Articles: Articles

Sony Honda Mobility Joint Venture in Question Amid Honda Cancellations

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:48:00 +0000

With Honda's cancellation of its own planned EV product lineup, the 0 Series Saloon, 0 Series SUV, and Acura RSX, Sony Honda Mobility has announced the cancellation of their first and second models under the Afeela brand.

The Afeela concepts were unveiled at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show to much fanfare, however, expected high pricing amid a global electric vehicle pullback rendered the Afeela brand unviable.

The Afeela 1 sedan entered production late last year based on Honda's 0 Series EV architecture, at Honda's assembly plant in East Liberty, Ohio. It is unclear how many Afeela units have been produced.

Honda said "The underlying assumptions of [Sony Honda Mobility's] business operations such as the utilization of certain technologies and assets planned to be provided by Honda were fundamentally altered." Sony and Honda will review the business direction of the partnership.

Sony Honda Mobility was established in 2022 as a way to blend the electronics and automotive expertise of the two iconic Japanese brands.

2023 Afeela Concept - Gallery

Honda Cancels Three Planned Electric Vehicles

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Honda has announced that they have canceled three electric vehicles planned for production in the U.S., citing lower EV demand, U.S. tariffs, and low interest in Asian markets. Executives further blame poor sales of EVs in China specifically for Honda's financial straits with total Honda sales in China down 24-percent.

The 0 Series SUV, 0 Series Saloon, and Acura RSX were due to be produced in the U.S. and Honda had already begun retooling its production to be ready for later this year.

Honda's course change are expected to severely impact earnings due out on March 31st. Japan's second-largest automaker is looking at potentially $15.8 billion in losses.

The Honda Prologue model, which once enjoyed brisk sales prior to the ending of EV tax credits in September 2025, has tumbled 86-percent in the last three months of last year, moving just 2,641 units.

Honda instead will divert development towards expanding its offering of hybrid models.

Honda Prologue Is Likely to End Production This Year

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

On the heels of Honda's announcement that it is canceling development of its 0 Series SUV, 0 Series Saloon, and Acura RSX EVs, Honda is expected to end production of the electric Prologue SUV at the end of this year.

Initial production of the Prologue had strong sales with Honda moving 39,000 units in 2025. However, with the expiration of the $7,500 tax credit at the hands of the Trump administration, sales tumbled 76 percent.

The Prologue is a joint-venture built with General Motors at GM's plant in Mexico. Honda has already slashed production of the Prologue and now expects to sell only 17,900 units for 2026. The Acura ZDX, another GM joint venture EV model was canceled late in 2025.

Honda's electric vehicle restructuring could cost Honda up to $15.8 billion.

Honda's Hydrogen Gamble: The 2025 CR-V e:FCEV Plug-In Fuel Cell

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 20:07:00 +0000

Hydrogen Meets Plug-In in the CR-V

Honda unveiled the first hydrogen fuel-cell plug-in vehicle today on their website. The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV has a total EPA-rated range of 270 miles and a battery-operated range of 29 miles. Only available in front-wheel drive, the powertrain offers 174 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Honda has reworked the suspension setup with tuned dampers and springs. The fuel-cell stack has an estimated 92.2 kW production capacity feeding from 4.3 kg of stored hydrogen. Drivers can charge the battery with Level-2 charging or visit a hydrogen filling station for fast fill-ups.

Well-Equipped Touring Trim Only

Offered only in a well-equipped Touring trim, the CR-V e:FCEV receives unique styling to identify it as a fuel-cell model and includes a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless phone charging, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, power-adjustable heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, handsfree access power tailgate, parking sensors and sustainable materials including bio-based leather seat upholstery.

The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV also offers a 1,500-watt, 110-volt power supply to power small appliances, power tools, and camping equipment.

Honda will only offer the 2025 CR-V e:FCEV as a lease for drivers in Southern California beginning later in 2025. Check out the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV photo gallery for a closer look.

