Honda to bring major F1 engine update to Dutch GP. Jul 2, 2026 Aston Martin's Formula 1 power unit partner Honda is planning to bring a major engine update to the Dutch Grand Prix in August. The internal modifications to the Honda RA626H 1.6-litre V6 are aimed at unleashing more power and go some way to recovering the huge lap time deficit Aston has found itself battling in 2026 so far. Aside from reliability problems that have resulted in nine retirements from the first eight grands prix, the Aston Martin AMR26 has consistently been more than two seconds off the pace in qualifying. Ahead of the British Grand Prix, Honda's trackside general manager and chief engineer Shintaro Orihara told reporters including Racecar Engineering about the Japanese manufacturer's plans to unlock performance. 'We are working hard to complete our job list to achieve bringing the new power unit to the Netherlands,' he confirmed. It comes after the FIA deemed Honda's engine eligible for Additional Upgrade and Development Opportunities. ADUO is a new system for 2026 that allows power unit manufacturers to update their engines, and have some cost cap relief, if they are measured as being sufficiently adrift of the benchmark according to the FIA's ICE Performance Index. The end of the first ADUO evaluation period concluded that Red Bull Ford Powertrains had the most potent ICE, while Honda qualified for two homologation updates this season and the next because its engine was more than 4 per cent adrift. 'Our focus point is to improve engine performance,' said Orihara. 'We are working on combustion chamber shape and also we will modify the pre-chamber. Also, we will change combustion chamber shape to improve combustion performance.' 'We are also working to improve reliability, because if we increase performance, we need to increase reliability. We are working hard to achieve it by the Netherlands.' Dyno testing of the updated power unit has been taking place at Honda's factory in Sakura, Japan. Single cylinder testing has been completed, while the modifications are currently undergoing validation as a complete V6 system on the full-scale dyno. 'We are carrying over durability testing on the dyno,' added Orihara. 'Also, at the same time, we need to check our power behaviour in transient conditions. That is the type of activity we are now doing in Sakura.' How much performance the update will bring remains to be seen. Although it is a major component, the engine is one of many parts contributing to an F1 car's overall lap time. Orihara wouldn't disclose the horsepower figure that has been registered during static rig testing but was confident enough to say that gains have been made. However, the team has downplayed the modifications having an instant impact from their introduction at Zandvoort. 'We are aiming to get some reasonably big steps rather than bring small steps,' said Orihara. 'But there is no magic [bullet] in Formula 1, so I don't think we're going to catch up to Mercedes or RBPT by [this] one step, but we're going to bring some reasonably big steps. 'The performance development is step by step. Netherlands is the first step, a reasonable step, but we need another further step.' Chassis update first. The problems with the Aston Martin AMR26 extend beyond the power unit to the chassis, which is 'quite a long way' overweight according to team principal Adrian Newey. In an interview with Aston Martin's official website in the buildup to the team's home race at Silverstone, the decorated F1 designer revealed some of the key problems being faced. Newey put the bulkiness down, in part, to how the power unit was integrated and measures to alleviate intense vibrations both drivers struggled with at the start of the season. However, he also pinpointed some outdated processes on the Aston Martin factory side, and 'serious' car development work not getting under way until March 2025 (three months after teams could start wind tunnel and CFD testing) as contributing factors. 'When you design in a rush, weight is the first thing that suffers because you don't have the time to thoroughly optimise everything,' he said. 'Aerodynamically, we also took a bold direction - which was largely pushed by me - without the luxury of exploring multiple concepts in depth because time was against us. 'I wouldn't say the direction we've taken is fundamentally wrong, but it has thrown up challenges we didn't anticipate.' Like Honda on the power unit side, Aston Martin is also preparing a major update to its chassis which is expected to be ready for both cars to use at round 11 in Hungary. And like Orihara, Aston's chief trackside officer Mike Krack suggested the package's full potential will take time to emerge. That is to be expected because the new engine won't be due until the following race. 'It will need a bit of time,' said Krack. 'Because the new parts will create new characteristics. While you can do a lot in simulation, the detail the driver needs you need to go on track. 'I don't expect we will be straight away on it in FP1. It might even take us a couple of sessions to get the maximum out of it.'

