power steering (EPS). Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC) are also included, counteracting engine noise and helping to create a more linear and sophisticated high-rpm engine note.

The advanced new MacPherson strut front suspension system is lighter than the double-wishbone system it replaces, and provides superior ride and handling qualities while also reducing interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The 2013 Accord also uses a new aluminum and steel front subframe that reduces weight and, in conjunction with new rear compliance bushings and independent multi-link rear suspension, also measurably reduces NVH. Additional noise reductions are derived from careful tailoring of the underbody and suspension systems.

The EPS uses an electric motor to assist the rack-and-pinion steering rather than the hydraulic assist of the previous Accord. The result is reduced steering effort, improved precision, feel and stability, and less power consumption.

Alloy wheels are now standard on every Accord Sedan and Coupe, and range in size from 16 inches to 18 inches depending on model. Four-wheel disc brakes are also standard across the model range, along with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist, a 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Hill start assist is also standard, helping the driver accelerate smoothly from a stop while on an incline.

Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC) are standard across the Accord model range. Using microphones, a signal processor and the Accord's audio speakers, ANC counteracts engine noise, while ASC helps create a more linear and sophisticated high-rpm engine note. Additional noise reductions are derived from careful tailoring of the underbody and suspension systems.

MacPherson Strut Front Suspension

An all-new MacPherson strut front suspension gives the 2013 Accord an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride, stable and responsive handling and flatter cornering. This advanced new suspension takes the place of the previous-generation Accord's double-wishbone system. The highly evolved new front suspension is significantly lighter with higher dynamic performance including improved responsiveness, ride comfort and stability, significantly reduced noise and increased driving enjoyment. The Accord's turning diameter is 38.1 ft. for the Sedan and 37.6 ft. for the Coupe.

Hydro-compliance bushings mount the front lower suspension arms. These bushings help reduce steering shimmy at all speeds, improve NVH characteristics and promote more accurate suspension geometry. The result is an ideal blend of ride quality, responsive steering and precise handling.

Enhanced structural rigidity plays a part in the Accord's new suspension performance, with highly rigid attachment points for the struts, as well as for the front subframe. This new structure is an integral part of the Accord's ACE body structure, which helps crash performance in a frontal collision. And finally, the repackaging of the front suspension allows a shorter front overhang to be incorporated, improving vehicle styling.

The struts are specially tuned for the ideal blend of comfort and handling. Innovative features include new hydraulic valves and seals, a low-friction Teflon® internal bushing, new oil specifications, and a special rebound damper spring that dramatically reduces body roll while turning. The Accord Sport, EX, EX-L and Touring Sedan, and the EX and EX-L Coupe all feature a front strut-tower connecting bar that further improves handling response.

Lightweight Front Subframe

A new front subframe, which cradles the engine, transmission and lower suspension mounts, utilizes unique aluminum and steel construction. Using a process developed by Honda, the subframe joins aluminum and steel components with a type of friction-stir-welding to form a single high-strength, lightweight unit that provides ideal ride and handling properties along with lower weight. The weight savings directly improves both fuel efficiency and overall dynamic performance.

Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension

The Accord's compact, multi-link rear suspension offers supple ride comfort and excellent overall handling. This system features high-strength stamped-steel upper A-arms with aluminum knuckles and precise geometry that reduces lift during hard braking. The lower links connect to a rigid rear subframe, which is isolated from the body by rubber mounts that reduce drumming and low-frequency sound.

Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)

The 2013 Accord's new electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering (EPS) replaces the conventional hydraulically assisted power-steering system used on the previous-generation Accord. The new system uses a rack-and-pinion steering assembly with an electric motor assist that reduces steering effort, improves feel and enhances precision and stability. It also uses less power than the previous Accord's system, contributing to the new Accord's increased fuel efficiency. For ideal component packaging, on 4-cylinder Accords the steering pinion is electrically assisted, and on V-6 Accords the steering rack is electrically assisted.

Other EPS benefits include a more sophisticated, linear, solid and accurate steering feel, more nimble handling and improved highway stability. Additionally, the steering column diameter has increased 27-percent over the previous-generation Accord, resulting in greater vibration damping and increased vertical stiffness.

Aluminum Alloy Wheels

For first time in Accord model history, all 2013 Accords have alloy wheels. The wheel sizes range from 16- to 18-inches in diameter, depending on model and trim level. Sedan models have 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels, while Coupe models have 17- or 18-inch wheels.

All-Season Tires

Reducing the aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance of tires is an essential part of attaining better fuel efficiency for any vehicle. So the 2013 Accords use a range of tire widths from 205mm to 235mm that offer the best balance between all-season grip, low drag and low rolling resistance. As always, the tires also excel at providing accurate steering feel, a quiet, comfortable ride and long wear. They are also M+S rated for all-season drivability. The Honda Accord comes with a T125/80-D16 97M temporary spare tire mounted on a steel wheel.

4-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS

All Accord models are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes with a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) for confident stops. The front discs measure 11.5 inches in diameter (LX: 11.1), while the rear discs measure 11.1 inches in diameter. A power brake booster offers a solid pedal feel and an optimized pedal stoke.

ABS independently modulates braking power at each wheel to help the driver retain steering control during heavy braking, while Brake Assist recognizes emergency braking situations and almost instantly applies full braking force when appropriate. Brake-system upgrades for 2013 include new brake pads on the Accord LX and Sport models, and new brake discs, pads and calipers on EX, EX-L and Touring models. These changes, along with an optimized hydraulic-system ratio, improve pedal feel and modulation.

Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)

Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) is standard on all Accord models. EBD adjusts front-to-rear brake pressure according to vehicle load distribution for optimum brake balance at all times. Sensors at each wheel send signals to the brake-control module, which can modulate braking pressure based on individual wheel speed, optimizing brake pressure balance on all four wheels, while providing a linear pedal feel.

Brake Assist

The Accord's electronically controlled Brake Assist is designed to help drivers apply full braking force in a collision-avoidance situation. If the driver suddenly brakes harder than normal in an emergency, the system fully activates the brakes. However Brake Assist does not take over braking - it only assists the driver in obtaining full braking performance in an emergency. Brake Assist deactivates when the driver releases pressure on the pedal.

Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control

Standard on all Accord models, VSA works with ABS and the Drive-by-Wire throttle system to enhance vehicle stability when cornering. If vehicle understeer or oversteer is detected, the system selectively reduces power and/or brakes individual wheels to help correct the condition and stabilize the vehicle.

Traction control monitors front-wheel slippage, such as when starting on slick surfaces or patches of ice. If it is detected, traction control activates one or more brake calipers and reduces engine torque to slow the spinning wheel so it can regain traction.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The Accord's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) helps the driver maintain proper air pressure to improve driving safety, as well as reduce wear and tear on the vehicle's tires. Located in the instrument panel, a TPMS icon illuminates to alert the driver whenever any of the tires has a significantly low pressure reading that requires the driver's attention.

Hill Start Assist

All 2013 Accord models have hill start assist, a feature that debuted on the 2009 Honda Pilot. Hill start assist holds brake pressure when stopped on an incline or descent for a brief period of time, allowing the driver's foot to move from the brake pedal to accelerator without the vehicle moving.

Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC)

For the first time in Accord history, Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC) work together as a system to reduce noise in the cabin, while simultaneously improving the sound quality during strong acceleration. The combined effect helps make the Accord cabin a more pleasant and relaxing place to spend time.

Included in all 2013 Accord models, Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC) use two microphones, a processing unit and four speakers (integral to the Accord's audio system) to collect and interpret sound entering the cabin and then deliver an out-of-phase audio signal to cancel unwanted background noise - and better define desirable noise such as the engine note during acceleration.

Active Noise Control (ANC) counteracts engine noise, for instance when the 4-cylinder Accord is idling with the air-conditioning on, or when the V-6 engine's Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) function is cycling on and off. For its part, Active Sound Control (ASC) helps create more linear and sophisticated high-rpm engine sounds, for instance when the Accord is accelerating up a freeway on-ramp or passing slower traffic.

Powertrain

For the new ninth-generation Accord, Honda engineers were committed to improving the performance of both 4-cylinder and V-6 engines, while also making substantial gains in fuel efficiency. Two Earth Dreams™ engines are initially available in the 2013 Accord family - an all-new direct-injected (DI) 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, and a significantly updated 3.5-liter V-6 that is Honda's most powerful to date. Launching in early 2013 (in the all-new 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan), an all-new Earth Dreams™ 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/two-motor plug-in hybrid powertrain will also join the lineup.

Available transmissions include a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the 4-cylinder engines, unique 6-speed manuals for the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines, and a new 6-speed automatic for V-6 models.

The new non-hybrid powertrains help the 2013 Honda Accord surpass the previous-generation model in fuel economy by a significant margin. The Accord Sedan with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and CVT has an EPA fuel economy rating of 27/36/30 mpg city/hwy/combined, an improvement of 11 percent in combined driving. The Sedan with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine and the 6-speed automatic transmission returns an EPA fuel economy rating of 21/34/25 mpg city/hwy/combined, for an improvement of four percent over its predecessor in combined driving.

The new direct-injected 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder powerplant is the base Accord engine. Offering 185 horsepower and 181 lb-ft. of torque, this engine delivers 4-percent more horsepower and 12-percent more torque compared to its predecessor, while operating on regular unleaded fuel and meeting PZEV and ULEV-2 emissions standards. With its high-flow exhaust system, the Accord Sport Sedan 4-cylinder engine generates 189 horsepower and 182 lb-ft. of torque.

