I don't see much exterior similarities between the Accord and RL until.... <http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-accord-future.html> (can someone fix this link please?!)

The '08 Accord (especially the front styling) seems to be taking on the looks of it's not-so-distant cousin. Let's see if a fresh '08 RL raises the bar.

 

Looks like an Infiniti from the front, an Audi from the rear. I don't see any resemblance to the RL/Legend. To my eye the styling is a step backward from the current so-so Accord.

 

http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-accord-future.html

 

rims need to be 17s

 

08 RL won't look much different, sorry.

 

EEEEEEyew. What drove me to Acura was that fugly 7G Accord. Doesn't look like the 8G Accord will be much better.

Stiill doesn't look like an RL. Thank goodness.

 

Actually I think it looks like 5-series from the side. The wheels look very similar to the ones from 3er. The rear looks like a Saturn.

I think the previous gen Accord was the best design. I'm not feeling the current one or this new Accord.

 

I don't mind it. I really dislike the current gen Accord, so almost anything would be an improvement for me. I'm not sure about the boxy grill along the lines of the Ridgeline and Pilot though.

And no way do I think the Accord looks like the RL. Maybe a bit in pictures, but not in real life.

 

I never thought the current Accord was a bad looking car. Not my personal style, but not ugly. The Toyota Prius, now that's an ugly car....

 

I think the overall shape is similar, not the details. The short tall trunk, sloping hood.

 

The Greenies like it and because it looks different that's why it sells compared to the Civic Hybrid, I think.

 

i see BMW, Saturn Aura, and a little Ford five hundred and TL. its different but plain looking. nothing shocking like the new civics

 

I would agree with that statement. Just as we have been discussing brand recognition for attention, the Prius sells because it shouts out 'HEY, LOOK, I AM DRIVING A GREEN MACHINE'. That is why celebrities LOVE it. It draws attention.

The Civic Hybrid (and also the lesser green Accord Hybrid) do NOT draw attention. Even if it performs nearly as well, it blends in too well and will not appeal to the attention starved.

But again that is what Honda's philosophy is, being conservative. And when was the last time you saw a Civic Hybrid commercial? I say 3 Prius commercials aready this morning.

Although the hybrid products are certainly on the radar of mainstream conumers, it still is more a fashion statement.

 

You make a very good point here and one that I had never fully considered. It is all about saying look at me, I'm enlightened.

 

An I find RL owners 'enlightened' about the choice or a premium vehicle. Substance over image.

 

Hyundai Sonata from the front.
Audi A4 from the back.
BMW, G35 & Altima from the side (C-Pillar)

 

Honda may be having to follow Toyota's lead on how to sell a hybrid based upon this article:

MotorAuthority
Honda is working on a high-volume hybrid model for launch before the end of the decade, which could possibly sell for around €20,000. Its release will follow several months after the launch of Honda’s first hybrid sports coupe in 2009 with production expected to top 200,000 units per year. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui mentioned last year that a volume hybrid was in development but there had been no other mention of the vehicle until now.

The senior vice president of Honda Motor Europe, Ken Keir, told reporters from Automotive News in a recent interview that the new hybrid will be a family-targeted model and be offered to worldwide markets at prices below those of current hybrids.

It will also be a unique hybrid-only model, which meant developers could optimise the packaging and efficiency of the new design to suit a hybrid instead of having to compromise between the eco-friendly cars and conventional gasoline-only versions.

As for the small hybrid sports car, Keir revealed that the final design is not even close to the concept vehicle Honda displayed at March’s Geneva Motor Show but will instead be “much more like the Remix sporty small car concept (pictured) shown at the Los Angeles auto show in November.”