Honda Accord Concept: Comments

[William Maley]

---

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

January 10, 2012

Whenever Honda shows a concept, most times it turns out to be a thinly vailed production model. Case in point is the Accord Concept shown today at the Detroit Auto Show.

Design wise, Honda went very conservative with coupe. While ok looking, you can't help the thoughts of whether you're looking at the current Accord or not.

The real news lies in the powertrains. The base engine is a new "Earth Dreams" 2.4L four-cylinder producing 181 HP and 177 lb-ft of torque going through a new CVT. A V6 will also be available with the choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic.

Honda will also bring back the Accord Hybrid - a car that went away in 2007 due to poor sales. This time, the Accord Hybrid will utlize a plug-in hybrid system with three different drive settings - all-electric, gasoline-electric and "direct-drive". The plug-in system utlizes a 2.0L Atkinson cycle four cylinder mated to a 120-kilowatt electric motor and a a 6-kWh lithium-ion battery. Honda says the Accord plug-in can travel up to 10-15 miles on electric power alone and can charge up in under four hours when plugged into a 120v outlet. (1.5 hours when plugged into a 240v outlet.)

Expect the new Accord to come equipped with new safety features including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, blind-spot detection and a multi-angle rear-view camera.

The production version of the Accord will debut sometime later this year, with sales beginning sometime in the fall.

Press Release is on Page 2

---

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 http://www.hondainamerica.com.

View full article

[Intrepidation]

Looks like a refresh of the current car, the only difference in profile being the gentle arch of the rear wheels. Not impressed.

[G. David Felt]

WOW, Talk about BORING and BLAND. The backend is at least a bit better than current but the front is a total dud of a refresh as Dodgefan states.

Honda still has no winners other than their stable of blind loyal lemmings who buy anything they make even this bland garbage.

[bobo]

Underwhelming.

[Robert Hall]

A bit more than MCE, but the greenhouse looks carryover...a similar update to how the '10 Mustang was...

[CSpec]

That's a new car?

[ocnblu]

I think all the changes were improvements. The front end looks classier than before, the extra side sculpting adds beauty, and the rear end is also prettier. Only thing I don't like are the chrome bits in the bumpers.

[siegen]

Aside from the ridiculous concept-only chrome fog lights and exhaust finishers (seriously, why do they do that stuff on concepts?), I think this looks considerably better than the outgoing model. It is an evolution for sure, but a very positive one. The current Accord coupe looks good, but has some odd bulges and looks a bit soft (compared to this). I think they did a perfect job improving the coupe without messing anything up. Now if only it kept that ride height in production form...

[FAPTurbo]

I think Honda forgot it had an auto show to attend and slapped on a body kit and some chrome onto a current Accord Coupe the night before.

That's a good thing actually, because it seems when they put actual effort into design these days, the result looks like horrible.

[Intrepidation]

I think Honda is simply focusing its effort on more important markets than cars, like OHC lawn mower engines

[Robert Hall]

It looks like they smoothed out the weird headlight bulges of the current generation..

[Intrepidation]

I bet it has the same interior as the current car behind that super tinted glass.

[SoCalCTS]

They need to totally rework the rear end.

[Turbojett]

Hmmm...looks better than the current car, but still typical Honda "same-ol'-same-ol'" styling.

[Delta Force79]

Since when did an MCE warrant being called a concept?

Edited January 11, 2012 by Delta Force79

[Turbojett]

given that the newest Civic doesn't differ too drastically from the previous, I'm not sure that this is an MCE.

Perhaps Honda's design aptitude has plateaued

[Robert Hall]

Since when did an MCE warrant being called a concept?

I think they had the MCE for the Accord a couple years ago..this is the next generation, though the greenhouse looks carryover...

[Delta Force79]

My post was an attempt at sarcasm, given the basic overall shape of the new Civic looking about 85% the same as the old model, this Accord looks to be headed in the same direction. I guess Honda's definition of brand new these days is new 5 years ago.

Edited January 12, 2012 by Delta Force79

[balthazar]

It's not like there are Great Forward Strides in greenhouse design.

It's certainly not worth the cost to retool for a minutely-different greenhouse shape.

'Rearranging deck chairs', and all that.

[Intrepidation]

[Delta Force79]

The pictures speak for themselves, it's nothing more than another MCE. The fact that the new Civic went this route and has been a disaster for Honda, that they're rushing a refresh for next year proves that this is probably not the way to go with the Accord. I will say this however, the new front and rear lights and details are an improvement over the current model.

[Robert Hall]

MCE's normally just change the plastic parts...looks like all the metal below the greenhouse is different. Kind of like what Ford did w/ the Mustang in '10. A new generation w/ a lot of carryover. I don't think the Civic carried over any panels.

Anyway, I wonder how much of this is going to apply to the sedan?

Edited January 12, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Intrepidation]

Normally but not always, Most publications call the 300 and Charger MCEs but they look and drive like totally new cars.

The Mustang is considered and MCE as well.

Then you have cars like the Civic, Camry, and Corolla which claim to be "all-new" but look hilariously similar to the old cars save the fascias.

Thing is that the Civi's greenhouse is very similar but different. However if you overlay the concept and the 2011 model's profile all of the hard points line up, the rooflines are exactly the same, the greenhouse is exactly the same, the door cutout, B-pillar,wheelbase, and height are all exactly the same. Yeah, they made subtle changes to the sheet metal, but they aren't fooling anyone (well, mostly anyone).

Like I said, I bet that "concept" has the current car's interior.

[z28luvr01]

It's more of an improvement over its predecessor than the current Civic is over its predecessor. That's about as nice as I'm going to get. In both cases the effort required to make the new sheetmetal was hardly worth it.

[SingleStylish]

Guaranteed that Honda didn't have the budget because they didn't hit business model sales target for the "outgoing" model. Think about it, it was new for '08, peak of financial disaster was '09, then a earthquake that interupted parts supplies in '10 (or '11, don't remember). Any way you slice it, sales started strong in '08 as Honda expected then cooled and never recovered. My belief was that it was largely due to influences out of their control.