Spy photos: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe

Generally I like the shape, though at some angles it looks a little butt heavy. I am hoping a different color could mask that a bit. I am more curious about how it will perform. With the amount of horsepower rumored to be underneath (260hp - 280hp) it should have a limited slip.

this is an okay design. reminds me of the upcoming 2006 Altima coupe. but overall it is okay. i prefer the current design of the 2007 accord coupe. and this design reminds me of the prelude of the late 90s as well as the acura coupe that was discountinued during the early 2000s.

Pretty bland. The altima coupe at least has some panache.

It's so awesome to see so many photos coming through the pipeline, Ed! Here's my "official" request for someone to camp out at the 'Ring waiting for the next STI to show up!
 
-Loren

I think this design is better than the current one, however the last side view picture looks awkward. I like the stance and the headlights. Over all, it's a much more interesting design.

Lexus + Tsx in the front and a very ugly 300C Chrysler in the back. I still see a major winner for this car.

That front end and the headlights reminds me of the current camry. Other than that, it looks pretty nice and that character line looks sleek. i hope they put a stronger V6 in the 260hp+ range.

I can't stress enough that the camo on this car (coupled with the color white) is hiding a LOT of detail. I think most of us will be surprised once it's officially unveiled for production.
 
Side note: anybody notice the snow on the ground and cars? I'm curious as to just how old these pics are. Anyone still have fresh snow yet?

the only things that are covered are the rear windows (partially, hence the feeling of butt heavy) and the rear lights. I don't count the front fog lights because there's not much difference in the appearance from that.
IMO the car is very conservative. The body shape of an Acura RSX, the back lights of a tC and the front that reminds me a little the new Mitsubishi Lancer. If only it had the inspiration of the Civic!!!

I think its a nice design ... but that rear end is HUGE. Or i think the distance between the door opening and the rear wheel well is too long. it looks way too stretched which only overpronounces the big rear end.

What would make the coupe "exciting"?
A small block V8? RWD? AWD?
And I well remember my '82 Accord Coupe Hatchback (yup, they had that once).

Flicmod - We (Montana) just got 3" today. I seriously doubt MT is a location a company would want to test cars, though.
 
Daedalus - The coupe kinda has to be that way since it shares the same platform as the sedan. The only other option would be to make the doors 4' long, which is a real pain when parking. Also, I imagine the sedan will alleviate that particular characteristic.

Does anyone else think the sheetmetal looks way out of proportion to the wheel/tire combo? Especially on the latter pictures, it make this coupe look like much bigger car riding on training wheels. Other than that, definitely an interesting design if not derivative. You can definitely see some Acura CL in the rear, some Lexus SC in the front, and some Saturn Ion in the rear of the profile. Just my take on it.

Thanks estreka. I doubt Honda is testing in MT either :-)
 
Everyone is chiming in and saying that the car looks like this car or that car. So far we've listed for look-alike front-ends by: Sonata, IS, Camry, SC, Lancer, TL, TSX. Rear-end: 300C, tC, CL, Porsche. Overall: RSX profile(?!?), Lexus, new Altima, Ion.
 
My point is that we're all naming different cars that this thing looks like and then complaining that it's either ugly or bland or whatever. Does anyone think that any of the cars that were listed above are ugly, bland, or whatever? (Besides the 300C, but that's just my opinion). How can the new Accord remind us of so many different cars, in the first place. And then how can we all say it's ugly and bland when we're all partial to the styling of the cars that we say it's like? Doesn't make much sense to me.

Personally I like the way it looks. But it seems they borrowed heavily from the scion TC.

Who cares what the car reminds people of, the bottom line is the back is too bland and the front is extremely derivative of several existing models. The side profile is the best angle. It doesnt matter because it will sell well regardless of its styling. It has more personality than the existing car, thats for sure. I dont think taking off the tape is going to change much, we see enough to get the idea.

Thanks for your $0.02, 1487......
 
Anyhow... I discovered where the photo was taken at:
 
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-image?image=674666/08acc_bp-06.jpg
 
Seems as though our friends from Honda decided to test this thing in Ohio. Which isn't surprising. I don't think they've gotten snow in a few weeks though, but maybe I'm wrong. If I'm right, that leads me to believe that the pics are a few weeks old.

