Frankfurt Preview: Honda unveiling Accord Tourer Concept

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Next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Honda will unveil the Accord Tourer Concept, which the automaker says will give us a glimpse of the next generation European Accord (current model shown at right). For those who don't know, the European Accord and the Accord sold in the States are two very different cars. The current Euro-spec Accord is actually a version of the Acura TSX. The new European Accord will reportedly be wider and look lower. Expect Honda to also showcase its innovative low-emission powertrains, including a clean diesel that will likely be sold both in Europe and the United States. Unfortunately, Honda didn't release so much as a teaser shot with this announcement today, so we'll have to wait until we touch down in Frankfurt to bring you more.
[Source: Honda]

PRESS RELEASE:

HONDA TO PRESENT ACCORD TOURER CONCEPT AT FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW

Honda will present the world debut of an exciting Accord Tourer Concept at the forthcoming 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. A press conference will be held on the Honda stand in Hall 5 on the first Press Day, 11 September, between 13.15 and 13.45.

The Accord Tourer Concept gives an indication of the design direction for the next generation Accord – on sale in the UK from mid-2008. Its wider, lower look signals a more sporty styling approach. Innovative chassis technology will deliver an involving driving experience without compromising ride comfort. It will be powered by a range of advanced, low emissions engines.

The Honda stand will also feature a selection of models from the current car range, as well as a comprehensive line-up of motorcycles and power equipment products. In addition, stand visitors will be welcomed by several displays of Honda's unique innovation, including the ASIMO humanoid robot, Honda solar panels and HondaJet.

The stand follows two key themes: Sports and the Environment.

The Environment area showcases Honda's ground-breaking 'greener' technologies, with a focus on our petrol-electric hybrid models. This will include the Small Hybrid Sports Concept – first revealed at the Geneva Motor Show this year – which demonstrates the rare fusion of advanced hybrid technology and exciting sports car characteristics.

Alongside it will be an example of Honda's next-generation clean diesel engine, a production Civic Hybrid and the latest driveable FCX Concept fuel cell car, with its fully-functioning, zero-emissions fuel cell technology. A production version of the FCX Concept will go on sale in the US and Japan next year.

The Sports area of the stand will include Honda's current F1 racing car – the RA107 piloted by Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello – alongside Civic Type R and Honda S2000 production models. There will also be a strong emphasis on our motorsport heritage and alongside the latest F1 car will be one of Honda's first racers: the 1967 RA300.

The phenomenal success of Honda in motorcycle racing is an important part of the company's sporting history, so we'll have some examples of our race-winning machinery on display. As well as the Repsol Honda RC212V from this year's MotoGP series – raced by Dani Pedrosa and Nicky Hayden – there'll be the HM Plant Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade that John McGuinness rode to the 130mph average speed lap record at this year's Isle of Man TT races.

Finally, the line-up of production motorcycles includes the world's first production motorcycle airbag system, available on the new Gold Wing, which can help lessen the severity of injuries caused by frontal collisions.

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