The Accord's efficient new direct-injected inline 4-cylinder engines can be paired with either an all-new 6-speed manual transmission with smooth and precise shift action, or with a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). With a wider ratio range than the 5-speed automatic transmission it replaces, combined with greater operating efficiency, the CVT is a major contributor to the Accord's improved fuel efficiency.

The available 3.5-liter V-6 engine now delivers 278 horsepower at 6200 rpm (an increase of seven horsepower) and 252 lb-ft. of torque at 4900 rpm. Torque is significantly improved between idle and the 4900-rpm torque peak, where the engine typically operates. On V-6 models with an automatic transmission, the engine also features a new generation of Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) variable displacement technology and a special SOHC i-VTEC valvetrain. Depending on driving conditions, the engine operates on three or all six cylinders to help boost fuel efficiency or power as needed. The V-6 is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel and also meets ULEV-2 emissions standards.

The V-6 engine can be paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, or a new 6-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control. More compact and efficient than the 5-speed automatic transmission it replaces, the 6-speed automatic improves the acceleration and fuel efficiency of the V-6 Accord. The V-6 is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, and has an EPA fuel economy rating of 21/34/25 mpg city/hwy/combined (Sedan).

In early 2013, the Accord Sedan lineup will also feature the first application of a new two-motor plug-in hybrid system. The Honda two-motor hybrid system moves continuously through three modes (all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive) to maximize fuel efficiency. In all-electric mode, the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) will use a 6.7 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a powerful 124 kW electric motor to achieve an all-electric range of 10 to 15 miles. Fully recharging the battery will take less than three hours using a 120-volt outlet and less than one hour using a Level-2 (240-volt) charger.

Direct-injected 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder

An all-new direct-injected 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that develops 185 horsepower and 181 lb-ft. of torque powers the Accord LX, EX and EX-L Sedan, and the LX, EX and EX-L Coupe. This is the first production example of Honda's "Earth Dreams Technology" which is comprised of a next-generation set of technological advancements, which greatly enhance both driving performance and fuel efficiency.

The engine's direct injection (DI) system and other technologies combine to create a significant 12-percent increase in engine torque output, with greater power available over a wide operating range. Peak power is also up by eight horsepower, an increase of four percent. This clean-running engine meets PZEV emissions standards in select states, and Federal Tier 2, Bin 5 standards in most states.

Fuel economy ratings are significantly improved due in part to efficient direct injection, a new combustion chamber design, offset cylinder bores and a range of friction reducing technologies. The 4-cylinder Accord Sedan equipped with the CVT has an EPA fuel economy rating of 27/36/30 mpg city/hwy/combined. Further enhancing all-around performance, engine weight has been reduced by 3.5-percent with a lighter block design, resin cam cover and a more efficient accessory belt design.

Engine Block, Crankshaft and Pistons

The Accord's 2.4-liter engine has a new, lighter-weight die-cast aluminum block with a single main-bearing cradle design that creates a rigid assembly to help minimize noise and vibration. Cast-in iron cylinder liners provide long-lasting durability. Each journal on the forged-steel crankshaft is micropolished to reduce internal friction. To improve smoothness throughout the rpm range and help lower noise levels, the Accord is fitted with an internal balancer unit. Consisting of a pair of chain-driven counter-rotating shafts located in the oil pan, the balancing system helps quell the inherent second-order harmonic vibrations that normally impact inline 4-cylinder engines.

To reduce piston-sliding friction, the cylinder bores are now offset by 8.0-mm from the crankshaft. This gives the connecting roads a more favorable angle during each power stroke, which reduces side loading on the pistons and in turn, improves efficiency. The direct-injected engine features a forged crankshaft for high rigidity and low friction. With increased diameter of the counterweights, the crankshaft offers optimized flywheel effect, while minimizing the total weight.

New lightweight pistons have a carefully optimized skirt design to minimize reciprocating weight, and reduced weight minimizes vibration and increases operating efficiency. The piston crowns are dished, to help maintain stable combustion and to optimize distribution of the stratified fuel charge from the direct injector in each cylinder. This close control over the combustion process boosts overall operating efficiency.

The new engine is also positioned differently within the Accord's engine bay. While the previous-generation powerplant was positioned with a 15-degree rearward slant, the new generation direct-injected engine is positioned with a 10-degree rearward slant to accommodate the differing packaging requirements of the new forward exhaust layout.

Friction-Reducing Technologies

The Accord's 4-cylinder engine makes use of new friction-reducing technologies designed to improve engine efficiency. The outer skirts of lightweight aluminum pistons feature a low-friction coating applied in a unique dot-pattern application. The result is reduced overall friction as the pistons move within the cylinder bores. Plateau honing further lowers the friction level between the pistons and the cylinders by creating an ultra-smooth surface. Plateau honing is a 2-stage machining process that uses two grinding processes instead of the more conventional single honing process. This also enhances the long-term wear characteristics of the engine. Low viscosity oil (0W-20) also reduces friction.

Cylinder Head and Valvetrain

The direct-injected Accord 4-cylinder engine has a lightweight cylinder head that is made of pressure-cast aluminum alloy. The exhaust ports are now located on the front side of the engine (the previous-generation Accord had the exhaust ports located on the rear of the engine) which provides greater freedom in the layout of the close-coupled catalytic converter which mounts directly to the cylinder head. With exhaust passages cast directly into the cylinder head, the need for a traditional separate exhaust manifold is eliminated.

A silent-chain drives dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, and features a new double-arm tensioner design that reduces operating friction. The cam drive is maintenance free throughout the life of the engine. To help further reduce friction, the finish of the camshaft journals has been improved.

To help boost fuel efficiency and power, the combustion chamber shape and valve angles have been optimized. The previous-generation Accord 4-cylinder engine had a 51-degree included angle between the intake and exhaust valves. In the new direct-injected engine, the included valve angle has been reduced to 35-degrees. The narrower valve angle decreases the surface-to-volume ratio and helps create a flatter, more compact combustion chamber that reduces unburned hydrocarbon emissions. With this new combustion chamber shape and the precise control of direct injection, the compression ratio has been increased to 11.1:1 (up from 10.5:1 on the previous port-injected engine), yet the engine still operates on regular unleaded fuel.

The cylinder head features a new high-tumble intake-port design. In combination with the new combustion chamber and piston crown shape, the design's high level of airflow tumble helps create a homogenous fuel mixture for low fuel consumption and high airflow for high power output.

i-VTEC Valve Control System

The Honda Accord's direct-injected 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC engine uses an advanced valve-control system to combine high power output with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. The Accord system combines VTC (Variable Timing Control), which continuously adjusts the intake camshaft phase, with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), which changes valve lift, timing and duration of the intake valves.

At low rpm, the VTEC intake valve timing and lift are optimized for rapid swirl-pattern cylinder filling. As engine rpm builds past 4800 rpm, the VTEC system transitions to a high-lift, long-duration intake cam profile for superior high-rpm engine power.

The "intelligent" portion of the system is its ability to continuously vary the timing of the intake cam relative to that of the exhaust camshaft. This helps boost power and also provides a smoother idle (allowing idle speed to be reduced). The intake cam timing is varied based on input from sensors that monitor rpm, timing, throttle opening, cam position and exhaust air-fuel ratio. The result is increased fuel efficiency and lower NOx emissions.

Direct Injection System

Conventional engines using multi-port fuel injection to mix fuel and air before they enter the combustion chamber. With direct injection, fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. This allows for better combustion and overall efficiency.

The Accord's 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine has been redesigned to incorporate direct-injection (DI) for 2013. This is the first application of direct-injection for a Honda vehicle in the North America. The system features a compact high-pressure direct-injection pump that allows both high fuel flow and pulsation suppression, and variable pressure control optimizes injector operation. A multi-hole injector delivers fuel directly into each cylinder (not to the intake port, as in conventional port fuel injection designs).

The multi-hole injectors can create the ideal fuel/air mixture in the cylinders and also create a weak stratified combustion effect that maximizes fuel efficiency at lower power settings. The stratified charge puts a mixture that's richer near the spark plug for easy ignition, while other areas on the combustion chamber have a leaner fuel/air ratio.

Based on the operating conditions, the direct injection system alters its function for best performance. Upon cold engine startup, fuel is injected into the cylinders on the compression stroke. This creates a weak stratified charge effect that improves engine start-up and reduces exhaust emissions before normal operating temperature is reached.

Once the engine is fully warm for maximum power and fuel efficiency, fuel is injected during the intake stroke. This helps create a more homogeneous fuel/air mix in the cylinder that is aided by the high-tumble intake port design. This improves volumetric efficiency, and the cooling effect of the incoming fuel improves anti-knock performance.

High-Efficiency Catalytic Converters

Key contributors to the Accord 4-cylinder engine's excellent emissions performance are its high-efficiency catalytic converters. One converter mounts directly to the front of the cylinder head, close-coupled for fast activation after the engine is started. A second converter is positioned slightly downstream, beneath the passenger compartment floor. Both converters use a thin-wall design that increases internal reaction area and improves efficiency. A high-efficiency exhaust system and high-density catalytic converters help the Accord engine meet stringent ULEV-2 emissions certifications in California and Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 certifications.

PZEV Version

A PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) version of the 185- and 189-horsepower 4-cylinder direct-injected engines is available in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. The principal differences between the PZEV Accord and the ULEV-2 version sold in all other states is a remapped Powertrain Control Module (PCM) programming. The horsepower, torque and EPA-estimated fuel economy of the PZEV and ULEV-2 engines are identical.

