Thursday, 8 December 2011

Honda Accord Crosstour (2010)

Honda Accord Crosstour 

The Honda Accord Crosstour's styling and body construction evolved from the sophisticated foundation of the Accord Sedan. Architecturally similar to the distinctive shape of the Accord, key differences can be found throughout the entire body. No exterior panels are shared with any other Accord. The most noticeable differences include the overall height of the body from the floor to the roof and the obvious design differences in the rear of the vehicle to accommodate the sloped roofline and the tailgate.
The heightened body dimensions combined with increased ground clearance result in a commanding view of the road and a comfortable hip point for ease of entering and exiting the vehicle. Structural technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. Extensive application of high-strength steel (46 percent) contributes to high levels of torsional and static rigidity, reduced weight, and enhanced safety potential. Aerodynamic performance is increased through strategic use of under-body covers and strakes.
Exterior Styling Concept
The exterior styling builds on the Accord's familiar character lines and adds a bolder front grille complemented by a durable lower-body appearance, wedge-shaped D-pillars and an aggressive rear stance. The designers sought to build on the Accord's style that is already powerful, bold and sophisticated. Like the Honda Accord Sedan, the Accord Crosstour's design is both sharp and strong, with a powerful-looking stance. Starting at the front, the Honda Accord Crosstour's front fascia is enlarged and raised for dynamic toughness, and incorporates a wider and taller 6-point grille with large, horizontal slats surrounded by sharp and wide projector beam headlights. Well-defined wheel arches convey a strong stance and muscular tension. The fender lines appear broadened, like strongly muscled shoulders, with prominent character lines that sweep along nearly the entire body sides, subtly transitioning from an inverse line to an external line. Besides providing visual distinctiveness, these character lines communicate strength and structural depth. The flowing roofline narrows smoothly into the rear of the vehicle to create an aggressive-looking design, concealing a unique cargo area that can adapt to large objects that exceed the capacity of a normal sedan.
Body Construction
Increased rigidity enables enhanced vehicle dynamics, ride comfort and driving quietness. The Honda Accord Crosstour is constructed of 46 percent high strength steel (340 grade or above) to create a strong, yet lightweight body with high rigidity and enhanced safety. The ACE Body structure further enhances frontal collision compatibility between vehicles with different bumper heights. The Maximum Efficiency Floor (MEF) design is comprised of a network of longitudinal rails, floor cross-members and pillar reinforcements that carry heavy loads to enhance crash safety, handling and packaging efficiency. High tensile strength steel tubular beams inside the door structure provide additional intrusion resistance.
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Reduction Features
The Honda Accord Crosstour is designed to drive exceptionally smooth and with reduced noise intrusion into the cabin. To accomplish this, the vehicle approaches NVH reduction from two primary directions - traditional insulation in the floor, doors and firewall; and active systems that work with the engine and audio system to cancel certain types of unwanted engine noise. A triple door-seal system is used to minimize wind and road noise. Strategic use of insulation in the rear fender wells also minimizes road noise.


Aerodynamic Enhancements

Aerodynamic performance is increased through the use of body under covers, a deflector under the front bumper, front strakes, the optimum inclination of the tailgate and an effective rear spoiler.

Ground Clearance

The ground clearance for the majority of the underbody area measures 8.1 inches and contributes to the Honda Accord Crosstour's commanding presence compared to the Accord Sedan. The front strakes represent the lowest point under the vehicle at 6.0 inches (the official ground clearance number for EPA measurement purposes).

Active Control Engine Mounts

The Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system is used to minimize the effects of engine vibration caused by the VCM system when cylinders are deactivated. During cylinder deactivation, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) instructs the ACM actuators to move in concert with the engine motions to effectively cancel the vibrations inherent to cylinder deactivation. Inside the cabin, the audio system-based Active Sound Control (ASC) further minimizes any unwanted sound relating to the function of the VCM system. (Please see the Interior section for more information.) Together, these innovations help make the implementation of fuel saving technology transparent and seamless to the driver.

