Honda Accord Coupe Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show
- Looks like: A more voluptuous Accord coupe
- Defining characteristics: Not silver, more curves instead of hard edges
- Ridiculous features: 20-inch wheels, rear exhaust exiting through bumper
- Chance of being mass-produced: Sure thing; the new Accord goes on sale this fall
The Honda Accord Coupe Concept is a preview of the next-generation Accord that goes on sale this fall. Honda typically stays true to its concepts, so we don’t expect the coupe to look too different when it hits dealerships. This concept is so close to production that Honda announced detailed engine and transmission options.
More 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage
The overall size is unchanged from the current coupe, but the trapezoidal shapes and hard edges are toned down and replaced by a more curvaceous style in the hood and fenders. The front end is more upright with larger grilles for a more aggressive look. The concept’s profile isn’t too different from the 2012 coupe, with a similar raked body line that climbs upward toward the rear. Around back, the lip spoiler molds into the body, and the exhaust dumps out mid-bumper instead of underneath, a style with a lesser chance of making it to production.
Honda’s latest generation of engines and transmission will power the coupe, including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with direct injection making 181 horsepower and a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6. The four-cylinder pairs with a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission that will be an improved experience over many of the “rubber band” CVTs out there now, Honda says. The six-cylinder has a new six-speed automatic transmission to replace the current five-speed unit, and fuel economy is expected to improve across the board.
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Surprise! It looks like the 2008 model! They have done the same thing to this car that they did to the 2011 civic, mild update. They claim the sedan is going to be smaller though. At least they are adding modern electronics and (finally) a 6 speed auto to the V6 model. Only 5 years after the camry and Saturn Aura debuted with 6 speeds. For better or worse I think the interior is going to look a lot like the new CR-V. They mentioned standard color MID screen just like the CR-V.
HA... They screwed this up bad like the Civic. What is happening to Honda?? The Camry is redesigned, the Altima is being redesigned again after beating the Accord in sales last year so you would think Honda would step it up, but they missed here. Like the Civic, The new design looks worse than the car it replaces. Honda seems bent on destroying themselves. Adding different colored lights doesn't constitute as a re-design.
Mike:
Fusion and Altima beat the accord in sales this year- has to be the first time ever. If you take away the tint, the stupid bling elements and rims basically you have the 2012 accord coupe. You can keep the same platform and still make a car look totally different. Why do they NOT want this to look like an all new car? Even the Camry redesign was radical by these standards.
The back is ok, but the front, like the new civic, looks older than the current generation. Resembles the Accord of the late 90's/early 2000's
it looks like honda must have really liked the last kia optima, at least the front end.
Honda's new 2012 civic was bad: just like the 2013 accord. Nissan altimas and ford Fusions along with toyota camrys will easily out-sell the accord. Sorry honda