2016 Honda Accord hints at company’s design direction [ Official photo update]

Several spy photos coming up on the Web in recent days confirm my prediction that Honda will follow the successful design lead of the Acura Division. However, we don't have permission to post the competition's photo, so, the photo above is this year's model, nice looking!

For 2016, Honda Accord will share several exterior design cues with 2015 Acura TLX and the compact sports-sedan-sibling 2016 ILX. The design forward vision of Honda’s California design studio works for Acura, why not for Honda car and light truck division

Looking to the spy photos, Honda Accord Sedan, Coupe and the imported from Japan Accord hybrid will share design cues with 2016 Acura NSX. I further anticipation an injection of 2016 Pilot derived DNA as to cabin trim finishes, power, heated and cooled seating, and possible engine upgrade.You may catch my latest 2016 Honda Pilot review here.

We also look to the upgrade of several standard or optional active safety features; as experienced in 2016 Pilot, housed in the comfortable and quiet confines of Honda’s best selling 5 place sedan.

If its not broken don’t fix it

But that’s all I know to date. Honda’s being very tight lipped as to the extent of the 2016 Accord upgrades. Certainly, Honda fans may anticipate standard across the line upgrade of head and taillights, seating and comfort features,improved integrated personal connectivity options, improved touchscreen-systems-control integration, a quieter cabin and improved ride and road handling

Price increase, not much!

If Honda holds true to form, 2016 Accord base models will sport a MSRP priced within $200-$300 of 2015 models; with the probable addition of an “Elite” edition, featuring a higher output direct injected 1-VTEC V6, and possible 8 or 9 speed automatic transmission upgrade.

On the coupe side of things, I anticipate the “Sport” edition carried forward with a slight bump in power and fuel efficiency. As to the 6 speed manual transmission? not a big seller in the U.S.. I wouldn’t be surprised if Honda integrates a CVT with paddle shifting, or the successful dual clutch 8 speed automated manual in the Sport Accord, with an optional upgrade of machine cut 18 inch alloy wheels, upsized- Brembo-like brakes, an optional ground effects kit and Civic S-like pedal sets.

Due for release in late summer, early fall 2015

2015 Honda Accord sales are down a bit for June; as Nissan and Toyota releases an impressive model or two. No worries, onda’s on a record sales trajectory for the year. Although not a total redesign, as experienced with 2015 Honda CR-V, 2016 Accord is sure to present a surprise or two; a great tech-rich car, offered at a reasonable price; Honda style.