Honda + Acura news

[Motor]

[QUOTE]TORRANCE, Calif., March 20

[larryd]

looks like a kia or daihatsu, I don't like it but I could dig the 38mpg.

[PkuSaito]

Sat in one of my frens b4. But its not Vtec. I like the car unless u are goin for the power which it has none. Pretty spacious for a car that size. Can squeeze 3 cars into 2 parking lot.

[TRD-CELICA-GT02]

I like the looks of the Yaris/Vitz more.

Maybe if it was 2 door.

I can see these having k20 swaps and even B18 series dropped in em.

[Gas-n-Grease]

Yes i agree, I like the Yaris/Vitz better. K-series swaps have already been done in Japan and Europe with these Fits/Jazz. I remember watching a best motoring video on Google video or YouTube, and they were discussing how the fit/jazz's chassis was built like a race car. Stiff chassis base but strong, light top. They're fun to drive around, but don't expect hulk strength power.

[NeverGod]

thats the gayest car i've ever seen

[marc]

soooooo . . . its a 1997 Honda Civic DX Hatch with ****tier gas mileage. Whoopee.

[Motor]

Acura today announced pricing of the all-new 2007 RDX 5-passenger luxury SUV. Making its debut at Acura dealerships on August 10, the 2007 RDX will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $32,995. The performance oriented RDX is poised to bring a new level of driving excitement and enjoyment to consumers seeking sports sedan performance in the growing entry premium SUV segment.

Featuring Acura's first-ever turbocharged and intercooled engine coupled with patented Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD)(TM) , the RDX blends the best in responsiveness, control and efficiency. The RDX is equipped with a 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve in-line four cylinder engine with i-VTEC valve control that produces 240 horsepower. By adding an innovative variable flow turbocharger, an exceptionally broad powerband with virtually no turbo lag is produced while providing an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/23 miles per gallon.

"The 2007 RDX illustrates Acura's passion for developing vehicles that can deliver the ultimate in performance, technology, safety and fuel efficiency," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president sales. "For drivers that want the utility of an SUV but demand a sporty driving experience, the RDX truly delivers."

In addition to an exhilarating driving experience, the RDX offers a comprehensive list of standard electronic and convenience features that serve to greatly enhance the ownership experience. The RDX is equipped with a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a 360-watt, 7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with a multi-format 6-disc changer, XM(R) Satellite Radio and a convenient MP3/auxiliary input jack for connecting popular portable audio devices such as an iPod(R).

The RDX's inherent performance and technology compliments its state of the art safety features. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure helps protect passengers by distributing collision loads through the body structure, leaving the passenger cabin more intact for improved occupant protection while also making the RDX more compatible with smaller vehicles in the event of a vehicle-to-vehicle frontal collision. Finally, a specially engineered hood and other components help reduce the chances of pedestrian injury in the event of a collision with the vehicle. Inside the RDX, a full complement of passive safety features are found, such as the latest generation of dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags for the driver and front passenger and side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all outboard occupants.

While the RDX is generously equipped right from the start, it is also available with an optional Technology Package. Priced at $36,495, the RDX with Technology Package enhances the driving experience by adding a 10-speaker, 410-watt, Acura/ELS Surround(R) Premium Sound System designed by legendary recording engineer Elliot Scheiner to create an unmatched listening experience. In addition, the Technology Package also includes several visual and audio communications features such as the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM) and rearview camera, the HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface, and the AcuraLink(TM) Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic.
http://us.tnpv.net/pv/2006/04/12/HON2006041229467_pv.jpg
http://us.tnpv.net/pv/2006/04/12/HON2006041230692_pv.jpg

Oh, look at the nice Civic steering wheel. Acura should have no problem selling these. The new Mazda CX-7(I think) and the RAV4 are still good alternatives.
Discuss. :eatpop:

[Gas-n-Grease]

Yes, I was briefly reading through on the new turbo K23A engine in the lastest Sport Compact Car mag. Variable flow in the turbo is just innovative. I can see lots of swapping happening in the near future.

[ImSoNastie]

if you read the whole section you woulda read about the part that says there wont be much swapnig goin on. have you seen how its mounted, it will take more then just some new mounts to get that engine in a civic, you would have to do some serious cutting and re-welding, it wont be easy, but im sure some jackass will do it.

[SWPLGT05]

Yes, I was briefly reading through on the new turbo K23A engine in the lastest Sport Compact Car mag. Variable flow in the turbo is just innovative. I can see lots of swapping happening in the near future.

No, it isnt. Porsche already has an engine out that has a Variable flow turbos(x2) on it. Hell, diesel vehicles have been using this technology for YEARS! Honda was just quicker than the rest to jump on the bandwagon.

FROM: http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/01/...sche-911-turbo/

Porsche's variable turbine geometry (VTG) setup on the 2007 911 Turbo was developed in close cooperation with Borg Warner Turbo Systems, and is based on technology which has been widely and successfully applied to diesel engines since the early 1990s. It is nearly identical in concept to other turbo manufacturers' variable nozzle/geometry compressors, including a system that was briefly used on a series gasoline production engine in the late 1980s. This application encountered difficulties due to high operating temperatures -- a problem not easily solved with contemporary materials -- and production was stopped after a limited run.

After nearly two decades, aerospace-grade materials have allowed the progression of variable-geometry turbo technology to the point that it can now reliably operate in the higher-temperature environment of turbocharged gasoline engines. Porsche's version of variable turbine geometry in the 2007 911 Turbo incorporates these latest material applications, plus a sophisticated control algorithm. The combination produces the advantages of both small and large turbochargers, generating a much wider plateau of torque and providing quicker response compared to the previous generation 911 Turbo, while providing the reliability of fixed-vane turbochargers.

[Motor]

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto_News/Daily_Auto_News/Daily_Auto_News_Sep_26_2006.S173.A10901.html

A new version of Honda's VTEC variable valve timing system could give its vehicles 13-percent better fuel economy, the company said at Monday's press event in Japan. The new system combines variable valve timing, lift control and variable timing control to boost torque at all speeds even while raising fuel efficiency. Honda says its new VTEC-equipped engine will meet ULEV emissions targets and will put out 75 percent lower emissions than the 2005 standards. A vehicle featuring the new VTEC engine will go on sale within three years, Honda said in a statement.

Discuss. :eatpop:

[Gas-n-Grease]

i wonder what Honda did to make these improvements

[SuperCelica00]

i wonder what Honda did to make these improvements
sold there soul to the devil instead of to Bush!lol haha

[marc]

i wonder what Honda did to make these improvements

the new system combines variable valve timing, lift control and variable timing control to boost torque at all speeds

basically, the car doesn't have to work as hard to get it moving - they can take advantage of this with gearing - that's why those corvettes can get 30 mpg from a 6 liter engine making 400 hp - they cruise at 1500 because they have more than enough torque to do so

[Motor]

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/10/19/025665.html
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/hondajet2.jpg
Not exactly an auto, but Honda is one of the world's leading automakers so we thought you might be interested in hearing how its foray into aviation is going. Since we first mentioned this effort back in July, it seems things are going quite well, actually. At a convention in Orlando, Florida this week, Honda announced it has already written more than 100 orders for its $3.65 million HondaJet. Sales of its jet just began on October 17 so demand is obviously high, much higher than Honda had expected for three days of sales.

"We are extremely pleased with the early customer response to HondaJet. In addition to the strong demand we have experienced from individuals, we are negotiating with a number of fleet customers as well," said Michimasa Fujino, president & CEO of Honda Aircraft Co., Inc. "Due to this overwhelming response, we are now considering an increase in our production plan to meet the needs of our customers."

Honda Aircraft Company will produce the HondaJet at a facility in the United States, and has submitted its application for type certification of the HondaJet with the Federal Aviation Administration. The HondaJet uses a bunch of revolutionary new technologies, including the over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) configuration that allows increased room in the cabin and cargo hold, while reducing aerodynamic drag increasing performance and fuel efficiency. HondaJet should be good for a cruising speed of 420 knots with a range of up to 1180 nautical miles, all while returning 30-35 percent better fuel economy versus other jets of comparable performance. More information about HondaJet including complete specifications is available at http://www.hondajet.com.

*Cue the VTEC, Si/Type-S/R model jokes.......NOW!*

Discuss. :eatpop:

[jlitman]

Should be faster than the Fit.

[emotart]

wait till some honda guys will want to do a swap...

[jlitman]

Will the engine bolt right up into a Civic

[marc]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a100/cretinx/vtec.jpg

[neological]

A GT-S with bolt-ons and PFC could still beat it.

[FenixGt]

I bought one. Now I can beat my friend's civic!

[Slushi]

they'll equip one with afterburners and call it V-TEC and tell the world they are the only ones with that kind of technology!

[Motor]

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced pricing for the all-new 2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. The Civic Si Sedan officially goes on sale on November 1st with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $21,290, plus $595 for destination and handling.

2007 Civic Si Sedan models include:

197-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC(TM) 4-cylinder engine
6-speed manual transmission with helical-type limited slip differential
Exclusive exterior features include rear deck spoiler wing and Si emblems
Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45 R17 87V tires
Side curtain airbags, front side airbags and dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags
Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) Body Structure
Vehicle Stability Assist(TM) (VSA(R))
Anti-lock brakes (with 4-channel ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution)
EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 23/32 miles per gallon*
High-performance summer tires are available as a factory option, bringing the suggested retail price to $21,490. The Civic Si Sedan is also available with a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) with Voice Activation and XM(R) Satellite Radio for the suggested retail price of $23,040 ($23,240 on vehicles with the high performance summer tire).

* Based on 2007 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary.
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/civic_si_sedan/top_image_1.jpg
Discuss. :eatpop:

[Burrcold]

I have to like it, since I worked on this project :P

[Red Falcon]

Oooh you got to help design the new civic burr? Do you work for honda or what?

[marc]

looks better than the coupe

[Burrcold]

I work in New Product Development for DENSO. I'm the Project/Account Manager for Honda Canada (HCM - where the Civics are all built), Toyota Canada (TMMC - They build the Corolla, Matrix and RX350).

[LightningRod]

I hate how the new Civic sedans look, especially from the rear. :thumbdown

But :thumbup: for two more doors contributing to lower insurance rates!(?)

[Motor]

American Honda October Sales Increase 3.7 Percent; All-New CR-V Sets All-Time Sales Record

Honda's light trucks continue to shine with another record month of sales

Honda and Acura total vehicle sales of 110,624 for October increased 3.7 percent over last year on a daily selling rate basis, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. American Honda light truck sales of 52,789 led the increase with a 15.6 percent gain that broke the previous October record of 49,193 set in 2004.

Sales of the all-new 2007 Honda CR-V totaled 20,413, representing an increase of 95.7 percent in its first full month of sales while shattering the previous all-time record by 3,744 units from July 2005. Total year-to-date sales for American Honda continued on a record-setting pace of 1,271,134 cars and light trucks for the year, up 3.9 percent and on-track for a 13th consecutive year-over-year sales increase.

"The increased diversity of both our Honda and Acura lineups is helping to push sales up across the board." said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "Judging by the new all-time sales record, the all-new 2007 Honda CR-V is a hit with consumers, too."

The Honda Division posted record October sales of 94,747 cars and light trucks, a year-to-date sales increase of 5.7 percent to 1,106,167. The Civic Hybrid model posted record October sales with 2,288 units.

In addition, Honda Division light truck sales increased 12.4 percent for the month to record 46,659.

Acura posted record October light truck sales of 6,130 units. The MDX sport luxury SUV is up 6.4 percent to 4,429 and the all-new RDX crossover SUV posted 1,701 sales during its second full month of sales. The TL performance luxury sedan remained Acura's best selling model in October, delivering 5,790 units.
http://us.tnpv.net/2006/WKA200609/WKA2006090138780_pv.jpg
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:eatpop:

[Motor]

http://us.tnpv.net//pv/2006/08/29/HON2006082971901_pv.jpg
Customers who purchase a new 2007 Honda hybrid or natural gas vehicle may be eligible for federal tax credits ranging from $1,300 to $4,000 when they file their tax returns for the year in which it was purchased, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The announcement is the result of a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which calculated the tax credits based on the Energy Policy Act of 2005 passed by Congress last year. Honda's 2007 Civic Hybrid, Civic GX and Accord Hybrid are all eligible for the federal government's tax credits.

The federal tax credits are as follows:

Model Federal Tax Credit
2007 Civic Hybrid
$ 2,100

2007 Accord Hybrid
$ 1,300

2007 Civic GX
$ 4,000


Additionally, buyers of the natural gas vehicle home refueling appliance named "Phill" are also eligible for up to a $1,000 tax credit. Phill allows consumers to refuel their natural gas Civic GX from home at a much lower fuel cost than gasoline.

Various limitations to the credit may apply, depending on the specific circumstances of the customer, and Honda is encouraging customers to contact the IRS or a tax advisor to determine if and how the tax credit will apply to their vehicle acquisition. Customers are also encouraged to contact the IRS at http://www.irs.gov for information on hybrid and natural gas tax credit amounts applicable to Honda's new 2005 and 2006 model year hybrids and natural gas vehicles purchased during 2006.

"The federal tax incentives reward consumers who seek the highest levels of environmental performance from their vehicles," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "Honda continues to be a leader in producing vehicles that set the standard for fuel economy and low emissions."

Honda was the first automaker to sell a hybrid vehicle in the U.S. with the Insight in December 1999. It launched its second hybrid vehicle, the Civic Hybrid, in March 2002, followed by the first-ever V6-powered hybrid, the Accord Hybrid, in December 2004. Additionally, Honda announced that in 2009 it will introduce another hybrid model priced below the Civic Hybrid.