Direct-injected 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder (Sport Sedan)
The direct-injected 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder that powers the Sport Sedan is essentially identical to the engine in the LX, EX, EX-L Sedan and LX-S, EX, EX-L Coupe. The Sport Sedan's 189-horsepower inline 4-cylinder meets ULEV-2 in most states, and PZEV emissions standards in select states.

The key feature that allows this engine to make an additional four horsepower compared to the 185-horsepower 4-cylinder engine is a special exhaust system with larger diameter tubing and dual outlets that nets a 52-percent increase in flow relative to the 185-hoursepower 4-cylinder system.

3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V-6

The Earth Dreams™ 3.5-liter V-6 engine available in the Accord EX-L V-6 and Touring Sedan, and EX-L V-6 Coupe has been extensively reworked for 2013 with a range of improvements including revised intake and exhaust ports, updated valve timing and Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), and when equipped with automatic transmission, Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) with a wider range of operation. The aluminum-alloy 24-valve engine now produces 278 horsepower at 6200 rpm (an increase of seven horsepower) and generates 252 lb-ft of torque at 4900 rpm. Torque is markedly improved in the lower ranges below 4900 rpm where the engine typically operates.

Along with the increased horsepower, the updated V-6 also contributes to a 13-percent increase in the estimated EPA highway fuel economy rating (with automatic transmission), thanks in part to internal friction reduction features including an oil-ring ion-plating treatment, plateau honing and reduced auxiliary-belt tension. A new tumble-type intake port design improves combustion efficiency, and torque-converter function in the new available 6-speed automatic transmission has been refined. A 3.5-percent weight reduction is due to a new cylinder head bridge structure with separate rocker arm holders and lightweight resin cam covers. The Accord V-6 has an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 21/34/25 mpg city/hwy/combined (Sedan 6AT).

Engine Block and Crankshaft
With its 60-degree V-angle, the Accord's V-6 engine is inherently smooth and has compact overall dimensions that allow efficient packaging within the vehicle. The V-6 has a die-cast lightweight aluminum alloy block with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners. Made with a centrifugal spin-casting process, the thin-wall liners are high in strength and low in porosity. The block incorporates a deep-skirt design with four bolts per bearing cap for rigid crankshaft support and minimized noise and vibration.

A new cooling control spacer positioned in the water jacket surrounding the cylinders helps to keep operating temperature and tolerances more consistent. Plateau honing further lowers the friction level between the pistons and the cylinders by creating an ultra-smooth surface. This 2-stage machining process uses two grinding processes instead of the more conventional single honing process. Plateau honing also enhances the long-term wear characteristics of the engine.

Cylinder Heads/Valvetrain
Like other Honda V-6 powerplants, the new 2013 Accord V-6 engine's 4-valve cylinder heads are a single-overhead-camshaft design, with the cams driven by the crankshaft via an automatically tensioned toothed belt. Made of low-pressure cast, low-porosity aluminum, each cylinder head incorporates a new "tumble port" design that improves combustion efficiency. An integrated exhaust manifold cast into each cylinder head reduces parts count, improves flow and optimizes the location of the close-coupled catalyst.

i-VTEC with 2-stage Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™)
The Accord's available SOHC V-6 with automatic transmission includes a new generation of+ i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). Advances to VCM technology make a large contribution to the Accord V-6's estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 21/34/25 mpg city/hwy/combined (Sedan with automatic transmission). That's an increase over the EPA rating for the previous Accord V-6 (20/30/24 mpg city/hwy/combined) of 1-mpg city, 4-mpg hwy and 1-mpg combined.

i-VTEC Valve Control System
The Accord's V-6 engine combines Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) (when equipped with automatic transmission) with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), which changes valve lift, timing and duration of the intake valves. A new switching mechanism allows each cylinder to operate with low-rpm valve lift and duration or high rpm lift and duration. When equipped with automatic transmission, the rear cylinder bank can also leave all intake and exhaust valves closed to maximize fuel efficiency during cylinder deactivation.

The "intelligent" portion of the system is its ability to vary valve operation based on the driving situation and engine rpm. At low rpm, the VTEC intake valve timing and lift are optimized for increased torque, which now allows a wider range of 3-cylinder operation (when equipped with automatic transmission). As engine rpm builds past 5150 rpm (6AT; 6MT: 4900 rpm) the VTEC system transitions to a high-lift, long-duration intake cam profile for superior high-rpm engine power. In cylinder cut-off mode (6AT models), the rear bank of intake and exhaust valves remain closed, to eliminate pumping losses.

VCM Operation
To help improve the fuel efficiency of the V-6 engine, a new generation of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) is used in models with automatic transmission. In 2008 through 2012 Honda Accord V-6 models, Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) operated on three cylinders for cruising, four cylinders for modest acceleration or six cylinders for strong acceleration. Advancements to the VTEC system and active engine mounts now allow the VCM system to operate with three cylinders in a wider range of situations to maximize fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Four-cylinder operation has been eliminated for 2013. When greater power is needed, the system switches seamlessly to 6-cylinder operation.

During startup, aggressive acceleration or when climbing hills - any time high power output is required - the engine operates on all six cylinders. During moderate-speed cruising and at low or moderate engine loads, the system operates just the front bank of three cylinders.

The VCM system can tailor the working displacement of the engine to match the driving requirements from moment to moment. Since the system automatically closes both the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders that are not used, pumping losses associated with intake and exhaust are eliminated and fuel efficiency gets a further boost. The system combines maximum performance and maximum fuel efficiency - two characteristics that don't typically coexist in conventional engines.

VCM deactivates specific cylinders by using the VTEC (Variable Valve-Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system to close the intake and exhaust valves while simultaneously the Powertrain Control Module cuts fuel to those cylinders. The spark plugs continue to fire in inactive cylinders to minimize plug temperature loss and prevent fouling induced from incomplete combustion during cylinder re-activation.

The system is electronically controlled, and uses special integrated spool valves in the cylinder heads. Based on commands from the system's electronic control unit, the spool valves selectively direct oil pressure to the rocker arms for specific cylinders. This oil pressure in turn drives synchronizing pistons that connect and disconnect the rocker arms.

The VCM system monitors throttle position, vehicle speed, engine speed, automatic-transmission gear selection and other factors to determine the correct cylinder activation scheme for the operating conditions. In addition, the system determines whether engine oil pressure is suitable for VCM switching and whether catalytic-converter temperature will remain in the proper range. To smooth the torque-induced jolt of activating or deactivating cylinders, the system adjusts ignition timing, drive-by-wire throttle position and turns the torque converter lock-up on and off. As a result, the transition between 3- and 6-cylinder operation is unnoticeable to the driver.

Active Control Engine Mounts and Active Noise Control
A new-generation 28-volt Active Control Engine Mount system (ACM) is used to minimize the effects of engine vibration as the VCM system switches cylinders on and off. The more powerful 28-volt ACM is a key factor in the VCM's broader range of operation in the new Accord. Sensors alert the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to direct ACM actuators positioned at the front and rear of the engine to move to cancel engine vibration. Inside the interior of the Accord, an Active Noise Control system (ANC) works in cooperation with the ACM system to further reduce any sound relating to the function of the VCM system.

Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
The V-6 engine's Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) continually adjusts fuel delivery to yield the best combination of power, low fuel consumption and low emissions. Multiple sensors constantly monitor critical operating parameters, such as throttle position, intake air temperature, coolant temperature, ambient air pressure, intake airflow volume, intake manifold pressure, exhaust air-fuel ratio and the position of the crankshaft and cams.

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder
The Earth Dreams technology used on the Accord PHEV includes an i-VTEC 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine coupled with a two-motor hybrid drive system. The hybrid system features a 124-kW electric motor powered by a 6.7-kWh Li-Ion battery pack. The gasoline engine produces a maximum 137 horsepower (hp) at 6200 rpm. In conjunction with the two-motor hybrid-drive system, the total power output peaks at 196 hp, which surpasses the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt and the projected out of the Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. The EarthDreams engine horsepower alone surpasses the total gas-electric output of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid.

Although not finalized at press time, anticipated fuel economy ratings for the 2014 Accord PHEV are expected to exceed 100+ MPG-e1 in full-electric mode, provide a 10- to 15-mile1 EV driving range and a calculated1 total driving range over 500 miles. When in gasoline-only mode, it is expected to return one of the top EPA fuel economy ratings among mid-size sedans, and is also expected to earn an Enhanced AT-PZEV rating from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The two-motor hybrid system in the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid allows power from the gasoline engine to flow directly to the front wheels, power the generator to supply electrical propulsion or even charge the battery pack. The Accord PHEV hybrid system moves seamlessly and automatically through its three powertrain states to maximize performance, efficiency and range.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
The Accord 4-cylinder's available new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) offers smooth and predictable gear ratio transitions and excellent acceleration matched with efficient low-rpm cruising. Available in all 4-cylinder Accord LX, Sport, EX and EX-L models, the CVT has a wider ratio spread than a 5-speed automatic transmission found in the previous-generation Accord 4-cylinder models. This results in strong acceleration performance coupled with reduced engine rpm at high road speeds. The highly efficient operation of the CVT contributes 10-percent towards greater overall fuel efficiency, compared to the prior 5-speed automatic transmission.

