2008 Honda Inspire
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new Inspire. The appeal of the new model has been dramatically strengthened with performance and comfort enhancements, yet the price range remains ¥3,300,000 to ¥3,900,000—very close to that of the previous model. The new Inspire will debut on Friday, December 21 at Honda dealers throughout Japan.
In keeping with its status as a luxury sedan, the new, 5th-generation Inspire has inherited the sporty performance and quality feel of its predecessor, adding significant improvements to all essential elements of sedan performance—driving, cornering, and braking. The new Inspire is infused with dynamism and intelligence in all aspects of design, interior space, driving, and functionality.
The V6 3.5-liter i-VTEC engine, available for the first time in Japan, features an advanced Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system that switches between six-, four-, and three-cylinder combustion depending on the driving conditions. This system is combined with numerous improvements to aspiration and combustion efficiency to achieve high output of 206kW (280PS) and high torque of 342Nm (34.9kgm), and making the new Inspire the only domestic 3.5-liter-class sedan in Japan to run on regular, unleaded gasoline. Fuel economy is also significantly enhanced.
The new Inspire is equipped with a full range of safety equipment. A driver and front-passenger i-SRS airbag system, front-seat i-side airbag system, and side curtain airbag system are standard equipment on all types, along with Honda’s original Advanced Compatibility Engineering body, which provides a high level of protection to vehicle occupants while also helping to reduce the force of the impact on the other vehicle during a collision. The 35iL also features Honda’s CMBS (Collision Mitigation Brake System) and E-pretensioners as standard equipment. CMBS determines if there is a danger of a rear-end collision and alerts the driver, further functioning to mitigate injuries and vehicle damage in the event of a collision.
In order to deliver the sort of direct handling feel and smooth ride comfort one expects in a luxury sedan, the new Inspire features a newly developed suspension, along with a lightweight, high-rigidity body for a lower center of gravity and reduced inertia. The interior design blends luxury with advanced functionality. A broad range of accessories provide all the amenities needed for a long drive, creating a relaxing, luxurious space that transports the vehicle’s occupants in comfort around town and on the freeway.
