FAST CAR DESIGN

The 2008 Accord is a roomier, more powerful, front-wheel-drive sedan and coupe with richer looks, more features, safety improvements, detailed special touches and a pleasing ride.
It's also pricier. Starting retail price now is $20,360 for a sedan with four-cylinder engine and manual transmission. This compares with $18,625 for a base, 2007 Accord sedan with four cylinder and manual. Accord coupe prices increased, too, with the lowest starting retail price now at $21,860. This contrasts with $20,475 for a base 2007 Accord coupe. The lowest-priced, 2008 Accord with V6 is a sedan with automatic and a starting retail price of $25,960.

The reason for the price increases is primarily new, additional equipment, and the elimination of the lowest-priced Accord, the Value Package (VP). All 2008 Accords come with standard steering-wheel-mounted controls, anti-whiplash front-seat head restraints and electronic stability control. The new, safer head restraints weren't offered in the predecessor Accord, and stability control and steering-wheel controls used to be available only on upper-trim models. The Accord's standard side-curtain airbags also are more sophisticated, with new two-chamber units that can stay deployed longer than before.

But what hasn't changed in the 5-passenger Accord is its aura of durability and quality, which are the primary purchase reasons for those oh-so-loyal buyers. In a pre-sale consumer showing of the 2008 Accord, Honda officials found people praised perceived quality, and some expressed that they thought the new Accord looks more prestigious than what they'd expect from the Honda brand.

This probably won't hurt sales of the Accord, a model that's been among the five best-selling cars in the U.S. for more than 20 years. In fact, by the end of 2007, total U.S. sales of Accords should top 10 million, surpassing such well-known nameplates as the Toyota Camry and Ford Taurus.
Accord Grows BiggerThough perhaps not obvious at first glance, the new Accord is the largest iteration yet. In fact, my 6-foot-tall husband and I (5'4") didn't even rub elbows as we sat in the Accord sedan's front seats and shared the now-enlarged center armrest/storage console lid.
Another growth indicator is that the 2008 Accord sedan is now classified as a "Large" car, according to the interior volume rankings of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The 2007 Accord sedan was—like its direct competitors, the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima—ranked as a "Midsize."

Don't fret that the Accord four door now is the size of a Lincoln Town Car. Far from it. The 2008 Accord's 106 cubic feet of passenger volume just tips the sedan into the "Large" class for the first time. The midsize Camry has 101.4 cubic feet of passenger compartment volume, while Toyota's "large" Avalon has 106.9 cubic feet. If you want a cozier ride in a midsize sedan, try the Mazda6, whose passenger volume is 96.1 cubic feet.

The new Accord coupe is a bit smaller inside than the Accord sedan and its 104.1 cubic feet of passenger volume increased just 0.1 cubic feet over the 2007 Accord coupe.
How did the Accord sedan get larger? Three inches were added to the overall length, with an extra inch added to the width. The new Accord sedan is now nearly 5 inches longer than a Camry, and 4.3 inches longer than Nissan's Altima.

Fuel-capacity is up 1.4 gallons to match the Camry's 18.5-gallon gas tank, but the sedan's trunk space remains the same at a generous 14 cubic feet (which will accommodate four golf bags). With trunk room remaining static, you can probably guess the passenger compartment received the gains from the increased dimensions.

Rear legroom has grown from last year's 36.8 inches to 37.2, and there are 2 more inches of hip-room in the front seats than there were last year. This also means there are 2 more inches of front-seat hip-room in the Accord sedan than in the Camry, though the Camry has a half inch more rear-seat legroom.

The best part of the 2008 Accord is that it doesn't drive like a large car. With a double-wishbone suspension up front and a new multilink suspension replacing the rear's previous double-wishbone setup, the new Accord maintains an agile, easy-to-drive feeling. One of the few nits is that the turning circle has jumped slightly, to 37 feet, from the 2007 sedan's 36.1 feet.

Honda engineers were stingy about adding weight to the new Accord, because weight lowers fuel mileage. The base 2008 Accord sedan weighs only 89 pounds more than its 2007 counterpart. And the base, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, now with 177 horsepower (compared to last year's 166 horses), has a fuel economy rating that's scarcely changed.

According to Honda's preliminary estimates, the best government mileage rating for a 2008 Accord is with the 4-cylinder engine mated to the 5-speed manual transmission: 22 city /31 hwy mpg. This is nearly the same as last year's less-powerful, 4-cylinder manual-tranny Accord, which would have rated 23/31 mpg if the 2008 government mileage calculations were used (the federal government is lowering fuel mileage ratings of virtually all vehicles in 2008 because a new, more stringent fuel-usage formula is employed).