The CVT is comprised of a torque converter that drives two variable-width pulleys connected by a steel belt. With its angled inner faces, the belt can circle the angled pulley faces at varying diameter depending on the pulley width, which alters the effective ratio between the pulleys. Since there are no steps in the pulley faces, the range of possible gear ratios is essentially infinite. This ultra-fine control of the gear ratio is the key to the CVT's greater efficiency over a conventional automatic transmission with a limited number of discrete gear ratios. Instead of approximating the correct ratio for the conditions like a conventional automatic does, the Accord CVT can precisely select the optimum ratio from moment to moment without steps or slippage.

Computer control of the transmission allows the ratio between the pulleys to be altered almost instantly to best suit the driving conditions and accelerator pedal setting. A planetary gearset allows the transmission to shift between forward and reverse operation, and a variable-flow oil pump optimizes flow to the transmission's moving parts while minimizing the load on the engine. Compared to the previous generation 5-speed automatic transmission, the CVT has more compact dimensions, fewer parts and a higher torque capacity.

CVT Automatic Modes
The transmission can be operated in two different fully automatic modes with the console-mounted straight-gate shifter. The D mode is ideal for most driving situations, and combines fuel efficiency with smooth operation and responsive power when needed. The S mode is for more performance-oriented driving, and features more aggressive transmission mapping to keep engine rpm higher for greater acceleration and response.

G-Design Shift Feature
The Accord CVT is designed to provide the optimum gear ratio for the driving conditions, and to offer a more natural driving feel than some previous CVT transmissions that may have something of a disconnected "rubber-band" feel compared to a conventional automatic transmission.

The Accord CVT has special G-design shift logic that is designed to offer more immediate acceleration response than either conventional automatics or other CVT designs. When abruptly applying power from a steady-state cruising speed, the Accord CVT immediately sends power to the drive wheels while simultaneously adjusting the gear ratio (seamlessly and progressively downshifting) to smoothly bring the engine to its horsepower peak in a linear way.

By comparison, a conventional automatic is slower to respond and loses time making multiple downshifts. Since the automatic transmission has a limited number of separate, discrete ratios, even when fully downshifted, it can only approximate the optimum engine rpm as speed increases. This cuts into acceleration.

Compared to other CVT systems, the Accord CVT offers stronger acceleration response with a linear build in engine rpm that avoids much of the "disconnected" or "slipping" feeling some drivers notice with other CVTs. G-design shifting logic gives the Accord a more linear and sporty driving feel.

S-Range Control
To allow the driver to alter the operation of the CVT, the console-mounted gear selector includes an "S" or Sport mode that provides a sport-shift schedule that delays upshifting for more available power, and provides greater engine braking.

Steering-Wheel Mounted Paddle Shifters
Whether in D or S mode, special transmission logic programming allows the use of the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, which are standard on the Sport (CVT) trim of the Accord Sedan and all CVT equipped Accord Coupes. When the driver operates the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters while in Drive, the transmission responds to the driver's shift command by selecting one of the available seven fixed ratios, and then returns to its normal fully automatic Drive mode if further paddle shift inputs are not made within a short time. This special logic makes it easy for the driver to command a quick downshift without leaving the convenience of Drive mode.

When in S mode, use of the paddle shifters puts the transmission into full manual mode that remains until another mode of operation is selected with the console-mounted shifter. The paddle shifters allow the driver to select among seven fixed gear ratios. When in manual mode, if the engine redline is reached the Accord will automatically shift to the next gear ratio to avoid engine damage. It will also shift down to an appropriate lower gear ratio if necessary.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission with Grade Logic Control
To maximize driver control, acceleration and fuel efficiency, the 2013 Accord V-6 is available with an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission featuring racing-inspired steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and two automatic shift modes. Closely related with the 6-speed automatic that is standard in the Odyssey Touring, the 6-speed automatic is shorter overall than the previous generation Accord's 5-speed automatic transmission, and careful engineering of the layout and power flow minimizes size, parts count and overall weight. With its additional gear ratio, expanded torque converter lockup range and better efficiency, it contributes a 3.3-percent improvement in the EPA fuel economy rating compared to the previous Honda Accord 5-speed automatic transmission.

The new 6-speed automatic advances launch-feel, acceleration performance and fuel efficiency. Compared to the previous-generation 5-speed transmission, the new 6-speed transmission has lower gear ratios (higher numerically) in first through fifth gears. The lower gear ratios improve acceleration and pulling power. The sixth gear ratio is taller (lower numerically) than the top gear in the 5-speed transmission. The taller final gear allows for a relaxed cruising rpm and enhanced fuel efficiency.

The 6-speed transmission can be controlled by a straight-gate console-mounted shifter or a steering wheel paddle shifter system (EX-L V-6 Coupe only) that works whenever the transmission is in either of its two automatic modes.

The 6-speed automatic transmission also includes engineering enhancements aimed at improved performance and efficiency. Expanded torque-converter multi-disc lock-up control improves the efficiency of power delivery and works with the new gear ratios to provide an improvement in fuel efficiency, as compared to a conventional design. In addition to Grade Logic Control, all of the transmission logic systems work together to automatically alter shift timing based on driving conditions.

Multi-Clutch Lock-Up Torque Converter
The 6-speed automatic transmission teams with a new torque converter that has a unique converter lock-up assembly. The lock-up assembly uses multiple lock-up disks that generate nearly double the facing area of a typical torque converter. The new lock-up assembly not only reduces heat build-up during operation, but also features improved overall lubrication that generates better cooling. The new torque converter allows for lock-up activation during a much wider range of driving conditions for improved fuel efficiency.

Automatic Modes
The 6-speed transmission can be operated in two different fully automatic modes with the console-mounted straight-gate shifter. The D (or "Drive") mode is ideal for most driving situations, and combines fuel efficiency with smooth operation and responsive power when needed. The S (or "Sport") mode is for more performance-oriented driving, and features more aggressive shift mapping to keep engine rpm higher for greater acceleration and response.

In Sport mode the transmission typically operates in the four lowest gears, and it won't shift to fifth gear unless the vehicle reaches a much higher speed. In Sport mode, the efficiency-oriented sixth gear is locked out. When in the D mode (that is optimized for normal driving), the transmission incorporates an advanced Grade Logic Control System and Shift Hold Control, which reduce unwanted shifting and gear hunting. The result is smart transmission operation that optimizes fuel efficiency and keeps the transmission in the appropriate gear for the specific driving conditions, thus generating excellent performance and smooth operation.

While traveling up or down hills, Grade Logic Control alters the transmission's shift schedule to reduce shift frequency and improve speed control. A shift map in the transmission computer continually measures throttle position, vehicle speed and acceleration/deceleration, and then determines when the vehicle is on a hill. The shift schedule is then adjusted to hold the transmission in lower gears to boost climbing power or to provide engine braking when traveling downhill.

Shift Hold Control keeps the transmission in its current (lower) gear ratio when aggressive driving is detected, as in the case of decelerating at a corner entry. Shift Hold Control leaves the chassis undisturbed by excess shifting and ensures that power will be immediately available (without a downshift) at the corner exit.

Temporary Manual Operation in "Drive"
Whether in Drive or Sport mode, special transmission logic programming allows the use of the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters (standard on EX-L V-6 Coupe). When the driver operates the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters while in Drive, the transmission responds to the driver's shift command and then returns to its normal fully automatic Drive mode if further paddle shift inputs are not made within a short time. This special logic makes it easy for the driver to command a quick downshift without leaving the comfort of Drive mode. When in Sport mode, use of the paddle shifters puts the transmission into full manual mode that remains until another mode of operation is selected with the console-mounted shifter.

Manual Mode
The transmission is shifted into Sport mode by moving the center console-mounted gear selector lever rearward to the detent labeled "S." This mode offers automatic operation with more aggressive shift mapping. A pull on the racing-inspired, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (standard on EX-L V-6 Coupe) places the transmission in fully manual mode. A digital instrument display indicates which gear the transmission is in.

A double-kick-down feature lets the driver command a sport-minded double downshift - such as from fifth to third gear. By pulling on the left downshift paddle twice in rapid succession, the transmission will drop directly to the chosen lower gear ratio. The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system also creates a "blip" of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting.

To prevent harm to the powertrain when the transmission is paddle shifted by the driver (including during double-kick-down shifts), the system will inhibit potentially damaging shifts. As an added protective measure, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) can also cut off engine fuel flow to prevent over-revving. If fuel cut-off is insufficient to prevent engine over-revving, as may be possible when the vehicle is on a steep downhill, the transmission will automatically upshift to prevent damage. On downshifts, the transmission will not execute a driver command that will over-rev the engine.

For improved stop-and-go performance and to prevent "lugging" the engine, the transmission will automatically downshift to first gear even though the transmission has been left in a higher gear, (except in second gear) as the vehicle comes to a stop. In Manual Mode, when coming to a stop in second gear, the vehicle will start in second gear as well.

Six-Speed Manual Transmission (4-cylinder)

On Accord Sedan models, the new 6-speed manual transmission (6MT) is now standard on Accord LX, Accord Sport and Accord EX. On Accord Coupe models, the new 6-speed is standard on LX-S and EX. More compact than the 5-speed transmission it replaces, the unit also offers smooth and precise shift feel and greater efficiency. The transmission has been carefully engineered to deliver state-of-the-art performance and shift action, with reduced internal friction, tighter internal tolerances and improved synchronizers. The transmission also has a more rigid aluminum exterior case, higher-capacity ball bearings, stiffer gear shafts, and greater torque capacity. Refinements to the shift linkage and selector mechanism reduce the sensation of play at the shift lever and smooth the shift action. A new constant-mesh helical reverse gear mechanism significantly reduces noise when reverse is selected. A reverse lockout feature prevents the transmission from accidentally being shifted into reverse while the car is moving forward.

