Spy shots: 2013 Honda Accord (sedan)

[2.0T_Convert]

TOVTEC: Accord 2013

We've snagged the first-ever shots of a 2013 Honda Accord prototype being put through its paces. Sources tell us that this new Accord is a major overhaul of the current platform, with significant changes throughout the entire car.

We have heard two differing reports regarding the dimensions of the 2013 Accord. One source suggests that this latest iteration will be the first in a long time that doesn't grow, perhaps even showing signs of downsizing. Another source has reported that the new Accord will actually continue gain some size compared to the current model. To our eyes, this Accord looks to have grown a bit, but we'll leave the individual analysis of that to you, the editor.

The styling of this 2013 Accord sedan looks to be more expressive than the rather dowdy outgoing model. The honeycomb mesh of the lower air-intake takes some cues from Honda's Accord Coupe Concept that bowed at the last North American International Auto Show in Detroit. However, while that mesh covers the low intake, the upper grille gets large horizontal slats, appearing broadly similar to the new grille-work applied to the facelifted Accord Crosstour. Perhaps this new grille treatment will evolve as a new corporate face for Honda.

The new Accord has been designed with optimum efficiency in mind, leading to the introduction of a new CVT replacing the current model's 5-speed, and the current port-injection replaced in favor of direct injection on both the 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-four and the 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V6. Honda promises that the CVT will still maintain a driver-focused demeanor, while improving fuel-efficiency by 10%.

The general sentiment is that Honda is losing its way a bit, while competitors like the 2013 Ford Fusion, the Hyundai Sonata Kia Optima grow more and more accomplished. Then there is a the improved 2013 Toyota Camry that has improved while its a perennial best-seller. The 2013 Accord is a hugely important car for Honda, a company whose luster has tarnished a bit over the passing years.

[emmettlodge]

Nobody cares.

[WakusPakus]

looks like a maxima

[Guy Legend]

So are they gonna merge the US/World Accord or keep the TSX as the euro accord. If this car is even bigger - then the lines will probably stay separate.

[Volvo_D]

A new Honda used to be an exciting thing to look forward to, now i already cringe before i look

[eunos94]

Honda promises to be more like the Honda of old. TCL doesn't believe.
Honda announces CVT for the Accord and promises it will still be fun to drive. TCL

[dieselraver]

meh, it better be "all new" and pretty not all new like the nasty ass civic.

[adrew]

Honda announces CVT for the Accord and promises it will still be fun to drive. TCL

6-speed manual is new on the 4-cylinder (rumored to get direct injection) and available on up to the EX trim level (sedan and coupe). The EX-L V6/6-speed coupe still lives on, as does the wishbone front suspension -- which, aside from the Mazda6, is now unique in the segment now that the Fusion and Sonata have dropped it.

[InfinitiG]

meh, it better be "all new" and pretty not all new like the nasty ass civic.

This, though I seriously doubt this is going to be a big leap over the current one, going by their current track record.

[Heffernan]

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[koko12]

I really hope rumors of it being bigger are not true. The Current Accord it's already bordering on full-size and it's pretty heavy.

On a side note I kind of look forward the Honda getting rid of the 5 speed auto in favor of a CVT. While Honda makes some of the best manuals around the 5 speed auto has not been that great.

Also I hope Honda has learned their lesson with the Civic and know that offering a sub-par product is going to hurt them in the sales department.

[UnimogR]

The last time I was reading about the upcoming new generation of Accord several years back they claimed that the US model would once again be based on the RoW platform like it had been up till we got the US specific bloatmobile in 1999.

I'm thinking that this new one is indeed on the RoW Accord platform, the worst thing Honda did was to make the US model larger.

That being said if it handles and is designed and built in the manner of the fourth and fifth generations it will perhaps be a big comeback for them. I'm interestd!

HONDA...THANKS FOR KEEPING A NICE MANUAL TRANSMISSION AVAILABLE IN THE ACCORD!

[av_audi]

HONDA...THANKS FOR KEEPING A NICE MANUAL TRANSMISSION AVAILABLE IN THE ACCORD!

Didn't see anything in the article, but thanks indeed, especially if it is now a 6-speed

It's too bad such a nice company has been taken over by boring bean counters.

Meanwhile, the US Passat has downgraded the manual on its base engine from 6-speed to 5-speed

[V=D'ubber]

I'm so sure you ppl are posting **** about Hondas on a vw forums .wtf . One other thing my parents got a 2012 accord and regret getting it . Soo .... We went and traded it for a mk6 jetta tdi and they love it .. 50 mpg , well if my parents drive it .