The story is even better for the 2008 Accord with its new, larger displacement, 3.5-liter V6. With 268 horsepower, this is the most powerful engine ever offered in a Honda. But despite the power increase, the 2008 Accord V6 has a preliminary government mileage rating of 19/29 mpg for the sedan equipped with a 5-speed automatic. This surpasses the rating of the less powerful, 3.0-liter 2007 Accord V6 automatic (18/26 mpg) under the new 2008 government calculations.
The noteworthy fuel mileage figures for the i-VTEC V6 derive from a variable engine cylinder management system that lets the engine operate on six, four or even three cylinders, depending on driver needs, terrain, etc. A first for Honda on a nonhybrid production car, the variable cylinder management is available only with the Accord's 5-speed automatic transmission. Note that Honda's Odyssey minivan has had variable cylinder management in its V6 before the arrival of the 2008 Accord. But the Odyssey V6 was only able to adjust from six cylinders to three.
Still, while some consumers no doubt will wish for a smaller Accord with even higher fuel economy, Honda officials tried to "achieve accord" by balancing a roomier car with fuel efficiency.

The Tacoma is Toyota’s compact truck that is in its sixth generation. Available in Regular Cab, Access Cab and 4-door Double Cab configurations, the Tacoma was last redesigned for the 2005 model year.

Toyota began making a name for itself with cars in America in the 1970s, but has been selling compact pickups here since introducing its "Stout" model in 1964. Those pickups have a reputation for quality and ruggedness, and Toyota's 2005 Tacoma should enhance it.
The redesigned eighth-generation Tacoma is larger, roomier, smoother and more refined, with additional power and safety features. It replaces a rather dated Tacoma model that, nevertheless, has been one of Toyota's best-selling vehicles, accounting for 10 percent of U.S. sales.

The new Tacoma technically is a compact pickup, although it shares the frame of a rugged midsize Toyota sport utility sold in foreign markets. That component helps provide a ride free of creaks and body shivers. There also are lots of sound-absorbing materials, which contribute to the Tacoma's refined nature.

Check Garage Length

However, potential Tacoma buyers should check the length of their garages because certain versions of this pickup essentially have become midsize trucks; the Double Cab — or "crew cab" — version is nearly as long as a big Chevrolet Avalanche crew cab model at 221.3 inches, although the Tacoma Regular Cab two-door is only 190.4 inches long. The step-in is rather high on all versions.

Compact pickup trucks were very popular among young drivers a few decades ago, when they weren't especially refined. But they were cheap to buy, operate and insure — and were substitute "sports cars," when regular sports cars had become too dated or costly for young motorists. Moreover, compact pickups were easy to modify with items such as custom wheels and killer sound systems. In fact, high performance pickup trucks are popular again with young males.

Tacomas range from a Base rear-wheel-drive model with a fairly strong 4-cylinder engine and manual gearbox to the top-line Double Cab crew cab version with 4-wheel drive, potent V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Many Versions

There are nearly 20 versions of the Tacoma, with base prices ranging between $13,415 and $25,250. A racy new one is the $23,110 X-Runner, which is aimed expressly at young males.

The X-Runner has a specially lowered and tuned chassis, frame-stiffening X brace for better handling, stronger brakes and items such as a hood scoop and extra-wide tires on 18-inch wheels. It comes only with a 6-speed manual gearbox and does 0-60 mph in less than 7 seconds with the Tacoma's new 245-horsepower V6.

Toyota anticipates that the Tacoma Double Cab will be especially popular because it has a comfortable car-like rear seat and four conventional side doors that help allow easy entry and exit.

Variety of Engines and Transmissions

The Tacoma is powered by a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 164 horsepower or the 4.0-liter V6, which replaces a smaller 190-horsepower V6. Both engines have a new electronic throttle control system said to improve performance and fuel economy. Maximum towing capacity with the V6 and a towing package jumps 1,500 pounds to 6,500 pounds.

The V6 provides fast acceleration in all versions and works with an exceptionally responsive 5-speed automatic transmission. Other Tacoma transmissions are a slick 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic for the 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual for the V6.

The best estimated fuel economy is provided by the 4-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive and 5-speed manual transmission: 21 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. The V6 with the automatic provides 18 and 22 — or 17 and 21 with 4-wheel drive.

