Honda Sets 19 Word Records with Accord 2.2i-CDTi Sport

New Honda Diesel Can Compete with Any Car in its Class

While Honda doesn't sell its Accord 2.2i-CDTi Sport in North America, its impressive record setting credentials are enough to make those on the left side of the Atlantic

Last week a pair of silver European-model Honda Accords broke 19 world speed records for its class. (Photo: Honda Canada)

green with envy - green because of the environmental benefits inherent in its turbodiesel powertrain, and envious because such performance has few equals.

On Friday May, 7, 2004, a pair of silver European-model Honda Accords (a version of which is sold in North America as the Acura TSX) broke an astonishing 19 world speed records for its class at the Papenburg high-speed oval test track in north-west Germany.

What made the feat most impressive is that the records fell to diesel variant Accord, not the powerful gasoline version. What's more, this isn't a specially-tuned Accord 2.2i-CDTi Sport, but a production

The amazing part is that the Accords tested were production models right off the line, equipped with diesel engines. (Photo: Honda Canada)

model fitted only with a roll-cage, racing harnesses and car-to-pit radios as the only modifications.

The Accord was randomly selected off the assembly line by the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) for this test. For it to fall within its class, it must be between 2.0 and 2.5 liters in displacement.

The Accord, piloted by British journalist and Le Mans 24-hours, American Le Mans Series and the BRDC British GT championship race driver Robin Liddell, improved on the following notable records - a 214.19 km/h (133.04 mph) top speed over a 1.61 km (one mile) flying start; 137.25 km/h (84.25 mph) speed over a 1.61 km (one mile) standing start; and over a 24 hour endurance test, the Accord managed an average speed of 209.91 km/h (130.38 mph).