Glass and Visibility

The Honda Accord Crosstour was designed to provide excellent outward visibility, improving the comfort and convenience for all occupants. A large greenhouse creates excellent outward visibility. Deeply tinted privacy glass is used in the rear side doors, wedge-shaped rear quarter windows and rear tailgate.
Tailgate

The Honda Accord Crosstour's front-hinged tailgate design creates a wide opening into the vehicle of 38.5 inches (980mm) and a low lift-in height of 28.4 inches (721 millimeters). The hinge design is configured so that the user does not have to step backwards when the door is opening or shutting. The tailgate includes a large upper window and a smaller lower window for increased rearward visibility at lower sight angles. The lower window allows for objects like a 3.3-foot (1 meter) tall parking lot pole to be spotted at distances as close as 5.3 feet (1.6 meters). Comparatively, some CUV designs that lack a lower rear window require approximately 6.5 feet or more to spot the same 3.3-foot pole. The upper tailgate glass incorporates an intermittent rear wiper and washer nozzle. An electric defogger system is incorporated into the upper and lower glass sections.

The tailgate locks and unlocks with the interior's door locks. To open, an electronic switch under the license plate awning releases the tailgate when the vehicle is unlocked. For ease of closing, a grip handle is located under the tailgate base. The tailgate can be opened in tight parking situations, requiring a minimum of 5.9 inches of space between the leading edge of the tailgate and a potential obstruction like a nearby vehicle or wall. Two gas-filled struts support the open tailgate.

Headlights and Taillights

The Honda Accord Crosstour is equipped with halogen projector-beam headlights for low beam illumination and conventional reflective halogen high beam headlights. Projector-style headlights provide a distinctive and sporty appearance with a bright, focused beam for a superior, even distribution of light compared to conventional reflector lens designs. The standard fog lamps are integrated into the front bumper. The taillights convey a deep three-dimensional appearance with layered inner lines that wrap from the back of the vehicle into the fenders. A clear lens for the backup light punctuates the overall red design. The taillight housings integrate a side reflector and turn signals in addition to the running lamps and the stop lights.

Door Design and Construction

The Honda Accord Crosstour's doors are designed to operate with solid precision with a convenient three-stage detent hinge. Additional premium features include triple seals in the bottom of the door structure to better insulate the cabin from road noise. Triple seals also serve to keep moisture, dirt and road grime away out the kick panel area - a space that can sometimes come into contact with clothing while entering or exiting the vehicle. All door handles are soft to the touch underneath to improve operating comfort.
With the key inserted, the door lock cylinders can raise and lower the windows and open/close the moonroof by turning clockwise for up and counter-clockwise for down. The unlock button on the key fob will lower the power windows and open the moonroof when depressed for three seconds and then continuously held.

An automatic door locking/unlocking system is customizable by driver preference. Automatic locking can be linked to vehicle speed reaching 10 miles per hour (15 km/h), or the gear shift lever shifting from park, or it can be deactivated entirely.
Automatic unlocking, configurable to the driver's door or all doors, can be linked to the ignition switch being turned to the off position, or the gear shift lever being positioned in the park position, or it can be turned off entirely. The factory default for locking is linked to vehicle speed. The factory default for unlocking is linked to the gear shift lever and unlock activation for the driver's door only.
Side Mirror

The vehicle's side mirrors are aerodynamically optimized to prevent wind noise and minimize turbulence. When the driver puts the transmission in reverse on the Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L model, the driver or passenger-side mirror can tilt down (depending on left/right/off mirror switch position) to reveal curbs and ground level obstacles. The Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L model includes mirror position memory linked to the driver's seating profile (activated with the key fob or the controls near the driver's door release). All models feature heated side mirrors as standard equipment.

Moonroof

To tilt or slide the moonroof the driver or front passenger needs only to fully press the ceiling-mounted switch once (instead of pressing and holding it for several seconds). The moonroof fully opens or closes automatically. However if the operator wishes to only partially open or close the moonroof (such as to achieve partial ventilation), a lighter touch yields fully manual control. The moonroof can also tilt to provide ventilation. An auto-reverse feature is built in, helping to ensure that the moonroof will not forcefully close if someone's hand or arm is positioned in the path of the moonroof. If an obstruction is detected, the moonroof mechanism will reopen the moonroof.

