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July 30, 2002 - American Honda Motor Co. have released the first official photos and information on its all new 2003 Accord model which goes on sale early in September in the United States.
The rapid growth in the popularity of SUVs and 'crossover' vehicles has expanded consumer choice and increased competition for the already highly competitive midsize buyer. As a result, the Accord development team targeted not only its traditional competitors, but also the finest European sedans in terms of design, engineering and 'emotion' in an effort to move the Accord lineup to a higher level.
The Accord, the best-selling car in America in 2001, features dynamic new styling for both sedan and coupe models. Styling for the sedan and coupe is more distinctive and the two models will share only their headlights for ’03. When the designers went to work on 2003 Accords they were looking to produce a more dynamic overall package, one with a more muscular and agile look. They chose the cheetah as their design theme, with a sleek overall body, aggressive front and muscular flanks. Their goal was to make the help make the Accord more of an emotional choice of buyers with more dramatic and aggressive styling.
The coupe is the more striking of the two. The first step for the Accord Coupe designers setting out to develop the 'Ultimate Sport Accord' was to make a bold styling statement, further differentiating it from the Sedan. Rakish, youthful and energetic, and bearing a family resemblance to the S2000, the Accord Coupe shares some of the Sedan’s styling cues, but none of its sheet metal. A high beltline, sweeping door lines and rear fenders intensify the sedans theme of muscularity and vitality and convey a sensation of speed.
The aggressive front styling of the Sedan features faceted corners and geometric headlamps. The front and rear fenders and sculpted body sides use a unique combination of straight lines and organic curves to provide a blend of muscularity and vitality. This complex combination of concave and convex angles and shapes presented unique challenges for production engineers to overcome, but was deemed important to help distinguish the Accord from its competitors.
The three-dimensional and nearly flush side window glass adds a sophisticated sense to the styling and helps reduce wind noise. From the rear, the new Accord Sedan features a short deck lid, generous glass area and taillights whose wrap-around style honors previous Accord designs. The bottom of the rear bumper has been lowered 25mm to better conceal underbody chassis components.
The exterior dimensions of the 2003 Accord Coupe are nearly identical to the model it replaces (wheelbase is the same at 105.1 inches, length at 187.6 is +0.8, and width is up an inch to 71.3). Attention to aerodynamics results in lower 0.29 drag coefficient.
The interiors of the new Accords blend driver-oriented features with information-oriented technologies. The higher beltline, along with a more prominent dashboard, provide a feeling of substance and solidity to the interior. LEDs provide instrument illumination. When the car is at rest the instruments present a black appearance. The instruments light up in stages as the driver enters the car, inserts the key and starts the engine, revealing new large, bold meters. Improved driver and passenger seats and a more sport oriented driving position reflect the renewed effort that has gone into making the Accord fun-to-drive.
Audio and climate control systems have also been significantly upgraded. EX 4-cylinder models with leather and all EX V6 models provide separate temperature controls for the driver and front passenger. Controls for the audio system, climate control and the available next-generation Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System (NAVI) are consolidated into a single display for ease of use. The new NAVI system features voice activation for navigational tools, as well as audio and climate controls.
In addition to dual-stage front SRS airbags, side airbags are now available on the LX 4-cylinder models and standard on all EX and V6 models. As with all Honda and Acura vehicles, the front passenger's side airbag is controlled by a sensing system that disables the airbag if the passenger is in its deployment path. Accord EX V6 models also come standard with a side curtain airbag system covering both the front and rear side windows in the event of a side impact.
The 2003 Accords also have a new dynamic character. Engineers modified the double-wishbone suspension to improve ride and handling – in particular to reduce fore-aft body motions under acceleration and deceleration and to provide flatter cornering.
Engineers have tuned the 2003 Accord’s chassis for a sportier, more European feel. In keeping with this effort, both the Sedan and Coupe are now fitted with larger, more performance-oriented tires that enhance ride and handling characteristics.
Braking has been significantly enhanced. In addition to standard ABS, the 4-cylinder EX models and V6 models add EBD (electronic brake distribution) as standard equipment. These components enhance chassis stability under braking and help trim braking distances in real world conditions.
As in previous years, Accord Sedan buyers can choose between an inline-4 and a V6 engine. Both are new for 2003 and feature a number of unique technologies.
The 160-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder features all-aluminum construction, twin balance shafts, chain-driven dual-overhead camshafts and i-VTEC. This new i-VTEC provides a wider powerband and improved drivability, along with higher fuel mileage and lower emissions. In California the 4-cylinder engine used for the LX and EX automatic transmission sedans will meet SULEV emissions regulations, the most stringent in the world. The new 3.0-liter V6 increases output to 240-hp, which positions it at the top of the midsize class.
New 4-cylinder and V6 engines team with new automatic and manual transmissions to give the 2003 Accords more power, improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions than the powertrains they replace. A new V6-powered Accord Coupe equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission will be available early in 2003.
Sales of the new Accord are expected to top 400,000 during the 2003 model year. That will push cumulative U.S. Accord sales to more than eight million since the Accord first went on sale in 1976.
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