Honda is currently the only manufacturer to market a natural gas passenger car nationally to fleet operators and to consumers in the states of California and New York. The home refueling appliance, "Phill" can also be purchased in conjunction with the natural gas powered Civic GX at certain California and New York Honda dealers.

Discuss. :eatpop:

[Motor]

Honda Soltec to Make Full-Scale Entry into Solar Cell Business

TOKYO - December 1, 2006: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced plans to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary, Honda Soltec Co., Ltd., which will produce and sell the next-generation thin film solar cell independently developed by Honda. The new company will lead Honda to make a full-scale entry into the solar cell business.

The next-generation solar cell to be produced and sold by Honda Soltec was developed by Honda Engineering Co., Ltd., the production engineering subsidiary of Honda. By using thin film made from a compound of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS), Honda's next-generation solar cell achieves a major reduction in the amount of energy consumed during the manufacturing process by approximately 50% compared to what is required to produce conventional crystal silicon solar cells. This makes the new solar cell more environmentally-friendly by reducing the amount of CO2 generated even from the production stage.

At the end of September 2006, Honda began construction of a plant to mass produce solar cells within the current site of Honda's Kumamoto factory, and the new facility will become operational in fall 2007 with an annual capacity of 27.5 megawatts. Prior to the start-up of the new plant, Honda Soltec will begin sales in limited areas in March 2007, of CIGS thin film compound solar cells produced by Honda Engineering. Once mass production begins at the new plant in Kumamoto in fall 2007, Honda Soltec will expand sales throughout Japan.

In addition to its effort to reduce CO2 emissions through development of clean automobile engines, Honda is committed to develop environmentally-friendly and sustainable energy technologies. Honda will contribute to the effort to prevent global warming through production and sales of a clean energy source which does not use fossil fuels.
http://www.honda.com/images/logo.gif

Good for Honda! :thumbup:

Discuss. :eatpop:

[Motor]

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061201/laf053.html?.v=52
American Honda Records Best-Ever November Sales
Friday December 1, 3:23 pm ET
CR-V Posts Its Third Consecutive Month of Record Sales
TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Total American Honda Motor Co., Inc., November vehicle sales increased 0.6 percent over last year to 106,446, breaking the previous November record of 105,860 set in 2005, the company announced today. Supported by a 51.1 percent increase in Honda CR-V sales and a 66.8 percent increase in Acura MDX sales, American Honda's light truck sales are up 8.1 percent for the month. Year-to-date total vehicle sales continue on a record-setting pace of 1,377,580 cars and light trucks, increasing 3.6 percent over last year and putting the company in line for a 13th straight year of sales increases.

"Our all-new light truck products are off to a strong start," said Richard Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The 2007 Honda CR-V has set a record every month since its introduction in September and the all-new 2007 Acura MDX posted its second best month ever."

The Honda Division reported November sales of 89,246, down 3.0 percent from last year's all-time record November. Year-to-date, Honda Division sales are up 5.0 percent to 1,195,413 as Odyssey, Pilot, Civic, Ridgeline and CR-V have all achieved year-to-date increases. For November, record Honda CR-V sales totaled 16,242 and the popular Civic Hybrid model posted a record of 2,208 units, up 6.0 percent.

The Acura Division posted record November sales of 17,200 vehicles, highlighted by record November sales of the TSX sports sedan and the MDX luxury SUV with 2,463 units and 6,086 units sold respectively.

Consumer information is available at http://www.honda.com.

American Honda Vehicle Sales For November 2006
Month-to-Date Year-to-Date
November November DSR** November November DSR**
2006 2005 % Chg. 2006 2005 % Chg.
American Honda
Total 106,446 105,860 0.6% 1,377,580 1,329,672 3.6%
Total Car
Sales 54,662 57,951 -5.7% 777,509 770,916 0.9%
Total Truck
Sales 51,784 47,909 8.1% 600,071 558,756 7.4%
Honda Total
Car Sales 45,499 47,717 -4.6% 649,953 632,353 2.8%
Honda Total
Truck Sales 43,747 44,261 -1.2% 545,460 506,330 7.7%
Acura Total
Car Sales 9,163 10,234 -10.5% 127,556 138,563 -7.9%
Acura Total
Truck Sales 8,037 3,648 120.3% 54,611 52,426 4.2%
Domestic Car
Sales* 41,760 50,213 -16.8% 616,688 635,011 -2.9%
Honda Division 36,321 44,079 -17.6% 551,185 564,067 -2.3%
Acura Division 5,439 6,134 -11.3% 65,503 70,944 -7.7%
Domestic Truck
Sales* 35,542 37,163 -4.4% 447,392 422,416 5.9%
Honda Division 27,505 33,515 -17.9% 392,781 369,990 6.2%
Acura Division 8,037 3,648 120.3% 54,611 52,426 4.2%
Import Car Sales 12,902 7,738 66.7% 160,821 135,905 18.3%
Honda Division 9,178 3,638 152.3% 98,768 68,286 44.6%
Acura Division 3,724 4,100 -9.2% 62,053 67,619 -8.2%
Import Truck
Sales 16,242 10,746 51.1% 152,679 136,340 12.0%
Honda Division 16,242 10,746 51.1% 152,679 136,340 12.0%
MODEL BREAKOUTS BY
DIVISION
Honda Division
Total 89,246 91,978 -3.0% 1,195,413 1,138,683 5.0%
Fit 2,603 25,702
Accord* 22,488 23,548 -4.5% 324,555 342,923 -5.4%
Memo: Accord
Hybrid 311 837 -62.8% 5,235 16,106 -67.5%
Civic* 20,143 23,695 -15.0% 293,029 281,444 4.1%
Memo: Civic
Hybrid 2,208 2,083 6.0% 28,845 23,336 23.6%
S2000 259 414 -37.4% 5,944 7,356 -19.2%
Insight 2 60 -96.7% 719 624 15.2%
FCX 4 0 4 6 -33.3%
Odyssey* 11,338 12,292 -7.8% 161,888 158,047 2.4%
Pilot* 9,520 12,040 -20.9% 137,192 124,565 10.1%
CR-V 16,242 10,746 51.1% 152,679 136,340 12.0%
Element* 3,155 3,940 -19.9% 48,171 51,374 -6.2%
Ridgeline 3,492 5,243 -33.4% 45,530 36,004 26.5%
Acura Division
Total 17,200 13,882 23.9% 182,167 190,989 -4.6%
RSX 530 1,521 -65.2% 16,688 19,296 -13.5%
CL* 0 0 0 1
TL* 5,439 6,134 -11.3% 65,503 70,943 -7.7%
TSX 2,463 1,274 93.3% 34,509 31,833 8.4%
RL 731 1,298 -43.7% 10,799 16,294 -33.7%
NSX 0 7 57 196 -70.9%
MDX* 6,086 3,648 66.8% 47,894 52,426 -8.6%
RDX* 1,951 6,717
Selling Days 25 25 280 280

* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced
parts.
** Daily Selling Rate


Discuss. :eatpop:

[Motor]

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061211/FREE/61211003/1057
LOS ANGELES -- Acura is moving closer to fitting its vehicles with bigger engines, including possibly a V-8.

A V-6 is the largest engine that Honda's luxury division now offers. Some company executives think that is a problem.

Acura has announced that the next-generation NSX sports car, due in 2009, will be powered by a 10-cylinder engine. But Hirohide Ikeno, president of Honda R&D Americas Inc., said the company is considering V-8s, too.

"That is our direction," he said last week during a reception for the opening of Honda's advanced design studio in Pasadena, Calif.

Ikeno said it's important that Acura have bigger engines. He added: "I'm pushing for it."

Honda has developed 8- and 12-cylinder engines, but they are used only for racing.

said Acura will hint at its new direction at the Detroit auto show in January, although he did not elaborate.

An Acura sedan concept was shown last month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. That vehicle did not have an engine but would require something bigger than a V-6.

V-8s are being considered only for Acura models, not for the Honda Division, Ikeno said.

Acura has been criticized for not offering a V-8, and some critics say the deficiency is reflected in its sales. Sales of the flagship RL sedan were down 33.7 percent to 10,799 units for the first 11 months of 2006. Sales for the entire division were off 4.6 percent for the period.

Honda's new advanced design studio will turn out mostly concept vehicles. A separate design studio for Acura is expected to open next spring at American Honda Motor Co. headquarters in Torrance, Calif.

About time?

Discuss. :eatpop:

[SOAPY]

Yeah it seems that Acura has been lacking lately. I can't wait to see what they'll put out in the coming year.

[Gas-n-Grease]

would be nice if the V8 is similar to their F1 car. that'd be a great idea since honda based the NSX from their F1 car when it was first developed with Ayrton Senna

[marc]

definately about time

and lets get a TSX-based coupe with the RDX's 2.3L turbo engine while we're at it - maybe throw in an SH-AWD option or at least an LSD option to kill torquesteer/understeer.

[Burrcold]

definately about time

and lets get a TSX-based coupe with the RDX's 2.3L turbo engine while we're at it - maybe throw in an SH-AWD option or at least an LSD option to kill torquesteer/understeer. :thumbup: Now that is what I am holding out for!

[Motor]

VIDEO: http://www.hiroiro.com/entry/1344.html
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2006/12/asimo_fall.jpg

:chuckles:

[Gas-n-Grease]

lol, i've seen ASIMO in person at Disneyland's Innoventions earlier this year.
This one looks like it ran outta batteries on the way up...

[jlitman]

Ah, as impressive as it is to build a robot that can climb stairs, the techs also need to include a "pick oneself up off the ground" feature as well :chuckles:

[GSBoek]

Amusing! Almost felt sorry for Honda hehehe. These things happen. How's Toyota's robot doing?

[Blue Bomber]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dut6jxCiakg > Asimo

[GSBoek]

Ha! Nice.

[Motor]

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061219/FREE/61218005
Honda CEO won't let growth engine idle

Riding the sales success of the redesigned Civic and new-to-America Fit isn't enough for Taeko Fukui, CEO of Honda Motor Co. He has set several new goals for Honda:

Expand capacity for those fuel-efficient models by adding one car plant in Indiana and another in Japan and an engine plant in Canada.

Further separate and distinguish the Honda and Acura brands.

Develop a diesel engine that will meet stringent new U.S. emissions standards.

Fukui discussed those goals with Automotive News Asia Editor James B. Treece at Honda's Tokyo headquarters.

Honda has always prided itself on the performance of its engines. Now the Acura brand is supposed to distinguish itself by being more performance-oriented. How?

We need to emphasize the product differentiation between Acura and Honda. Our aim is to further enhance the Acura brand. We are trying to shift the image associated with the Acura brand to one that's more sporty, more luxurious compared to the conventional Honda image. So the Acura engines need to be sportier. One way would be what we did with the RDX. To differentiate it from the CR-V, we put in a turbo. Going forward, we're thinking of different ways to differentiate.

Will we see more Acuras with turbochargers?

As of now, we don't have that plan.

It's not going to be just turbos, but we'll be employing different approaches to enhance the sportiness of Acura. Of course there will be differences in timing of implementation. For example, we don't have any intention to keep turbos just dedicated to Acura. So in the future it's possible that they will be adopted in Honda products as well.

Will we see different suspensions on Acuras?

That's a possibility. We don't have any specific ideas right now. But suspensions might be one of the approaches we might take. Another would be powertrain or drivetrain systems.

Acura sales still seem to be struggling, even with the new RDX and MDX. Are you satisfied with the launches of those models?

I am satisfied with the RDX and MDX that we've launched. I don't really consider that the volume is struggling. That's something we can grow step by step. Still, we need to further enhance the premium-brand image of Acura, within our pursuit of a premium brand.

Last year we came up with the RL, with which we aimed to further enhance our image. But that was slightly under our expectations. It was not a big success.

In that case, it seemed that you offered only one version, and customers wanted more choice. Do you need to offer more choices and variations within each nameplate?

Our basic idea would be not to pursue that way. Rather, we want to pursue a more clear identity for different models.

You once said that if the Fit sold really well in North America, you could consider building it there. Where does that stand now?

The Fit is still a candidate for U.S. local production, but we have not made any decision on that yet.

What's important in North American production, rather than which model we should produce, is our aim to have 80 percent of the sales there be made locally. It's not a matter of which model we produce but that we have that 80 percent coverage. To that end, we're now building the Indiana plant. Which model we produce there will be determined by business reasons.

You plan to raise American Honda's corporate average fuel economy by 5 percent over 2005 levels by 2010. What will be the biggest contributors to that improvement?

I guess the largest contributor would come from a greater weighting of fuel-efficient vehicles like the Civic and Fit. An increase in that percentage would be the largest contributor.

In addition, we will be launching a hybrid-only vehicle in the beginning of 2009 or so. Added to the Civic hybrid, this new model means the weighting of hybrid models will rise.

Also, although the impact from this will be limited in the 2009-2010 time frame, we'll have some impact from our environmentally friendly diesels.

Beyond that, of course, we will make improvements in our fuel efficiency of the engines used in our models across the board and in reducing the weight of our chassis.

Is it fair to assume that the planned V-6 diesel will go into Acura cars and perhaps Honda trucks?

I cannot say which models will get it. We'll make the appropriate decision when the time comes.

Will the V-6 use the same clean technology as the smaller diesel you plan?

Yes.

Is the Ridgeline a candidate to get that diesel?

The Ridgeline, MDX, Pilot, Odyssey -- those would be the Honda products that would need this kind of technology.

Would those diesels, both the V-6 and the smaller one, have the kind of performance you're looking for in Acuras?

