Bulletproof Technology For A Brighter Future: The 2006 Honda Accord

For many, the 70s will be remembered for disco music, long collar shirts, the rise of feminism, and the twin peaks of energy crises of 1973 and 1976. It was a time when Americans became introspective about their need for large, loud, inefficient cars. The idea that oil reserves were not endless and technological development was not sustainable without harming the environment – ended the age of modernism. The introduction of the Honda Accord in 1976, addressed the prevailing paradigm for a reliable, economical, practical car that was fun to drive and easy to park.

Nearly three decades later, in 2006, we find Honda has nearly perfected the Accord Sedan. Now available as a Hybrid, it posts fuel efficiency of 37 mpg highway; 29 mpg in the city. While these are not as good as those of the Toyota Prius, or even the Honda Civic, they are better than most family cars on the road today. Where the 2006 Honda Accord really shines is in the styling, handling, safety, fuel efficiency and the strong residual department, that are vital components of the success of the Accord in the USA. Additionally, the 2006 Accord builds on the engine prowess expected from the ilk.

If you walk around the outside of the 2006 Honda Accord Sedan, you’ll notice uncluttered clean lines from front to back, create a sense of mystery and sophistication. The car has a distinctive classy look. The sophisticated front nose incorporates headlights and turn signals into a single unit, enhancing aerodynamics. Step inside the cabin, and you’ll notice the 2006 Accord lives up to its upper middle class, up-market feel. The sporty steering wheel, instrument cluster and tactile cockpit combine both analog and digital features to good effect. The speedometer’s numbers are in the driver’s line of sight and the audio, climate control, and Satellite Navigation system are grouped logically and within easy reach. The front seats are supportive and comfortable for long journeys, and the rear seats are roomy enough to accommodate two adults or three kids. The new Accord has a refined and feels tailor made for the entire family.

If you are a sporting enthusiast, you’ll see the 2006 Accord is no slouch in either of its VS, LX, EX iterations, or even the Hybrid. The new Accord rewards the driver with nimble handling and the choice of three engines: the 2.4-Liter, 166 horsepower 4-cylinder engine is standard, the 3.0-Liter, 244 horsepower V-6 is an upgrade, and the 253 horsepower Hybrid is the miracle worker of the trio with plenty of low end torque. The Hybrid enables you can enjoy even greater efficiencies while climbing ramps or merging in traffic. The Hybrid’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology is able to turn off three of the engine’s six cylinders by pausing their fuel injection and keeping the intake and exhaust valves closed. The reduced displacement enhances the mileage and range. Press your foot down, and VCM immediately opens the butterfly valves for quick acceleration that is both smooth and instant.
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Going fast is only half the battle, the 2006 Accord is competent athlete, versatile at responding to changing driving situations. Every new Accord has standard daytime running lights; dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags that inflate based on the severity of impact; front side and side curtain airbags designed to prevent injury in side impact collisions; an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) to prevent wheel lockup and enhance steering control; front crush zones made from high-tensile steel to absorb and re-distribute energy away from the passenger cabin; side-impact door beams and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) to balance brake loading in hard braking conditions; and on all V-6 models, brake assist to enhance stopping. Additionally, the 2006 Accord has earned the 5-star front crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the highest honor to be bestowed on any car.

The oil shock of 1973 resulted in a profound shift in American culture. It was not uncommon for car owners, during this time to gain access to fuel pumps based on their license plates. Holders of license plates ending in an odd number purchase fuel on odd numbered days only, and vice versa. When the first Accord was introduced nearly 30 years ago, it became an instant sensation. The 2006 Honda Accord represents the manufacturer’s commitment to drivers, passengers, safety, and comfort. With the MSRP of $18,225 for the new Accord Sedan, and $30,140 for the Hybrid – it’s surprising the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Honda Intends Release Of Hybrid Minivan Around 2011

Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co Ltd.'s (HMC) President Takanobu Ito revealed in an interview that it intends release a hybrid minivan around 2011, according to The Nikkei. The company currently has two models of hybrid vehicles, the Insight and the Civic Hybrid.

According to the plan, Honda plans to add a variety of hybrid models in the near future, including the CR-Z, a sporty hybrid, in February and a hybrid version of its Fit subcompact by the end of 2010.

In a statement, Ito said, "First of all, it is important to expand our lineup. We want to introduce a hybrid model to minivans, which continue to enjoy strong customer demand."

