Honda's Accord Coupé Concept revealed in Detroit demonstrates the styling direction for the eighth-generation of the North American-spec car, the company's best selling model in the US.

Stylistically, the car is not a huge departure on current design trends and it won't win any medals for innovation, but is is a drastic change for Honda in America. Designers seem to have struck a balance in creating a car which manages to be upmarket, sporty and tasteful, though it won't alienate the Accord's conservative client base.

The result is achieved by the use of a wider stance with a long bonnet, steeply raked glass, and a sloped 'fastback' roofline which tapers off into the short rear deck. The front end features projector beam headlamps - reminiscent of Alfa Romeo's Brera and 159 models - with a tiny indicator light. The rear features square lights mounted high in the corners and a black lower section below the bumper. This section also houses quad tailpipes, recessed so far into the moulding that they are barely visible. Subtlety reigns.

Blacked out windows indicate that Honda is still working on the interior. It's a safe bet that the company will move in a bolder styling direction than the characterless design of the current model and incorporate additional technology to take on the competition.

Honda is equally cagey in providing details on the power source, other than to say it will be a petrol V6 utilising the company's i-VTEC technology along with Honda's next-generation Variable Cylinder Management system. It will likely continue to send power to the front wheels via a six-speed gearbox, though may be offered with Honda's Super Handling All Wheel Drive system. We can hope, but it is unlikely that Honda will import this car to Europe.

Eric Gallina - 12 Jan 2007