Six-Speed Manual Transmission (V-6)
The Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe is available with a unique 6-speed manual transmission (6MT) that is carried over from the previous-generation Accord Coupe V-6. With closely spaced gear ratios and a short-throw shifter, the 6-speed manual is the perfect complement to the Accord V-6 Coupe's sporting side. A lightweight aluminum transmission case and hollow gear shafts help reduce weight, while durability is ensured by high-strength gears. A reverse lockout feature prevents the transmission from accidentally being shifted into reverse while the car is moving forward.

The Accord's manual transmission is matched with a compact clutch unit that is self-adjusting for consistent pedal stroke and load throughout its service life. A dual-mass flywheel cuts down the transfer of engine vibration into the cabin and provides increased comfort during shifting and helps to reduce noise.

i-VTEC
The Accord 4-cylinder and V-6 engines are all called i-VTEC powerplants, but it's important to note that the details in each application differ. Honda's 4-cylinder engines have double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and i-VTEC that is comprised of VTEC + Variable Timing Control (VTC) of the intake camshaft for optimized power production and fuel efficiency. Accord V-6 engines use a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) design that features i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to maximize fuel efficiency.

Regular Unleaded Fuel Operation
To keep operating costs at a minimum, all Accord models are designed to use relatively less expensive regular unleaded fuel, thanks to compact 4-valve combustion chambers and precise fuel injection or direct injection and spark control.

Drive-By-Wire (DBW) Throttle System™

The Accord's drive-by-wire throttle system uses smart electronics instead of a conventional cable system to connect the throttle pedal to the throttle butterfly in the intake tract. Besides allowing engineers to program the relationship between throttle pedal movement and engine response, the system offers a better drivability and optimizes engine response to suit driving conditions. The system monitors throttle pedal position, throttle butterfly position, road speed, engine speed and engine vacuum. This information is used to define the throttle control sensitivity.

Direct Ignition System
All Accord engines use direct ignition, which has a coil unit for each cylinder, positioned within each spark plug's access bore.

Close-Coupled Catalyst(s)
Both inline-four and V-6 Accord engines have their exhaust manifold(s) cast directly into the aluminum alloy cylinder head(s) to reduce weight and parts count and to position each primary catalytic converter as close as possible to the combustion chambers. A high-efficiency converter mounts directly to the exhaust port of each cylinder head for extremely rapid converter activation after engine startup.

Maintenance Minder
The Accord's vehicle maintenance schedule is calculated by the Maintenance Minder system, which automatically indicates when to have standard service performed based on actual driving conditions (tracked by the ECU). This minimizes the guesswork related to whether the vehicle is being used in standard or severe use conditions for maintenance interval purposes. The display indicates when to change the oil, air cleaner, transmission fluid, spark plugs or coolant, as well as when to rotate the tires. As calculated by the Maintenance Minder system, the Accord has an engine tune-up interval of 100,000+/- miles or more (only routine inspections and fluid changes are required up to this point).

Safety
Thoroughly redesigned and featuring a host of new standard and available technologies, the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe offer the greatest range of active and passive safety credentials of any vehicle in Honda's history. From new collision-avoidance technologies to passive-safety features, the new Accord models help the driver avoid a collision in the first place - and, if one occurs, help protect against injury. For instance, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is standard, and available new safety technologies include Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Collision safety engineering in the 2013 Accord is also significantly enhanced, thanks to a next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. More extensive use of high-tensile steel allows a high level of protection to be provided while reducing the weight of vehicle structures. An important evolution of the previous ACE system, ACE improves occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Like other Honda models, the new Accord also has an impact-absorbing front body design to help attenuate energy in the event of a frontal collision with a pedestrian.

Inside, passive-safety features include a total of six airbags, including dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, improved new SmartVent™ front side airbags, and side curtain airbags. The new SmartVent side airbag construction helps mitigate the risk of excessive airbag deployment force while eliminating the need for the prior Accord's Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). SmartVent also allows improved heating of the passenger seatback on EX-L and Touring models.

Independent and government crash-test results were not available at the time of publication for this press kit. However based on internal testing, both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe are expected to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and 5-Star ratings in federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests.

Traditional safety engineering has focused on keeping vehicle occupants safe in a collision. But throughout many vehicle generations, Honda has equally emphasized "active safety," the ability to avoid a collision in the first place, along with advanced features that can help reduce injuries to pedestrians. Now the new 2013 Accord takes this safety focus a step further with the availability of several new Honda technologies. The 2013 Accord features a broader array of available active- and passive-safety features than any Honda vehicle in history. New safety technologies available for the Accord:
    Forward Collision Warning (FCW) - detects a possible collision with another vehicle
    Lane Departure Warning (LDW) - alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use

Collision Safety
Collision safety capability is enhanced in the 2013 Accord, thanks to the newly revised Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, while the more extensive use of high-tensile steel allows protection to be provided with less weight. While official testing had not been completed at press time, internal Honda results indicate that the Honda Accord will earn 5 Stars (the top rating) in federal NHTSA crash testing, along with Good crash ratings (the top level) and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™)
The 2013 Accord utilizes the latest version of Honda's proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body-structure technology to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Like the original ACE, the new ACE utilizes a network of connected structural elements - with an improved design and a greater use of high-tensile steel - to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash. Additionally, ACE helps minimize the potential for under-ride or over-ride situations that can happen during head-on or offset frontal impacts with a larger or smaller vehicle.

Unlike most conventional designs that direct frontal crash energy only to the lower load-bearing structures in the front end, ACE actively channels frontal crash energy to both upper and lower structural elements, including the floor frame rails, side sills and A-pillars. By creating specifically engineered "pathways" that help distribute these frontal impact forces through a greater percentage of the vehicle's total structure, ACE can more effectively route them around and away from the passenger compartment to help limit cabin deformation and further improve occupant protection. Integral to the ACE concept is its unique front polygonal main design structure.

Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design
The Accord has an impact-absorbing front body design to help absorb energy in the event of a frontal collision with a pedestrian. Research by Honda shows that the following features can dramatically improve a pedestrian's chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle:
    Impact-energy absorbing hood
    Space is provided between the underside of the hood and key powertrain components, allowing the hood to bend and deform if contact is made with either an adult or a child pedestrian.
    Deformable hood hinges
    Hood hinges are designed to deform easily.
    Energy-absorbing fender mounts and supports
    Front fender mounts and brackets are designed to deform easily to help absorb impact energy.
    Deformable windshield wiper pivots
    Wiper pivots are designed to deform and break away easily.
    Impact energy-absorbing front bumper
    The front bumper beam is designed to serve as a cushion that helps absorb impact energy.

Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is an Electronic Stability Control system that works in conjunction with the Accord's Drive-by-Wire™ throttle and its 4-channel ABS systems to enhance control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering or when the driver makes a sudden maneuver. VSA functions by applying brake force to one or more wheels independently while also managing the engine output to help the vehicle maintain the driver's intended path of travel.

The VSA system constantly analyzes data from sensors that monitor wheel and vehicle speed, steering input, lateral G forces and yaw rate. It compares the driver's control inputs with the vehicle's actual response. Whenever the actual response falls outside of a predetermined acceptable range, VSA intervenes with a corrective action. For instance, if VSA detects an oversteer condition, the system may apply braking force to the outside front and rear wheels to counteract the unintended yawing effect. In the event of understeer, VSA may apply braking to the inside rear wheel while reducing engine power to help return the vehicle to its intended course.

VSA also provides a limited-slip differential effect for the front wheels by applying braking force to a slipping wheel, thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. VSA is calibrated to function in a near-transparent manner, and in many cases a driver will not even be aware of its operation. However, anytime the system engages, an indicator light flashes in the instrument cluster. While the driver can deactivate the VSA stability enhancement and traction-control functions via a switch on the instrument panel, ABS remains fully operational at all times.

Brake Assist
A function of the VSA® system, the Brake Assist feature recognizes emergency braking situations and quickly applies added braking force once the driver has initiated braking. Brake Assist is controlled by a special logic in the system that evaluates the pedal application rate and force to recognize a panic-stop situation. At that point, the VSA modulator pump increases braking pressure while the pedal is still being pressed to ensure maximum stopping force, an action that helps shorten braking distance as much as possible.

Advanced 4-Channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution
The Accord's 4-channel anti-lock braking system incorporates Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) circuitry that automatically proportions force based on the vehicle's weight distribution.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
The Accord EX-L and Touring model each feature a new Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system as standard equipment. When the system detects a vehicle ahead and determines that collision is possible, it provides the driver with visual and audio alerts to encourage avoidance actions. The Accord will not automatically brake, and the driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle and avoiding collisions. The FCW system can be activated and deactivated by a button on the lower left portion of the instrument panel.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
New for 2013 on the Accord EX-L and Touring Sedan and EX-L Coupe models, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) uses an upper front windshield camera (the same camera used on the EX-L FCW system) to visually read the lane lines on the road. If the driver begins to drift out of a detected lane without using the turn indicator, the system will provide the driver with visual and audible alerts.

Comprehensive Airbag Technology
Consistent with its role as a vehicle safety leader, Honda continues to provide advanced airbag technology throughout its product lineup. Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, redesigned front side airbags and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment on the 2013 Accord.

Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)
Every Accord Sedan and Coupe is equipped with dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS). One or both of these airbags will be deployed only in the event of a sufficient frontal impact. If deployed, the airbags are capable of being inflated at different rates depending on crash severity, seat-belt usage and/or other factors. Front airbags are designed to supplement the seat belts to help reduce the likelihood of head and upper body injuries in frontal crashes.