I think we can use them both ways to their respective purposes, because we can make them meet the requirements of more sporty performance required by Acura.

You are currently building a plant in Indiana. If you find you need even more capacity in North America, which is more likely: expand Indiana or your plant in Mexico?

It could be possible to expand the Mexican plant just slightly, but I don't think we will ever make that a 200,000-unit plant.

Currently production is 30,000 units a year. So maybe 50,000- or 60,000-units production capacity would be possible.

But when you say expansion, you must be thinking of something larger scale. That would be the U.S. production sites, even though I wouldn't say at this point which plant. I don't know.

Do you expect all North American Honda plants in the future will build both cars and trucks?

Light-truck and passenger-car platforms are different sizes. The lines we have that are capable of producing those larger platforms for light trucks are the two in Alabama and one in Canada. All others are currently production lines for passenger cars. I think we'll be using that combination, depending on what we produce. But when there's a gap between capacity and demand, such as now, it's possible for that one line in Canada to produce cars as well.

In Europe, Honda has an excellent 2.2-liter diesel engine. But isn't it too big in displacement for Europe? Competitors have 1.3- and 1.4-liter diesels.

The diesel that Honda initially developed was a 1.6-liter prototype. Then when we commercialized it, we turned it into a 2.2-liter engine.

So we verified where we should have the higher priority: larger or smaller diesels. And as a result of that review, we decided to start with that V-6 at the larger end.

In the future, going toward smaller sizes could happen, but that's not been decided. If you look at it from the customers' point of view, in terms of which offers the best value for the money, then I think the larger ones offer more.

In the past, you've said diesels are better for large cars and hybrids for smaller cars. Is there a dividing line, either in the size of the engine or the size of the car?

We don't have a real clear dividing line. But what I know for sure is that if you look at the Civic hybrid, that's the size where having a hybrid really shows its superiority. If the engine size is smaller than the Civic's, then probably a hybrid would be superior.

What makes it a superior solution?

The Civic hybrid has a 1.5-liter engine and a motor. If you have a V-6 3.0-liter engine, you're going to need a really humongous motor. And then to drive that motor, you're going to need a lot of batteries. The entire system will get to be too big. I'm aware some other manufacturers are doing this, but we will pursue a diesel instead.

Think about what people use larger vehicles for. Customers tend to use them not really for short distance stop-and-start driving. They're more for driving on highways. I don't think there's a particular benefit for hybrids on highways.

I've been told that the ideal vehicle for hybrid systems is a garbage truck because it has lots of start-and-stop driving, and it travels a set distance each day.

Yes. Or in Japan, delivery trucks or mail trucks.

Would the size and weight equation change significantly if you used improved, lightweight lithium ion batteries instead of the nickel-metal hydride ones common now?

Batteries have a lot of potential. We don't know how much batteries will evolve. We will have to keep a keen eye on battery development.

But the current level of lithium ion batteries isn't sufficient at all. If batteries really evolve, then rather than hybrids, there's potential for pure electric vehicles. Particularly in Japan, we could think of electric minicars.

If the idea is hybrid small cars and diesel large cars, how soon can you get more hybrid versions of your small cars?

In 2009 we will come up with a new hybrid-dedicated model for Europe, Japan and the States. So we'll have the Civic and Accord hybrids, plus this new vehicle.

Will you have a Jazz (Fit) hybrid?

No. We're not thinking of a Jazz hybrid right now.

Why not?

To us, the Jazz has sufficient fuel efficiency with the current gasoline engine. I think we want to develop this model, the Jazz, as it is. Instead of coming up with a hybrid version of the Jazz, we're coming up with a hybrid-dedicated model for 2009. The car size would be about in the same category, but a completely different model.

Will Honda offer a diesel hybrid?

A diesel hybrid is technologically feasible. But because of costs and whether the customer sees value for the money, it's not very commercially feasible. So in the past we have not considered it.

How is the strong euro/weak yen influencing your future manufacturing strategy in Europe?

We have plants in Swindon, England, and Turkey.

Our first focus is to bring Swindon to full operation. Next would be Turkey. It is producing at a lower volume. Our next target would be to expand that Turkey factory to 100,000 units or so.

It is important to increase the self-sufficiency rate within the European Union by doing those things.

How soon might you expand Turkey?

Before that, we've got to bring Swindon to full operation. We have to come up with good prospects for that within one year or so.

Is there any chance you would export cars from your planned factory in India to Europe? You currently export motorbikes from India to Europe.

No, we haven't thought that far yet.

If the exchange rates shift, would you consider bringing the European Civic to North America as a limited-edition version?

Actually, there are a whole bunch of customers, not only in North America but even in Japan, who want that car. But looking at the current exchange rates, I think it would be extremely difficult. If the exchange rate shifted, there would be a lot of possibilities.

Renault has a low-cost car, the Dacia Logan. GM, Volkswagen and Toyota are planning a similar model. What about Honda?

Which car is that?

It was planned from the start to be, if I'm right, a 6,000-euro car. It is built in Romania and targeted central and eastern Europe but has proved to be a huge success in western Europe, too.

Right now we're not thinking of anything like that.

For car manufacturers, cost is very important, of course. We will continue our drive to reduce costs through different approaches. But it's not right for us to get into a category where simply cheaper is better. We won't be pursuing that.

Where do you feel the most cost pressures these days?

I think we're seeing cost pressures peaking out.

The biggest factor that can impact costs is steel. In particular, given the way we build cars at Honda, we use a lot of high-tensile steel. That's where the cost pressure has been really high. But Honda has been negotiating costs with Nippon Steel, JFE and other steel manufacturers.

It's not just cost. We have collaboration with the steel makers in terms of technology and quality. And we need to assure a stable supply. So we have been working together with those steel manufacturers on a rather long-term relationship of trust.

We've been sitting at the negotiation table over prices. My guess is that for next year, we shouldn't be seeing too many price hikes. Also for crude oil-related products, I think the price hikes have passed their peak. Also, for rare metals as well, there have been ups and downs, of course, but I think the trend of straight-line increases has come to an end already.

It's a long read, but a good read.

Discuss. :eatpop:

[marc]

Acura wants to be seen as more sporty?

How about getting rid of FWD vehicles from their lineup for a start?

[Motor]

http://news.windingroad.com/countriesmarkets/japan/japan-report-honda-s2000-successor-to-grow-up-spawn-extra-seats
[QUOTE]Behind firmly closed doors in Japan, Honda continues to work on a possible S2000 successor. But with a twist: the new version, if approved, will have four seats and shift upmarket toward a more affluent SLK-type audience.

While the S2000 has had its fans, and that brilliant 2.0-liter screamer of a four-cylinder is almost worth the price of admission alone, overall it

[omabramo]

it better be good, dammit!

i hope they put that turboed k24 on there :wiggle:

[marc]

I like the raw craziness of the s2000

of course, not enough to buy one - that's why I got my z4

[Kani]

The current one is way to expensive for what you get. You just try and convince most people that a 4cyl non turbo car that is tiny and has little creature comfort is worth 30. On the other hand it'd be a shame to go to 4 seats.

[Carbonized_GT]

4 seater?

Doesnt that totally defy the history and tradition of the car?

Plus having the same engine as the current models, adding some more weight the car wont be that peppy.

[GSBoek]

Instead of adding 2 seats it would be good if they added two cylinders ;)

[marc]

Instead of adding 2 seats it would be good if they added two cylinders ;)
:hitit:

[Cookie]

Four seater? :AF:

[Motor]

XM (Nasdaq: XMSR), the nation's leading provider of satellite radio, today announced that it has extended its relationship with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. under a 10-year agreement through 2016.

XM is the exclusive satellite radio provider for American Honda, which markets both Honda and Acura vehicles. An original strategic partner in the launch of XM, American Honda introduced its first factory-installed XM vehicles in 2003 and is projecting production of 650,000 factory-installed XM units for 2007 model vehicles. American Honda has produced more than 1.5 million cars with XM factory-installed to date.


"XM is the leader in providing satellite radio to the new car market and Honda is one of the world's most successful automobile manufacturers, which has exposed millions of consumers to XM through its dealerships and XM- equipped vehicle sales," said Steve Cook, executive vice president, Automotive, XM. "We are pleased to continue this relationship with American Honda through 2016, broadening our reach to their loyal customers."

"The roll-out of XM in our vehicles has been one of the fastest in the car industry and over the years XM has become an increasingly important entertainment service to our customers. We look forward to providing XM's great content for many years to come," said John Mendel, senior vice president, automobile operations of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

XM Satellite Radio is available as a factory-installed feature on 2007 Honda models including the Civic, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, Accord, Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Odyssey and Element.

XM is also a standard factory-installed feature on every 2007 Acura model including the RL, TL and TSX performance luxury sedans as well as the MDX and RDX luxury SUVs. XM NavTraffic, XM's real-time traffic information service, is standard on all 2007 Acura vehicles equipped with the AcuraLink(TM) satellite communication system.

Every American Honda vehicle with factory-installed XM also comes standard with a three-month complimentary subscription.

American Honda and XM also recently launched satellite radio trial programs for Honda Certified Used Cars and for Acura Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles equipped with XM Satellite Radio.

Discuss. :eatpop:

[Motor]

http://news.windingroad.com/countriesmarkets/japan/japan-report-s2000-successor-to-get-acura-badge
[QUOTE]When we told you a while back that Honda was working on a possible four-seat replacement for the S2000, we were both right and wrong.

Right, in the sense that a design study is now on the way. Wrong, in giving it a Honda badge. We now hear it

[homeworld1031tx]

That sucks, the S line of cars has been a Honda staple from what like the early 70's? S360, S500, S800 etc...you can't make it an Acura...

[omabramo]

boo...

[marc]

I heard 2-4 seat, 2 door coupe with a vtec six and sh-awd or rwd

they better make a roadster - I love the S2000

[Motor]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=119552
[QUOTE]TOKYO

[Carbonized_GT]

:chuckles:

[vegeta4ss]

http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/ehlee/Images/Pictures/nelson.gif

sucks for honda. I guess the hybrid sales will get harder for them from now on.

[Carbonized_GT]

nothing like the fear of enough power to stop your heart shorting out to your engine.

[vegeta4ss]

even though that is a slight possibility, the tires ground you to the earth and even if it did short that bad it would travel through the chassis and directly into the ground. I highly doubt it would kill you. Thats like being struck by lightning twice.

[Zenith]

even though that is a slight possibility, the tires ground you to the earth and even if it did short that bad it would travel through the chassis and directly into the ground. I highly doubt it would kill you. Thats like being struck by lightning twice.

I hope you are joking. Tires are insulators. Not conductors.

[Motor]

Honda Racing have issued a rallying call to Formula One fans and sponsors to join their new campaign to help address the climate crisis.

The team unveil today their new 2007 colour scheme, which features an image of the earth instead of the traditional advertising and sponsor logos.

But Honda are taking the initiative a step further, revealing a unique scheme to raise awareness of the environmental issues facing the world.

Through a new website myearthdream.com, those interested in helping support Honda's push will be able to make a donation to environmental charity, pledge to make a lifestyle change, and in return have their name featured on the car.

Two global brands, Universal Music and Gatorade, are the first to sign up to the concept, while other companies - including Fila, IBM, Instron, Oliver Sweeney, Perkin Elmer, Showa Denko, TUV and GF Agie Charmilles - have also joined up.

"Climate change is probably the single biggest issue facing the global community and F1 is not immune from it," team boss Nick Fry said.

"On the contrary, we believe that F1 with its huge global profile and cutting edge technology can play an important role in not only highlighting the issues but also playing our part in developing solutions.

"In addition, the FIA recognises the opportunity for F1 to showcase innovative technologies for the benefit of society for the long term. For example, by 2009, devices for energy recovery will be in place on the cars.

"So we at Honda F1 are proud to dedicate our car to the environmental challenge. We believe that practical solutions can stem directly from engineers working on our F1 programme."

Fry added that he hoped Honda's plans for 2007 would not oly raise awareness of global issues but also encourage the public to do more to help the situation.

"First and foremost, we are a race team and F1 is very much a team sport. We achieve our racing objectives only by working together, and parallels can be drawn with the way that we must all join together to address the environmental challenge.

"We hope that in raising awareness and highlighting the issues we will encourage members of the public to come together and help take on the challenge of climate change."

Honda Racing chairman Yasuhiro Wada added: "Honda constantly strives to be innovative in both its technology and its thinking and to sincerely respond to the demands of customers and society.

"Honda has always made great efforts to contribute to the preservation of the environment in its corporate activity.

"We hope this new initiative for Honda in F1 will help to further stimulate awareness and interest across the world for these important environmental issues."
http://www.autosport.com/images/upload/1172477734.jpg
http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2007honda1/image/l_yy2z1742-2
http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2007honda1/image/r_2007-02-26T092845-2

Discuss. :eatpop:

[GSBoek]

I'm all up for saving the planet, and it's a good initiative, but I'm also aware that there is only so much than can be done.

As for the car: Does Google Earth sponsor too?

[Gas-n-Grease]

One step closer to auto-drive. That would mean the elderly and drunks can stay off the roads.
<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-1d5CAiLyME"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-1d5CAiLyME" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><p align="left"><b><a href="http://www.dpccars.com/"><font size="1" face="Verdana" color="#F20000">More Car Videos</font></a></b></p>

[FITGT]

cool

[neological]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/mcb666/ZOE/ADA.jpg

ADA?

Jehuty?