2026 Honda Accord Hybrid: everything Dgmotorscar know so far. July 2, 2026 The 2026 Honda Accord Hybrid is finally here, and it's more than just an annual minor facelift - it's a meticulously polished mid-cycle upgrade. Its team has gathered official press materials, dealer information, and insights from multiple industry sources to bring you the most comprehensive breakdown. If you're considering an efficient, reliable family sedan, read on carefully. Exterior design: cleaner and more tech-forward. First, the front end of the 2026 Accord Hybrid has undergone noticeable changes. The grille now features a flatter hexagonal design, and the honeycomb mesh inside is finer than that of the previous generation. The headlights have become slimmer, while the daytime running lights extend into a sharp new signature. In addition, the faux air intake trim on the sides of the front bumper has been simplified, making the front fascia appear wider and more planted. Moving to the rear, the changes are very subtle, yet the overall sense of quality has improved. The taillights still adopt a full-width light bar design, but the LED strips inside the housings have been rearranged. A new body-colored trim piece has been added beneath the rear bumper, effectively lowering the visual center of gravity. It's worth noting that Honda has introduced two new paint colors: Meteorite Gray Metallic and Canyon Blue Pearl, while the Sport trim gets new 19-inch black wheels. In short, the 2026 Accord Hybrid looks more modern while retaining the Accord's signature elegance. Interior and technology: A significantly elevated experience. Once inside, the first thing you'll notice is a leap in the sense of technology. All hybrid models now come standard with a 12.3-inch center touchscreen - in other words, the smaller screen has been consigned to history. More importantly, the system features built-in Google services, meaning you can use Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store directly without needing to connect your phone. Furthermore, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are both standard. Its testing experience shows that Honda's new interface is very responsive, and the voice control function can now recognize more natural commands. For example, you can simply say "I'm a bit cold," and the system will turn up the climate control temperature. Additionally, a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster is also standard, displaying information in a well-structured manner with the hybrid energy flow presented clearly at a glance. In terms of comfort, Honda has made crucial improvements. The front seat cushions have been extended by 15 millimeters, providing better thigh support on long journeys, and additional sound insulation material has been added throughout the cabin. Honda claims that by using thicker carpeting and acoustic glass, noise during mid- to high-speed cruising has been reduced by 2-3 decibels. For family users, this is undoubtedly a huge boon. Powertrain: familiar i-MMD, rumored surprise. Under the hood, the 2026 Accord Hybrid continues to use Honda's two-motor i-MMD system. This system primarily consists of a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and two electric motors, with a total system maximum output still at 204 horsepower and peak torque of 335 Nm. Its operating mode is quite clever: at low speeds, it essentially works as a pure electric vehicle, with the electric motor driving the wheels directly; during high-speed cruising, the clutch engages to allow the engine to drive the wheels directly, achieving optimal fuel efficiency. So, will a plug-in hybrid version arrive? This is currently the hottest topic. Multiple industry sources suggest that Honda is actively testing an Accord PHEV in North America, a clear response to the Toyota Camry Prime and Hyundai Sonata PHEV. If the rumors prove true, this model could debut by the end of 2026 and offer around 60 kilometers of all-electric range. However, as of this writing, Honda remains officially tight-lipped about it, and Dgmotorscar will continue to follow this news closely. Fuel economy: still reigning supreme. Fuel efficiency has always been the Accord Hybrid's trump card, and the 2026 model does not disappoint. According to preliminary EPA data, city fuel economy is approximately 4.6 L/100 km, highway is about 4.9 L/100 km, and the combined figure stands solidly at 4.7 L/100 km. By comparison, this means you can still easily travel over 800 kilometers on a full tank. In its long-term test, the current-generation Accord Hybrid was capable of this, so Dgmotorscar is fully confident in the new model's real-world performance. Driving experience and safety: more composed, smarter. As a team that once conducted a long-term review of the 2025 Accord, Dgmotorscar hold its chassis quality in high regard. On this foundation, the 2026 model features recalibrated dampers, which results in the vehicle filtering fine road vibrations more compliantly, while the steering effort has been slightly increased, making the on-center feel more stable. Its regenerative braking system has also been optimized - in other words, when adjusting the regeneration level via the steering wheel paddles, the engagement feels noticeably smoother. On the safety front, the Honda Sensing 360 suite of driver-assistance systems becomes standard across the lineup. This system includes enhanced collision mitigation braking, lead vehicle departure alert, and lane-change collision mitigation. Crucially, the millimeter-wave radar and camera now have a wider field of view, so the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist operate more naturally, no longer as abrupt as some early systems. What you get is a genuine assistant that alleviates driving fatigue, not just a gimmick. Pricing and on-sale date. The 2026 Honda Accord Hybrid has already arrived at dealers nationwide. The entry-level Sport Hybrid starts at around $33,500, the mid-grade EX-L Hybrid is priced at approximately $36,200, and the top-spec Touring Hybrid costs about $40,000 including destination charges. Although there has been a slight increase compared to the 2025 model, considering the substantial addition of technology and comfort features, its value proposition remains outstanding. Main competitors. In this segment, the Accord Hybrid faces three strong rivals. The Toyota Camry Hybrid has just undergone a full redesign, going all-hybrid across the range with more power, but with a slightly higher starting price. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid features bold design, and its solar roof is a unique selling point, but rear headroom is slightly less generous. The Kia K5 Hybrid offers high value for money and a long warranty, but its chassis refinement is not as mature as the Accord's. By comparison, the Accord Hybrid still comes out on top among these competitors by virtue of its roomier rear seats, more user-friendly system, and more premium driving feel. Its initial verdict. In summary, the 2026 Honda Accord Hybrid has evolved very intelligently. It does not radically overthrow its own formula; instead, it precisely addresses the minor regrets of the previous model, such as better sound insulation, a larger screen, and a smarter Google-based infotainment system. As a result, it remains one of the benchmarks in the midsize hybrid sedan class. For family users seeking zero-anxiety and high efficiency, this is very likely the most rational answer. Of course, Dgmotorscar is also closely monitoring developments regarding the plug-in hybrid version, and once there is official confirmation, Dgmotorscar will bring you an in-depth analysis as soon as possible. Looking for top-quality new or used cars? Trust DG Motors for fast, reliable service - or visit its Phnom Penh showroom today! Recommended Vehicles Latest Blog More Articles