Wouldn't it be awesome if this was a hatchback in disguise...

I like it. I never liked the current one, which looks like melted butter to me. Sort of a blob.
 
This one has more shape to it, some character lines. I'm surprised they didn't save that for Acura, though, since the TL has a similar line.
 
The back does look big, so my guess it this is not shortened like the Altima is vs. the sedan version of that car.

man it looks even better than in the other photos,!
 
the lights seem to fit right in with the horizontal style that bestows the acura tl, tsx and the honda civic.
 
I don't like the smaller rims, not so much the size as the design. I didn't realize how much is actually being covered up though.
 
I think that it looks just as sporty as the altima coupe, come on guys even that is not the epitomy of emotinal styling. (you really think honda wants to get more flak like they did for the civic, depsite those who like it?)
 
It looks awesome, Gimme a wagon and i'm go. :)

flicmod NICE JOB finding those pics...
the pics you showed us are clear.
According to those pictures, In My Opinion, THIS CAR LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE new altima coupe thats coming out.
im totally impressed by the honda company. The acura is doing so well with the MDX and RDX line too.

Flicmod - You forgot Audi A5. ;-)

nygamble, thanks for the props. The RDX isn't necessarily selling like hotcakes. It's gotten off to a slow start since its introduction, but, IIRC, it's been selling more and more models per month as time goes. The MDX is a huge hit though. I've seen plenty around my area so far.
 
estreka, haha! Thanks for the catch. We'll ad that to the list, as well as G35.

I like it's appearance in the 1st, 3rd, and (somewhat, though less) the 4th pictures. Definitely more stylish overall than the current car. jonnyj404 had the right idea about the body-to-tire proportions looking odd though, especially from the rear, where the tires look especially narrow. I have the same issue with the current Camrys, though moreso for the "sporty" SE model. From the side the tires are okay on that car, but when you see it from the rear they seem so narrow for such a large appearing car (fat but syndrome adding to the issue maybe?).

so sad, such a wasted opportunity

During Easter weekend, there were several inches of snow on the ground in Cleveland. Testing in Ohio makes sense since that's where the Accord is built.

This thing sure as hell beat the current Solara in term of styling, but facing against the Altima coupe thats coming up.......TOUGH choices.

I see TL, tC, Camry, and SC 300 in it.
 
Honda:
Please make it looks like 599GTB !!
Why can't you copy style from 599 GTB? ??

rhduff,
 
Thanks for the info on the snow. Makes sense and it's totally possible that these pics are a few weeks old.

Honestly I feel this car is a huge step forward for a company who has always played on the safe side of the fence. I am a diehard Euro fan, but this car may just be my next purchase. I am not sure where these photos were taken, but I know the others that were taken on a busy road were in Columbus, Ohio and we have a snow in the last couple weeks. My take on the car is a "Japanese" pony car. Although how Japanese is it?

Import - I suppose that's determined by your gauge of what a "Japanese" car should drive like. I will say, once you go Honda, you usually don't go back. ;-)
I used to own a '97 Accord coupe SE. It was so much fun. Even though I drive a sports car now, there are times when I really wish I still had that Accord.

Go here for some undisguised pictures!!!!!!!!!
 
Go here for some undisguised pictures!!!!!!!!!
 
EXTERIOR:
 
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/POPEYEdot/08accbp01zj4.jpg
 
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/POPEYEdot/08accordfog2Jirzlee.jpg
 
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/POPEYEdot/29o1wnr.jpg
 
INTERIOR:
 
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/POPEYEdot/08acc_bp-03.jpg
 
--> These are photoshops of how it will most likely look.

What's great about this car is that at least one auto manufacturer is still committed to making 2 door vehicles. The other manufacturers are obsessed with stodgy 4 door sedans and 4 door station wagons. The greatest heresy is the 4 door Dodge Charger.
 
This is a beautiful design, sort of like an upsized Civic. However, that stupid seam at the front of the hood spoils the otherwise clean lines. It is puzzling that Honda didn't extend that hood down to the grill and put the seam at that intersection where it would less unsightly. Or like many other cars, attach the grill to the hood as one piece so that it lifts with the hood when accessing the engine compartment. That seam would have been totally hidden at the bumper transition.
 