[Motor]

http://thecarblogger.blogspot.com/2007/05/honda-cr-v-jumps-to-1-in-sales-ford.html
Throughout the 90's, the Ford Explorer was the best-selling SUV in America, racking up sales of 445,157 in 2000 alone. However, in the last couple of years, sales of the Explorer have plummeted from first to fourth in sales ranking. Last year, Ford sold only 179,229, and are down another 23% for the new year.

In the Honda department, there was good news with the CR-V picking up 42% in sales so far this year. It went up to the top spot, followed by the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and the Ford Edge, which is also seeing a strong surge. Since the demand for the CR-V has exceeded the production capacities for its East Liberty, Ohio plant, extra units from Japan are being brought over.
http://www.my-ford-truck-tour.com/2006explorer.jpg < http://blogs.cars.com/photos/uncategorized/crv2.jpg

I still wouldn't buy one.

Discuss. :eatpop:

[neological]

The new CRV is the ugliest SUV yet made.

[GSBoek]

Some will beg to differ on that. They have yet to beat the Aztek all time. I will agree though that the CR-V is the ugliest currently made, not counting China.

[Speed4TheNeed]

If I'm ever in the market for a rinky-dink vehicle with a funky interior and even funkier exterior, I'll consider it. At least it gets good gas mileage with it's powerless engine. :thumbup:

[Motor]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=aepnZq6YSjeY&refer=japan
Honda Motor Co., Japan's second- largest carmaker, plans to sell large vehicles using a low- emission V-6 diesel engine in North America starting in 2010, Nikkei English News reported.

The company is developing the 3.5-liter diesel engine that will help vehicles be as much as 30 percent more fuel efficient than those powered by gasoline, the news service reported. Diesel engines also emit about 20 percent less carbon dioxide, though they release harmful nitrogen oxides and particulates.

Honda plans to introduce the engine first in the Odyssey minivan and may also do so in the Pilot sport utility vehicle, the Ridgeline pickup truck, and the luxury Acura line, Nikkei reported. The engine will help Honda compete against diesel models from DaimlerChrysler AG, BMW AG and Volkswagen AG, the news service said.

Toyota Motor Corp. is the largest automaker in Japan.

Could it find its way into the new Accord sedan and coupe?

Discuss. :eatpop:

[neological]

Ugh, please no. Too many Accord drivers already think they drive sports cars.

[LightningRod]

Ugh, please no. Too many Accord drivers already think they drive sports cars.


:werd:

But then again, they just might do it, especially to compete with the likes of the new Eclipse and Altima coupes.

[Carbonized_GT]

Discuss. :eatpop:


Did the MJ gif not work out?

[marc]

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=4039


The Truth About Diesels
By Paul Niedermeyer
July 2nd, 2007 8,477 Views

No wonder the Germans are so gung-ho on sending their diesels across the pond. Europe

[GSBoek]

That was a great read. I always found the PM emissions extremely annoying. Europeans embraced diesel but they themsleves cried out recently against PM.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Yeah, the engine is supposed to go into the Accord... possibly a turbo-diesel version too.

[Motor]

Did the MJ gif not work out?

I'll begin whoring it out, just for you. :thumbup:

[Motor]

http://detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070914/UPDATE/709140429/1148/AUTO01
Honda Motor Co. is recalling 182,756 Civic sedans, the automaker's second-best selling U.S. model, to fix an O-ring on the wheel bearing that may leak and cause the wheel to fall off, Bloomberg News reported today.

The recall, affecting 2006 and 2007 model-year Civics, was reported on the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site.

The O-ring may not seal properly, allowing water to seep into the wheel bearing and damage it, Honda said in a letter on the NHTSA Web site. "This could cause a wheel to fall off of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash," Tokyo-based Honda said.

Honda said it will notify owners by mail and replace any damaged parts for free.
http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2007/Honda/2007.honda.civic.20101154-396x249.jpg

Discuss. :eatpop:

[Carbonized_GT]

oh thats not so bad.

Its just a wheel possibly falling off.

[bps1804]

haha, "possibly resulting in a crash".

[Blue Bomber]

Didn't the Focus have a similar problem at one time? :eatpop:

[Burrcold]

My Civic is going in for the recall on Monday. No big deal.

[marc]

ouch!

[silverCELICAgt-s]

They didnt specify that it is only one certain model or the four or two doors model right... assuming as far as wheels are concerned that they would use the same o-ring for everyone. If this is the case, im gonna stop by the nearest honda dealer on monday lol.

[Burrcold]

........

[tigerjj85]

hmmm time to check my vin
thx burrcold

[silverCELICAgt-s]

yup, mine is not recalled :wave:
I have all my bills sent home in MA, and so my parents had recieved a notification letter with you know the vin numbers to look for, and mine didnt fall in between them. And i called the honda dealer to just make sure and read them my vin and they told me i was one of the lucky ones lol. Must be that i have a late 07' model i guess.

[Burrcold]

...............

[silverCELICAgt-s]

im just curious as to why they would have already changed the part out for you know when I bought mine, but never made a recall about the faulty part before hand.

[esper]

Didn't the Focus have a similar problem at one time? :eatpop:

my buddy's first gen focus zx3 had the front passenger side wheel detach while he was doing 70 on the freeway.

yeah, they had that problem.

They tried to blame the lug tightness until they notice that the wheel hub assembly had basically just failed and the bearing blew out... not something caused by careless wheel tightening.

[Haulin]

The wheel is only going to fall off they are a complete tard and keep driving thousands of miles on a grinding wheel bearing after it goes dry.

[Burrcold]

............

[Zenith]

The wheel is only going to fall off they are a complete tard and keep driving thousands of miles on a grinding wheel bearing after it goes dry.

most people are dumb about cars and don't know the difference?

[Motor]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071218/UPDATE/712180424/1148/rss25
Honda Motor Co. is recalling 43,200 Acura RL sedans to fix a power steering hose that may crack and leak fluid onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to a fire, Bloomberg News reported today.

The recall by Tokyo-based Honda affects 2005-2008 model sedans, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which posted the information on its Web site.
http://response.jp/issue/2004/0901/article63320_1.images/71690.jpg

I'm surprised by the recall. I'm not surprised by the fact that there is a recall, but, rather that the car is still in production. I've probably only seen 1 in a sea of 7 series, S classes, and LS430/460's.

Discuss. :eatpop:

[marc]

I honestly wouldn't even know one if I saw one

that is one bland automobile

[Polykarb]

I honestly wouldn't even know one if I saw one

that is one bland automobile

I"ve seen about 4 on the road since the new model came out. :(

[GTsRasta]

HA! Honda SH-AWD FTL. I bearly see them on the road as well, and even less of them are new. Lets hope they put it in the new NSX, and do the job right.

I honestly wouldn't even know one if I saw one

that is one bland automobile

Seriously. Honda has the technology to expand great lengths to become one hell of a auto maker, even more than they are now. And they wouldn't even have to compromise enjoyment. All they would have to do is make more non-FWD platforms, and give them manual options.

The TL is a thing of beauty, along with the RDX, but the Acura cars need to start having either more angled cues like the new Lexus's for sharper designs, more curvey cues like the beautiful MB's, or bigger grills for more of a presence like the Cadillacs and some MB models. And not only that, there needs to be Acura cars that have techonological luxaries that approach the $100,000 mark, just like the other luxary companies. If they don't do that, and randomly release the NSX for $100,000+, their market is going to be too polar again, leaving not that many people interested in the company that doesn't have vehicles in the $60,000-$90,000 range, leaving them to only be making sub $50,000 economy/commuter cars, and not any magnificent works of auto design/concept.

[marc]

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/brand-perceptions/overview/brand-perceptions-top-5.htm

BEST
Toyota 189
Honda 146
Ford 112
Chevrolet 110
GMC 102

WORST
Buick 25
Mercury 22
Mitsubishi 21
Audi 14
Acura 8

CATEGORIES
Safety - Volvo
Quality - Toyota
Value - Honda
Performance - BMW
Green - Toyota
Design/Style - Mercedes
Technology Innovation - Toyota

----------------
http://wardsauto.com/ar/acura_consumer_reports/


Wards Auto Logo

Acura Aghast at Consumer Reports

[neological]

To me there is no difference between an Acura and a Honda in prestige or luxury. Their best car, the TL is just an Honda Saber everywhere else in the world with absolutely nothing changed. The TSX is just a pedestrian Accord Euro.

The RL isn't competitive with any other large luxury car in any arena besides price. it's also a good thing they don't sell this POS in the USA, it wouldn't exactly help brand perception:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:%2707_Acura_CSX_Type-S.JPG

It''s a good thing they don't sell this POS in the US, it wouldn't help their brand perception:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:%2707_Acura_CSX_Type-S.JPG
The RSX is way too cheap to be a luxury car, not fooling anyone.

The RDX is nice but most luxury car marques don't spend too much time dicking about with tiny SUVs. It's the only Acura I like as well.

The MDX was screwed the day the Pilot came out as the exact same SUV with less horrendous styling.

They're also obsessed with FWD which I'm sure costs them a lot of enthusiast sales. I basically see Acura as the most boring possible car brand.

[GTsRasta]

Although I thought it would have done better than Buick and Mercury...I agree. Honda platforms are boring. Acura could REALLY go far if they worked with the big grill styling and nice angles they have on the RDX/MDX now, put into other cars, offer a V8 or a twin turbo 6 cylinder to compete with the 335i, and so on.

[Beast]

What, no VW? I know non-car-savy people, and they even know to avoid the VW. They aren't jewish either. :D

[Burrcold]

..............

[neological]

Although I thought it would have done better than Buick and Mercury...I agree. Honda platforms are boring. Acura could REALLY go far if they worked with the big grill styling and nice angles they have on the RDX/MDX now, put into other cars, offer a V8 or a twin turbo 6 cylinder to compete with the 335i, and so on.

The current MDX has one of the ugliest grilles of all time.

It looks like a bird beak.

[smartSOFT]

What, no VW? I know non-car-savy people, and they even know to avoid the VW. They aren't jewish either. :D

dude what are you talking about...VW is a really good car company. the resale value on their cars is high. both forbes and car&driver rate VW with high resale value

Although I thought it would have done better than Buick and Mercury...I agree. Honda platforms are boring. Acura could REALLY go far if they worked with the big grill styling and nice angles they have on the RDX/MDX now, put into other cars, offer a V8 or a twin turbo 6 cylinder to compete with the 335i, and so on.

i dont know if you realize this but honda makes primarily 4bangers...there arent many hondas that have inline6/v6/v8 engines.

honda isnt trying to make cars that compete with a 335i in terms of luxury and as far as speed goes there are plenty of honda platforms out right now that will allow you to rape the **** out of a 335i for a much lower price.

put it this way...if you are in the market for something as nice as a 335i honda's econoboxes arent going to be on your mind.

[marc]

What, no VW? I know non-car-savy people, and they even know to avoid the VW. They aren't jewish either. :D

dude what are you talking about...VW is a really good car company. the resale value on their cars is high. both forbes and car&driver rate VW with high resale value


yeah but their cars are pieces of ****

trust, I've owned a VW and two audis - I currently have an Audi in the shop getting $2100 worth of repairs, with only 70,000 miles on it. The things are unreliable as **** and expensive to fix - but I'm not footing the bill so I don't give a ****.

Point being, Veedubs and Audis are gigantic, unreliable turdboxes. I only kept this one cuz its free and my wife likes it.

[smartSOFT]

yeah but their cars are pieces of ****

trust, I've owned a VW and two audis - I currently have an Audi in the shop getting $2100 worth of repairs, with only 70,000 miles on it. The things are unreliable as **** and expensive to fix - but I'm not footing the bill so I don't give a ****.

Point being, Veedubs and Audis are gigantic, unreliable turdboxes. I only kept this one cuz its free and my wife likes it.

i personally wouldnt buy an audi but i have seen vw's last for a long time. maybe just bad experiences but my family had one a long time ago and it last for 8 or 10 years(jetta). GTi's are nice :D

[atrac7GTS]

yeah but their cars are pieces of ****

trust, I've owned a VW and two audis - I currently have an Audi in the shop getting $2100 worth of repairs, with only 70,000 miles on it. The things are unreliable as **** and expensive to fix - but I'm not footing the bill so I don't give a ****.

Point being, Veedubs and Audis are gigantic, unreliable turdboxes. I only kept this one cuz its free and my wife likes it.

i have a friend who's moving to California from here this weekend and has an A8..he was originally planning on taking that car the whole way, 36 hour cross country drive, but then realized with all the stuff that's gone wrong with it in the last few years, he's having it shipped , yet he said if he had his old GSR (before it got stolen), he'd take that cross country any day :chuckles:

[neological]

dude what are you talking about...VW is a really good car company. the resale value on their cars is high. both forbes and car&driver rate VW with high resale value


JD Power gave them the lowest rating of any car company for overall quality.

Seriously, VWs are really poorly made. I autocross and it's the only brand of car you will regularly see random crap fly off of it on the course.

[smartSOFT]

i have a friend who's moving to California from here this weekend and has an A8..he was originally planning on taking that car the whole way, 36 hour cross country drive, but then realized with all the stuff that's gone wrong with it in the last few years, he's having it shipped , yet he said if he had his old GSR (before it got stolen), he'd take that cross country any day :chuckles:

haha gsr stolen...i know someone who had one get stolen too. so sad

[GTsRasta]

I'd love to have a V8 RWD Honda with TL-S styling in manual. That would be a great compromise on all fronts.

[smartSOFT]

I'd love to have a V8 RWD Honda with TL-S styling in manual. That would be a great compromise on all fronts.

if honda actually spent money engineering a v8 it would be disgusting....i mean granted the ls1 and ls7 already practically own the market it would be nice to see how much power honda could get out of 8 cylinders seeing how they get so much out of 4

[GTsRasta]

It would have to be a high revving beast like the current M3 motor. That's what Honda knows how to do best.

