By Edward A. Sanchez
Since its U.S. introduction in 1976, the Accord has established itself as the benchmark for refinement, performance, and reliability in the family car segment. However, it has also been criticized by some as being dull. In 1988, Honda tried to change the Accord’s image by introducing a notchback coupe into the U.S. lineup. With pop-up headlights, it resembled a larger Prelude. But it still had the same mechanicals as the pedestrian sedan.
Fast forward to 1998. An all-new Accord coupe debuts with an American-designed and -built 3.0L 60-degree V-6, the first of its kind for Honda. Ever the innovator, Honda created the 3.0L to surpass the then-benchmark Nissan DOHC 3.0L in terms of compactness, light weight, and peak horsepower. With 200 hp right out of the box, it was plenty strong to begin with. But the speed demons over at HKS were clearly not satisfied. To take the performance to the next level, the HKS engineers fitted one of their new GT ball-bearing turbos to the otherwise stock motor.
The car in nearly all respects is insanely fun to drive and be seen in. If it weren’t for the screaming graphics, this car would be a total sleeper. If you did not get a look at the rear of the car before driving it, you’d have no idea it was a V-6. Aside from the five-lug wheels, the only giveaways are the small V-6 badge on the trunk and dual exhausts. Though most enthusiasts don’t consider automatics to be much fun to drive, there are exceptions to the rule. This is one of them. Turn the key, and the engine lets forth a throaty growl from the huge 3½-inch dual stainless tips that finish off the custom HKS exhaust. Even with a light prod of the throttle, you can hear the turbo spool up and the blow-off valve make the slightest sputter when you let off the gas. But the fun is just beginning.
On an open stretch of road, this car is a blast and a half. At 2,500 rpm, a jet-like whoosh begins to tickle your eardrums. A few ticks later, the tach needle is at 4,200, and a hearty surge in the backside accompanies the exhilarating soundtrack. You look down at the speedometer—80 mph comes up effortlessly and quickly. As you let off the throttle, the blow-off valve chirps at full force, emitting that trademark HKS “PPpppfffrrrttt!” that you’d swear the engineers must have pirated from alien technology secretly guarded in Area 51.
Amazingly, HKS claims the car is only running 6 psi of boost, but that the system and engine can handle much more if properly calibrated. Even with this relatively mild boost setting, the difference is readily apparent, in more than just the otherworldly sound. The flywheel dyno figures show the car cranking out 277 hp and 312 lbs-ft of torque. It took some careful packaging to fit all the turbo plumbing under the hood of the V-6, but with the help from the wizards over at Prototype Racing, they did a clean and trick-looking installation.
Though this car is most in its element on a long, straight stretch of road, it doesn’t shy away from the curves. HKS 1½-inch lowering Springs, 225/40ZR18 tires, and Rays Engineering Versus Turismo wheels keep it hunkered down going through the switchbacks.
But even more fun than blasting down the freeway or carving up the mountain roads is squirting from block to block around town, the turbo and blow-off whooshing and chirping like something out of The X-Files. Heads turn faster than if you were Brad Pitt driving a New Beetle convertible (If you’re interested, HKS also has a full assortment of goodies for the New Beetle.—MAX). If you’re looking for a trick-sounding setup, you can’t beat a GT turbo and an HKS Super sequential blow-off valve.
But if the sound gets onlookers’ attention initially, the paint job and graphics keep it. The deep purple color exudes an air of aristocracy fitting of a car with such exotic hardware, and the graphics let everyone know exactly which components are on this custom-cruiser. Interested? Well, be sure to tell the guys at HKS, because this car was built as a one-off prototype, and they say they have no plans to market the kit actively. But if enough enthusiasts express interest in it, they may change their minds.