Honda is also expected to deliver a new hybrid minivan next year which resembles the Odyssey and the Estima, which are already selling in Japan. The 2010 electric car line-up with hybrid technologies is also on the cards. Honda projects a sale of more than 300,000 hybrid vehicles in the next five years.

"Fuel efficiency has been what matters most in hybrid vehicles, but what is required from now on is a balance among economy, fuel efficiency and price," Ito added.

However, Honda's plans to develop electric cars would have to first meet California's Zero Emission Vehicle regulation, which is considered the toughest in the world.

New HONDA CITY 2009 Launched In Malaysia

A new version of Honda City 2009. This New Honda City 1.5 L 2009 is completely different in many ways. Specially the exterior design and specification. read more about the full specification of this new baby from Honda Malaysia, The All New Honda City 2009.

A new dawn has emerged to liberate your spirit. Dynamic from the inside out.

The all-new City
New Honda City 1.5 L 2009 makes you do more and feel more with pure emotion that rides with you every day. That is the excitement of substance with exhilarating style. takes you further with class-leading performance, comfort, space and practicality.

For performance and practicality, find them both in the all-new City.

The all-new City is engineered for top performance, smooth handling and responsive acceleration.

1.5-litre i-VTEC engine

Maximum power:
120PS [88kW]@6,600rpm
Maximum torque:
145N•m [14.8kg•m]@4,800rpm

The 1.5-litre i-VTEC powerplant in the all-new City provides classleading performance and fuel economy. Achieving lower fuel consumption without compromising on engine output and even environmental considerations. This New Honda City 1.5 L 2009 engine is compliant with Euro 4 level emission standards.

How to Drive Safely in Wet Weather

Summer, with its long days and warm weather, brings a welcome relief to drivers who spent the winter negotiating snowy or icy roadways. But summer brings its own weather hazards for drivers who travel through those parts of the country that experience torrential summer downpours, flash floods, and hail storms. Rain and wet roadways cause thousands of accidents every year, mainly because many drivers don’t alter their driving techniques for the changed conditions. Most of these accidents are preventable if you simply follow the basic precautions of driving in wet conditions.

When roads are wet, the film of water on the pavement reduces tire traction. If the layer of water builds to a degree that all traction is lost, a condition called hydroplaning, your vehicle will no longer respond to control inputs like steering or braking. Instead it will skate on the sheet of water like an unsteered sled. The potential for hydroplaning increases with vehicle speed and the depth of the water on the road. The best strategy to prevent this frightening and dangerous experience is to avoid as many contributors to hydroplaning as possible.

There are some good tips for you:

1. The first few hours of rain after a dry spell are the most dangerous. This is because oil, grease, and rubber dust build up on the roadway over time. When blended with water this mixture makes the pavement dangerously slick, especially at intersections where vehicles stop and start frequently. Be extra careful until the rain has time to wash away the skid mixture.

2. Slow down! Reduce your speed to less than posted limits, which are established for dry conditions. Slower speeds let your tires shed water more efficiently and also give you more reaction time in the decreased visibility of a storm. Always expect that rain means longer travel times due to reduced speed and poor driving conditions. Leave earlier and don’t rush to make up for lost time.

3. If you do cross standing water, remember that your brakes may be wet, decreasing their effectiveness. More reason to slow down. Only driving slowly and braking gently will generate enough heat to dry them out.

4. If it is raining or hailing so hard that you can’t see the road ahead or other vehicles around you from a safe distance, then it is time to pull safely off the road and wait until conditions improve. If you planned ahead, you have already given yourself more travel time to deal with the delay. If you do have to stop at the side of a road, keep your headlights on and turn on your emergency flashers.

5. Avoid standing water. Besides increasing the danger of hydro planning, large puddles can conceal pot holes or debris in the road. You may also be unable to judge the depth of the water and find yourself stuck with a flooded engine compartment. If you see standing water, drive around it or choose another route. Stay toward the middle of crowned roads to avoid standing water at curbs and shoulders.

Honda Civic is High Fuel Economy

Since its launch in 1973, the Honda Civic has been one of the most popular compact cars sold in America. Its success can be attributed to its consistently high level of fit and finish and an impressive reputation for reliability and low running costs. High fuel economy, environmental awareness and engaging performance have also played a large role in making the Honda Civic a top choice for many Americans.