[Carbonized_GT]

Technology Innovation - Toyota

:chuckles:

[marc]

I'd love to have a V8 RWD Honda with TL-S styling in manual. That would be a great compromise on all fronts.

if honda actually spent money engineering a v8 it would be disgusting....i mean granted the ls1 and ls7 already practically own the market it would be nice to see how much power honda could get out of 8 cylinders seeing how they get so much out of 4


you gotta realize, the LS1 and LS7 are still pushrods with massive displacement. Look at what Ferrari does with half the displacement using overhead cams and variable valve timing.

Now, take a 6 liter V8, give it overhead cams and variable valve timing! This was supposed to be the new Northstar replacement, but GM killed the program - time for Honda to step up and seize the market.

[neological]

The V8 Northstar engines were actually pretty decent. It was developed for the flying italian cadillac.

The Cadillac Northstars did have variable valve timing and OHC design. There was also a V6 "Shortstar" version sold in the Oldsmobile Aurora that was a surprisingly good engine stuck in a terribly crappy car. Turboed those engines are absolute beasts.

[atrac7GTS]

The V8 Northstar engines were actually pretty decent. It was developed for the flying italian cadillac.

The Cadillac Northstars did have variable valve timing and OHC design. There was also a V6 "Shortstar" version sold in the Oldsmobile Aurora that was a surprisingly good engine stuck in a terribly crappy car. Turboed those engines are absolute beasts.


was it also found on a buick model by any chance....? i think a kid around here actually turboed his REGAL..? :confused: and i heard it was actually quite the sleeper mobile...

[shakey1378]

I'd love to have a V8 RWD Honda with TL-S styling in manual. That would be a great compromise on all fronts.

if honda actually spent money engineering a v8 it would be disgusting....i mean granted the ls1 and ls7 already practically own the market it would be nice to see how much power honda could get out of 8 cylinders seeing how they get so much out of 4


you know absolutely nothing about autos or the automotive industry. if honda made a v8 engine it would most likely own any pushrod v8 in its class. pushrod engines are based on 1950's tech nothing special, now the just have 3 and 4 valve heads woop te doo. reason being why honda doesnt bother with this type of engine is the market is too small do to rising cost in fuel and customers for the most part dont want gas guzzlers

any japanese car manufacturer can build a better v8 than gm's ls1 or 2. best example would be to look at a lexus v8 small displacement dohc smooth as glass plenty of power. how fast would the lexus be if it had 6 liters instead of 4. isnt honda's F1 car a v8?

[neological]

was it also found on a buick model by any chance....? i think a kid around here actually turboed his REGAL..? :confused: and i heard it was actually quite the sleeper mobile...
The current Buick Lucerne has a Northstar variant.

You're probably thinking of the Buick Regal GS which was 240hp/280tq supercharged. It had a big reputation as a sleeper.

American carmakers have always built good engines but they fvck up the rest of the car. A lot of POS cadillacs, buicks and lincolns have decent motors.

[GSBoek]

any japanese car manufacturer can build a better v8 than gm's ls1 or 2. best example would be to look at a lexus v8 small displacement dohc smooth as glass plenty of power. how fast would the lexus be if it had 6 liters instead of 4. isnt honda's F1 car a v8?
That is a lil bit irrelevant to the thread bro. If it was up to Honda their engine of choice for F1 would be a V10, the V8 was imposed by new regulations.

[jlitman]

On a related note, I actually have a ton of data on individual differences in trait curiosity, information seeking behavior, and car purchase choices/satisfaction that I have yet to analyze.

One of the goals of the study was to see how beliefs about the validity of various sources of info guided what information people chose to use when making their decision.

Backburnered at the moment while I'm tied up with other projects...

[Haulin]

Acura may not beat everything, but the ranking of last is not deserved.

My Acura has been good to me & the service at the dealership has been far better than Toyota ever gave me.

[marc]

Acura may not beat everything, but the ranking of last is not deserved.

My Acura has been good to me & the service at the dealership has been far better than Toyota ever gave me.


read the survey methodology - they got last place because they weren't even mentioned in many of the categories

acura has ok products, but 0 standout products - which is what this survey penalizes.

[neological]

Acura may not beat everything, but the ranking of last is not deserved.

My Acura has been good to me & the service at the dealership has been far better than Toyota ever gave me.
They make sturdy, boring cars.

[Motor]

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/01/honda-usa-recalling-34300-my-2007-2008.html
As many as 34,300 2007 & 2008-Model-Year Honda Fit compact vehicles are being recalled to fix the sensor that detects the presence of a child seat or an out-of-position passenger. The recall affects Fit vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

In those States where road salt is used, salt from the snow on the driver's shoes will melt and penetrate the carpet and leak into the wire harness for the occupant detection system (ODS) and the occupant position detection system (OPDS) which is routed underneath the carpet on the driver's side floorboard. That may lead to corrosion and the wire may break.

A failure of the ODS and OPDS may not detect the presence of a child seat or an out-of-position passenger and deployment of both the front seat passenger's frontal and side air bags will not be suppressed. The recall will begin this month (Jan. '08).
http://bp1.blogger.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/R5IP1Pxls1I/AAAAAAAAg_w/csc54LJtc6w/s1600/hondaFit.jpg

:shrugs:

Discuss. :eatpop:

[Haulin]

Yah, car companies generally like to avoid killing babies, its hard on the wallet.

[marc]

I made it without airbags, booster seats etc

hell, my parents made it without seat belts

[shakey1378]

its a 15min fix recall whoop-te-doooh. most fits with this recall may never have this problem. we could not sell any fits when this recall came about 2 months ago just a splice insulation kit

[aznkhaos]

I made it without airbags, booster seats etc

hell, my parents made it without seat belts

im pretty sure there wasnt as many idiots on the road as before..

[marc]

I made it without airbags, booster seats etc

hell, my parents made it without seat belts

im pretty sure there wasnt as many idiots on the road as before..


you're right!

and they all probably knew when to use wasn't and when to use weren't

[ik3vini]

you're right!

and they all probably knew when to use wasn't and when to use weren't

:rofl:

[celicatrd93]

o well k-series for everybody......

[Motor]

http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/honda/honda-investigating-rankine-cycle-to-power-hybrids/
[QUOTE]Honda is investigating ways of recapturing heat energy lost through a car

[neological]

Gas is still perfectly fine with me.

[marc]

I'm fixing to make the switch to corn juice soon, as its on sale here and about $2.50/gallon - so even if I'm using 20% more, its still cheaper, and I can run more booooost (and with the conversion kit I can switch back to gasoline as needed).

[Nineball]

I'm fixing to make the switch to corn juice soon, as its on sale here and about $2.50/gallon - so even if I'm using 20% more, its still cheaper, and I can run more booooost (and with the conversion kit I can switch back to gasoline as needed).

conversion kit? what's involved in that? I've seen a few stations around here recently pick up selling e-85 (had only e-10 for the longest time).

[homeworld1031tx]

there was only a 3.8% percent increase in thermal efficiency? i'd expect it to the 10 times higher than that; sounds like a waste of time.

[nyoneway]

there was only a 3.8% percent increase in thermal efficiency? i'd expect it to the 10 times higher than that; sounds like a waste of time.

You're reading the wording wrong. It INCREASES the general overall thermal efficiency of the engine.

[homeworld1031tx]

Maybe I'm still not getting it, but from what I'm reading it sounds like they are saying at cruising the TE is going from maybe 35% to 38.8%. Not impressive at all for a combustion cycle that achieves 60 percent in powerplants, it's just going to add a ton of weight and cancel itself out. Of course, I could still be reading it wrong...

[nyoneway]

Maybe I'm still not getting it, but from what I'm reading it sounds like they are saying at cruising the TE is going from maybe 35% to 38.8%. Not impressive at all for a combustion cycle that achieves 60 percent in powerplants, it's just going to add a ton of weight and cancel itself out. Of course, I could still be reading it wrong...

Yea there's a bit of ambiguity in the wording. I'm not sure if it increases +3.8% on the original 100% scale (ie 35 to 38.8%), or it increases 3.8% of the 35% which really translate to 1.44%.

[Motor]

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/coupes/honda-hybrid-sports-coupe-aimed-at-european-market/
[QUOTE] The U.S. may be the biggest market for hybrid cars but Honda

[homeworld1031tx]

it'll be a nice touch if the colored plastic makes it into production, it doesn't seem too complicated.

[GSBoek]

^Nouveau Ris!

That thing is bound too have some huge blindspots despite all the glass.

[Motor]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/BIZ/802290459/1148/rss25
WASHINGTON -- Honda Motor Co. issued two separate recalls for its Acura TL sedan today to address potential fires under the hood and fix problems with the windshield wiper motor.

Honda said it was recalling 273,000 2004-2008 TLs because prolonged high temperatures underneath the engine hood could cause the power steering hose to deteriorate, causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid.

The automaker said the fluid could leak onto a hot catalytic converter and lead to smoke and a possible fire. Acura spokesman Mike Spencer said there had been no fires or injuries reported.

In the second action, Honda said it was recalling 129,600 TLs from the 2004-05 model year to address a potential failure of the circuit breaker inside the windshield wiper motor. If the circuit breaker fails, it could prevent the wiper from working and increase the likelihood of a crash.

There have been no reports of crashes or injuries tied to the windshield wiper issue, Spencer said.

For the first recall, dealers will install a new heat-resistant power steering hose free of charge. For the second, dealers will inspect the windshield wiper motor and replace the motor if they find signs of corrosion.

Owners with questions can contact Acura at (800) 382-2238 or through its owner Web site, http://www.ahm-ownerlink.com.

Acura is Honda's luxury brand.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/2008_acura_tl_38_450-op.jpg

Discuss. :eatpop:

[GTsRasta]

That's why they should make bigger hoods with bigger engines with more power and with more luxary.

But N0O0O0O0O0O0O0O0O0...

[Motor]

http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/honda/honda-reveals-nsx-cr-x-s2000-plans/
[QUOTE] Ten years ago the world was rich in Japanese sports cars. Skip forward today and the true Japanese sports car has become a rarity, with the Nissan GT-R being the most noteworthy example of late. Japanese automotive powerhouses Toyota and Honda have both been found lacking in this area, Honda having had no real sports car since the S2000, with the Integra and Civic Type-R completely lacking the caliber of Honda sports cars of the past. Honda is now planning to revive its famous nameplates from the past, going for a strategy that will cover the low, medium, and high-end sports car market.

When it comes to Japanese supercars, no discussion can end without mention of the famous NSX. Promised to be a competitor to established Europeans like Ferrari and Porsche, the next-gen model is aiming to join the ranks of the Nissan GT-R and the upcoming Lexus LF-A in a trio of Japanese glory. While a design is still uncertain, power is aimed at being over 500hp with all-wheel-drive and four-wheel steering added for high-speed cornering abilities according to Honda chief Takeo Fukui. Expect this to hit the streets around 2010.

For those who liked the CR-Z concept, a new CR-X based on this will make an appearance in late 2009. The car

[marc]

I love love love the NSX - I simply wouldn't feel comfortable having one as a daily driver because the looks would make me uncomfortable. I already get too much attention here driving my normal car (which was a dime a dozen in DC).

[GSBoek]

The NSX is THE ONE Honda product I absolutely love. I am looking forward to seeing a new one.

[lVlemphizStylez]

Hopefully it will be good this time and they kill it before it becomes outdated by 10 years+

[bps1804]

As cool as I thought the NSX was, I always thought it was a little short on power for the price.

But if they can really get this near 500hp, problem solved.

[marc]

As cool as I thought the NSX was, I always thought it was a little short on power for the price.

But if they can really get this near 500hp, problem solved.


So were 911s short on power too?

Because the 3.0L made more power than Porsche's contemporary 3.6 in the 964

and the 3.2L made more power than Porsche's contemporary 3.6 in the 993

and the 3.2L made 10 less horsepower than the 3.4 in the 996

it took until 2002 for the 996 to replace the 3.4 with a 3.6 that made 320 hp.

NOBODY complains 911s are underpowered.

[GSBoek]

X2

[bps1804]

As cool as I thought the NSX was, I always thought it was a little short on power for the price.

But if they can really get this near 500hp, problem solved.


So were 911s short on power too?

Because the 3.0L made more power than Porsche's contemporary 3.6 in the 964

and the 3.2L made more power than Porsche's contemporary 3.6 in the 993

and the 3.2L made 10 less horsepower than the 3.4 in the 996

it took until 2002 for the 996 to replace the 3.4 with a 3.6 that made 320 hp.

NOBODY complains 911s are underpowered.

www.edmunds.com

These are the prices for each 911-series' last year of production:


1993 Porsche Carrera 911 (964): $15,034
1993 Acura NSX: $23,069

1998 Porsche Carrera 911 (993): $24,488
1998 Base Acura NSX: $36,876

2004 Porsche Carrera 911 (996): $42,200
2004 Acura NSX: $61,848


I never said that the NSX didn't have a good chunk of power, I said FOR THE PRICE it's a little short. A 911 could put down just about as much power and it costs thousands less.

Otherwise I think it's a great car.

[omabramo]

Is there still any hope of the new nsx being mid engined, or were they dead set on the front layout?
:hide:

Dammit, Marc, I know you'd know this.

[marc]

So were 911s short on power too?

Because the 3.0L made more power than Porsche's contemporary 3.6 in the 964

and the 3.2L made more power than Porsche's contemporary 3.6 in the 993

and the 3.2L made 10 less horsepower than the 3.4 in the 996

it took until 2002 for the 996 to replace the 3.4 with a 3.6 that made 320 hp.