But anyway, it's good that even though will make a 4 door, they are focusing much effort on a clean looking 2 door version. Now if they could just maintain that profile and make it a hatchback like the older Accords.

The butt, oh, the BUTT. Why does the concept look so clean and the production (undisguised) look fat, kinda like a recent Camry Solara? I can't pinpoint exactly what's changed between the production and concept are that make all the perceptual difference, but there's something.
 
And I'm definitely not digging those stodgy multi-spoked wheels.
 
Love the front view though. Interior, what we can see of it is nice too.

I can see only 1 relation to the Solara which is the way the rear of the car is canted forward, other than that......I dont see any Tc, Tiburon or anything else...wellmaybe a TL because of the cut line on the side.
 
So far Im pleased with the design but Im still anxious to see how much the powertrains were revamped. Im guessing 175hp from the already excellent 4 banger and probably 260-275hp from the excellent V6 (with maybe a slight increase in displacement) with better fuel economy from both engines. I know the tranny will be upgraded to the 4 shaft design already in the 06+ Odyssey, Acura RL, and TL so it will remain a 5 speed auto.

4 shaft? What does that do?

I think one reason the butt looks different is because there's not as much visual ambiance down below (the loss of quad exhaust). Now you're just looking at the large plane of white. If half-covered taillights only add to the effect. Also, as said before, white is not always a flattering color. I think once you get the tape off, a big "H" in the center, and find a more appropriate color, it wont look anywhere near as huge.

I hope you're right estreka. I like the concept. Chop that angle and / or do something with the bottom (hey, I know Honda, DO the concept treatment altogther!) and I'd really like this.
 
hondacura- it's the angled and largish, mostly plain lower bumper that reminds me so strongly of the Solara. I haven't really had any of the other vehicles you mention brought to mind by this design. Though now that I think about it, maybe a little G6 uglified coupe / convertible rear end? (I may have to look the Pontiac up to double check, as this is strictly from memory, and maybe there's no resemblence so much as just ungainliness)

this car makes me want to be sick. oh and by the way mr. rockstonesteel. chevy has that new camaro coming out which is a two door car. the new camaro will blow the doors off that friggin honda accord. so if some of you enjoy riding around in a kamikazee mobile thats fine. I'll stick with the camaro........a REAL mans car, because real men buy american

I really don’t know what all the excitement is over. This coupe really does nothing for me still looks like a cold jar of Motts apple sauce. Clearly Honda has not learned from Toyota’s Solara failure which is…… bland is not a recipe for success in this market place. Coupes are supposed to exude style, speed and power and this one does not. There are no character lines worth mentioning, and the sharp edges + flat planes styling does no favors for this car. And the back is just awful, take a good long look at the trunk and you would swear one of Honda’s Canadian workers raided certain nearby Chrysler plant and stole the trunk off a Chrysler 300. From the photo it appears to be just a regular Accord 4-cyl EX coupe, but where are the visual design details in the bumper for exhaust work. Honda clearly just made a simple cut out in the bumper without any visual illustration to show speed & power. Nissan gets it and has successfully carried out this important design element on the exhaust systems of the previous & new G coupes, the new Altima coupe, and heck even the striper 2007 Altima 2.5 sedans carry exhaust details in the bumper. Mistakes like this will keep Honda on the bottom, and Nissan on top when it comes to the pure emotion rating of their automobiles and brand loyalty is the name of the game right? If Honda is going to duke it out with the mini me G35/G37 style of the new Altima coupe, I suggest Honda go back and put this thing on the operating table ASAP. If they wait too long they will see a repeat of what happened to them in 1994-1996 which is when the Toyota Camry, began constantly out selling the Accord all because it took them 2 years to do their emergency surgery fixing the style and interior room short comings of the 1994 Accord!...
 
as for the above comment real men buy American..... the Accord is about as all American as you can get built in good old Ohio.......watch out for that pushrod V8 in that new Camaro... in GM effort to reduce cost, you may discover thay they will be building that engine in China and shipping it here for instalation!...Chinesse built engine urr Consumer Reports will have a field day with that reliablebilty rating.
 
So it looks like for now I will continue my loyality with Nissan/Infiniti!

