NAIAS: Accord Coupe Concept

by Jack Baruth

Published: January 10th, 2012

Get this straight: with the exception of perpetual NSX foreplay, Honda doesn’t do “concepts”. Their concept cars are usually production vehicles with tinted windows. So it is with the new Accord Coupe “Concept”. The current Accord has come in for more criticism than any Accord in history… so what’s changed?

Edited to include more shots that show the evolutionary link between the current Coupe and the new one.

Let’s start with SHOCKING MECHANICAL NEWS! Honda, a company so conservative at times that it was selling the majority of its production vehicle with carburetors long after General Motors had fuel-injected the freakin’ Iron Duke, has finally put six-speed automatic transmissions in the Accord. It’s anybody’s guess as to whether production models will have a nifty little retro “6-speed” badge under the right rear taillamp.

Oh, wait. Turns out it’s just the V-6 that gets a six-speed. Four-cylinder models get a CVT. That four-cylinder is the new EarthDreams 2.4 direct-injected model, putting out 181hp and 177 lb-ft. The new V-6 will also make more power, but Honda didn’t say how much more.

On the now-mandatory hybrid side of things, the Accord Hybrid has finally ditched the old IMA system for a proper two-motor setup that will allow the Accord to run in full electric mode. Range in said mode is quoted at a serious-business 10-15 miles. And it’s a plug-in, with full recharge in four hours at 120v and 1.5 hours at 240v.

Standard tech includes Bluetooth across the range and a rearview camera, a color LCD display, and a Pandora interface. Optional: lane assist.

We will be partnering with Speed:Sport:Life to bring you a full Accord Coupe gallery later in the day.

Jack Baruth

More by Jack Baruth

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2 of 43 comments

Disaster on Jan 11, 2012

Barely much change but getting rid of the huge chrome Ford Fusionist front grill was a HUGE improvement. The front end looks slimmer and sleeker...similar to the light treatment of the 2004 generation Acuras. Not of fan of the huge, lit, squarish holes in the front end though.

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GalaxieSun on Jan 12, 2012

The current Accord Coupe is the best-looking car Honda has on the market IMHO. This evolutionary design is a good thing. It's not a refresh as every inch of the sheetmetal is new. The side surfacing changes are quite obvious. However, if Honda doesn't offer an MT on the 4-cylinder models they are making a BIG MISTAKE. It's the best manual transmission out there Honda, don't deprive us of it!

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