click above for more high-res images of the Honda Inspire Modulo Concept
The recently released Honda Inspire may be little more than a JDM version of the U.S.-market Accord, but Honda has infused the staid sedan with a healthy dose of bespoke kit for the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon.
The Inspire Modulo Concept comes equipped with a new front and rear bumper, revised grille and Transformer-esque headlamps, along with some aluminum trim and 19-inch, seven-spoke wheels wrapped in 245/40 R19 rubber. The interior gets a combination of orange leather and black crocodile skin, with an independent audio system for all four passengers, and a duo of LCD screens mounted behind the front seats. It's a clean package that combines a healthy amount of luxury with a small bit of sport, but we doubt crocodile hide will be on the options list of most Japanese Honda dealers.[Source: Honda, Carview]
BREAKING: GM and Chrysler talking about merger
Spy Shots: Nissan 370Z again, with interior shots
2010 Mazda3 unveiled ahead of LA Auto Show
Spy Shots: Nissan 370Z caught undisguised
GM on Corvette ZR1 cancellation rumor: "Not true."
Knight Rider: The Liveblog -- Season 1, Episode 3
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3, return of the "hummer"
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Chevy Corvette Z06
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
Paris 2008: Le Day 1 Wrapup
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Seminole @ Dec 28th 2007 2:30PM
Now THAT is what the Accord should have been! I think the grille might be a bit overdone, but I really like the rest of the car.
Franz @ Dec 28th 2007 2:42PM
My thoughts exactly. I think they went a bit too far with the grille as well, but I like everything else.
mike @ Dec 28th 2007 4:33PM
Ouch! My Eyes Hurt!
Luis @ Dec 28th 2007 5:29PM
Interior's nice, that grill, not so much...
WillDaThrill @ Dec 28th 2007 7:10PM
......Because even Robocop needs a new ride. Did you expect him to drive that SHO forever?
Level @ Dec 28th 2007 2:33PM
the rear hints to the BMW 7 series with the middle trunk taillights....hence this car was def trying to copy all of the BMW attributes....
And I hear people complain about chineses copy cats all day long while the japanese are and still do it, atleast a bit more tastefuly...but a copy none the less....
-blank- @ Dec 28th 2007 7:16PM
"middle trunk taillights" = "trying to copy all of the BMW attributes"
Wha? Well hell that'll be nice...atleast then I could pick up a rear seat fridge if I ever pick up a future Accord Inspire-thinger.
Heh, suppose all those other cars that had mid trunk tail lights are also copies...Hey wait, the 95 grand prix my neighbor drives had tail lights on the trunk lid. Oh wait, I suppose you're arguing that no one else as ever done the slender trunk lid lights. Ah, silly me.
Level @ Dec 28th 2007 8:24PM
You must be new to the car world...everyone and their mother can tell you that the new Accord has similar attributes to the 5 series from different profiles...The concept car here on the photos goes even further with a almost identical middle trunk light bar on the rear, which adds even more of a hint to the cars that inspired the new Accord which were the BMW's....Is that so hard for you to understand?
But wait I forgot you must be right, Lexus never copied M-Benz on its designs...............silly me.....
John Johnson @ Dec 28th 2007 2:35PM
Give me a preorder form. Now.
geo.stewart @ Dec 28th 2007 2:52PM
I think that for once, the US got the better version, not that that is saying a lot.
yikes.
Richard @ Dec 28th 2007 3:01PM
I was going to say: "The "Bangle-ization of the automotive universe continues..." But, there are so many elements here that range from Bruno Sacco (sides) to Saturn (Trunk) that I am fluxommoned. The Pontiac G8 boys (and girls) must be proud, though.
Clarence Young @ Dec 28th 2007 3:21PM
Definitely inspired...uh, er... by the Chinese Division of Peugeot.
tanooki2003 @ Dec 28th 2007 3:41PM
For most of you who don't know or have not gotten a clue yet, the new Honda Accord that we have here in the USA, which most are not fond of the new design including me, is not designed by the Japanese. It is actually a USDM spec'd Accord, meaning that it was designed here in the USA. The actual JDM spec'd Honda Accord in Japan is imported here to the USA as the Acura TSX.
The USDM spec'd Accord here is exported to Japan and sold as the Honda Inspire. The same went for the previous generation of the Accord that was sold in the USA, the sedan version only. I know this because I have close friends who work for Honda in Japan.
AlexP @ Dec 28th 2007 3:58PM
Yay, more gallery issues.
I'm seeing Gallery: Saleen S331 Sport Truck First Drive, but on the frontpage I'm seeing the correct gallery.
chrisdavis @ Dec 28th 2007 4:17PM
Looks like the Accord drove home with the last Transformer at the bar and neither one used protection.
Calguy @ Dec 28th 2007 4:28PM
A step in the right direction? I can't believe how designed-in-the-dark the new boring Accord is. Pathetic, wimpy, heavy and ultimately it seems like a Buick substitute. I remember when Accords would come out in the 80's and people in Marin County would trade in their 5 series BMWs for them. Who would ever even trade in even the LAST snore of an Accord for this one? At least the mods on the above vehicle add some spice. The middle of the road has grown WAY more interesting (New Mazda 6, Fusion, Aura, Malibu etc) have collectively raised the bar. Honda is lost. It doesn't even get WOW mpg.
JunkStory @ Dec 28th 2007 4:53PM
UMMMM you guys need to take a look at the rear end. It doesn't look right; the 'U' shaped piece below the license plate ruins the car.
Jay Evans @ Dec 28th 2007 4:57PM
When Batman gets married and has couple of kids....
Luis @ Dec 28th 2007 5:31PM
Thanks?
LX builder @ Dec 28th 2007 5:41PM
Yuck! I've got chunks of vomit stuck in my throat!