2008 Honda Accord Coupe and Sedan launches Stateside

Honda has today released official pictures and specifications of the new Accord Coupe due to be released in the US within the next few months. Pictures of the new Accord Coupe testing in the states have been circulating the net since the concept version was uncovered earlier this year.

The new Accord coupe will be offered with 3 engine options, including a ‘VTEC’ and an ‘i-VTEC’ version of the same 3.5-litre V6, which punch out a respectable 200Kw each (the latter has new Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology), while the revised 2.4-litre 4 cylinder is good for 142Kw.

The front wheels are driven via either a 5 speed manual (4Cyl), 6 speed manual (V6) or a 5-speed Auto (all engines).

Personally I don’t think it is too hard on the eyes, although maybe a little conservative for some.

To tie in with the coupes debut was the introduction of the 2008 US Accord sedan (not the Euro) see below.

The sedan is available with either a 130Kw or 142Kw 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a choice of 5-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic transmission. A 200kW 3.5-litre V6 is also available with a 5 speed auto only.

While the new Accord models may be exciting for some I came across a little Honda blast-from-the-past that I thought I’d share. Cast your minds back to 2005, and Honda fans may remember that in one corner of the Tokyo Auto Salon sat the Mugen LM (Legend Max) concept. See below.

The Mugen LM had everything that any serious Honda fan ever wanted. Rear wheel drive and a 370kW VTEC V8 taken straight out of a JGTC NSX race car, and yes that hole in the bonnet is for an air scoop that feeds the 8 throttle bodies, producing a sound that would make type R drivers go weak at the knees.

Let’s just hope that the ideas man behind this ride has moved up in the world at Honda’s HQ…

The Accord Coupe and updated Accord sedan will initially be released in North America. There is as yet no word on when/if Australia will be seeing the new look Accord.

Darcy

[Source: Honda]

[Image source: Temple VTEC]