At the beginning of the year, the team here at Pflueger Honda has our eyes and ears carefully tuned into the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This is where automakers like Honda make their proclamations for the year ahead, and it's where we get our first glimpse of the models and concepts that are set to determine the future of the company.

We were particularly excited to see what Honda had in store this year, because 2011 was a long year, to say the least. Parts and inventory shortages caused by the natural disasters in Japan and Thailand plagued the company throughout the year. Much like many Asian automakers, they've picked themselves up and dusted themselves off, and they have a message for Honda fans: they're back.

The first piece of evidence to prove this? The all-new Honda Accord Coupe concept they revealed in Detroit. It's a beautiful car, and the addition of an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain will put it head-and-shoulders above the rest. We think the spirit of the new Accord is summed up best by John Mendel, Executive VP of Honda America, who says, "We're here to serve notice to the competing that Honda is again firing on all cylinders."¹

It certainly has our attention. The athletic styling, honeycomb grille, deep-set headlights, exhaust finishers and sweeping taillights are just some of the features that make up the aesthetically-pleasing Coupe concept Honda rolled into the Detroit with.

We're just as impressed with what's under the hood as well. Honda has revealed that they've been working on the plug-in hybrid powertrain for a while now. They're also saying that the 120 kWh electric motor will have a city driving range of 10 to 15 miles and a top speed of 62 mph. Charging time will take less than four hours with a 120-volt outlet, an hour-and-a-half with a 240-volt outlet. We'll be waiting a bit for this model though; it's set to hit dealerships next winter.

But that won't be the only fuel-efficient model in the Accord family. New this year, the Accord will feature Honda's Earth Dreams 181-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder direct-injected engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. The V6 3.5-liter engine option will be the first Honda sedan available with a six-speed automatic transmission. Both are expected to deliver class-leading fuel-efficiency.

Be sure to stay tuned with Pflueger Honda to learn more about the 2013 Honda Accord before it hits showroom floors. As always, feel free to Contact us via our website with any questions, stop by and see us in person during our regular business hours at 188 S. Beretania St Honolulu, HI 96813. A member of our team is always happy to give you a tour of all of the innovations infused across the entire 2012 Honda lineup.

Source:¹http://www.freep.com/article/20120110/BUSINESS03/120110016/1014/business01