Basic Specs

Base FromTBA
Unveiling 2012 Detroit auto show
Availability Mid-2012
Status Nearing production
Engine 2.4L four-cylinder / 3.5L V6
Body Style Coupe
Segment Sport
Size Midsize
By Mark Kleis
Tuesday, Jan 10th, 2012 @ 10:00 am

An all-new Honda Accord is just months away, so the Japanese automaker has decided to build excitement with a thinly-disguised concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

From the concept car – which is a concept in name only, for the most part – we can see the that the styling is derivative but a bit more aggressive. Accord’s angles are sharpened and its detailing is more intricate, although it’s safe to say that some of the LED lighting effects won’t make production. Still, the sharper front grille certainly previews the 2013 car.

Honda hasn’t let us take a peek at the car’s interior, although it did let loose a few details. All Accords will feature standard Bluetooth and a full-color display. The infotainment system will be capable of reading text messages and playing Pandora Internet radio.

For one, the automaker says that the Accord will boast three all-new powertrains next year. The automaker’s so-called Earth Dreams 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder with direct injection will be standard. Despite the curious nomenclature, the engine produces a solid 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque and Honda says that fuel economy will be “significantly” improved. Six speed automatic and manual transmissions will be available.

From there, the lineup climbs to a “re-engineered” 3.5-liter V6 that mates to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed stick shift. This gas engine uses Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management to save fuel for what Honda expects to be class-leading mpg numbers.

A new two-motor plug-in hybrid system will be available on the Accord sedan, but not the coupe. Look for a 6 kwH lithium-ion battery and a 120 kW electric motor to give an EV-only range of 10-15 miles and a top speed of 62 mph. Recharging will take just four hours when a 240V outlet is used, Honda claims. The electric motor mates to a 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder and a CVT.

Otherwise, Accord is full of technology for the new model year, including Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning.

Live photos by Chris Doane

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