NOBODY complains 911s are underpowered.

www.edmunds.com

These are the prices for each 911-series' last year of production:


1993 Porsche Carrera 911 (964): $15,034
1993 Acura NSX: $23,069

1998 Porsche Carrera 911 (993): $24,488
1998 Base Acura NSX: $36,876

2004 Porsche Carrera 911 (996): $42,200
2004 Acura NSX: $61,848


I never said that the NSX didn't have a good chunk of power, I said FOR THE PRICE it's a little short. A 911 could put down just about as much power and it costs thousands less.

Otherwise I think it's a great car.


Those are used prices.

New they were nearly the same, especially if you look into 911 S and 4S models for the 993 and 996 (which had no extra power).

[lVlemphizStylez]

NOBODY complains 911s are underpowered.

One's a Porsche and the other is a Honda....I think it goes without saying, the Honda is going to have to make sure it earns it's worth 100% whereas the other can play on the name/prestige. That's just how it is...

You price a Porsche and Honda at same sticker with similar power...I'm sorry, but I'd dare say the majority of people will choose the Porsche

[shakey1378]

biggest thing here to catch my attn is the possibililty of another cr-x. i miss my 89. and lord know the s2k could use some changes even though its a superb car it sure hasnt changed much.

[bps1804]

.

Those are used prices.

New they were nearly the same, especially if you look into 911 S and 4S models for the 993 and 996 (which had no extra power).

Those are the prices without any mileage adjustment on both, regardless of year.


Also, a BRAND NEW 2008 997 goes for a $71,xxx. Since the NSX was discontinued, obviously I don't have pricing for it, but I think it's safe to say that a 4 year old car that now costs almost $62k would easily break $71k new.

Also, this:

One's a Porsche and the other is a Honda....I think it goes without saying, the Honda is going to have to make sure it earns it's worth 100% whereas the other can play on the name/prestige. That's just how it is...

You price a Porsche and Honda at same sticker with similar power...I'm sorry, but I'd dare say the majority of people will choose the Porsche

It goes back to the ZR-1 thread about how this new 'vette could beat ferraris at 1/2 the cost. However, one's a FERRARI, hence why they're able to be priced so high. Like Memphiz said, if a Honda out-prices a Porsche, it better be a damn good car and as far as the output goes, the NSX is way over priced.

[Nasty_impulse]

The S2000 could use an update, maybe a few visual changes,stronger rear end would be nice,Optional coupe,and kick the power to about 280hp would do the car wonders.

[shakey1378]

yup 280 with room to grow would be sick

[lVlemphizStylez]

you're asking for too much out of a factory production 2.2 liter NA engine...They'd have to put a whole new power plant in there, or boost it. Which I don't see either happening (S2K)

[mrluilou]

im curious to see what that crx will look like :gap:

[aznkhaos]

im curious to see what that crx will look like :gap:

yea me too..firend had one..it was fun to drive..and saved gas compared to my celica...not to mention really light

[Gas-n-Grease]

hmm, a 250hp "CRX"? Doesn't really sound like the CRX of the past for sure. I'm imagining the new REX is gonna be a heft piggy in comparison. I was really expecting 200-210hp. It would surprise me if its weight was around 2500-2600lbs.
I hope they get it right this time with the NSX. Went through 2 (?) failed concepts.
Years ago, Honda was rumored of planning on pull the S2000 out for good. I'd love to see a concept for this one. A little more power down low would be nice, but I like it to have a high revving engine. I'm also hoping they move the 50/50 weight distribution a little further away from the center as well.

[mindphunk]

This article says that the S2K will be getting a smaller engine. I don't know how reliable the source is.

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2009-honda-s2000.htm

[shakey1378]

you're asking for too much out of a factory production 2.2 liter NA engine...They'd have to put a whole new power plant in there, or boost it. Which I don't see either happening (S2K)

i dont really care how they get there as long as they get there. considering honda is not an american manufacturer the possibility of a new or revised powerplant is a little better imho...

[Nineball]

What kind of proposed powertrain was on that CR-Z? my memory wants to tell me it was that mutant AWD system with the engine running the front wheels and electric motors in the rear wheels... but i have a feeling that's way off.

[Dasher17]

In the end the CRX is just going to be a FWD econobox, i frikin love the s2k just the way it is so if they brought it back that would be fine by me, and I would have to see the NSX's real world numbers and prices before I make a judgment.

[marc]

you're asking for too much out of a factory production 2.2 liter NA engine...They'd have to put a whole new power plant in there, or boost it. Which I don't see either happening (S2K)


the S2000's engine is simply maxed out. It has been since day 1 - that's why people report next to no gains from bolt ons.

[nyoneway]

Those are used prices.

New they were nearly the same, especially if you look into 911 S and 4S models for the 993 and 996 (which had no extra power).

That's right, and unless you plan to drive the car to the ground or keep it forever, the resale value of the NSX is significantly higher.

[celicatrd93]

well this will be interesting...a new crx??

[Barabaika]

It seems that Honda has faulty 6-speed transmissions and don't want to fix this issue.
http://automotivetech.org/at/hondatrans/

we must address a nagging issue that owners all over the internet have been posting and blogging about. The issue is that of the 6 speed manual transmission problems in several major Honda models. The complaints range from gear grinds, difficulty shifting, and loss of gears all together.

The main reason was that the trend of problems was fairly obvious. 8 of the 10 Civic Si's we drove had problems getting into 3rd gear mostly during the first 10 minutes of driving. One of the Si's transmission was smooth but had a short shifter kit and a 120db exhaust. And the second Si that passed the test really did not pass because 2nd and 3rd gear ground so badly that we could not confidently say it suffered from a manufacturing defect.

[celicajonz]

are they using a C60 trans.?


:chuckles:

[Burrcold]

..........

[GTsRasta]

I got my C60 replaced under warranty.

[KAT_Ayanami]

This is such old news. Honda's since ~2000 have been having the 3rd gear grind/popping out issue. It's just the new gen Si owners are more anal about it, and have kicked up a stink.

Come on, imagine getting to the redline and the freaking thing poping out! :gap:
That's gonna leave a mark.

[Motor]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=125905
[QUOTE]TORRANCE, California

[2way]

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Honda_CR-Z_Concept.jpg
Wednesday May 21 2008 (Updates throughout)
By Chang-Ran Kim, Asia auto correspondent
TOKYO, May 21 (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co said on Wednesday it would launch a new low-cost, hybrid car in Japan, North America and Europe in early 2009 as it aims to overtake rival Toyota Motor Corp in the green car race.
Despite the pressure of record-high oil prices and concerns over climate change, fuel-efficient and low-emission hybrids still occupy a small niche in the global car market, partly due to their high costs for both consumers and automakers.
Japan's top two automakers lead the industry in the fuel-saving technology that runs on both electricity and gasoline, but Toyota has dominated sales with its immediately recognisable Prius model, which is only available as a hybrid.
"It is important to move hybrid vehicles from the current image-oriented stage to the new stage toward full-scale penetration," Chief Executive Takeo Fukui told a news conference.
By twinning a conventional engine and battery-powered electric motor, hybrids currently add $5,000 or more to comparable gasoline models, a premium Fukui hopes to bring down to around $2,000 in the next generation of hybrids.
Executive Vice President Koichi Kondo said Honda hoped to price the hybrid-only car under 2 million yen ($19,290).
Honda now only sells one hybrid car -- a gasoline-electric version of the mass-volume Civic sedan which starts at around 2.3 million yen -- after discontinuing its hybrid-only Insight two-seater in 2006.
In addition to the Civic hybrid, the new hybrid-only car and a planned sports car based on the CR-Z concept model, Honda will add a hybrid version of its popular Fit subcompact, Fukui said.
With the four models, Honda expects annual sales of 500,000 vehicles combined some time after 2010, or roughly one-tenth of its total fleet.
Honda had promised the hybrid-only car for launch some time in 2009, with projected annual sales of 200,000 units, after drastically reducing production costs and making them more affordable for consumers.
Announcing other details of the new hybrid-only car for the first time, Honda said the car would have five doors, seat five people and share a design concept with its sleek, FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle.
The car would use more compact and lightweight components for the hybrid system and have a newly developed vehicle platform that places the control unit and battery underneath the cargo space.
A new production line for electric motors will also be added at Honda's Suzuka factory, south of Tokyo, to more than double the production speed. The line would start operations at the end of 2008, raising annual capacity to 250,000 units from the current 70,000 units. Further expansion is possible to accommodate future growth in demand, Honda said.
Toyota is also racing to slash production costs for future hybrid cars. It has not disclosed when the third-generation Prius would be ready, although many expect a 2009 launch.
Toyota, the world's biggest automaker, is aiming to achieve annual hybrid sales of 1 million vehicles soon after 2010, also targeting roughly one-tenth of its total sales.
Few other automakers have managed to mass-market hybrid cars after Toyota blazed the trail with the first-generation Prius in 1997. Nissan Motor Co, Japan's No.3 automaker, is due to launch its own, in-house developed hybrid car in 2010.
Honda has said it expects to sell more than 4.5 million cars and 18 million motorcycles worldwide in 2010. Last year, it sold 3.767 million cars and 13.48 million motorcycles. ($1=103.70 Yen)

[GSBoek]

Toyota still has a headstart over Honda and everybody else. This is a change of direction. Last year they said they weren't going to fight Toyota on the hybrid front, concentrating on diesels instead. I wonder when the diesel-hybrids will start hitting shores.

[marc]

personal opinion - nobody is going to catch Toyota

in order to win the alt-fuel contest another manufacturer needs to move horizontally into a different method of propulsion, not chase hybrids

[Boosted2.0]

Everyone is going to start making hybrids. The next Gen Prius models are coming with a HUGE increase in fuel economy (there are rumors of triple digit economy numbers) and if the other guys don't do something to catch up they are going to loose out big time. Plus with the new CAFE ratings they announced they need to do something to make up for big sedans, sports cars, SUVs and trucks.

Things like regenrative braking, engine kill at a stop, electric AC and P/S etc. make too much sense to ignore, especially because you can add those technologies on top of ANY type of fuel you choose to use.

Hybrids aren't about the type of fuel, they are about extending mileage and lowering emissions REGARDLESS of fuel.

[GSBoek]

Think Toyota has something up its sleeve too other than hybrids?

[marc]

Think Toyota has something up its sleeve too other than hybrids?

I heard they might be retarded and launch an entire Prius brand

and do something equally retarded - a badge-engineered Lexus Prius

Toyota - the new GM ?

[switchblade5984]

hybrid there looks reminiscent of the old CRX

[Boosted2.0]

Think Toyota has something up its sleeve too other than hybrids?

Supposedly there will be E85 capable Yotas in the next year or two. I'm not sure thats a GOOD thing though...

[KAT_Ayanami]

I heard they might be retarded and launch an entire Prius brand

and do something equally retarded - a badge-engineered Lexus Prius

Toyota - the new GM ?

How about the prius with the huge litium battery that is supposed to go 115 mpg??

The guy who tested it said that he only put 30 gallons of gas on about 1500 miles...

He did not say anything about the electric bill though...

[GSBoek]

Supposedly there will be E85 capable Yotas in the next year or two. I'm not sure thats a GOOD thing though...
I'm quite sure it's not agood thing :D

I was thinking towards the hydrogen front but automakers have been mum about that lately.

[2way]

a badge-engineered Lexus PriusThey already have Lexus hybrids. I doubt they would add a luxury Prius to that line-up. There was a news story around about Paul Mcartney flying in his new Lexus hybrid and using more carbon to fly it in than the Lexus will likely save in it's lifetime.

He did not say anything about the electric bill though... There isn't one..... but, they are coming out with one that will plug-in.

Honda's Accord Hybrid sux. Their Insight was another story.

The next Gen Prius models are coming with a HUGE increase in fuel economy (there are rumors of triple digit economy numbers)
There are guys who pull triple digits now. What they are doing is advancing the MPH where the battery can be used. They are also looking at the plug-in aspect.

[homeworld1031tx]

Things like regenrative braking, engine kill at a stop, electric AC and P/S etc. make too much sense to ignore, especially because you can add those technologies on top of ANY type of fuel you choose to use.



boosted, how are electric A/Cs going to be more efficient than current drive belt powered ones? better optimal operating rpm range? or will the electric ones be reciprocating pumps now or something?

[2way]

Less engine load..... and can be run by battery.

[marc]

2way - the Lexus hybrids are generally about adding performance (ex - the LS600 is advertised as V12 power with V8 fuel economy, and in reality it doesn't get much better fuel economy than the regular LS simply because the 8-speed tranny does such a good job of giving it long legs).

There are many many many rumors circulating about a badge-engineered Prius for Lexus.

With regards to the new Prius - the 3rd gen is supposed to continue using nickel batteries but they are working on a plug-in lithium-ion for the 4th generation that should beat the Volt (translation - GM Vaporware) to the market.

The huge advantage of the Prius is that Toyota has the infrastructure and economy of scale to offer it at a price point where, with current gas prices, the hybrid premium over a Corolla is paid off in 5 years (compared to the Volt which should come in around $35,000, or GM's Hybrid SUVs which cost ~$50,000, or about $20,000 more than a regular GM SUV after rebates and incentives).

The modern Prius does NOT make financial sense if gas is below $4/gallon, but the new Prius is claimed to be 50% more efficient than the 2nd generation - so we'll see how it goes.

[Beast]

The CR-Z pic at the top is deceptive. People in here think that is the "cheap hybrid," when it is not. The cheap hybrid will look like a small piece of crap.