Driver and Front Passenger SmartVentTM Side Airbags
Driver's and front passenger's side airbags mounted in the outboard area of each front seatback are designed to help provide pelvic and thorax protection in the event of a severe side impact. In the 2013 Accord, a revised side airbag design allows the side airbags to deploy in a manner that mitigates the risk of injury to a smaller seat occupant, eliminating the need for the previous-generation Accord's passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). On Accord EX-L and Accord Touring models, which are equipped with heated front seats, the elimination of OPDS allows space for an additional heating element in the seatback of the front passenger seat.

Side Curtain Airbags
All outboard seating positions in the new Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe include a side curtain airbag system. The side curtain airbags deploy from modules in the roof in the event of a sufficient side impact, providing a significant level of head protection for outboard occupants. A first for Honda, the new side curtain airbags now have a wider deployment profile to enhance ejection mitigation. This application is two years in advance of new safety regulations going into effect in 2015.

Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
Three-point seatbelts are standard for all seating positions. The front seatbelts are equipped with automatic tensioners to help minimize injury potential in a frontal collision. When an impact occurs, the automatic tensioner tightens the seatbelt (shoulder and lap) to help hold the seat occupant firmly in position, but then slightly relax the pressure to minimize the chance of injury from the seat belt itself. The front seatbelts of the Sedan also feature adjustable-height shoulder anchors.

Driver's and Front Passenger's Seat-Belt Reminder
To help increase seat-belt usage, a reminder for the driver and front passenger has been incorporated into the instrument cluster. After starting the vehicle, a weight sensor detects whether the front passenger seat is occupied. If the driver or front passenger has not already fastened the seat belt, an icon in the cluster illuminates and a chime sounds as a reminder to do so.

Revised Front Seat Design
A new front seat design that helps mitigate the likelihood of neck injury in a rear collision eliminates the need for the active front head restraints found on the previous-generation Accord. Featuring specially calibrated spring settings in the seatback and bottom cushions, this design is intended to help mitigate the severity of neck injuries in the event of a rear impact.

Adjustable Head Restraints for All Seating Positions
All front and rear seating positions feature individually adjustable head restraints. The rear head restraints comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for rear passenger head restraints that took effect for any all-new 2011-model-year-and-later vehicle. The new rules closely specify the size, position and operation of the rear-seat head restraints.

Child Safety Features
Two Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat-mounting positions are built into the outboard rear seats. The LATCH system utilizes both an upper child-seat tether anchor and dedicated lower-anchor points that are built into the body of the vehicle. These help ensure correct mounting of a compatible child seat. A third upper tether is located in the rear center position. Accord Sedan models also feature childproof rear door locks. When engaged, they permit the rear doors to be opened only from the outside, thereby helping to prevent accidental opening by a child.

Auto-Locking Doors
The Accord is preprogrammed to automatically lock all doors when the vehicle reaches approximately 10 mph and unlock the driver's door when the vehicle is shifted into Park. This auto-locking system can be programmed to lock the doors three different ways and unlock them in five different ways to accommodate owner preferences. The system also can be deactivated (in whole or in part) if desired.

Auto-Locking Options
    Doors lock when the vehicle reaches approximately 10 mph (factory setting)
    Doors lock when the shift lever is moved out of the Park (P) position (CVT and 6AT models)
    Auto-locking fully deactivated

Auto-Unlocking Options
    Driver's door unlocks when the shift lever is moved to the Park (P) position (factory setting) (CVT and 6AT models)
    Driver's door unlocks when the ignition is switched to the Accessory (I) position or the vehicle is turned off (Accord models with Smart Entry)
    All doors unlock when the shift lever is moved to the Park (P) position (CVT and 6AT models)
    All doors unlock when the ignition is switched to Accessory (I) position or the vehicle is turned off (Accord models with Smart Entry)
    Auto-unlocking fully deactivated

Safety R&D Facilities
Honda operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash-test laboratories, both of which were created to help develop improved safety designs and technologies. One facility, located in Tochigi, Japan, contains the world's first indoor multi-directional car-to-car crash testing facility and plays a critical role in the development of enhanced designs for occupant safety, pedestrian injury mitigation and vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility.

The second facility is located at Honda R&D America's development center in Raymond, Ohio, where Honda performs advanced testing on all North American-developed models. The facility features the world's first pitching test sled, which aids efficiency by enabling economical and speedy crash-test simulations with certain interior safety components, such as seats and seatbelts, prior to conducting a crash test with an actual vehicle. It also features one of the world's highest-resolution impact barriers, which enables precise measurement of the distribution of impact load forces on a vehicle.

Accord Accessories
A line of Honda Genuine Accessories was developed simultaneously with the Accord to provide vehicle personalization for the Honda owner. Like all Honda Genuine Accessories, the Accord accessories are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty if installed by the dealer at the time of original vehicle purchase. Accessories for the 2013 Accord include:

    Front grille
    Front under-spoiler
    Side under-spoiler
    Rear under-spoiler
    Body side-molding
    17-inch alloy wheels
    Wing/decklid spoiler
    All-season floor mats
    Illuminated side sills
    Rear seat cover
    Cargo net
    Trunk tray
    Trunk hooks
    Remote engine starter

Manufacturing and Warranty
The Honda Accord is manufactured in Ohio by Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. The vehicle is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Limited Warranty.

GMC Acadia, 2013 9 Jul 2013 12:57 AM (11 years ago)

•  GMC Acadia, 2013

•     New, three-dimensional polished grille
•     Redesigned lower front and rear fascias
•     Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings, rear fascia and fender flares
•     Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges
•     Dual flow-through chrome exhaust outlets integrated into the rear fascia
•     20-inch machined wheels

•     Perforated leather seating and Denali-specific Cocoa Dune upholstery color
•     Leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood inserts and power tilt/telescope
•     Aluminum trim accents
•     Heated and cooled front seats
•     Accent lighting in footwells and lighted sill plates with Denali logo
•     Color Touch navigation
•     Side Blind Zone and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
•     Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section
•     All-wheel drive

Ford B-MAX, 2013 8 Jul 2013 1:31 AM (11 years ago)

•  Ford B-MAX, 2013

All-New Ford B-MAX Delivers Class-Leading Fuel Economy
The all-new Ford B-MAX will deliver reduced fuel bills for drivers in the compact multi-activity vehicle segment thanks to class-leading fuel economy from both petrol and diesel powertrains.

The B-MAX is equipped with the new 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine recently named the 2012 "International Engine of the Year" and is also available with the 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel which delivers best-in-class CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.

Ford's global small car vehicle line director Nick Collins said: "B-MAX will prove a real winner at the pumps, with the thriftiest engines in its class. And petrol buyers are in for a real treat, with the new 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivering a fun-filled drive along with remarkable fuel efficiency."

Class-leading petrol and diesel engine range
The Ford B-MAX brings new standards of fuel efficiency to the compact multi-activity vehicle class with Ford's latest petrol and diesel powertrains equipped with low-CO2 ECOnetic Technology.

The 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine is available in 100 PS and 120 PS versions and uses the latest engine technologies to deliver the power of a larger capacity engine with the fuel efficiency of a much smaller unit.

Equipped with the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system as standard, the 120 PS EcoBoost engine achieves class-leading CO2 emissions of 114 g/km and fuel consumption of 4.9 l/100 km (57.6 mpg) - 15 percent lower than the closest petrol competitor.

Other petrol engine options include the 90 PS 1.4-litre Duratec, and the 105 PS 1.6-litre Duratec engine which is paired with Ford's high-efficiency PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission with advanced dual clutch technology.

B-MAX is available with a choice of two Duratorq TDCi diesel engines. The 95 PS 1.6-litre engine delivers best-in-class CO2 emissions of 104 g/km and fuel consumption of 4.0 l/100 km (70.6 mpg).

The 75 PS 1.5-litre diesel, closely derived from the 1.6-litre engine, appears for the first time in Ford's European product range. It achieves CO2 emissions of 109 g/km and fuel consumption of 4.1l /100 km (68.9 mpg).

Low CO2 features minimise fuel consumption
Ford engineers have minimised fuel consumption on the B-MAX with an optimised design which features the latest low-CO2 ECOnetic Technologys:

•     Electric Power Assisted Steering, which requires less energy than hydraulic power assisted steering systems
•     Gear Shift Indicator to highlight the most efficient gear changing points
•     Ford Eco Mode driver information system which helps drivers adopt a more economical driving style
•     Smart Regenerative Charging, which charges the battery at the most economical point in a journey (on 1.0-litre EcoBoost and 1.5/1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engines)

Fisker Surf, 2013 2 Jul 2013 1:01 AM (11 years ago)

• Fisker Surf, 2013

Fiat 500L, 2013 1 Jul 2013 12:35 AM (11 years ago)

•  Fiat 500L, 2013

UConnect: always connected in total safety
The Fiat 500L is the first car of the Fiat group to be fitted out with a multimedia device based on the new generation of UConnect, the new infotainment platform developed by Fiat Group Automobiles.

UConnect was designed with the aim of creating a multifunction system able to manage all of the main media content on the car, such as the radio, mobile phone, Media Player, iPod or smartphone and in the near future a navigation system. In this way the driver can simply, quickly and safely access them hands-free while keeping his eye on the road.