Ignorant comments are seriously annoying "ONLYBIG3FORME"! Why on earth would you compare a Camaro with a Accord coupe? 2 very different cars in 2 very different segments. Sure the V8 Camaro will blow the doors off the Accord but its supposed to! "Real men buy American"? Im not even going to waste my energy on that rediculous statement.
 
Maxman, Im not sure where youre getting your information regarding the 1994 Accord "shortcomings". The 94-97 Accord got a mid life refresh (like all cars get) for 1996 which consisted of front and rear facelift and different rims. The Camry iron block/aluminum head V6 was replaced for 1994 and was replaced by an all aluminum unit, and it recieved an exterior refresh for 1995. The Acura Legend based 2.7 V6 was added to the Accord in 95 and NO interior modifications (for room) were made as you stated. The Accords interior measurements were competitve with the Camry.
 
Sure, the Camry NARROWLY outsold the Accord as it has for years. If you will, refresh my memory on Altima sales figures back then? It didnt even come close!
 
Im not bashing Nissan products in anyway as I like them but I still prefer Honda.

This accord is by far the best looking, and as id expect is packing a lot of technology, as far as the new camaro goes i think is garbage you seen how big it is ? what's that about ??can't name one American auto maker to compare to any japan automaker. You see GM cars now style like hondas and toyotas look at lincoln mkz, ford fusion, chevy malibu and equinox. cmon American cars got nothing going for them, they nothing but cheap plastic, so far behind. Real men buy American please thats the stupidest thing i have ever heard, Real men buy Ferrari or Lamborghini hahahaha

HIs would deb for the the hondaacura4 gentleman.....
 
While Honda does make reliable and efficient products, main two points of my blog was one that the words Honda and style is kind of an oxymoron and two they tend to make a lot of avoidable mistakes. In my examples of the Accord “shortcomings,” please refer to Business week magazine issue 9/8/1998 you will see where my information was obtained. On first page of the article… ”Nobuhiko Kawamoto, heard ominous rumblings from the sales staff when he made his trip to the US just as the 94 Accords were rolling into. …they told him that that customers complaining that new Accord was too small. …. despite the late date and millions of dollars he ordered emergency surgery on the Accord. This was not a simple headlight/ taillight color scheme change; although the basic structure of the car did not change, when a company makes a mult-million dollar investment in an “face lift,” this is not considered a “refresh!” US customers thought the styling of Accord was small and without substance i.e. bland and boring and for 1996 the car grew in size to become bolder and more fulfilling to the American consumer. The question regarding the increase in size if it was just limited to exterior dimensions or interior dimensions (as the front seats where resigned in this process and I am sure that created an smidgen more room). But hey room is room wither it’s an inch or a half an inch, people in the back will gladly take either. Wither it grew externally or internally is a mute point, the fact remains that Honda made an expensive goof, something I feel it is going to repeat with this new Accord. Part two go back in time and you will realize that the Camry, pre 1997 was always number three in sales. Pre 1997, it was a Taurus and Accord war with the Taurus grabbing the title 92,93,94,95,96 and Accord 89,90,91. Whether you consider fleet sales as sales is your business, the fact is that Ford was released from the titles that means they were sold and contrary to believe Honda does also sale to fleets. It was not until 1997, that Toyota took the crown. Also let me jog your memory of the history of the Nissan Altima the first two generations were not midsize sedans. The Altima was considered a compact sedan one class below the Accord, Taurus, and Camry midsize trio. It was grouped with sedans like the Dodge Stratus & Chrysler Cirrus twins, Ford Contour & Mercury Mystique twins, and older Hyundai Sonata. So therefore you cannot compare its sales to those three, as it was not a midsize sedan at the time. It was not recognized as a midsize sedan until the bolder 2002 models were introduced. This is kind of like comparing apples to oranges its just not equal. Since 2002 it has been a slam-dunk for Nissan, going from 137,000 units sold in 2001 to 255,000 sold last year. For a name plate that only been around for about give or take 30% of the time of the Accord and only about 100,000 units short in annual sales it has achieved a great deal of popularity in a short amount time. And you know as well as I know most of which is attributed to how modern and muscular the vehicle is which, is why I traded in my 3rd Maxima for one. In all judging from your blog you must agree with me that this Accord like all other Accords, are bland in comparison to the Altima and that Hondas in general are bland reliable appliances. And that my friend if you recall was my main point!