Honda Will Upgrade your 2018-2022 Accord to Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:41:58 +0000

Honda has announced that it will offer a software update to 2018 - 2022 Honda Accords to enable wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to vehicles originally equipped with the wired-only version of the mirroring softwares. This is part of a company-wide initiative to add value to prior model-year Hondas and extend the lifetime of their vehicles.

The upgrade must be performed at a dealership and costs $112 plus dealership labor charges. Owners who purchased their car through Honda's certified pre-owned program are eligible for the upgrade at no additional charge.

Roughly 631,000 Honda Accords in the U.S. are eligible for this upgrade.

Honda Gives the Mid-Size Sedan Segment Another Chance with the 2023 Accord

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 20:11:00 +0000

Back in May, we reported about how The Family Sedan is on the Endangered List. At the time of that article, there were 6 sedans left that didn't have news about being canceled. That number has since dwindled to five as the news of the Nissan Maxima's pending extinction came out over the summer, leaving just the Accord, Camry, Altima, Legacy, and Charger. Today, Honda has refreshed its commitment to staying in the family sedan game with the release of the all-new 2023 Honda Accord.

The new Accord is longer and sleeker, with a broad stance that builds on the latest Honda design language. The lineup has been simplified while retaining 6 trim levels that now correlate with the engine selection. Sorry speed fans, the 252 horsepower 2.0T with 9-speed auto is gone.

The 11th-Generation Honda Accord will be powered either by a 192 horsepower / 192 lb.-ft 1.5 liter 4-cylinder turbo-charged engine that largely carries over from the previous generation (LX or EX) or a Atkinson cycle 2.0-liter naturally aspirated direct injected 4-cylinder paired with a two-motor hybrid system that produces 204 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft of torque(Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, and Touring). The hybrid system has fractionally less horsepower than the outgoing hybrid, but gains 15lb.-ft of torque. Honda expects 50% of Accord sales to be hybrid models.

The 1.5-liter has received refinements with an upgraded direct-injection system, and high-rigidity crankshaft and oil pan to reduce engine noise. The CVT for the 1.5T has been updated to reduce noise and improve performance, including adding a step-shift program to simulate gear changes at full throttle. Honda was unclear about the design of the hybrid transmission.

The exterior of the Accord has been simplified with a handsome, upright black-mesh grille. Overall length is up 2.8 inches with contributes to a longer hood and flowing fastback roof line. Full width narrow LED taillights contribute visually to the Accord's wide stance.

The inside of the Accord was already the finest in the segment and while the materials have received upgrades, the design is evolutionary rather then revolutionary. A metal mesh dash spans the dash and conceals HVAC vents lending simplicity to the design. The front seats are Honda's new Body Stabilizing design that reduce fatigue on long drives. The awkward push-button transmission controls of the outgoing model have been replaced with a more traditional shift lever that has been angled 5 degrees towards the driver to allow room for larger cup holders to the right.

Honda eschews the trend (thankfully) of iPad sized infotainment screens in favor of a relatively short 12.3-inch touch screen on hybrid models and a 7.0-inch unit on 1.5T models that doesn't overpower the dash. Noting the recent backlash against touch-sensitive controls, Honda wisely retains physical volume knobs and HVAC controls. Top of the line Touring models gain Honda's first integration of Google built-in. This includes most popular apps such as Google Assistant, Google Maps, and select others from the Google Play store, with select vehicle functions controllable from the Google Assistant. Touring models also come with Qi wireless charging, a 6-inch heads up display, and a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on LX and EX models, while all Hybrid trims get upgraded to the wireless versions. All versions of the Accord infotainment system can receive over-the-air updates.

On the safety front, the Accord's airbags are a new three chamber design meant to cradle the head and reduce neck rotation. Knee and rear-passenger side airbags are now standard. Honda Sensing has also received updates with a new wider angle camera, wider angle radar, and improved ability to recognize objects such as vehicles, pedestrians, white lines, curbs, bicycles, and motorcycles.

