At today’s Montreal International Auto Show, Honda Canada provided the world with its first look at the new GEAR Concept Study Model – a vehicle that demonstrates Honda’s innovative approach to providing the automotive answer for young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles.
Inspired by fixed-gear bicycles, GEAR is a concept that represents an entirely new way of looking at the sub-compact vehicle. It is simple and utilitarian, but also customizable, connected and full of personality.
“Subcompact cars are usually either utilitarian, but uninspiring or they’re fun, zippy cars that are impractical and too expensive for the Gen-Y buyer,” said Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. “GEAR Concept tears down those walls – it’s practical but fun, customizable, connected and affordable. Everything that young, discerning urban buyers would want in a car.”
The All-New 2013 Honda Accord Coupe HFP
The GEAR concept was joined by the 2013 Honda Accord Coupe HFP -- a performance-packed vehicle exclusively available for Canadian customers. As the newest edition to the Honda Factory Performance line-up, the sporty, Accord Coupe HFP adds an extra level of limited-edition style and performance to an award-winning vehicle that has already received accolades from media and customers from coast to coast.
“Honda Factory Performance provides the next step in handling and styling,” said Dave Gardner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada Inc. “For our customers who want Honda quality, reliability, efficiency and safety, but with even more expression and personality, the Accord HFP is the product that will deliver.”
The Accord HFP builds on the award-winning 2013 Accord Coupe EX-L V6 Navi with improved handling and more aggressive styling. The enhanced exterior styling comes from a wider and lower appearance, achieved through a 10-mm suspension drop, 19-inch wheels and body kit that includes front, rear and side skirts and a rear lip spoiler. In addition, a more responsive sport suspension provides a more exhilarating driving experience with improved tire grip from Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.
With the Accord’s 278-horsepower V6 engine, the result is a car meant to turn heads just long enough to see it pull ahead and disappear over the horizon. The 2013 Honda Accord HFP Coupe will be available at select Honda dealerships this spring in limited numbers. Two transmissions will be available – a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual, with black or white as the exterior colours.
Further Tribute to Honda’s Tuner Enthusiasts
Rounding out the aggressively-styled vehicles displayed in Montreal were the 2013 Honda Accord Auto Luxury VIP and 2013 Honda Civic Circuit Sports. Honda has once again partnered with Performance Auto & Sound Magazine (PASMAG) to push the limits of performance and expressive design. These two after-market project vehicles exemplify Honda's race-inspired DNA.
“Working with the team at PASMAG is a way for Honda to connect with enthusiasts across the country to demonstrate the tuning potential of Honda platforms,” said Gardner. “The Accord Auto Luxury VIP and Civic Circuit Sports do just that and then some.”
About 2013 Honda Civic Circuit Sports
Historically, the Civic has always been a natural choice for track enthusiasts, which inspired the PASMAG team when designing this exciting vehicle. Starting with a 2013 Honda Civic Si, the design team implemented key performance upgrades required for a track car including lightweight Enkei wheels, fully adjustable suspension, big brake kit, race seats, intake and exhaust and ECU reflash.
Modification highlights include:
- Enkei PF01 Racing wheels
- Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
- Rotora front and rear big brake kit
- Megan racing suspension
- Ultimate Racing exhaust and downpipe
- K&N air intake
- Hondata flashpro
- Bride front sport seats
- Retrofit source custom HID headlights
- Custom upgraded audio system
- 3M satin white vehicle wrap
- Custom airbrushed HJC helmet
While the vehicle is a one-of-a-kind and not available for sale, the 2013 Civic Circuit Sports will attend tuner shows and car meets this summer. More information will be available in the coming months.
2013 Honda Accord VIP Overview
Based on the luxury VIP style, this one-of-a-kind Accord sedan delivers a luxury driving experience that exceeds expectations. It began with the 2013 Accord Touring and features 20" chrome wheels, air-suspension and luxury interior trimmings.
Modification highlights include:
- VIP Modular 20" wheels
- Yokohama S-drive tires
- Air-Ride suspension system
- Custom exhaust
- K&N Air intake
- Custom diamond-stiched interior
- Custom upgraded audio system
- 3M matte black vehicle wrap
Further information is available upon request or by visiting www.hondanews.ca
