Dispatch From Detroit #7

The theme of this year's auto show is definitely the future.

All the major brands are introducing vehicles that seek to continue the industry's strong comeback. And for the most part, they've all been hitting the right marks, from the Ford Fusion to the Dodge Dart and the Lexus LF-LC concept.

One of the new design cues on the 2013 Accord.

And of all the automakers, Honda has some serious recovering to do. 2011 was not a good year for Honda, with not one but two massive natural disasters majorly interrupting their supply chain. This kept an estimated 200,000 units from being produced, seriously affecting Honda's sales numbers.

2012 is an important milestone for the Japanese automaker. It’s the 30th anniversary of Honda building cars in the U.S., with the 1983 Accord being the first Japanese car made in America (1983 was the model year, it was made in 1982).

This year Honda introduces its ninth-generation Accord, and it’s been given a nice facelift, with a slightly more aggressive, sporty look, a slight decrease in length, and a lower stance.

The new Accord will be given three all-new powertrains; a 2.4-liter, 16-valve direct-injection four-cylinder engine; a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6; and the new two-motor plug-in hybrid system.

The V-6 will get a boost in horsepower and torque, and 6-speed manual-transmission models will feature Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology.

Honda is serious about bouncing back from its 2011 slump, and seems ready to jump back into the fray.

“We’re here to serve notice to our competition,” proclaimed Honda America Executive Vice President John Mendel. “Honda is once again running on all cylinders.”