The 2023 Accord will continue to be built in Marysville, Ohio where more than 12.5 million Accords have been produced since 1982.

All-New 2023 Honda Civic Type R – the Ultimate Hot Hatch – Arriving at Dealers

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 22:13:00 +0000

Starting with an MSRP of $42,895 and a $1,095 destination charge, $43,990 price, Honda has embodied their own challenging spirit, using their racetrack proven engineering to deliver a thrilling performance for owners on the road and on the track. "The perfect capstone to our 11th-generation Civic lineup, the sportiest, most fun-to-drive Civic in our history" per VP of sales for American Honda, Mamadou Diallo.

The Civic Type R is the most powerful Honda production vehicle ever sold in the U.S. with 315-horsepower and an EPA MPG Rating of 22/28/24 (city/highway/combined). From racing colors to more traditional colors, one should be able to find the right color for this pocket rocket.

Honda has two standard exterior colors, Rallye Red (R-513) and Crystal Black Pearl (NH-731P) for a premium price, one can have a choice of either Championship White (NH-0), Sonic Gray Pearl (NH-887P), or Boost Blue Pearl (B-637P).

Honda has pushed the edges of the latest all-new Type R in ensuring while you have more power, you will also have more breaking power as they have the latest Brembo braking system.

Your 2023 Honda Civic Type R has continued enhancements to the Data logging app for spirited driving allowing for customization of the power train response depending on what the driving is doing.

There is just one standard interior color, a Black/Red for all five colors externally.

If one has not noticed or was not aware, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R only comes with a single 6-Speed Manual Transmission (6MT) with Rev-Match Control.

The latest minimalist dash/instrumentation is present in the 2023 Civic line. Customization is the game here as with the digital dash, one can decide which information they want to see or use the default dash settings from Honda.

One cannot forget that Honda is still about moving people and their stuff, so the standard Civic sized trunk for hauling the family items or the family grocery shopping trip.

For those fans of cars fearing that everyone was going SUV/Truck, Honda has you covered from basic no frills entry level Civic to this Pocket Rocket, 4-door sedan of driving pleasure.

Full details of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R were released by Honda as a Spreadsheet of details.

The only thing that makes this car enthusiast wonder is how many of these will they sell with the Manual transmission since not too many people know how to drive one anymore. Sales numbers will be interesting to watch, and I hope Honda can sell everyone and then some.

All-New Fourth Generation Honda Pilot Arrives

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 16:21:43 +0000

Honda revealed the all-new, larger, fourth generation 2023 Honda Pilot today. This new generation of Pilot gains more rugged looks and significant improvements to the off-road TrailSport trim introduced for 2022. The Pilot gains 2.8 inches in wheelbase, 3.4 inches in exterior length, and up to 1.5 inches in track over the outgoing model depending on trim.

Starting next month, the 2023 Pilot arrives in Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite trims. The biggest news is the TrailSport trim that features all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, higher ground clearance, off-road suspension that includes a one-inch lift, 18-inch wheels with inset spokes, and exclusive system logic for the i-VTM4 torque vectoring system dedicated to taking the Pilot TrailSport off-road. In trail mode, the i-VTM4 system can direct up to 75% of the rear axle's torque to the wheel with the most traction, keeping 25% reserved for the remaining wheel for quick reaction once traction is restored. While in TrailMode and below 15 mph, the Pilot's 4 exterior cameras help the driver navigate tight terrain with the front camera activating automatically. Hill Decent Control which debuted on the 2023 CR-V earlier this year is standard on all Pilots.

Powering the Pilot is a new 3.5-liter DOHC V6 providing 285 horsepower (Up by 5 over the previous version) and 262 lb.-ft of torque (same as last year). This new engine features a more compact and space-efficient design that lowers cylinder head height by 30 mm and reduces the number of parts. Variable Cylinder Management remains, shutting down cylinders in low-load situations. The transmission gains a gear with now 10 forward speeds. The Pilot is rated for up to 5,000 lbs of towing when properly equipped.

