Just like its styling, the 2008 Honda Accord is not expected to carry too much surprises underneath the hood nor the suspension.  All around independent suspension will carry through and since new US Federal Laws require the mandatory placement of vehicle stability control systems in all vehicles, expect the Accord to carry it across the line.  The new chassis and body components will be a lot safer though.  According to Honda, the Accord Couple Concept will benefit from "Advanced Compatibility Engineering"--improving the Accord's already impressive crash safety rating.

The rumor mill is also abuzz about the engines underneath the new Accord.  However, like its derivative styling and chassis components, don't expect anything extra-ordinary under the hood.  There's still going to be a choice of both inline-4 and V6 engines.  Aside from improving its carbon dioxide emissions even more, the inline-4 engines will benefit from much better fuel mileage as well as a bump in horsepower--180 at the minimum.  The long-servicing SOHC VTEC V6 will be retired and will be replaced by an all-new i-VTEC V6--the same engine found under some North American Hondas and Acuras.  This new i-VTEC V6 engine will carry most probably a 3.5- or 3.7-liter displacement putting it squarely into contention with the top-of-the-line Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima.  Furthermore, the i-VTEC V6 will incorporate Honda's VCM or Variable Cylinder Management.  This means that the V6 is able to deactivate half its cylinder bank during stop-and-go traffic to gain even more mileage from Honda's already fuel-efficient engines.  If the 3.7-liter i-VTEC V6 would be introduced in the new Accord--expect an eye-popping 300 horsepower.  For those who want to go green, the Accord will offer either a choice of a their ultra-clean diesel or a gasoline-electric hybrid system.

The all-new Honda Accord Coupe will debut later this year in the North American market with the sedan soon to follow.  Expect the all-new Accord to enter the Philippine market around the middle of next year.

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