Like its Acura sibling, Honda is previewing one of its upcoming production models at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show with the presentation of the Accord Coupe Concept, which paves the way for the ninth-generation 2013 Accord series set to go on sale in North America this fall.
As you can see for yourself, the only conceptual parts of the Accord Coupe are the dramatically styled front and rear bumpers along with the side skirts and alloy wheel designs. Take out those and you have the next Accord Coupe, which truth to be said, doesn't really look all that new.
In fact, if Honda didn't tell us that it's the ninth generation model, we'd be inclined to think it's a facelift of the current series as the only changes to the design concern the fascia that gets new headlamps and a simpler, four-sided grille, a more sculptured beltline, pronounced rear wheel arches and newly shaped tail lamps.
The Japanese company tells us that while the Accord Coupe will remain similarly sized, the Accord Sedan will feature a more compact exterior footprint with a shortened length and reduced weight that should contribute to better handling and improved driving dynamics.
"Both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will retain the current model's generous cabin space," said Honda.
There are more changes under the body as the 2013 Accord will be introduced with three all-new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-liter direct-injected (DI) engine and a two-motor plug-in hybrid system.
According to Honda, the 2.4-liter DI gasoline engine produces more than 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque and will be paired to a 6-speed manual transmission or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
The range-topping 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine has also been re-engineered offering more power and increased torque over the current model though Honda did not announce performance numbers. The V6 will be matched to a new 6-speed automatic transmission or an available 6-speed manual transmission
The new Accord Plug-In Hybrid sedan combines a 2.0-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) and a 120kW (161HP) electric motor fed by a 6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.
Honda said is two-motor hybrid system moves continuously through three modes: all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive, in order to maximize driving efficiency and fuel economy.
In all-electric mode, the 2013 Accord Plug-In Hybrid has a city driving range of approximately 10-15 miles (16-24 km) and a top speed of 62 mph (100km/h). The battery can be fully recharged in less than four hours using a 120-volt, outlet and less than 1.5 hours using a 240-volt charger.
The 2013 Accord also introduces several safety features such as Honda's first application of Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology, both of which use a camera mounted behind the windshield, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface, a full-color Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and an SMS text messaging function.
23 Comments:
nice car...
Honda looks like they said fk it and simply put a kit on an existing model. This is the lazy stance that keeps them from truly innovating. Playing it safe is one thing - taking a knee is another.
A little dissapointed. I was hoping for something a little more drastic in design change. It looks very similar to the 2012 coupe with just a few things added on. Things that will never come standard on an EX model.
man that's weak
Nobody says bmw with the 3 series did a mild facelift butt all are furious of this.
Strange
HOLY EYE SORES BATMAN! Those chromed air dams are beyond ridiculous.
Really? Please elaborate...
agreed but it's more like they said fk it, went to the worst tuner in eastern europe and had them do the kit. It is so busy and doesn't have any direction/vision.
I suspect, no one from Mugen touched this, they would never have let this go to the public.
that has IS 350 F-sport written all over it...
horrible. looks just like the outgoing model, only with more bling-bling. honda is seriously challenging toyota for the "ugliest lineup" title.
I don't see why anyone thinks this is crap...
I think it's quite an improvement over the predecessor
And, yes it does look quite a bit like the old one, (but Honda normally uses a similar frame for two gens of the Accord)
But that isn't a bad thing.
You can't expect a company to be radical every time they do a redesign. Although people of the internet like it, real world consumers don't.
Is this the same company that designed the cr-z? This can't be true. Is that chrome on the air intakes? If that is is not bad enough you went ahead and drawn attention to it by adding jeweled LED lights to highlight them. Are you trying to diversify into the geriatric market - you know the ones that drive Buicks.
I understand you had a hard year. I understand this is why the changes have to be nominal. But the 2012 offering is just so absurd that I think you are better off doing nothing. I say this even though I cringe every time I see the a 2011 on the streets.
BMW has fanboys but they are more or less germans/rich douches/people who will never own a beemer. Not all but most.Let me be clear on that last point.
It's like ferrari fanboys. If you're some rich hedgefund manager who buys new cars and only drives them a few clicks a year, are you really fan who follows the brand and takes a vested interest, no matter how insane it seems, in the culture and development of product. Comparing current product to something 20 years old (like the CRX) that still makes our mouths water. Any idiot knows why the Dino or an 850 is a classic but can you tell me why the CRX is? Or the Prelude? Or the original NSX? I still see these on the road (not the CRX so much). If you own a BMW you're probably on a lease most likely. No one is going to lambaste them for facelift when in reality, no one really cares, it's just on to the next one.
Looks good to me, solid, simple if a little plane. Way better looking than the Civic. Most people who buy an Accord are just looking for solid dependable transportation, not flash. Honda seems to be moving back in the right direction with this model in my opinion. I'd buy one.
crz is ugly too
Fuckin Car Gold!
You didn't go to school...did you?
The front looks a lot like my Kia Forte Koup....
Wow, Honda must be looking to save some serious money on redesigns! Looks very similar to the current generation, only a bit more gaudy! Did they just send the current model to an aftermarket kit company? Seriously, i remember when Toyota and Honda had cars i actually wanted.
if poop is gold then it sure is
Also if a car is gold then it sure is.
dont like the acura TL looking headlights at all
It will be interesting to see the finished product, i'm still thinking of importing one in the U.K - one of my main criticisms of the current model was the lack of tech but this seems to be addressed now, I'm sure they will have updated the satnav and things like that. Would like to know more about the hybrid, we get a lot of discounts in the U.K for lower emission vehicles so could be worth a look although I still got eyes on the V6! And I hope they keep the 5 seat layout too and dont change it to a four seater like most coupes of this size.
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