The new device is based on a 5" colour touchscreen, one of the largest of the segment, which lets the driver access all the main functions, from the analogue and digital radio (DAB) up to all the main multimedia resources (Media Player, iPod, iPhone, smartphone) that can be connected by USB port and AUX-IN connector.

The system also includes an advanced Bluetooth interface to access extra functions such as phone call management or reading received SMS text messages via text-to-speech technology, the innovative Audio Streaming system that reproduces music files and web radio stations directly from your smartphone in streaming via Bluetooth on the UConnect device.

The new radio is based on the Windows Embedded Automotive operating system and has an advance user interface with functions such as the previously mentioned text-to-speech, voice recognition (in 11 languages) and audio controls on the steering wheel so that the driver can access all of the main infotainment contents without taking his hands off the steering wheel.

The UConnect system also introduces the eco:Drive Live application for the first time on a car. Developed by Fiat Group, it helps the driver reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by monitoring his driving style in real time and giving tips so his driving is even more eco-friendly.

The system will soon introduce new functions such as the built-in navigation system developed in collaboration with TomTom. Moreover, the system will let the customer use a large number of apps on the on-board system via integration with his smartphone starting in 2013. In this way he can always be in touch with his friends on Facebook and Twitter or be updated on traffic, news and weather in real time.

The UConnect radio is designed to permit new software functions to be implemented and updates to be installed during the entire life cycle of the vehicle so that the system is always up to date and ready for future evolutions.

eco:Drive LIVE, the evolution of a Fiat invention
Light also is the simplicity of use of the on-board technology of the new car. An example?

The brand new eco:Drive LIVE, the latest development of the eco-friendly application developed by Fiat in 2009. eco:Drive LIVE analyses your driving style thanks to the data collected on the car and provides personalised suggestions in order to reduce up to 16% of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. One peculiarity of eco:Drive LIVE is the possibility to receive feedback about your style of driving in real time, thus attaining immediate fuel consumption and emission improvements. It is also possible to save the data of every journey on a compatible USB memory stick and smartphone to analyse your driving style on a PC and receive tailored driving lessons.

The analysis of the actual driving data made possible by this software demonstrates that constant and correct use of eco:Drive leads to a savings of almost 3 tons of CO2, 1,200 litres of petrol and about Euro 2,000 during the life cycle of a car.

This is one more concrete example of Fiat's commitment to responsible and sustainable mobility, the same stance that has made it the brand which has recorded the lowest level of CO2emissions by vehicles sold in Europe in 2011, with an average measurement of 118.2 g/km (4.9 g/km less than the 2010 average) for the fifth year running.

TomTom GO LIVE for the 500L, for driving with total peace of mind

To drive in city traffic with total peace of mind, the new 500L comes with, on request, the TomTom GO LIVE navigation system with dedicated customisation with the picture of the Fiat 500L on the start screen and in the icon along the route, in addition to signalling Fiat network service points.

TomTom GO LIVE for the Fiat 500L offers a safe driving experience as it is built into the dashboard and provides the most precise traffic information updated in real time. The setup for this navigation system is located in the middle of the dashboard and allows the totally safe installation of the specific mounting, in addition to guaranteeing power to the navigation device without external wiring.

TomTom GO LIVE for the Fiat 500L has a 4.3" display with iPhone type capacitive touchscreen; pre-uploaded and detailed maps of 45 countries (Europe); and it offers the Live TomTom services that permit the customer to receive traffic information in real time through HD Traffic, information on fixed and mobile speed detection systems (including the portals of the tutor system in Italy, in agreement with the legal restrictions in Europe, in France for example), TomTom Local Search, weather forecasts, and Quick GPS fix.

HD Traffic is the most important service that lets you receive real time detailed information on traffic with updates every two minutes. With this information you can plan your route with instantaneous updates based on traffic conditions. Optimised routes cut down fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and travel time.

TomTom GO LIVE for the Fiat 500L can be purchased in all the following countries: France, Italy, Germany, the UK, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Ireland, Austria and the Czech Republic. The LIVE services are offered free of charge for 1 year and include roaming and traffic information in the conditions previously mentioned.

Social connectivity functions developed exclusively for the Fiat 500L, such as Twitter, Trip Advisor and Expedia, are also available in a number of countries, including Italy, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. These services are included in the LIVE package.

Easy in the city, quiet on the motorway
Technology makes life simple on the 500L. Clean, safe and fun driving while being enveloped in ultimate comfort is also simple. That is certainly the merit of the new wide architecture that will be shared by the upcoming generations of models and that on the Fiat 500L was calibrated to guarantee top of class performance and comfort. For example, the body has a high level of torsional rigidity - 111,700 daNm/rad - that contributes to optimum control of the geometry.

The new 500L is a car that lets you experience relaxing moments and travel comfortably, also because of the layout of its suspensions - MacPherson up front, torsion beam in the rear - that have been updated to ensure control and comfort at top levels. More specifically, the front suspension with MacPherson architecture has a new anti-roll bar with extraordinary rolling rigidity made with hollow technology that provides increased performance and at the same time reduced weight. The front crossmember is also designed with high rigidity to achieve greater acoustic comfort and to integrate a third load line to improve energy absorption capacity in the case of collision.

One of the new innovations is adoption of a "split" type of shock absorber mounting that transmits the loads to the body through two different routes and therefore get better filtering of the road vibrations, improved acoustics and better efficiency of the shock absorber.

Lastly, the rear suspension has a newly designed torsion axle architecture with a high level of rolling rigidity. This feature lets us save on the weight of an anti-roll bar. Hydraulic bushes were also adopted to improve the car's level of comfort. Last but not least, the rear suspension of the Fiat 500L was further lightened in weight by adopting single tube shock absorbers.

Technological and protective
To guarantee the protection of the passengers, the new 500L combines a body designed according to the most modern criteria with active and passive safety content that ensures its optimum performance, so much so as to be at the top of its category.

Specifically, the new car has a safety cell structure complete with double pillars in front designed in line with current U.S. regulations as far as crash tests and dimensional specifications of the materials used are concerned.

The safety performance was designed by the designers and experts of the Fiat Safety Centre after examining all possible types of impact: front and side impacts, roll-over, pile-up and impacts with pedestrians. Various speeds at which impact may occur were also taken into consideration as well as different types of obstacles and different types of occupants with greatly varying physical characteristics.

The new 500L's standard equipment includes front and window airbags - side airbags and knee bags are available on request - front headlights with DRL (Daytime Running Lights) function and fog lights with the self-adaptive cornering function. The model also comes standard with ABS with BAS (Brake Assist System) and the sophisticated ESC (Electronic Stability Control) that intervenes in conditions close to the limit, when the car's stability is at risk, and helps the driver control it.

The Fiat 500L ESC is equipped with several very useful functions:
    ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) system, which optimises traction at any speed, with the help of the brakes and engine management, allowing the Fiat 500L to cope easily on low-grip road beds.
    Hill Holder, the system that helps the driver starting off uphill by keeping the brake locked for about 2 seconds, in this way making starting off easier without requiring the driver to press the brake pedal or use the handbrake.
    MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung): when there is a brisk gear change in poor grip conditions, the MSR function intervenes, restoring engine torque and preventing the wheels from locking and slipping.
    DST (Driving Steering Torque): the system improves both driving safety and handling performance. The active electronic steering carries out corrections automatically and also controls oversteer over surfaces with low grip in all driving conditions.
    ERM (Electronic Rollover Mitigation) is the function which intervenes when a wheel leaves the road surface: in fact, whenever an extreme dynamic movement is detected, the ERM helps to restabilise the vehicle and returns control of the car to the driver.

Lastly, the brand-new "City Brake Control" system is worthy of a detailed look. Becoming available after the launch, the innovative device is capable of recognising obstacles in front of the car and of braking automatically when the driver fails to do so to avoid crashing into them. Depending on certain parameters (road surface conditions, dynamics and trajectory of the vehicle, position of the obstacles and condition of the tyres, etc.), the intervention of the LSCM system can avoid impact completely ("Collision Avoidance") or minimise the consequences of a possible impact ("Collision Mitigation").

The sophisticated device of the new 500L integrates three additional functions: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Prefill and Brake Assist. The former, while respecting the driver's wishes and leaving full control of the car in his/her hands, is triggered by emergency braking after carefully assessing the position and speed of the obstacles, the speed of the vehicle (below 30 km/h), lateral acceleration, the steering angle and pressure on the accelerator pedal and its variation. The "Prefill" function instead prefills the braking system to provide a quicker response both when Automatic Emergency Braking intervenes and in the case the driver brakes. Brake Assist on the other hand recognises emergency situations and alters the brake pedal's response to achieve quicker braking in emergency situations.

In detail, the system works with a laser sensor installed in the windscreen, and it communicates with the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system. Based on the same principle as those used in astronomy to measure distances between satellites, the laser sensor detects the presence of obstacles in front of the vehicle when certain alignment conditions be present: the overlapping of the car and obstacle must be more than 40% than the width of the vehicle, while the angle of impact must be less than 30° and the obstacle must have an adequate surface and reflecting properties.

The goal of the City Brake Control system is to guarantee maximum safety in all conditions of use, so in certain conditions (unfastened seat belts, icy road, reversing), different triggering logics are activated.

Loft: personal size
A loft is a contemporary, wide, open and luminous dimension. Just like the new Fiat 500L that has been imagined and produced in the same way as a beautiful and functional design house. The customer has the possibility to personalise it with ultimate freedom owing to the wide choice of colour combinations, dedicated solutions and category accessories.

