It's a funny thing that until recently, Japanese automakers have been adamant about pulling off the whole downsizing and turbocharging combination, content with keeping their smaller cars light, naturally aspirated, and in some cases, electrified. Honda even sells a naturally aspirated and transversally mounted V6 version of the Accord, which is not the most efficient way to make additional horsepower. Those days will soon end according to what Auto Guide has found because the V6 Accord is getting the axe.

Instead of killing off the upgrade model entirely, Honda will borrow the engine it developed for the Civic Type R to power the Accord. At current, the V6 Accord makes 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque, all of which makes it to the front wheels after passing through a six speed automatic or manual. EPA rated fuel economy isn't stellar compared to what's possible, with he V6 Accord producing 21 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. To better those figures, the V6 will be scrapped when the 10th generation Accord debuts. Early models will come with a single engine option, the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's already in the CR-V. That engine comes with two transmission options including a CVT or a six-speed manual.

At some point after the 10th generation's 2018 debut, a more powerful version will come to market with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as we see under the hood of the Civic Type R. Honda didn't mention how much power it'll make in the Accord, but when it's under the hood of the Type R, it produces 303 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which will be manipulated through a 10-speed automatic or six-speed manual in the Accord. Honda mentioned that it'll also look the part, claiming the new Accord will feature "a dramatically lower and wider appearance." Given that this means less weight over the front axle and in turn, better handling, we suspect fans of the V6 accord will not complain.