Anti-lock brakes are newly standard on all Tacomas, and you can get an optional skid control system on all except the X-Runner.

Off-Road Prowess

Tacomas come with rear- or 4-wheel drive and have good off-road abilities with the 4-wheel-drive system and the newly optional locking rear differential. That system shouldn't be left engaged on dry roads but has low-range gearing for tough off-road use. There's also a downhill assist control designed to maintain a slow speed down steep slopes.

The new Tacoma is exceptionally competitive and — more than ever — is among the best pickup truck buys.

Sunday, Aug. 17, began as a typically foggy morning on the Monterey Peninsula, and the day proved unseasonably cold. But for Jon and Mary Shirley of Medina, Wash., the day could not have been brighter as they took Best of Show honors with their 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the annual collector car show and competition held on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B was a prestigious grand touring car in the 1930s, and the Shirleys’ car is one of only six privately commissioned Berlinettas. Finished in a deep dark blue, the sleek Alfa Romeo coupe is built for speed with louvers in the hood that extend into the cowl, cooling slots in the rear fender skirts, and a powerful supercharged straight-8 engine that also powered Alfa Romeo Grand Prix race cars at the time.

“This car has an intriguing history,” said Jon Shirley. “It won the first race at Watkins Glen in 1948, and though the car’s been driven quite a bit, it’s never been wrecked. I’ve always been an Alfa fan, so winning at Pebble Beach just doesn’t get much better. I can’t wait to take it back on the road real soon.”

Each year the Best of Show award goes to the car from the pool of class winners that receives the most votes from a distinguished panel of automotive judges. This year, from the 26 different classes, the judges chose as the other finalists the 1934 Packard 1108 LeBaron Sport Phaeton owned by the Nethercutt Collection -- Jack & Helen Nethercutt, Sylmar, Calif., and the 1935 Hispano Suiza K6 Brandone Cabriolet owned by Sam & Emily Mann of Englewood, N.J.

“It takes an amazing level of elegance for a closed car like this Alfa to win here,” said Concours Chairwoman Sandra Kasky Button. “It requires the ultimate in style, grace and proportion. This car has all of that. It has exquisite lines, balance and all of the excitement that only an 8C Alfa can provide.”

Early in the morning, the typical Pebble Beach fog was so thick that competitors were constantly wiping moisture off the cars. The fog eventually lifted, leaving a cloudy, cool day for more than 200 competitors from 27 states and 12 countries.

"The Pebble Beach Concours has truly become 'the world's concours,'" said Button. "In addition to enthusiasts, sponsors and media from around the globe, this year we welcomed exotic, historic vehicles from as far away as Hong Kong, Monaco, Germany and Brazil."

Tonight Show host and regular Concours participant Jay Leno brought his 1953 Chrysler “tank car, powered by a 20+-liter tank engine. In addition, Leno helped raffle cars, diamond jewelry and Rolex watches. Total proceeds from raffles, auctions, sponsorships and gate receipts helped contribute more than $1 million to charity for the third consecutive year.

Leno raised $28,000 during the awards presentation by auctioning VIP tickets to "The Tonight Show," along with a personally guided tour of his garage, which houses an extensive car collection.

“The Pebble Beach Concours happens every year on the third Sunday in August, blending automotive design, craftsmanship and history,” said Button. “And the best news of all, with the $1 million-plus we raised for our charities this year, the Pebble Beach Concours has now contributed well over $11 million during the event’s history.”

Most Elegant Awards
The Best of Show trophy at Pebble Beach is the prize most coveted by the heavy hitters of the car collecting hobby. Second only to Best of Show are the Elegance Awards, presented to the most elegant car in four different categories.

The 1934 Packard 1108 LeBaron Sport Phaeton owned by the Nethercutt Collection -- Jack & Helen Nethercutt, Sylmar, Calif., was recognized as the most elegant open-top car.

The J.B. and Dorothy Nethercutt Most Elegant Closed Car trophy went to the Best of Show winner, the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta owned by Jon & Mary Shirley of Medina, Wash.

A 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500SS Pinin Farina Cabriolet, owned by Larry Klein of Santa Rosa, Calif., earned the Gwenn Graham Most Elegant Convertible Award.

The Strother MacMinn Most Elegant Sports Car Trophy was bestowed upon a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Scaglietti Spyder California.

The 59th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will be held on Aug.16, 2009, with Bentley and Bugatti designated as the official marques.