The current Civic is the best yet. It is the most powerful and the most fuel-efficient, and comes in a wide range of models. It is also the most radically designed Civic to date, inside and out. For small car shoppers looking for a used vehicle, the Civic is again a smart choice, as its long production run and wide range of models make it easy to find what you want.

The current Civic is available as a coupe or sedan. Both styles share five main trim levels: base DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Si. The sedan also features DX Value Package, LX-S, Hybrid and GX trim levels. All trims get a broad range of safety features, such as antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In terms of premium features, the DX is pretty limited, and you'll have to jump up to the higher trims to get amenities such as air-conditioning and power accessories.

All trims but the Si are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes 140 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. Driving enthusiasts might want to take a look at the Civic Si. Offered in both coupe and sedan body styles, the Si is powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 197 hp. It comes exclusively with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.

The Civic GX is powered by a 113-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that runs on clean-burning compressed natural gas. The Civic Hybrid features Honda's latest Integrated Motor Assist system, which consists of a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a 20-hp electric motor. Total output is 110 hp. The Hybrid comes exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and its EPA-estimated fuel economy is 40 mpg city and 45 mpg highway.

In reviews and road tests, our editors found the Honda Civic to be a well-rounded car. Inside, this Civic has a dramatic-looking interior that features a two-tier dashboard layout. A digital speedometer sits on top of the dash, while the tachometer sits underneath. Honda has tuned the coupe to feel sportier than the sedan. Both are fun to drive, with quick steering and impressive handling. The 1.8-liter engine won't overwhelm anyone, but it provides enough power for comfortable city driving. The Hybrid gets fantastic fuel mileage, and the GX is impressively clean, but both suffer from slow acceleration.

The Interesting About Honda

Honda Advanced Technology is part of Honda’s long-standing research and development in building new models for their automotive products and automotive-related technologies, primarily on engine technology. Honda’s consistent habit in pursuing ideas and exploring technological challenges have led to practical solutions like fuel-efficient vehicles and engines, to more sophisticated applications like the humanoid robot, ASIMO, and the HondaJet, a six-passenger jet plane.

Environmental Technology

Honda’s focus on fuel-efficiency and the environmental impact of its vehicles dates back to the Clean Air Legislation of the 1960’s and 1970’s. “Blue skies for our children” has been their guideline in developing future vehicles, inspiring them to launch further research into clean diesels and hydrogen power. Advanced improvement on existing technologies like VTEC and IMA has resulted in i-VTEC and Hybrid Technology that increases fuel economy and further reduces CO2 emissions.

i-VTEC is the acronym for intelligent VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control), an evolution of Honda’s VTEC engine. The i-VTEC engine works by controlling the timing and lifting of the camshafts depending on engine speeds. The valves open smaller during low engine speeds to achieve maximum fuel efficiency. The valves will open bigger at higher engine speeds to achieve higher performance.

The i-VTEC technology is also integrated in Honda’s hybrid vehicles to work in tandem with an electric motor. In Honda’s 2006 Civic Hybrid, the 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine uses a 3-stage valve design, advancement from the 2005 i-VTEC technology. Aside from weight and friction reduction, the engine operates on low-speed timing, high-output timing or 4-cylinder idling when the VCM system is engaged, each yielding better engine output upon varying driving conditions. Its competency helped place the Honda Civic Hybrid as the third “Greenest Vehicle” in 2009.

Integrated Motor Assist

The Integrated Motor Assist, or IMA as it is commonly known, is Honda’s hybrid car technology that uses a gasoline-electric drive system developed to achieve higher fuel economy and low exhaust emissions without compromising engine efficiency. The IMA system uses the engine as the main power source and an electric motor as an assisting power during acceleration.

Safety

Honda operates two of the world’s most sophisticated crash test laboratories to improve safety designs and technologies in their vehicles, resulting in the cars scoring five-star ratings in front and side crash tests . A new independent crash test report from Euro NCAP also assessed the 2009 Honda Accord, Honda Civic and Honda Jazz as among Europe’s safest cars, with an overall five-star rating .

Honda approaches safety issues through a core feature of advanced safety technologies which are applied to virtually all models as standard equipments to prevent accidents. Active safety technology prevents uncontrollable steering during cornering on the road using the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) while passive safety technology protects passengers and pedestrian by dispersing force into the body frame of the vehicle in the event of a road mishap. This is known as the G-force control (G-CON).