Next generation of Honda Accord to have 10-speed transmission option

The 10^th generation of the Honda Accord, to be launched in America this year, will include two direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission, and a sporty 6-speed manual transmission that will be available on both turbo engines, as well as the next-generation of Honda’s two-motor hybrid powertrain technology.

The two high-torque, high-efficiency turbocharged powerplants are the 1.5-litre direct-injected DOHC Turbo with dual variable cam timing (dual VTC) which is already being used for the latest Civic and new CR-V, and a new 2.0-litre direct-injected DOHC Turbo with i-VTEC. The smaller engine will be paired with a Honda CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission (depending on market) while the bigger one will the industry’s first 10-speed automatic transmission for a front-wheel-drive passenger car.

The 10-speed transmission was developed over a 3-year period and is also used in the latest Odyssey. 45 mm shorter than the existing 6-speed unit, it has optimized internal ratios and incorporates many measures to reduce internal friction. The ratios for the 7th to 10th gears are overdrive ratios so engine speed can be reduced further for better fuel efficiency at cruising speeds as well as lower noise levels.

New Honda 2.0-litre direct injected DOHC Turbo engine with 10-speed automatic transmission (right picture)

“With these three advanced new powertrains, the 10th generation Accord will be the most fun-to-drive, refined and fuel-efficient Accord yet,” said Jeff Conrad, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of America Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Just as the new Honda Civic injected new energy into the compact car segment, we expect this all-new Accord will make people rethink the midsize sedan.”

While the looks of the actual production model are not being revealed yet, Honda USA has issued a picture of a camouflaged car. The company says that the new Accord design will have a dramatically lower and wider appearance that creates a more aggressive and athletic stance.

The Accord was Honda’s second global model after the Civic and has been very popular in America (over 13 million units sold since 1976). It was the retail sales leader in the midsize sedan segment of that market for 4 consecutive years (2013 – 2016) and for the first five months of 2017, it has been the second best-selling passenger car overall.

While the platform will be similar, the ASEAN version of the new Accord may have differences with the American one. Generally, the styling for the American version is orientated towards sportiness while the Asian one is given a more executive look. As with the Civic, it is likely that the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine will be offered but whether the 2-litre engine will be turbocharged or not remains to be seen.

Source: Motor Trader | Next generation of Honda Accord to have 10-speed transmission option