TOKYO — Visitors to the international auto show here are getting a sneak preview of the next-generation Honda Accord for Japan and Europe — and the next Acura TSX for North America.
The Honda Sports 4 concept sedan now is described by company insiders as an accurate precursor of the redesigned Accord. The new Accord will go into production in mid-2007 in Japan and will be sold in Europe and China. North American customers, however, will get a different design about the same time to replace the Ohio-built Accord.
Honda sources told Inside Line the Sports 4 also foretells the next-generation Acura TSX, which will be based once again on the European Accord and is expected in U.S. dealerships in spring 2008.
The 2008 TSX is rumored to get a high-performance, dual-overhead-cam, 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine — perhaps a version of the 237-horsepower unit that powers the S2000 roadster — mated to a six- or seven-speed gearbox.
Honda also is preparing to launch a pair of new entry-level models in spring 2006 in the United States. Based on the home-market Fit and priced from about $12,000, the five-door hatchback and four-door sedan may carry the Jazz name — as they do in other overseas markets — and will be aimed at entry-level models from Korea, as well as the upcoming Nissan Versa sedan and hatchback.
What this means to you: Honda is bolstering its American stable with new entry-level models and a replacement for the TSX.
The Honda Sports 4 concept sedan now is described by company insiders as an accurate precursor of the redesigned Accord. The new Accord will go into production in mid-2007 in Japan and will be sold in Europe and China. North American customers, however, will get a different design about the same time to replace the Ohio-built Accord.
Honda sources told Inside Line the Sports 4 also foretells the next-generation Acura TSX, which will be based once again on the European Accord and is expected in U.S. dealerships in spring 2008.
The 2008 TSX is rumored to get a high-performance, dual-overhead-cam, 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine — perhaps a version of the 237-horsepower unit that powers the S2000 roadster — mated to a six- or seven-speed gearbox.
Honda also is preparing to launch a pair of new entry-level models in spring 2006 in the United States. Based on the home-market Fit and priced from about $12,000, the five-door hatchback and four-door sedan may carry the Jazz name — as they do in other overseas markets — and will be aimed at entry-level models from Korea, as well as the upcoming Nissan Versa sedan and hatchback.
What this means to you: Honda is bolstering its American stable with new entry-level models and a replacement for the TSX.
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