Come next spring, the Honda Accord will get a redesigned and re-engineered for the 2013 model year. The base powertrain for the Accord is expected to be upgraded to a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder producing 181-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.

Later in 2012, Honda will also launch a plug-in hybrid version of the Accord in the United States.

As shown at the 2010 LA Auto Show last year, the powertrain will consist of a 2.0 liter 134-hp 4-cylinder engine. The engine will be mated to a 6kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor. On a full charge, the plug-in hybrid Accord should be able to achieve a range of 15 miles.

Recharging the battery back should take 2 to 2.5 hours using a 120-volt outlet and 1 to 1.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.

- By: Omar Rana