The North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI represents the global debut of the ninth-generation Honda Accord. The Accord, as you know is Honda's best-selling model in the U.S. And, Stephens Honda assures you, every update the Japanese automaker is making for the 2013 model-year ensures it will remain as such.

Perhaps the most significant change is the addition of an all-new, plug-in hybrid variant, which gets a two-motor, plug-in hybrid system complete with three operational modes (i.e., pure-electric, combined and direct drive) for optimized efficiency. To enhance convenience, Honda has engineered the plug-in hybrid's battery so that it can be fully charged in less than four hours using a standard 120-volt outlet - and less than one-and-a-half hours using a 240-volt charger.

Honda previously tried to introduce a hybrid back in 2007, but there is not much of a comparison to their latest effort. There are three driving modes in the latest incarnation, and a much more convenient charging time-- not to mention the fact that consumers are now more open to alternative-powered cars. This all new, eco friendly, Accord is expected to gain traction fast and in the long term. And, of course the real beauty of the forthcoming Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid is the fact that if you forget to charge it, it's really no big deal. There's always a petrol tank to back you up.

Continuing with the powertrain theme, Stephens Honda is pleased to tell you that the ninth-gen Honda Accord Coupe and Sedan will also get engine upgrades. Specifically, they'll gain a new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC, direct-injection, four-cylinder engine. This update will benefit drivers on two levels. First, it will provide a boost in power compared to the 2012 Honda Accord. Second, it's expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency...

Don't worry. Honda isn't leaving the speed fiends to hang out and dry. The2013 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe will also be available with a redesigned 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V6 engine, mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of safety, the forthcoming Honda Accord will for the first time come with Lane Departure Warning and Forward Crash Warning, among many other features which suggest a perfect score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (NHTSA). In addition, it will come with more standard equipment than the current model, including Bluetooth, i-MID, Pandora, and SMS text-messaging function.