YUP, the top-of-the-line Honda Accord V6 has the distinction of being a front-wheel-driven car with one of the biggest engines available - 3.5 litres. But it is also a car that brims with technology.
Honda Accord 3.5 V6
Engine: 3,471cc V6
Gearbox: 5-speed automatic transmission
Max power: 275 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max torque: 339 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
0-100 kmh: 7.6 secs
Top speed: 200 kmh (limited)
Price: $125,800 (with COE)
Distributor: Kah Motor, tel 6841-3333
The previous V6 Accord had a three-litre engine, but Honda engineers decided to enlarge the unit of the new one to 3.5 litres in order to make it more powerful. Yet the Accord 3.5 manages to achieve significantly better fuel economy. The more than 10 per cent improvement is due to VCM or Variable Cylinder Management.
VCM stops the operation of two or even three of the engine's six cylinders when possible, like when the car is cruising, thus limiting fuel use. When this happens, the word 'Eco' lights up on the instrument panel.
The automatic noise control system also quietens the cabin by generating a noise-cancelling tone (a reverse phase signal) from the audio speakers and reducing the muffled engine sound emitted by the unused cylinders.
The V6 also has a premium audio system with a rear-mounted subwoofer. Compared with the 2.0 and 2.4 models, the system has more power and higher quality speakers.
This article was first published in The Business Times on Apr 12, 2008.
