Honda Accord Coupe concept poised to set new benchmark

Honda has revealed a totally new look for the next-generation Accord with the unveiling of the Accord Coupe Concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The concept vehicle also debuts key new technologies for improved safety, fuel efficiency and performance. It is the first time that an Accord concept vehicle has ever been shown at a major car show.

The styling of the Accord Coupe Concept conveys a powerful stance through a long bonnet, deeply sculpted lower body and ‘fastback’ roofline. A six-sided grille and projector headlamps recess deep into the front bumpers to further accentuate the aggressive front end. Quad exhaust outlets integrated into the rear diffuser hint at performance and style beyond any Accord to date.

“The Accord Coupe Concept demonstrates the styling direction for the upcoming, eighth-generation Accord,” said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. “As the industry’s target for midsize segment excellence, the all-new Accord will set a new benchmark for safety, efficiency, performance, refinement and style.”

A more powerful and lower-emissions V6 engine will provide higher fuel efficiency with the incorporation of Honda’s next-generation Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology.

All next-generation Accord models will include the company’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure. Honda’s ACE Body Structure incorporates a front-end frame structure that helps absorb and disperse crash energy over a large area in a frontal impact. ACE also makes the vehicle more crash compatible in frontal impacts with vehicles of differing ride heights.

The current generations of the Civic (2006) and CR-V (2007) all have the ACE Body Structure. Together, the ACE-equipped vehicles represent more than 50 per cent of all 2007 Honda vehicles sold. With the addition of the next-generation Accord to the line-up of vehicles with ACE, more than 75 per cent of Hondas sold will be equipped with the technology.

No decision has yet been made about the production of this Coupe Concept, and there are currently no plans to bring the vehicle to market in the UK.