Accord 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept

[HighestOfHigh]

There’s a new Honda Accord going on sale this fall, the ninth-generation of the popular nameplate, and we now have a preview of what it will look like thanks to the unveiling of this striking Accord Coupe Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

The concept is immediately recognizable as an Accord, with many of its lines reminiscent of today’s model.

However, the details seem to blend more effectively than with the current car, with a smoother, wraparound grille and headlights plus more sculpted flanks. Overall, we like it so hopefully the production version doesn’t stray too far from the concept’s design.

This is a crucial model for Honda; a leader in performance, safety, efficiency and value since its introduction in 1976, the Accord remains one of the top-selling cars in America though it’s age has seen that popularity drop in recent times. Nevertheless, the current 2012 Accord was ranked as having the highest initial quality in its segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS), and the new 2013 model is expected to continue that reputation.

Honda says interior space in the new 2013 Accord is similar to today's car, though the wheelbase is shorter and curb weight lower. The automaker also says that the new model will have more responsive handling, though no details on the suspension, steering or brakes have been revealed.

One thing we do know is that an Accord Hybrid will return, a model that hasn’t been since 2009 when it was dropped due to low sales. Additionally, the 2013 Honda Accord will also feature a plug-in hybrid option, mimicking Ford’s strategy with the 2013 Fusion by offering gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

The setup will combine a lean-burn four-cylinder engine with a 120-kilowatt electric motor powered by a 6-kilowatt-hour battery. It is designed to be compatible with daily driving habits, allowing for short, frequent trips in electric-only mode (up to 15 miles on a single charge), while providing long-distance driving capability when needed.

The two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency: electric-only, gasoline-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode. The system also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery, and a full charge using regular household mains should take less than four hours.

Two gasoline-only models will also be offered: a base 2.4-liter model delivering 181 horsepower and a range-topper with a 3.5-liter V-6 developing more than the current V-6 model’s 271 horsepower.

On a final note, the introduction of the ninth-generation Accord marks 30 years of U.S. production of the model at Honda’s plant in Marysville, Ohio, the first Japanese car assembly plant in the U.S.

- 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept previews redesign, hybrid returning

 

[HighestOfHigh]

I'm loving those LED foglights shape.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Honda Unveils 2013 Accord Coupe Concept

All-new Accord will feature next-generation powertrain technologies, class-leading fuel economy plus innovative safety and technology features

DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2012 – Honda unveiled the dynamic Accord Coupe Concept today at the North American International Auto Show, providing the first official glimpse of the athletic styling direction, as well as revealing a host of new technologies for the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 model, set to go on-sale this fall.

The 2013 Accord will feature three all-new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-liter direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system from Honda's suite of next-generation Earth Dreams™ powertrain technologies. In addition, the V-6 Accord will be the first Honda sedan to feature a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Both the Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe models are expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy ratings and will be available with a number of innovative new safety and technological features.

"Marking the 30th anniversary of U.S. production, this new ninth-generation Accord will raise the bar again through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies, geared to ensure that Honda and the Accord continue to lead in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

Design and Packaging

The Accord Coupe Concept features an athletic styling direction for Honda's best-selling model. The front bumper's dynamic lines are highlighted by a revised four-sided honeycomb grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. Lower fog-light spoilers are accented by crystallized chrome inlays.

The Accord Coupe Concept's 20-inch, machine-finished, 5-spoke wheels contribute to its solid stance. The rear taillights aggressively sweep into the body, while a trunk -lid spoiler and large exhaust finishers integrated into the bumper underscore the Accord Coupe Concept's muscular exterior.

While the Accord Coupe will remain similarly sized, the Accord Sedan will feature a more compact exterior footprint, adding to its sportier appearance. A shortened wheelbase and reduced weight will also give the 2013 Accord Sedan more responsive handling and improved driving dynamics. Both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will retain the current model's generous cabin space.

Advanced and Efficient Powertrains

The Accord will offer three all-new powertrains for the 2013 model year. The Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will be the first models in the U.S. to receive the new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® four-cylinder engine featuring direct- injection (DI). The engine will be paired to a new Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), which utilizes an innovative 'G-Design Shift' cooperative control system for excellent acceleration and responsive shifting. The all-new 2.4-liter DI engine generates significant performance improvements compared to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine it replaces, producing more than 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. In addition to an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the 2012 model, the new four-cylinder-equipped 2013 Accord models are targeted to deliver class-leading fuel economy1.

The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will also be offered with a re-engineered 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission or an available 6-speed manual transmission. The new V-6 engine generates an increase in horsepower and torque over the current model. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission will utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management ™ (VCM™) technology and are targeted to achieve class-leading fuel economy1 along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model.

The 2013 Accord lineup will also feature the first application of a new two-motor plug-in hybrid system to the Accord Sedan. The Honda two-motor hybrid system moves continuously through three modes - all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive - to maximize driving efficiency and fuel economy.

In all-electric mode, the 2013 Accord Plug-In Hybrid will use a 6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor to achieve an all-electric range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving scenarios and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take less than four hours using a 120-volt, outlet and less than 1.5 hours using a 240-volt charger.

In the gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the Accord is powered by its fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). For more efficient high-speed cruising, the Accord Plug-In Hybrid can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid will launch next winter.

All 2013 Accord models will incorporate the Honda ECO Assist™ system, an innovative technology that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button, while also providing visual feedback to the driver to promote and confirm a more efficient driving style.

Safety and Technological Innovations

The 2013 Accord will introduce numerous new features for enhanced driver safety, visibility and security. The new Accord will be available with Honda's first application of Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Crash Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them. The 2013 Accord will be the first Honda model to apply a side curtain airbag with a wider deployment profile to enhance ejection mitigation. This application is two years in advance of new safety regulations going into effect in 2015.