If the CR-Z prototype was the "cheap hybrid," I would be all up onz.

[Boosted2.0]

boosted, how are electric A/Cs going to be more efficient than current drive belt powered ones? better optimal operating rpm range? or will the electric ones be reciprocating pumps now or something?

It allows the AC to run when the engine is not running - hence you stay comfortable when stopped at a light but you aren't burning any gas. It also allows the AC compressor speed to be regulated independant of the engine speed (IE it can spin fast on initial cool down, and then once desired cabin temp is achieved it slows down to a slower more regulated speed). Plus when its nice out an the AC is off you don't have to waste energy spinning the AC pulley like n a conventional system. It also eliminates a few moving parts from a maintenance standpoint

Same deal with the electric power steering - no parasitic loss, engine does not need to run for it to work, and running down the road in a straight line it uses basically no energy at all.

[Boosted2.0]

2way - the Lexus hybrids are generally about adding performance (ex - the LS600 is advertised as V12 power with V8 fuel economy, and in reality it doesn't get much better fuel economy than the regular LS simply because the 8-speed tranny does such a good job of giving it long legs).

There are many many many rumors circulating about a badge-engineered Prius for Lexus.

With regards to the new Prius - the 3rd gen is supposed to continue using nickel batteries but they are working on a plug-in lithium-ion for the 4th generation that should beat the Volt (translation - GM Vaporware) to the market.

The huge advantage of the Prius is that Toyota has the infrastructure and economy of scale to offer it at a price point where, with current gas prices, the hybrid premium over a Corolla is paid off in 5 years (compared to the Volt which should come in around $35,000, or GM's Hybrid SUVs which cost ~$50,000, or about $20,000 more than a regular GM SUV after rebates and incentives).

The modern Prius does NOT make financial sense if gas is below $4/gallon, but the new Prius is claimed to be 50% more efficient than the 2nd generation - so we'll see how it goes.



More magazine racing from Marc.

What he ISN"T mentioning is that aside from using way less gas than any other car, the Prius also has significantly lower maintenance costs. For instance - brakes. Most dealers have yet to change a set of brake pads on a second gen prius. The hybrid system does most of the stopping with the regenerative braking of the electric motor. Most Priuses have like 80% left on the front pads at 100,000 miles.

Belt - there is a little itty bitty cheap belt that only drives the mechanical water pump when the engine is running. It tends to last Waaaay longer than a conventional serpentive belt.

Power steering fluid - there isn't any.

Trans fluid - it uses world standard transmission fluid which has a 100,000 service life.

Timing chain never needs service

Valves - as with all Toyotas they pretty much never need adjusting unless you do head work.

Plugs - Irridium 100K plugs

Coolant - SLLC 100,000 miles coolant.


So yeah - in the first 100,000 miles you will basically do your 20 oil changes, one set of tires and thats it. Couple that with the real world fuel savings and super high resale value on the car and the cost of ownership kicks the Corolla's ass.

[GSBoek]

^ You mentioned some good points on the two posts. On the maintenance side, what's the life expectancy of the battery pack? I haven't heard reports of people that had to replace theirs yet, but I figure at one point they will have to be replaced if people hold on to the car longer than the warranty period. Should be fairly expensive.

[Boosted2.0]

yeah its like $2500 but its under warranty for 8 years 100,000 miles and they haven't really been failing even after 100,000 miles - you see plenty with 150,000 - 200,000 on the first battery.

[marc]

More magazine racing from Marc.

What he ISN"T mentioning is that aside from using way less gas than any other car, the Prius also has significantly lower maintenance costs. For instance - brakes. Most dealers have yet to change a set of brake pads on a second gen prius. The hybrid system does most of the stopping with the regenerative braking of the electric motor. Most Priuses have like 80% left on the front pads at 100,000 miles.

Belt - there is a little itty bitty cheap belt that only drives the mechanical water pump when the engine is running. It tends to last Waaaay longer than a conventional serpentive belt.

Power steering fluid - there isn't any.

Trans fluid - it uses world standard transmission fluid which has a 100,000 service life.

Timing chain never needs service

Valves - as with all Toyotas they pretty much never need adjusting unless you do head work.

Plugs - Irridium 100K plugs

Coolant - SLLC 100,000 miles coolant.


So yeah - in the first 100,000 miles you will basically do your 20 oil changes, one set of tires and thats it. Couple that with the real world fuel savings and super high resale value on the car and the cost of ownership kicks the Corolla's ass.

Show me one shred of magazine racing in this thread? Seriously - if you're going to accuse someone of doing something, they had better be doing it.

As for the rest . . .

you just described like, every new car on the planet.

My BMW needs an oil change at 15,000 miles, tires, pads, and alignments - that's it - and its all covered for 4 years BY BMW.

I know most of the forthcoming BMWs are using start/stop technology and regenerative braking - no idea who else is doing it though.

[Motor]

complete article (http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustrialMachineryEquipment/idUST31363920080724?sp=true)
Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), as well Honda and Nissan, denied the automakers were part of the project.

The paper said the companies, along with Toyobo (3101.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), Takagi Seiko Corp (4242.Q: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and researchers from the University of Tokyo, aim to be able to mass produce the material by the mid-2010s and to make vehicles 40 percent lighter than steel-use cars.

Spokeswomen at both Honda and Nissan said they were exploring various new materials to use on vehicles but denied they were developing a new carbon fibre material with Toray and others.

Nissan said Toray currently supplies it with carbon fibre material, which it uses in high-end models such as the GT-R and 350Z sports cars and the Infiniti G35/G37 coupe in components such as the propeller shaft.

[Gas-n-Grease]

good. we need more lighter cars.
yes indeed... and make lighter cars even lighter :D

[GSBoek]

Agreed!

[marc]

full carbon fibre s2000 pls k thnx

[Motor]

complete article (http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/acura/acura-to-launch-all-new-model-in-2010-nsx-replacement-to-follow)
One of Acura’s key criticisms is its lack of a full model line and powerful RWD vehicles. Speaking with Automotive News, Acura’s vice-president for corporate planning and logistics, Dan Bonawitz, confirmed there would be an all-new model released in 2010.

The new car is likely to fit into the smaller segments in a nod to current fuel concerns, and according to Bonawitz “there is potential for a coupe like the previous CL” - despite that model being discontinued after the 2003 model year.

[GTsRasta]

I'm personally a fan of the new Acura styling that's going on with the definitive grills.

If they just go on the CTS route with better styling, RWD, BMW beating engines, and manual transmission like the direct injection CTS in 6 speed, then they can finally get a part of that market, and eventually develop and shoehorn V8's...if they ever decide to have the balls to make them....

They're already experimenting with turbos for the RDX...let the turbo trend grow...it's already happening for gas...

[Dasher17]

I'm personally a fan of the new Acura styling that's going on with the definitive grills.

If they just go on the CTS route with better styling, RWD, BMW beating engines, and manual transmission like the direct injection CTS in 6 speed, then they can finally get a part of that market, and eventually develop and shoehorn V8's...if they ever decide to have the balls to make them....

They're already experimenting with turbos for the RDX...let the turbo trend grow...it's already happening for gas...

But then it's just a matter of the price. Something that drives like a CTS will be priced like a CTS and at that point would you really take the acura over the CTS? Personally I think it will just be a boring coupe econobox that will doubtfully come with a 6spd.

[CEGONAX-MAN]

Acura can launch as many cars as they want and still they would look like crap.

[Motor]

complete article (http://www.autospies.com/news/Charting-The-Changes-2009-Honda-Vehicle-Changes-33435)
[QUOTE]2009 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord was all-new for 2008 and continues unchanged for the 2009 model year. All horsepower and torque ratings for 2009 V-6 models have been revised.

# Horsepower and torque ratings for V-6-equipped automatic transmission models modified to the correct, higher values:

* 2008→2009 hp @ RPM: 268@6200→271@6000~6200
* 2008→2009 lb-ft. @ RPM: 248@5000→254@5000

# Horsepower and torque ratings for V-6-equipped manual transmission models modified to the correct, higher values:

* 2008→2009 hp @ RPM: 268@6200→271@6200
* 2008→2009 lb-ft. @ RPM: 248@5000→251@5000

2009 Honda Civic
Available with a diverse lineup of powertrains, the Civic embraces traditional gasoline, hybrid, and natural gas technologies like no other vehicle in the world. For 2009, all Civic models receive freshened exterior styling with enhancements inside and out that include new colors and the introduction of available tech-friendly features like Bluetooth

[Kangaruu]

I like how it looks a bit menacing.

[jeff_o]

the new fit looks like the early 00s 3 door civic si

[Kangaruu]

It does and that's sort of why I like it :wiggle:

[marc]

I like how it looks a bit menacing.

THE FIT IS GO

[thebigbadbanana]

It looks a little more aggressive than the old one but not really all that different. Seems like they just changed a few of its curves into straight lines. :shrugs:

[marc]

It looks a little more aggressive than the old one but not really all that different. Seems like they just changed a few of its curves into straight lines. :shrugs:

probably gained 100 lbs or more as well

[Motor]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/scan0012.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/img_1130.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/img_1129.jpg

[Motor]

First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit
complete article (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=130906?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1 .*#3)
More Fun Than 400 Goats

First Impressions:
As clever and rational as before, but now quicker yet more relaxed around town.

* $15,220
* 117-hp 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine
* 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway with automatic
* 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway with manual
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2009/honda.fit.2/09.honda.fit.sport.f34.2.500.jpg

[marc]

A) They're comparing the Mini to the Fit in that a maxed out Fit costs as much as a base Mini. However, you're getting a base Mini with no options compared to a loaded Fit - not a bad trade - though the Mini is quite a bit more fun to drive, makes more power, and gets better fuel economy.

B) The auto gets better MPG than the manual because it has a lazy shift pattern and different (wider) gearing - so it will be much slower. If you had a manual with the same gearing that would get even better gas mileage. They did this with the old Civics, where the EX got a tighter gear set - an old trick would be to swap out a DX tranny for an EX tranny - worth about a half a second in the quarter mile.

[Motor]

Honda will give dealers Fits a month early
The 2009 Fit will arrive in dealerships Tuesday, Aug. 26. Honda's earlier plans were for the updated Fit to arrive Oct. 1.

"We basically increased supply as much as we could to meet demand, and we were still going to be sold out of the 2008 model," Honda spokesman Chris Martin said. "We had to do something so that our dealers would not be without the small cars that buyers are seeking."

In the first seven months of the year, Fit sales in the United States rose 72.9 percent to 52,053 units.

In July alone, Honda sold 12,266 Fits. That's nearly as many units as the entire lineup for its Acura brand, which sold 12,828 units in the month.

In June, Honda said it would boost output of the Fit to meet soaring demand. At that time, the automaker planned to increase its U.S. allotment to 80,000 units from 60,000.

Honda is now projecting annual demand of 85,000 units for the Fit, Martin said. The automaker plans to allot between 80,000 and 90,000 units of the 2009 model for the United States.

Honda has five plants making the vehicle, but its Suzuka, Japan, factory is the only one currently shipping Fits to the United States.

Martin said Honda has the option of increasing Fit production at the Suzuka plant or using one of its four other plants if U.S. demand for the Fit continues to rise.

The base sticker of the 2009 Fit, including destination, will be $15,220. Honda raised the price on the new model by $600 from the 2008 model.

The Fit will get up to 35 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city.

Now you know.

[Motor]

Mugen Honda Civic 5D
complete article (http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080902.007/honda-civic-5d-mugen-concept-revealed-in-moscow)
Mugen Motorsports, has waved its wand over a European specific model for the first time in the Honda Civic 5-door hatchback. Revealed at the Moscow Motor Show with cosmetic modifications only in the form of a body kit closely resembling the previously released Honda Civic Mugen RR from last year, this concept is a sign that Mugen is testing the waters of the old continent. Surely, with the Honda name gaining popularity across Europe, hoards of Honda tuners will be lined up to tap into the European market, and who better to test the waters first than the one with familiar ties to Honda Motor Company.

[GTsRasta]

I'd derice that car by removing the wing, and put on the regular wing in no time...

[Motor]

New Honda City
complete article (http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=784981)
The new Honda City has been popping up in numerous grainy camera phone spy pics for a while now, but these photos reveal quite a few details. The City is based upon the Fit platform and is sold primarily in Asian markets. I have asked Honda officials and they indicate that it's quite unlikely that the City will make its way to the US market any time soon.

[marc]

wow - that Civic is hideous.

I seriously like the Mugen SI - if I could pick one up for $24,000 or so I'd probably do so.

[Motor]

Honda to debut Prius-fighter concept this Thursday
complete article (http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/09/honda-to-reveal-concept-version-of-its.html)
Honda's "Prius fighter" has been talked about for what seems like ages and we're getting awfully close to seeing the real deal. We already know it'll look something like the fuel cell-driven FCX Clarity, but details beyond that are scarce. We had been told the reveal would happen at the Paris Motor Show next month, but word from Honda is that we'll now see it in just 48 hours when the concept version is revealed on Thursday, Sept. 4th.

[Motor]

Well, it's Thursday. Here it is:
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/10478/images/1HondaInsightConcept.jpg

[GSBoek]

Any pics of the rear? I have a feeling it's hideous.

And yes, looks like they lifted the rims straight out of the early '70s

[Motor]

Any pics of the rear? I have a feeling it's hideous.

No shots of the rear and interior have been released just yet.

