Honda has always played to a full house and hardly ever entertained stragglers, which is why its primary focus has always been the City and the Civic – bread and butter cars that keep the numbers rolling in the black for it. The Accord and the CR-V are the only two Honda imports and they sell in small volumes, yet as the past has shown – they are both highly sought-after. And the primary reason for introducing a V6 engine in the Accord is to complete the range and thereby cater to the enthusiast brigade. OverDrive (April ’09) gives us a first look…
 The Accord through its generations in India has sold over 20,000 units. Ever since it as introduced back in 2001, it has been the benchmark for executive sedans. The V6 takes that legacy and builds on it with outrageous and gut wrenching performance unlike any V6 Accord ever sold in India before.
This all-new SOHC i-VTEC engine now displaces 3471cc and a maximum power output of 275PS at 6200rpm. The power curve shows a steep incline with over 180PS spiking up from 4000rpm (when the VTEC kicks in), peaking at 6200rpm and staying above 260PS right up to the redline. So power delivery is not just strong, but is available right to the peak of the rev range. This engine also makes 222Nm of max torque but at a high 4300rpm, the meat of the torque curve packed between 4000rpm and 6000rpm. With max torque and power peaking so close to each other, the Accord is on song every time one nails the throttle.
The old Accord V6 displaced three litres and made 221PS of max power. Now along with the increased displacement there’s a higher compression ratio, improved cooling, smaller diameter spark plugs and optimized ignition timing ad combustion chamber design to boost power by early 54PS. This V^ engine is also governed by Honda’s variable cylinder management (VCM) system which depending on the diving cycle operates either 3, 4, or all 6 cylinders. So, if one is driving in the city, 3 cylinders shut down to optimize efficiency, while effortless cruising on highways sees just 4 cylinders ignite. But if steep inclines need tacking or the mood for some spirited driving flares up. Flooring the drive-by-wire throttle operates all 6 cylinders to call on all the power reserves.
But Honda being Honda tries to provide as much refinement and comfort from this engine as possible. An active control engines mount system anticipates vibration during VCM by monitoring engine rpm and actuates two engine mounts that subdue engine vibrations - and here’s the bit where technology can be simply astounding…in order to suppress engine noise an out-of-phase sound is emitted by the audio system speakers despite it being switched off which cancels any engine boom during VCM operation.
A 5-speed automatic gearbox with sport mode and paddles behind the steering wheel add a sporty touch to the driving experience. Gearshifts are fluid, with no languorous feeling. Plus Vehicle Stability Assist along with ABS EBD and Brake provide the reins to keep the Accord V6 in check. The 17-inch alloys and wheels add more character mechanically and visually to the V6 as well as dual chromed exhaust tips which enhance the aural experience.
The handling is just as sharp as the standard Accord and the variable ratio steering gives it the precision that is much needed in a car that is nearly five meters long and two meters wide. Even at excessively high speeds the Accord feels stable, planted and secure. Of course the six airbags lining every inside of this car provide reassurance.
Several other visual implants differentiate the V6 Accord from the standard 2.4-litre i-VTEC. A bolder grille, boot spoiler chrome garnish and side protectors provide the external differences while the interiors get a wood detailing on the steering wheel and dash. The V6 also exclusively gets cruise control and an illuminated side step garnish. There is yet another V6 variant, the Inspire which come with a sportier body kit to add a dash of panache to the Accord V6’s persona.
Undoubtedly it is not a car that’s going to sell in large volumes and set the charts ablaze but we know of several Honda devotees, both prospective customers and plain enthusiast who are already bowing their heads in reverence. OverDrive (April ’09) understands this sentiment – this is certainly a car worthy of adulation.
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