<< The current 2.3L 150 hp I4 Accord engine has a fuel economy of 23 / 30 so it's definitely pretty good. >>
With a manual, that's bumped up to 26 / 32.
There are still NO definite pics of the production 2003 Accord available publicly. Everytime somebody releases pics, they look different from the previous batch.
The bit about a 2.4L i-VTEC as the base engine sounds very reasonable. I knew it was going to be 2.4L and it simply makes sense that Honda will throw in the newer i-VTEC technology. I'm figuring on a power figure of 170-175hp...which is competitive to Altima's 180 and Camry's 160-something.
But I still hold that Honda will not mate a 6spd to the V6. Doesn't make sense. The 3.2L V6 has plenty of low-end torque...what's the purpose of the extra gear? Closer ratios? Doesn't need it. A 6spd would make the Accord a bit faster than the heavier TL/CL. Honda will not allow Accord to pillage Acura sales.