Chassis

The 2010 Accord Crosstour leverages the benefits of a premium chassis design for rewarding and sophisticated handling dynamics. A double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension allow for both a smooth ride and world-class levels of performance that is equally at home on a curvy road, long stretches of interstate highway or in inclement weather. Ground clearance of 6.0 inches enhances capability in snowy conditions and broadens access to more roads off the beaten path. Standard features include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA™), commonly referred to as Electronic Stability Control; 4-wheel disc brakes; and stabilizer bars front and rear.

Front Subframe

A front "floating" subframe design is used on the Honda Accord Crosstour. A welded-steel subframe secured to the unit body's longitudinal rails supports the Accord's engine, transaxle, transfer case, steering gear and front suspension. The front of the subframe assembly is designed for enhanced stiffness with minimal weight penalties and uses four tuned rubber mounts to isolate the subframe from the main body structure, i.e. it is "floating."

A stiffener located under each subframe attachment fastener helps to further stabilize the assembly, thereby achieving linear handling and braking performance. The subframe includes two Active Control Engine Mounts (ACM) that counteract the inherent vibration created by the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, plus one rubber isolator transmission mount. The "floating" mounts are strategically positioned to counteract noise and vibration while reducing the transmission of engine noise and vibration to the passenger compartment.

Double Wishbone Front Suspension

Widely spaced upper and lower wishbones give precise suspension action, with the coil-over spring and shock absorber units free of the binding caused by the side-loading inherent in some less sophisticated strut-type designs. The Honda Accord Crosstour's front suspension is a modified version of the double-wishbone system used on the Accord Sedan and Coupe. Stabilizer bars, springs and damping rates have been optimized to provide the best combination of ride and handling. The front lower control arms are forged steel and connect to a stamped steel box-section sub frame. The stamped-steel upper control arms connect to a forged-steel knuckle.

Progressive valve nitrogen gas-filled coil-over shock absorbers integrate an internal rebound spring. When cornering, the internal rebound spring allows the shock absorber to exert additional force on the inside wheel's coil spring to help counteract wheel lift in certain situations. This premium shock absorber design helps to improve both ride comfort and responsiveness. Ultimately, tire-to-road adhesion is enhanced.

Rear Subframe

The rear subframe, which supports most of the rear suspension and the rear axle drive unit, is made of high-strength steel for high stiffness and minimal weight. The shape of the rear subframe is equally important - it must accommodate the drivetrain components for the available Real Time 4WD system and the multi-link rear suspension. For excellent ride and handling characteristics, the subframe attaches to the unit body at four widely spaced, rubber-isolated, mounting points. Rear-suspension components, especially the springs and shock absorbers, are as compact as possible to facilitate a wide, flat, load floor and to leave room for both a spare tire and a fuel tank. The rear axle drive unit (if equipped) is mounted to the subframe by means of rubber isolators to block powertrain noise and vibration from the passenger compartment.

Multi-link Rear Suspension

The Honda Accord Crosstour's rear suspension is a compact, multi-link layout for excellent ride and handling, minimum weight and optimum packaging. Wheel travel is a generous 4.3 inches in compression and 3.7-inches in rebound. The three links that position each rear wheel laterally run between the knuckle assembly and the subframe. Progressive valve nitrogen gas-charged shock absorbers attach from a low point on each knuckle to a highly rigid attachment point on the unit body.

The knuckles are an "in-wheel" design to optimize suspension geometry and packaging efficiency. Bushing compliance provides a modest toe-in effect in response to substantial cornering and braking loads to enhance overall stability. The rear knuckles are made from aluminum and help to reduce unsprung weight for quick suspension responsiveness. Optimized high rigidity bearings accommodate the additional forces of the four-wheel-drive system. Coil springs, dampers and a stabilizer bar are tuned for the best combination of ride and handling. Rear subframe mounts and lateral control link bushing rates were adjusted to create a discrete level of lateral force steer at the rear axle.

Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering System

The Honda Accord Crosstour features rack-and-pinion steering with a speed-sensitive, variable power assisted system. For optimum steering feel, the variation in power assist is linear with a smooth transition from low to high boost.

The system uses heat-resistant rubber mount bushings, high-pressure die cast aluminum gear housings, a low friction material rack guide for good on-center feel and a damper valve to reduce steering wheel vibration. The Honda Accord Crosstour provides a turning diameter of 41.7 feet, curb to curb. The rack-and-pinion steering wheel gearing creates a constant ratio of 15.2:1 and requires 2.76 turns lock-to-lock.

4-Wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Consisting of four-wheel disc brakes and four-channel anti-lock brakes, the Honda Accord Crosstour braking system is tuned for stable and linear braking forces. The Honda Accord Crosstour's ventilated front brake rotors are 11.7 inches in diameter with a thickness of 1.1 inches, while the solid rear rotors are 12.0-inch diameter units with a thickness of 0.4-inches. The rear brakes use a drum-in-disc configuration for the parking brake. Dual-piston cast iron brake calipers are used in front and single-piston cast iron calipers are used in the rear. A single stage vacuum booster consists of one 10.5-inch diameter booster chamber.

For optimum performance with widely varying loads, Electronic Brake Distribution system (EBD) technology monitors braking force and adjusts front-to-rear brake effort to achieve maximum braking performance and stability. At the rear, a select-low braking strategy is used to help maintain directional stability in slippery driving.

In the event one rear wheel verges on lock-up, triggering a pressure modulation at that wheel, brake pressure is also diminished at the adjoining wheel to help preserve the rear axle's lateral stability. The parking brake is set by a hand brake lever in the console.

Wheels and Tires

The Honda Accord Crosstour is offered with two wheel and tire combinations. The Honda Accord Crosstour EX comes with 17x6.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 225/65R17 102T all-season tires. The Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L comes with larger 18x7.0-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 225/60R18 100H all-season tires. Wheels feature a five-lug pattern with 55mm offsets. For maximum cargo capacity, a space-efficient compact spare is carried under the rear cargo floor.

Fuel System

The 18.5 gallon fuel tank is molded of high-density polyethylene for low weight, freedom from corrosion and impact resistance. It is positioned ahead of the rear wheels and over the propeller shaft (if equipped) to help guard against collision damage. The shape of the tank is designed to diminish the likelihood of sloshing-fuel noise. The polyethylene filler pipe and fuel lines are lightweight, and resistant to corrosion and fuel vapor losses. A high-efficiency fuel pump is housed inside the fuel tank. The fuel-filter is a lifetime design that never needs replacement. The shape of the fuel tank is modified for vehicles with Real Time 4WD to accommodate the propeller shaft and dual exhaust pipe, yet retains the same capacity as 2WD models.

Interior

The Honda Accord Crosstour is designed to offer a comfortable, high quality and premium environment for up to five passengers along with enhanced cargo functionality that can conveniently accommodate active lifestyles. Compared to the Accord Sedan and Coupe, the Honda Accord Crosstour provides a uniquely higher step-in height and hip-point for ease of entry and exit, which also results in a commanding view of the road.

The cargo area incorporates useful and versatile features that make configuring the vehicle for people or large items a simple operation. Levers near the interior fender wells, conveniently accessible from the tailgate opening, allow for one-touch conversion of the rear seats into the floor for quick access to the 51.3 cubic feet of maximum-possible cargo space. An 8.4-inch deep under-floor hidden removable utility box adds 1.9 cubic feet of storage. The carpeted lid of the cargo box can be reversed to a plastic side for storage of wet or dirty items. Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L models include a cargo privacy cover.
Styling Concept

"Premium and active" represents the dual role functionality of the Honda Accord Crosstour's interior design. Consistent with all Accords, a variety of design techniques were used to enhance the feeling of width and space in the passenger cabin to express premium and accommodating quality. The inset sculpting of the instrument panel along with a wide center console increases the sense of roominess. Intuitively grouped controls for the audio, climate and available navigation system are designed to operate with solidity and precision.

