The Temple of VTEC - Honda and Acura Enthusiasts Online Forums > 2013 Accord order page reveals new Sport trim, confirms 6AT, CVT and 6MT transmissions >

amagbanua wrote:
owequitit wrote:
99SI wrote:
Not anything over 280 unless the base 3.5 is dropped from the TL option sheet....

First, a FWD Accord honestly doesn't need more than 280HP. Even the 244HP 7th gen V6 had plenty of power, and with an extra gear, it would escape the main complaints I could levy against that powertrain, which was a hole between 2nd and 3rd gear during rolling situations.

That said, the 8th gen is a little under-powered given the change from 3.0-3.5L (which provide effectively ZERO extra acceleration compared to the 7th gen). But again, it isn't entirely peak power that is lacking. It is primarily the fact that a VCM equipped J35 has compromised low and mid-range power compared to the non-VCM versions. Due to having to compromise on cam tuning, they also have notably less top end than the non-VCM versions. If Honda increases "peak" HP by 7 HP or so (a round 280), but manages to get the low, mid and top end to behave like a non-VCM J35 V6, I think the car will EASILY have the best in class powertrain. It is already exceptionally smooth and refined. The additional gear will allow them to expand VCM functionality, and the car won't suck everytime it isn't using VCM. Consider that the current coupe V6 6MT is capable of a high 13-low 14 second 1/4 mile at ~100MPH in a car that is actually quite heavy and VERY traction limited. Even if you add .5 second to the 1/4 mile value, that still puts the Accord at the head of the pack. It will be much more refined than the turbo fours (as well as more powerful on paper). Also consider that older versions of the J series made pretty much peak torque from 2K-6.2K, and torque delivery is NOT a problem.

Even without VCM that coupe is capable of over 30MPG real world highway. With all of the other changes, I would expect the sedan to do at least that. I would sure as hell take a powertrain that responds like our 7th gens, but has a lot more punch in a similar sized car without hesitation.

I don't know if DI will be included in the Honda version, but frankly, I don't think it will make that much of a difference on the overall output. Since outputs in this category are usually incremental advances, I would expect ~280/260 to be just about spot on. Of course, I think the total potential for increased performance is likely also (even barring weight reduction).

VCM to me is another worthless engineering exercise designed to game EPA ratings. Our 2010 Pilot at a curb weight of 4300 lbs with VCM, averages around 16 MPG with my driving my daily commute. Our 4500 lbs 2009 Ridgeline, without VCM, averages 18 MPG on the same route with also me driving. Not to mention the engine in the ridge has MUCH better mid-range torque than the Pilot and doesn't have the pesky and noticeable VCM changes on the highway. So my personal experience mirrors yours.