Here's the first known set of spy photos of the 2013 Honda Accord, snagged by Brian Williams for KGP Photography. Here are the photos along with KGP's commentary. Please enjoy.

We've snagged the first-ever shots of a 2013 Honda Accord prototype being put through its paces. Sources tell us that this new Accord is a major overhaul of the current platform, with significant changes throughout the entire car. We have heard two differing reports regarding the dimensions of the 2013 Accord. One source suggests that this latest iteration will be the first in a long time that doesn't grow, perhaps even showing signs of downsizing. Another source has reported that the new Accord will actually continue gain some size compared to the current model. To our eyes, this Accord looks to have grown a bit, but we'll leave the individual analysis of that to you, the editor. The styling of this 2013 Accord sedan looks to be more expressive than the rather dowdy outgoing model. The honeycomb mesh of the lower air-intake takes some cues from Honda's Accord Coupe Concept that bowed at the last North American International Auto Show in Detroit. However, while that mesh covers the low intake, the upper grille gets large horizontal slats, appearing broadly similar to the new grille-work applied to the facelifted Accord Crosstour. Perhaps this new grille treatment will evolve as a new corporate face for Honda. The new Accord has been designed with optimum efficiency in mind, leading to the introduction of a new CVT replacing the current model's 5-speed, and the current port-injection replaced in favor of direct injection on both the 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-four and the 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V6. Honda promises that the CVT will still maintain a driver-focused demeanor, while improving fuel-efficiency by 10%. The general sentiment is that Honda is losing its way a bit, while competitors like the 2013 Ford Fusion, the Hyundai Sonata Kia Optima grow more and more accomplished. Then there is a the improved 2013 Toyota Camry that has improved while its a perennial best-seller. The 2013 Accord is a hugely important car for Honda, a company whose luster has tarnished a bit over the passing years.

Previous 2013 Accord Stories

• 2013 Accord Color Chart


• 2013 Accord order page reveals new Sport trim, confirms 6AT, CVT and 6MT transmissions

Last edited by JeffX on May 25, 2012 11:33