Two interior color combinations are available. The charcoal black interior is intended to convey a stylish and sporty environment and features a monochromatic black instrument panel divided with wood trim-appearance highlights. The ivory interior is intended to create a sophisticated and bright ambiance and features a two-tone instrument panel with a black upper segment and tan lower segment. Wood trim-style accents on both color combinations divide the upper and lower portion of the instrument panel.

Interior Packaging Concept

The Honda Accord Crosstour interior packaging concept is divided into two distinct zones for premium passenger accommodation and versatile cargo capabilities. The passenger zone seeks to provide occupants with sophisticated styling and advanced features similar to all Accord body styles. The cargo zone continues the premium theme with highly visible application of quality materials above the floor line, then adds more rugged versatility beneath the floor.

Instrument Panel

The driver's instrument cluster includes two large analog meters for the speedometer and tachometer, each surrounded by silver trim rings for a premium sporty appearance. The Honda Accord Crosstour meters use blue illuminated pointers for a premium appearance. The 8000-RPM tachometer and 160-mph speedometer are flanked by temperature and fuel gauges. Below the meter array is an LCD display that can show odometer, Trip A or Trip B functions, outside temperature, and maintenance alerts.

The center panel has been carefully designed for maximum visibility and ease of use. A central display is mounted at the top of the center stack for good visibility, and the controls are mounted lower for easier reach. Switches for the audio system, climate controls and navigation system (if equipped) are grouped together in corresponding zones differentiated by function type. The button positions and size are prioritized by frequency of use. Switchgear is flush mounted with high-grade materials for an upscale appearance and feel. For further differentiation, climate control buttons appear light gray and audio controls appear black.

The Honda Accord Crosstour EX and EX-L (non navigation) three-line central display features a digital clock; audio mode indicator; station and broadcast contents information for FM, XM (on EX-L), track and time information for CD and the EX-L's USB-connected media; dual climate control temperature readouts and a digital compass. The Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L with navigation integrates an 8-inch screen in place of the three-line display and an interface dial down low on the center panel within easy reach.

Underneath the center display are two movable climate control vents, the emergency flasher switch and a passenger-airbag off light. Below the vents are the HVAC controls. Audio-system controls are located in a separate row and feature larger switches that are easier to identify at a glance. Honda Accord Crosstour EX and EX-L (non-navigation) models also have an interface dial in this location, flanked by Menu and Cancel switches. The dial is rotated to select among different on-screen items. Pushing the center button selects the highlighted item.

Steering Wheel

The 3-spoke steering wheel on the Honda Accord Crosstour (leather wrapped on EX-L) is intended to create a sporty feeling. Steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise-control buttons include Mode, Volume and Channel, plus Cruise, Cancel, Set/Decelerate and Resume/Accelerate. Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L models add buttons for the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® telephone interface. In models equipped with the navigation system, the steering wheel also features buttons for navigation voice control activation. The tilt and telescope range for the steering column, along with seat height adjustment range, enhances comfort for a wide array of driver sizes.

Dual-zone Air Conditioning with Air Filtration System and Humidity Control

The Honda Accord Crosstour is equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control as standard equipment. The primary heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) controls include individual controls for temperature, fan speed, vent selection (center, floor and defogger vents), rear electric defogger and fresh or re-circulated air. To maximize rear passenger comfort, the Honda Accord Crosstour includes vents in the rear console (identical to the new vents added to Accord Sedan EX and EX-L models for 2010). The airflow is connected to the front center vents. The dual-zone automatic climate controls maintain a user-selected temperature based on the driver's or front passenger's preferred settings for temperature. The dual-zone aspect of the automatic climate control allows the driver and front passenger to select different temperatures.

The automatic climate control on models equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System benefit from GPS-linked, solar-sensing technology that intelligently modifies the temperature setting on the side of the vehicle facing the sun.