[Solidus 604]

^^^^ wow, ripping off audis lights ftw ^^^^

[Motor]

Honda says no to plug-in hybrids
complete article (http://www.motorauthority.com/honda-says-no-to-plug-in-hybrids.html)
Honda has always been at the forefront of the eco-technological wave, being one of the first to the market with a mass-produced hybrid vehicle with the original Insight hatch and then breaking new ground once again with the hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity. Despite this penchant for innovation, the carmaker doesn’t have plans for a new-generation of plug-in hybrid vehicles because of inadequate battery technology.

"For battery-powered vehicles to become more widespread, more popular in the market, we feel battery technology needs to advance further," Honda research boss Masaaki Kato revealed to Bloomberg during a recent interview. "We just don't see it providing the type of driving performance you get with a gasoline-powered vehicle."

[Motor]

Honda builds safer airbag and new multi-view camera system
http://www.motorauthority.com/honda-builds-safer-airbag-and-new-multi-view-camera-system.html
Honda today announced three wide-ranging safety advances that the company plans to implement across its vehicles and engineering processes in coming years. The first two technologies are designed to protect occupants and the vehicle itself, while the third is designed to promote increased pedestrian safety.

The lineup includes a new multi-view camera system, third-generation pedestrian crash dummies for more accurate crash testing, and the world's first driver’s-side continuous-stage-inflation airbag.

Multi-view Camera system
The multi-view camera system display views from multiple wide-angle CCD cameras on the vehicle's navigation screen to reduce blind spots, support smooth parallel or garage parking, and support safe driving at intersections where there is limited visibility. This system will be applied first to the all-new Odyssey, which is scheduled to go on sale in Japan next month.

The set-up includes four wide-angle CCD cameras located in the front and rear of the vehicle and on the right and left door mirrors. After synthesizing the images, the system adds additional information including a projection line, which shows the vehicle's projected trajectory based on steering angle information, and a reference line. This in turn provides a reference for the distance between the vehicle and approaching obstacles, making parking and driving easier.

Nissan has also developed a multi-camera system that provides a bird's eye view of the car to eliminate parking accidents, although Honda's system differs in its approach as to how it displays the information from its cameras.

Next-generation crash dummies provide more accurate information
In addition to this, Honda announced that it will begin using its new third generation pedestrian dummy, the POLAR III, in vehicle-to-pedestrian crash tests before the end of this year.
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/h/o/honda_camera_system_main630-0918-636x360.jpg
.

[Gas-n-Grease]

the civic needs to lose the fatty ricer wing. the lips are ok. it doesn't bother me as much as that wing.
oh, the honda "shi-tti" is still around? wow, labeled as the "Honda Fit Arai". Didn't know that until now.

[Motor]

Honda S3000
complete article (http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=10&article_id=7109)
At long last, Honda will completely revamp its high-revving roadster.

A source close to the company revealed that Honda is indeed in the process of building such a car, but wouldn't disclose specific details.

The OSM (Open Study Model) concept car definitely raised some eyebrows recently at the London show, but that car was just a convertible version of the CR-Z hybrid sports car shown at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. The OSM was penned by Honda's European design team, and our people tell us that the real S2000 successor will have much more influence and input from Japan. Also, the CR-Z and OSM have been engineered as front-engine/front-wheel-drive models, and the S2000 successor will no doubt be a rear-wheel-drive car. So apparently the OSM has nothing to do with the S2000 successor. Or does it...?

There's the possibility that the OSM may very well be a design study of the next S2000, wearing the veil of an open-top CR-Z to throw us off. There was also a sighting of a mysterious prototype sports car near Honda's R&D headquarters in Japan that seemed to share the OSM's proportions, yet looked completely different. Could this be another design study of the S2000? We think so, so we took pieces of that car, melded it with the OSM and came up with this image, a handsome car with an Audi R8-esque face, a long hood and a profile reminiscent of the current S2000.

As for what will go under the hood is still unclear. There have been rumors that Honda may equip the car with a V-6, perhaps a new 3.0-liter or the 3.5-liter in the Acura TL, thus the name S3000. In the U.S., this makes sense because it would give the car much more low-end torque (something we Americans love), not to mention improved smoothness and quietness for freeway driving.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/2008/W39/092320082056482934.jpg

[marc]

bigger, fatter, more powerful

no thanks.

gimme an S600
http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/images/years/1965/honda_s600.jpg

[Motor]

Acura boasts NSX will be faster than Nissan GT-R
http://www.motorauthority.com/acura-exec-boasts-nsx-will-be-faster-than-nissans-gt-r.html
Honda is pulling out all the stops for its replacement for the Acura NSX supercar, confirming it will be powered by a new V10 engine and boasting that it will be faster than Nissan’s GT-R. Expected to be sold exclusively under the Acura brand, the new model is scheduled to arrive in 2010 for the 2011 model year and availability is expected to be scarce.

[KAT_Ayanami]

^ The NSX faster than a GTR? With a v10 instead of a v6? HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!?

[Motor]

Honda Unveils Experimental Walking Assist Device With Bodyweight Support System
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/honda-unveils-supplemental-robot-legs-for-humans/
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled its second experimental walking assist device that helps support bodyweight to reduce the load on an individual's legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position. The device is designed for people who are capable of walking and maneuvering on their own, but who can benefit from additional leg and body support while performing tasks. Honda will now begin testing the device in real-world conditions to evaluate its effectiveness.

The new walking assist device with the bodyweight support system reduces the load on leg muscles and joints (in the hip, knees, and ankles) by supporting a portion of the person's bodyweight. The device has a simple structure consisting of seat, frame, and shoes, and the individual can put it on by simply wearing shoes and lifting the seat into position. Moreover, a mechanism that directs the assisting force toward the user's center of gravity and the ability to control the assist force in concert with the movement of the legs - both unique Honda innovations - make it possible for the device to provide natural assistance in various postures and motions.

Honda began research on a walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide more people with the joy of mobility. The first walking assist device, announced in April 2008, has a stride management system and was designed for people with weakened leg muscles, due to reasons such as aging. The research and development of Honda's advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO, including the study of human walking, provided Honda with the knowledge necessary to develop the walking assist device. This research has been conducted by the Fundamental Technology Research Center of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Wako, Saitama. To evaluate the effectiveness of the experimental model of the walking assist device with bodyweight support system, Honda will test the walking assist device at its Saitama Factory (in Sayama, Saitama) starting this month.

Key Features:

* Convenient sitting-type device
o The individual simply needs to wear shoes and raise the seat into place.
o The user can benefit from the assist without belts fastening the device to their body.
o The structure to position the device between the individual's legs minimizes the required footprint, therefore making it easier for them to maneuver.
* Method to assist bodyweight support
o The device will support a portion of the person's bodyweight by lifting the seat as the frame between the shoe and seat bends and extends, just like knees, with the force from the motor. As a result, the load on leg muscles and joints (in the hip, knees, and ankles) is reduced.
o Honda developed a unique mechanism where the seat and frame follow the movement of the body and legs. The assisting force will be directed toward the individual's center of gravity, just as with human legs, which enables the device to provide assistance in various movements and postures including walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position.
* Natural control of the assisting force
o Natural walking is achieved by changing the amount of assisting force applied to the right and left legs through the control of two motors based on the information obtained though sensors imbedded in the shoes of the device.
o The effectiveness of the device was increased in those motions and postures which put increased load on knees, such as going up and down stairs and in a semi-crouching position. This was achieved by adjusting the assisting force in accordance with the bending and stretching motion of the knees.

Key specifications of experimental walking assist device with bodyweight support system:
Weight: 6.5kg (including shoes and batteries)
Drive system: Motor X 2
Battery pack: Lithium ion battery
Operating time per charge: 2 hours (including walking and in a semi-crouching posture, etc.)
Suitable height of the user: Within plus or minus 5cm of the set height (Example: set height for Medium size is 170cm)
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/honda_legs_1.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/honda_legs_2.jpg

[Soo__Fuego]

^^^^^^^^^ oh wow:rofl:

[Gas-n-Grease]

looks a little awkward though

[Motor]

Honda V8 coming in 2015
complete article (http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/11/honda-planning-v8----but-not-until-2015.html)
A big, heavy V8 engine over the front tires is a recipe for a horribly unbalanced front-driver, and Honda realizes this. So expect the aforementioned sedan to get rear-wheel-drive to go along with its newfound infusion of displacement. When? Not until 2015 according to some industry sources. That's a veritable eternity in the auto biz, so we have to wonder if Fukui has let the cat out of the bag a bit prematurely.

Too little too late, as far as I'm concerned.

[Motor]

Honda slashes even more North American production
complete article (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/honda-slashes-even-more-north-american-production/)
While the 119,000 total vehicles is just short of half of what GM will drop, these cuts should still be viewed as rather drastic measures for the Japanese automaker, which builds about 80% of all Hondas and Acuras destined for U.S. consumption in North American plants, and had already lowered sales forecasts for 2009.

These production cuts will be achieved by slowing assembly line output and closing various North American plants for two days this month and up to a week in January, including at the Greensburg, Indiana plant that has yet to reach full capacity. Honda is not planning to lay off any workers at any of the affected plants.

Ouch.

[Burrcold]

............

[Motor]

Honda may delay U.S. diesels
complete article (http://www.motorauthority.com/honda-may-delay-us-diesels-due-to-fuel-costs.html)
"Right now we are re-evaluating, due to trends in gasoline and diesel prices, and the price of raw materials we use in the exhaust clean-up system," said David Iida, a Honda spokesman.

The fuel itself costs 40-50% more than gasoline, reports The Detroit Free Press, but the cars are only 20-40% more efficient, and they command a premium of about $1,500 over their non-diesel counterparts. Acura had previously been planning on bringing a 44mpg diesel engine to its Acura TSX (known outside the U.S. as the Honda Accord Euro).

[Motor]

Honda stock drops ahead of urgent announcement
complete article (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Honda-stock-drops-ahead-of-apf-13851674.html)
TOKYO (AP) -- Honda shares dropped 4.6 percent Wednesday morning on worries about a serious slump in the global auto market after the president's year-end press conference was suddenly moved up two days.

Japan's No. 2 automaker declined to give a reason for the urgency of the news conference later Wednesday, except for "internal factors."

In recent years, the annual media event has usually been an occasion for Honda to announce ambitious plans for growth in key global regions and outline its strategy in green technology such as hybrids and fuel cell vehicles.

But speculation is rife this year's news will be dismal as the industry gets hammered by the global recession set off by the U.S. financial crisis.

Japan's top business daily, The Nikkei, reported Wednesday that Honda will revise its profit forecast lower -- its third revision this year -- and will scale back some of its planned investments to rein in costs.

Honda officials declined to comment on the report.

:eek: :AF:

[Motor]

Honda could move headquarters outside of Japan
complete article (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/honda-could-move-headquarters-outside-of-japan/)
Honda's Takeo Fukui made his opinions perfectly clear regarding the Japanese government's recent lack of currency manipulation. Fukui, CEO of Honda Motor Co., suggested that the yen's rise in value relative to the currency in the United States and Europe is causing major damage to the automaker, and he's willing to take drastic measures to stop the hurt, including relocating the automaker's corporate headquarters to another country. Other possible actions include a major reduction in workforce, including the type of permanent lay-offs that the automaker has typically avoided in the past, as well as moving more production out of Japan and into overseas markets.


Whoa.

[Motor]

Rose Bowl Asimo parade float
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/honda_rose_parade_float_2.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/honda_rose_parade_float_3.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/honda_rose_parade_float_4.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/honda_rose_parade_float_5.jpg

[Motor]

Honda developing electric motorcycle for 2010
complete article (http://www.motorauthority.com/honda-developing-electric-motorcycle-for-2010.html)
Honda announced today that it will be developing an electric-powered motorcycle, with sales of the bike expected to begin some time next year. The news will be pleasing for those of you who remember Honda's electric moped concept that was unveiled back in 2004 but failed to see production.

Honda's CEO, Takeo Fukui, stated in December that Honda was "developing a battery-powered electric motorcycle which emits no CO2 during operation". The decision to implement the technology in a motorcycle was explained by Fukui, who claimed that "the characteristics of a battery can be better utilized in the area of motorcycles, which are often used for short distance travel."

Fukui expects the electric motorcycle to be extremely popular in "newly emerging countries in regions such as Asia and South America", because "motorcycles are being used for everyday transportation" and that these markets are exhibiting "long-term and steady market growth". He did not mention whether or not the electric motorcycle would make it to American shores, however American-based electric motorbike company Vectrix has proven that the vehicles can be popular in the United States market.

Honda's plans to develop the electric motorcycle demonstrate the company's greater focus on volume products, especially following last year's dismal period for the automotive market for which Honda is expected to announce a profit of just 1.6 billion euros ($2.2 billion), almost three-quarters less than 2007's earnings. For this reason CEO Takeo Fukui is determined to refocus the company on where it excels - small, fuel efficient vehicles.
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/h/o/honda_motorcycles_logo_main_630-0102-191x82.jpg

Do not want.

[bigllama38]

they came up with a great car Honda Civic Si (http://www.10facts.com/article/Autos/Cars/Honda/Honda-Civic-si.html)

[Gas-n-Grease]

...umm.... that's great. think most of us knows that by now.
also "Si" = Sport Injection.

[Motor]

Honda axes sports and luxury models
complete article (http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=236796)
[QUOTE]The restructuring of Honda’s new model programme that led to the death of the new Honda NSX is much more extensive than previously thought. Honda is completely dismantling its plans for the next two years as it attempts to deal with the rapid collapse in new car sales across the world.

[b]Among the casualties of Honda’s rethink are a range of rear-wheel-drive cars to be sold under the Acura brand, a proposed V8 engine, a successor to the Honda S2000 and a convertible based on the forthcoming Honda CR-Z coup