Record-breaking brightness
The model has 360° glazing that improves the sense of command of the road. It also makes parking manoeuvres easier and ensures the best visibility of the segment. Thanks to the glazed A pillar in the front area, the 500L boasts 30% more front visibility than its competitors with the conventional pillar

The passenger compartment is filled with light from the largest glass roof of its class: a good 1.5 square metres. Available both in the fixed version and that which can be electrically opened, the Fiat 500L sun roof lets the passengers enjoy all of the brightness and sense of freedom that the large glazed surface can ensure.

333 colour combinations
Another peculiarity of the model is the ease with which it is possible to customise it by combining the 11 body colours - a record for the segment - with the 3 roof colours (black, white and body colour) and 3 rim colours (white, black and aluminium). The result is nothing short of 333 colour combinations. The chance to choose your favourite interior from the variety of colour combinations according to the trim level makes it all even more interesting. Upholstery includes: the black "Star" fabric with grey or red inserts, the "Tecnosilk" fabric offered in three shades (beige, red and grey) and the precious Castiglio offered in two versions: mink or cream.

Range of accessories: over 140 unique and exclusive products
Turning the Fiat 500L into a distinctive and customised object was the goal of the International team Mopar®, the Group brand that handles the Parts & Service business and Customer Care operations that has worked in close contact with the Centro Stile Fiat, recapturing the original mood of the Fiat 500.

The new Fiat 500L Lineaccessori offers customers the chance to eclectically personalise their car by choosing from more than 140 unique and exclusive products in terms of style and versatility. The Fiat 500L is the Fiat Group Automobiles car with the most accessories available.

Mopar first of all developed a range of badges and stickers with six graphic patterns of different colours to enrich the exteriors and make them unique. It will also be possible to choose from four different 17" diamond-finish alloy rims and five door mirror covers to personalise your Fiat 500L. The more demanding customers will also have available the chrome-plated set that includes door mirrors, trim on the bonnet and the rear number plate holder. Then it will be possible for the sportier at heart to add the aluminium pedal unit and plate with Fiat 500L logo on the kick plate.

Utility: innovation and functionality come together to also give space to leisure time, family and work. The versatile roof bars to install on the roof are great for leisure time. They can carry bikes, surfboards, skis and snowboards in total safety together with a range of thermoses and cooler bags. Peace of mind and safety for the family are guaranteed by a full range of child seats, anti-theft systems, cargo nets and passenger compartment separation grilles for carrying animals, parking sensors and anti-theft wheel bolts. Then for work useful accessories of an original design have been created, starting from the steel clothes hook, trolleys and special PC bags, to continue with accessories that make any journey, long or short as it may be, a pleasant and comfortable experience: the luggage compartment organizer, the TomTom GO LIVE device created exclusively for the Fiat 500L and the iPod holder.

Finally, among the accessories there are the new car key covers in a good 13 different colours.

Hi-Fi Beats: the best in sound quality
Just like you would expect from a home Hi-Fi system, for the first time in the Fiat Group and in Europe the Fiat 500L offers a new Hi-Fi system developed in collaboration with Beats by Dr. Dre, which is revolutioning the way music can be experienced inside the car.

Collaboration with Beats started in the United States with Chrysler and has now been extended to Europe. The Beats founders - legendary artist and record producer Dr. Dre and Interscope Geffen A&M Records chairman and record producer Jimmy Iovine - worked side by side with Fiat Group sound engineers to develop and calibrate the new system. The result is a Hi-Fi system that offers a listening experience marked by a clean sound and high definition that only two music experts like Dr. Dre and Iovine could have achieved.

The Beats sound system includes:
    two 165 mm diameter mid-woofer speakers in the front doors;
    two Ø 38 mm tweeters on the upper portion of the front doors;
    two 165 mm diameter full-range speakers in the rear doors;
    a 165 mm diameter subwoofer in reflex box in the luggage compartment, which guarantees dynamic and powerful basses while maximising the listening experience over a wide range of music genres, from hip hop to soul;
    an amplifier with DSP and 8 channels that integrates an advanced equalisation algorithm developed by Beats, able to recreate the entire sound spectrum that an artist experiences during his studio recordings.

The Lavazza coffee machine
An absolutely new product on the automotive scene, the Fiat 500L is the first standard production car to offer an authentic espresso coffee machine with Lavazza 'A Modo Mio' pod system that is perfectly integrated in the passenger compartment with a deck Fiat has specially designed for it. So for the first time you can enjoy the high quality, rich taste, body and creaminess of genuine Italian espresso coffee in a car.

With this unprecedented solution, the Fiat 500L lets you enjoy the quality of the best Italian espresso coffee while comfortably seated, without any cable and in total safety.

Designed in close collaboration with Lavazza, the 500L coffee machine can be ordered as a normal optional fully integrated in the design and ergonomics of the car.

The "coffee experience" kit developed for the Fiat 500L will also include a dedicated set of accessories: spoon holder, pod holder and sugar holder.

Range (Italian market)
Everyone can find the Fiat 500L that best suits his or her demands and tastes. At launch, 11 exterior body colours, 3 different shades for the roof (black, white or selected body colour), 4 trim levels (Pop, Pop Star, Easy and Lounge), 3 rim colours (black, white, grey), 3 engine versions and 7 different interior configurations in addition to 140 accessories specially created for the model are available.

The Fiat 500L can be ordered in Italy and on the major European markets starting from July. The commercial launch is scheduled in Italy with an Open Day on the first weekend in October, to then progressively expand to all the other markets. Altogether, during 2013 the Fiat 500L will go on sale in more than 100 countries around the world, including the United States.

In Italy, the range starts from the Pop version, which comes with standard equipment bound to appeal. When it comes to safety, for example, there are two front airbags, two window bags and two side bags in addition to the ABS with EBD, front headlights with DRL (Daytime Running Lights) function and the sophisticated ESC system complete with the ASR, Hill Holder, MSR, DST and ERM functions. In the same way, the following are included as standard equipment to enhance comfort: steering wheel adjustable in height and depth, electric front windows, Dualdrive electric power steering with City function, driver's seat adjustable in height, central locking system and remote control for opening the doors. The Fiat 500L Pop trim level also offers the sliding split (40/60) rear seat accommodating 3 passengers that can be closed using the "Fold&Tumble System" function, handy storage compartments on the dashboard (one open and two with flap closing) and the useful "magic space" cargo. Completing the equipment of this version are the Start&Stop system (on the 0.9 Twin Air and 1.3 MultiJet), audio set-up with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters, rear window wiper and Fix&Go system.

Compared to the previous version, the Pop Star trim level is richer owing to the protective side strips with stainless steel insert, the electric door mirrors with demister painted in the body colour and the 16" alloy rims in the colours of grey, white or black. Added to the already full set of standard equipment of the Fiat 500L Pop, the Pop Star version also offers the manual climate control system with pollen filter and cruise control.

Then for those who want the most in terms of functionality, there are the Easy and Lounge trim levels. The is in particular the right combination between end price, good looks and technical equipment. Compared to the Pop version, it offers the added Cruise Control, manual climate control system, electric door mirrors with demister, CD/MP3 radio with 5" touchscreen, also with digital radio (optional), leather steering wheel with radio and UConnect controls and leather gear knob. The top of the range Lounge version comes with all this equipment and more: 16" alloy rims, protective side strips with stainless steel insert, fog lights, automatic headlights, rear armrest, rain sensor, internal chromic rear-view mirror, fixed-glass roof, accessorised front seats, rear electric windows, automatic dual-zone climate control system with pollen filter.

Finally, depending on the markets and outfit, numerous optionals and accessories are available that, for the customer's convenience of choice and economic benefit, can also be purchased in specific Packs. The many contents available on request include the UConnect CD/MP3 radio with 5" touchscreen, parking sensors, 17" alloy rims, knee bags, heated windscreen, Premium Beats audio system, Lavazza coffee machine, heated front seats, electrically controlled Skydome roof and baby surveillance rear-view mirror.

Production
The Fiat 500L is produced at the Kragujevac (Serbia) plant, inaugurated last April after three years of intense and continuous work carried out to upgrade the infrastructures and restore the buildings, with new roof coverings, new production departments, reclamation of lands and installation of advanced machinery and production systems. Over 1 billion Euros have been invested from 2010 to today, in addition to Fiat's best professional resources. Every day 2500 workers and suppliers took part in the plant's reconstruction. In addition, 1,100,000 hours of staff training were provided to create a new industrial culture. The new Kragujevac plant production capacity exceeds 700 cars per day thanks to the new design and structure.

Officine Grandi Riparazioni, Turin
Fiat has chosen Officine Grandi Riparazioni (OGR) in Turin to present the new 500L to the international media. This place full of charm is where trains were repaired until the 1970's and since 2011 has been the venue of a major center for contemporary culture. To remember the extraordinary success of the 'Fare gli italiani' exhibition set up last year and brought back in 2012 with a new section. The exhibition revisits the history of the Italian people from the pre-unitary phase to the unification of Italy, up to the present day. A route constructed to think on the long process of forming the national identity, where the elements that fostered aggregation, and also the elements that stopped it in some phases, are highlighted.

With this location of great charm and historic value Fiat cements the strong bond with the major Piedmont city that witnessed its birth in 1899. It was from here that its century-old history started, which in 1957 gave birth to the Fiat 500, the car that united Italy with the first mass motoring phase of the country. From here, with the fundamental contribution of Officine Grandi Riparazioni, the railway transport that reduced geographical distances, boosting both Italy's industrialisation and the free movement of the Italian people with its dreams, desires and ambitions, was born.

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