Based on its continuously updated vehicle position information, the navigation system determines the position of the sun relative to the driver and passenger and then increases or decreases the temperature accordingly. When in AUTO mode, this information is combined with input from the solar sensor located on top of the instrument panel to automatically adjust the temperature from side to side as needed in order to compensate for asymmetrical solar heating.
 To provide greater operating efficiency while maintaining a comfortable interior climate, the Honda Accord Crosstour partially mixes cool cabin air with fresh air in the blower to reduce compressor operation by up to 20 percent (compared to operating exclusively on exterior air).

To prevent the compressor from being excessively operated, the Honda Accord Crosstour's climate control system has a cabin humidity sensing system. This control system provides greater passenger comfort and minimizes the time the air conditioning runs. When set to operate in AUTO mode, a temperature and humidity sensor located in the front of the passenger cabin monitors the interior climate. If the system determines that there is a low probability of window fogging, it maintains a comfortable humidity level. If the system determines that potential window fogging conditions exist, it changes the climate control parameters to help keep the windows clear.

Front Seats

Designed to provide both long term comfort in the center and firm lateral support on the sides, the front seats are identical to those found on the Accord Sedan. The seats include active head restraints that help reduce the likelihood of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. The cloth seating surfaces on the Honda Accord Crosstour EX include 10-way power adjustment (including lumbar support) for the driver and 4-way power front passenger-side seat. The Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L upgrades to leather-trimmed seating surfaces and adds a position memory function for two drivers. The memory function is activated by either the key fob or by the panel located next to the driver's door handle, and it also recalls the preferred side mirror settings.

Center Console

The center console provides 5.3 liters of storage and functions as a wide armrest for the driver and front passenger. A spring system supports the operation of the cover, which doubles as the center armrest. In addition, 19 CDs can fit inside. The armrest slides fore and aft for improved comfort for drivers of different heights.

Located inside the center console is an auxiliary input jack (aux-in) that supports a personal audio player connection to the vehicle's audio system. A 12-Volt DC power point is included inside the console. Plugging a portable audio device into the aux-in jack automatically sets the volume at a preset level; when the device is unplugged, the volume resets to its previous level. The Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L adds a USB Audio Interface in the center console.

60/40 Split Rear Seats with One-touch Fold Down Levers

The rear seats capitalize on the wide stance of the Honda Accord Crosstour and can accommodate up to three passengers. Each rear passenger seating position has a head restraint. The 60/40 split allows for partial or full access to additional cargo space depending passenger or cargo priorities. A folding center armrest is integrated into the seat and includes two beverage holders. In the cargo area, two one-touch release levers are located near the tailgate opening sides for one-handed fold-down operation of the seats into the floor. The seats create a flat surface when folded down and do not require the removal of the head restraints. Two Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) positions are included in the outboard seating positions. Three child seat anchors are provided on the rear seat backs.

Cargo Area

The rear cargo area supports the "active" role of the Honda Accord Crosstour and demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can maximize a limited amount of space. Durable level-loop carpet lines the cargo area to help cushion contents. A polished metal kick plate at the base of the cargo area opening resists scuffing and appears upscale yet durable. In standard configuration with rear seats upright, the cargo area provides 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space above the floor and an additional 1.9 cubic feet of space below the floor. With the rear seats folded forward, the total above-floor cargo volume expands to 51.3 cubic feet. The carpet-covered plastic lids discretely conceal the Hidden Removable Utility Box and the under floor side bins that can be reversed to create an all-weather, wipe-able cargo area. The carpeted side creates a premium look and offers a "soft" option for transporting "premium" items, while the plastic side is ideal for transporting dirty and/or damp items. Two cargo tie-down points are provided on the floor near the middle of the wheel wells and two more are provided on the rear wall of the cargo area. A 12-Volt outlet is located on the driver's side rear wall of the cargo area.