[Grey Mouser]

I'm so sure you ppl are posting **** about Hondas on a vw forums .wtf . One other thing my parents got a 2012 accord and regret getting it . Soo .... We went and traded it for a mk6 jetta tdi and they love it .. 50 mpg , well if my parents drive it .

Because "The Car Lounge" is not solely a VW forum, brah.

[leaftye]

The picture doesn't show up, and it doesn't bother me.

[BRealistic]

The picture doesn't show up, and it doesn't bother me.

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-image?...ord_kgp-04.jpg

[BRealistic]

Because "The Car Lounge" is not solely a VW forum, brah.

Yep... if only there was a special forum just for VW fans to talk about VWs... if only.


And has anybody heard about mechanical improvements with the next Accord?
(engines, transmissions, suspensions)

[VarianceVQ]

I'm so sure you ppl are posting **** about Hondas on a vw forums .wtf . One other thing my parents got a 2012 accord and regret getting it . Soo .... We went and traded it for a mk6 jetta tdi and they love it .. 50 mpg , well if my parents drive it .

MK4 drivers...the legend lives on. (Oops, "Legend". Mentioned a Honda. My bad, bro.)

[TigerinColorado]

That greenhouse looks awfully familiar.

[V=D'ubber]

Lol

[rice is burning]

Nobody cares.

I wish your mother had taken the abortion thing seriously.

[vwlarry]

It looks as if the Accord has become the defacto successor to the LeSabre of olde, albeit with far better fit-und-finish.

[MONITOR]

I wish your mother had taken the abortion thing seriously.

Lmao!

[emmettlodge]

I wish your mother had taken the abortion thing seriously.

Oh no! I've upset TCL's late model Accord owner.

Don't worry, some day one other person on here will buy a new Accord. And then there'll be two of you! You can have tea parties together and diddle each other under the covers at night.

[LuckyDogg]

That greenhouse looks awfully familiar.

Same thing I noticed -- the greenhouse and door lines emulate the current model. Considering the coupe concept essentially reveals a heavily revision as opposed full redesign, perhaps the sedan will meet the same fate?

That said, if they revise this to the degree VW updated MkV to MkVI there won't be a lot of room to complain...

[Yo Teach]

Honda promises to be more like the Honda of old. TCL doesn't believe.
Honda announces CVT for the Accord and promises it will still be fun to drive. TCL

The Lounge seems to perpetually labor under the delusion the Accord should still look like this:


I mean, I was just as upset as anyone else when David Lee Roth left Van Halen, but you have to evolve sometime...

[22AudiQ]

Attention Honda:

Please keep the covers of the test mule on the production vehicle. It'll save all of our eyes.

[Avus]

Honda, the new Toyota.

Toyota, the new Honda...

[surefooted]

I bet the test mule will be more exciting than the final product.

[sullie]

The Lounge seems to perpetually labor under the delusion the Accord should still look like this:


I mean, I was just as upset as anyone else when David Lee Roth left Van Halen, but you have to evolve sometime...

David Lee Roth is back with Van Halen so this just proves to me that I am correct in my thinking that Honda should be making the '86 Accord again, stuffed with airbags, fuel injection, blue tooth and a gps for old yuppie dorks like me.

[TJSwoboda]

David Lee Roth is back with Van Halen so this just proves to me that I am correct in my thinking that Honda should be making the '86 Accord again, stuffed with airbags, fuel injection, blue tooth and a gps for old yuppie dorks like me.

Then again...

So, the Fusion and the Sonata have both gone the way of the Camry; no manual transmission period? It doesn't bother me in the least if Honda is replacing their automatic with a CVT, so long as a three pedal version remains available.

[adrew]

Then again...

So, the Fusion and the Sonata have both gone the way of the Camry; no manual transmission period? It doesn't bother me in the least if Honda is replacing their automatic with a CVT, so long as a three pedal version remains available.

Sonata, yes. The Fusion with be available with a 1.6T and 6-speed on the SE trim -- limited, but better than nothing.

[Rob.]

Low cowls, and squareish corners are a thing of the past unfortunately..

[BRealistic]

Sonata, yes. The Fusion with be available with a 1.6T and 6-speed on the SE trim -- limited, but better than nothing.

Yeah. The days of the top trim mainstreamers with manuals are over.. unfortunately.