Honda Motor Co., Ltd. now releases the newest model that will compete in the mid size sedan segment. The Japanese automaker has recently rolled out the 2008 Honda Inspire in dealer showrooms all over Japan last December 21. According to Honda, the 5th-generation Inspire sedan “inherited the sporty performance and quality feel of its predecessor, adding significant improvements to all essential elements of sedan performance—driving, cornering, and braking.”
Under the hood of this new Honda model comes a powerful 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine that comes with an advanced Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, allowing the engine unit to switch between three models: 6-, 4-, and 3-cylinder combustion. The engine can pump put 206 kW (280 PS) and pulls out 342 Nm amount of peak torque. This power unit is combined with a 5 speed automatic transmission to complete the powertrain package. In addition, the 2008 Honda Inspire also features the Shift Hold Control, which reduces the unnecessary gear changes when driving.
The 2008 Honda Inspire features a newly developed chassis that delivers outstanding performance and provides smooth riding. On the suspension parts, the front comes with double wishbone configuration while the rear features a newly developed multi-link double wishbone. To further enhance the vehicle’s smooth ride and driving dynamics, Honda equips the 2008 Inspire with VGR (variable steering gear ratio). This system allows the vehicles to have a light handling and steering despite of the vehicle’s size. Other technical feats found on the 2008 Honda Inspire include ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and brake assist.
Compared to the previous model, the 2008 Inspires comes with longer wheelbase, thinner floor frame, and slender fuel tank. On the outside, the vehicle is equipped with design cues based on luxurious sports sedan models. Exterior highlights include
wide HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights, tapered rear area of the cabin, bulging rear fenders, large-diameter exhaust pipe finishers on dual exhaust pipes, and electric rear sunshade.
Inside, the 2008 Honda Inspire is equipped with a host of interior features and amenities. These include the latest Honda HDD InterNavi System with rear camera (8-inch wide display), DVD/CD player with TV/AM/FM tuner, cell phone input jack, 6 speakers, and ETC. The interior also features a wide range of safety components like the seatbelt E-pretensioners, Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), Vehicle Stability Assist system (VSA), front-seat i-side airbag system with passenger-side body position detector, driver and front passenger i-SRS airbag system, front active headrests, and ISO FIX-compatible child seat anchoring bars and tether anchors.
Meanwhile, watch out for Honda/Acura to release other next generation models like the Acura CL equipped with Acura CL AC condenser.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
HD: Honda/Acura NSX Tribute – Extended (MadPSI)
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