Powertrain

The Honda Accord Crosstour comes standard with a 271 horsepower V-6 engine, a 5-speed automatic transmission and is available with the company's innovative Real Time™ 4WD system. The 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC powerplant with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) that builds on technologies that have been developed and refined on previous Honda vehicles. With its 60-degree V-angle, the Accord's V-6 engine is inherently very smooth and has compact overall dimensions that allow efficient packaging within the vehicle. The automatic transmission includes a new G-force hold control feature along with an RPM rev-matching featuring when downshifting.

Engine Architecture

The Honda Accord Crosstour's engine is an advanced 3.5-liter, SOHC, 24-valve, 60-degree, V-6, aluminum-block-and-head design that is compact, lightweight and powerful. The i-VTEC valvetrain and high efficiency intake manifold optimize cylinder-filling efficiency across a wide range of engine speeds. Low-restriction intake and exhaust systems, a 10.5:1 compression ratio and roller-type rocker arms further aid efficiency and power delivery across a broad RPM range.

The Honda Accord Crosstour's V-6 has a die-cast lightweight aluminum alloy block with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners. Made with a centrifugal spin casting process, the thin-wall liners are high in strength and low in porosity. The block incorporates a deep-skirt design with four bolts per bearing cap for rigid crankshaft support and minimized noise and vibration. Both the block and caps are heat treated for greater strength.
 A forged steel crankshaft is used for maximum strength, rigidity and durability with minimum weight. Instead of heavier nuts and bolts, connecting rod caps are secured in place with smaller, high-tensile-strength fasteners that screw directly into the connecting rod. Short-skirt, cast-aluminum, flat-top pistons are notched for valve clearance and fitted with full-floating piston pins.

Like other Honda V-6 powerplants, the Accord Crosstour V-6 cylinder heads are a single-overhead-camshaft design, with the cams driven by the crankshaft via an automatically tensioned toothed belt. Made of low-pressure cast, low-porosity aluminum, each cylinder head incorporates an integrated exhaust manifold to reduce parts count, improve flow and optimize the location of the close-coupled catalyst on each cylinder bank.

The cylinder head employs four-valve combustion chambers, the best approach to optimum performance with excellent fuel efficiency and very low emissions. Valves are clustered near the center of the bore to minimize combustion chamber volume and to provide ample squish area. The 10.5:1 compression ratio helps maximize thermal efficiency, power output and fuel efficiency. One centrally located camshaft per cylinder bank is driven by a fiberglass-reinforced toothed belt. Head gaskets are made of high-strength materials to contain combustion pressures.

Safety

The Honda Accord Crosstour integrates a wide range of sophisticated safety technology that includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and dual-stage, multiple-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS); driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. The ACE body structure is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes.

Advanced Safety Technology

Inside, every Honda Accord Crosstour incorporates side-curtain airbags and a driver's front side airbag and a passenger front side airbag with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), along with active front head restraints that are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Additional standard safety features include dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with brake assist, front seatbelts with automatic tensioners and load limiters, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle. Daytime running lights are also standard equipment.

























Honda Accord Crosstour (2010)

Honda 3R-C Concept (2010)

Honda 3R-C Concept

Honda 3R-C Concept, a revolutionary three wheeled battery electric vehicle concept, shows what a future minimal urban transport vehicle for one person might look like. The battery electric drivetrain is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis, therefore keeping the centre of gravity low and thus improving stability.

The Honda 3R-C Concept has a clear canopy that covers the driver's seat while it is parked and not in use. When 3R-C vehicle is in motion, the canopy becomes an enveloping wind-shield that provides the pilot, who sits low in the vehicle, with significant protection from the bodywork and doors.
The high sides of the safety shell seat give greater safety to the occupant, reducing the threat from side impacts and improving weather protection. In front of the driver is a lockable boot area, which gives significant secure storage for luggage or other items. The Honda 3R-C Concept's designers created a flexible cover that surrounds the upper torso to reduce exposure to bad weather and improving comfort.
The Honda 3R-C Concept study was created by European designers working at Honda's Research and Design facility in Milan.




Honda 3R-C Concept (2010)