"And before I continue I should tell you that the styling concept you see here is an accurate representation of what the next generation Accord coupe will look like. "

"A more powerful and lower-emissions V6 engine will provide higher fuel efficiency with the incorporation of Honda's next-generation Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology. Honda leads the industry with the highest Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rating for any full line manufacturer* of 29.2 miles per gallon - well above the industry average of 25.3 miles per gallon."

The TL's 3.2L V6 engine with VCM would fit the bill. Although I would guess that it would be tweaked to offer higher HP than the Camry, so it should be greater than 270 HP. Based on the effect of the first gen VCM on the current accord, 35+ MPG highway should also be possible. Should be a very nice package. I can't wait to see what the interior and the sedan look like.

More pics:

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=649408

Edited January 12, 200719 yr by GXT

looks like a scion tc. whoopie.

looks like a scion tc. whoopie.

Interesting you should say that. I see some BMW and some Lexus. But mostly I see that the accord will no longer be "bland".

This exterior styling puts the future Malibu squarely in the bland category (which is still better than the "ugly" category it is in now). Time will tell about the interiors. At ~35 MPG highway it will be more fuel efficient than the Malibu (arua with the 3.6/6AT is 28 MPG Highway) and with ~270HP it will offer better performance. Add to that the reliability, resale, safety, fit and finish, etc. Even the price should be about the same (judging by the Aura XR).

The new Malibu is a huge leap forward for GM, but it looks like they are still a generation behind.