The 2013 Accord is targeted to earn top scores in both the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety2 (IIHS) vehicle evaluations.

Additionally, the Accord will be equipped with several new technologies to help improve the driver's visibility around the vehicle. The Accord will be the first model to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. The Accord will also receive a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror as standard equipment.

The Accord has always been an exceptional value and the 2013 model will offer more standard equipment compared to the current model, including new advanced technology features. High-tech features that will be found on all 2013 Accord models include Bluetooth®3 HandsFreeLink® phone interface, a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another standard feature and first for the Accord is the introduction of a Pandora® Internet Radio interface4, compatible with the Apple® iPhone®, which works with the vehicle's audio controls and i-MID.

Sales, Accolades and Manufacturing History

The Honda Accord, currently in its eighth generation, is one of Honda's best-selling vehicles worldwide and remains one of the top-selling automobiles in the U.S. The Accord was launched in 1976 with subsequent major re-designs in 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2003 and 2008. More than 11 million Accords have been sold in the U.S. since 1976.

Since its introduction nearly 36 years ago, the Accord has been honored for its quality, reliability and superior drivability. Car and Driver magazine has awarded the Honda Accord its prestigious and highly competitive annual '10Best Cars' award a record 26 times. No other vehicle in the award's history has been honored as frequently as the Accord. The Accord was also recognized for the highest initial quality in the mid-size sedan segment in the 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey.

In 2012, Honda will celebrate 30 years of Accord production in the U.S. The first Accord Sedan rolled off the Marysville, Ohio assembly line on November 1, 1982 and was the first Japanese-nameplate car assembled in the U.S. Since then, more than eight million Accords have been produced5 at Honda's first U.S. auto plant in Marysville, Ohio. More about Honda in America is available at Honda in America.

- 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept previews redesign, hybrid returning

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

oh, FFS, a CVT?!?!?! Really? Why couldn't they stick an 8-speed automatic in it. And that body, essentially it looks like they just reskinned the current Accord Coupe. Seriously, Honda, have you not learned from the current Civic fiasco?

And those fog lights, thank goodness that's only for the concept because with that chrome surround it looks all kinds of cheesy. This is just frustrating.

 

[K-A]

Too much bling bling nonsense brings it down and makes it look desperate. Aside from that, not a bad looking Coupe for that segment. The current Coupe is quite nice for what it is as well. I was always surprised that it didn't get more popularity (looks like an actually somewhat decent attempt to make a BMW style Coupe). I actually like it better than the new C-Coupe.... Mostly because the C-Coupe looks like an Accord and looks very cheap and crude for a Benz.

 

[DocM]

First they botched the civic and now this!! I would ok with it being a facelift, but this is actually the next gen Accord coupe!!
Honda better wake up or the future might not be so bright

 

[Levi68]

First they botched the civic and now this!! I would ok with it being a facelift, but this is actually the next gen Accord coupe!!
Honda better wake up or the future might not be so bright

I think there future is already not that birght, they slepped for a decade and had nothing sporty as Honda was known for. The S2000 died recently.

It does not look bad, but the fact it is FWD, its proportion don't look very good.

 

[K-A]

Honda's been mismanaged to hell. They used to have a large enthusiast base, walking a very fine line between boring/appliance and throwing just enough spice to keep certain (delusional, IMO, lol) people as enthusiast/fanboys. Boring cars like the 90's Civic Si were apparently not boring to the Honda crowd (who are used to ultra-boring as their norm, so I guess in that world the Si is an interesting car), and the S2000, etc.

What bugs me is that Honda did have one very cool, bonafide fun-ish car in the Prelude. That was a pretty serious car from Honda, and I don't know why they couldn't keep it around.

Also, the problem with Honda is that they don't seem to evolve their elements of driving. I.e, they stick with their potion and don't introduce anything new. A good example is how Honda went from being relatively comfortable in Class, to one of the least comfortable in Class. While Toyota pushed their cheap cars to be super quiet and serene, Honda's haven't evolved from the harsher, louder interior ambiances that were norm in the 80's.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

I'm not bothered by the fact it's FWD, it's an Accord, afterall. What bugs me is that the 4-cyl will be offered with 6-sp manual (good) and a CVT (crap). Regarding its truth be told, I'm not that bothered by the design. In fact, the design elements like the headlights and overall profile remind me of the Accords from 1990's, which were the best, IMO. Independent of the previous generation, I'd contend it's solid and mature design with a nice amount of sport elements that, save for those ridiculous chrome details and LED foglamps, will age well. But the problem is that I can't look at it independent of the previous generation, and it looks like an obvious re-skin of it. Now, that Honda's been leveled with the same criticism with their current Civic, a problem they themselves have acknowledged and will try to rectify, they seem to have done it again. If it is, indeed, a re-skin, where is the lesson learned?

I just find it annoying.

 

[Morrison]

The front end looks too bling-bling IMO, but I guess that the series version will look good enough.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Yes, it does look a lot like the current coupe...on the other hand I think it looks great for a Honda. When the production model shows up I hope (but doubt) that it keeps the LED foglights shape. Nice to see someone do something other than the regular LED strip.

 

[K-A]

I for one think that if they tone down the details, which are too desperate/contrasted from the basic design, i.e the chrome center lip, diamond-bling LED's that are obviously slanted toward the Escalade-Generation, and gigantic rear diffusor area, to simply round out the design into something a bit more cohesive and natural, it'll be a solid Coupe on the market.... just like the current one. The current one is too bloated, which is its downside, and this new one seems to have evolved that into something leaner.... Although you can only tell when you see it in person.