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The new Accord’s interior is roomier than ever. (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company, Inc.)

DETROIT — Honda has pulled the covers off its redesigned 2008 Accord sedan and coupe, with few surprises under the sheets.

In addition to the new sheet metal, the eighth-generation Accord gets a larger, more powerful SOHC 3.5-liter iVTEC V6 that makes 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. It can be mated with a five-speed automatic transmission or, on the Accord coupe only, a six-speed manual gearbox.

On the Accord sedan, the V6 features a new variable cylinder management system that permits the engine to run on three, four or six cylinders. EPA city/highway mileage is an impressive 19/29 mpg. EPA mileage on the coupe is 16/25 mpg.

Honda also offers a choice of two iVTEC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines, rated at 177 hp and 190 hp, respectively. The more powerful engine features a high-flow exhaust system and a reprogrammed engine control module. Both DOHC engines return EPA mileage ratings of 21/31 mpg. Transmissions include five-speed manual and automatic boxes.

There is no Accord Hybrid for model-year 2008.

The automaker says the new Accord sedan has more interior space than a Ford Fusion or Toyota Camry, and has moved up a size into the EPA Large category.

The 2008 Accord goes on sale officially on September 12. Prices will be announced closer to that date.

What this means to you: As Honda launches the best Accord yet, it quietly puts the Accord Hybrid out to pasture.