New Pilot Features:

Rugged exterior design
All-new 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine is more powerful
New available second-generation i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system improves off-road capability
More modern and comfortable interior
Class-leading overall passenger space
First-in-class multi-function removable second-row middle seat provides three discrete seating options (Touring, Elite)
Increased cargo volume
Standard digital instrumentation
10.2-inch digital instrument display (Elite)
9-inch HD touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility (EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite)
Standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility (Sport)
7 available drive modes, including new Sport, Tow, and Trail modes
Standard Honda Sensing® system with new wide-view camera and radar
Standard Hill Descent Control
Next-gen front passenger airbag designed to reduce potential for traumatic brain and neck injuries
Standard driver and front-passenger knee airbags
Trail torque logic optimizes off-road performance of i-VTM4 torque vectoring all-wheel drive system (TrailSport)
TrailWatch camera system to help drivers navigate obstacles (TrailSport, Elite)

Naturally, the Pilot also gets an all-new interior with a clean and uncluttered instrument panel. The extra size of the platform translates to noticeably more legroom for the 2nd and 3rd row passengers. The Pilot can be configured with either a 2nd row bench or a bench with a removable center stowable seat (Touring and Elite only). Occupants in the front seats will find comfort in the Body Stabilizing front seats that reduce fatigue during long drives. Cargo room is up to 113 cu.ft behind the first row and 22.4 behind the third row.

The Pilot retains its class-leading suite of safety and driver assist features available from Honda Sensing. Blind spot information has been expanded, now with 82 feet of radar range. Also new are Traffic Jam Assist, Low-Speed Braking Control and Traffic Sign Recognition which are standard. Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist have been updated to feature more natural responses. Pilot features eight standard airbags, including a next-gen passenger-side front airbag that uses a three-chamber design with the two outer chambers designed to cradle the head and minimize rotation to minimize the potential for severe brain trauma associated with oblique frontal collisions. Front knee airbags are also standard.

The 2023 Honda Pilot will be build in Honda's Lincoln Alabama plant and go on sale in December.

Electrified Honda Prologue SUV Revealed

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 18:06:16 +0000

Honda has given us the first official look at the exterior and interior styling of the All-New Honda Prologue electric SUV that launches in North America in 2024. The Prologue is what Honda is calling a "Neo-Rugged" exterior and interior styling with ample interior space that enables one for adventure inside and outside the city limits.

2024 Honda Prologue Reveal-en-US_h264_aac_1280x720.mp4

As we get into looking at this Honda, keep in mind that Honda signed a joint agreement with GM to use their Ultium Platform for their Honda EV portfolio. As such, it will be interesting to compare and contrast this SUV with SUVs from GM.

On top of this, the month of October Honda also has launched a CR-V Hybrid that Honda even says will be a Gateway vehicle to the Prologue. The Honda CR-V Hybrid will be focused in sales on short term leases in ZEV states to allow Honda to Transition hybrid customers to EVs.

The Honda Prologue is the First for Honda's EV portfolio and will be on sale in 2024 North America wide. Prologue is to complement the Honda's light truck lineup, positioned alongside the Passport and above the CR-V, offering generous passenger and cargo space over the ICE autos.

Masaki Sumimoto, design lead for the Color, Materials and Finish had the following to say: "Our goal was to create a clean harmony based on a rugged SUV image by coordinating the colors and materials to express neo-rugged design styling that’s familiar to our customers and uniquely Honda,"

To this end, Prologue upon release for sales will be available in an exclusive North Shore Pearl exterior color, inspired by the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe area.

The Prologue also pulled from the Honda e EV auto that was sold outside North America with the flowing front fascia, 21" standard wheels to give the SUV a capable and planted look.

The natural beauty of fresh fallen snow on the surrounding mountain tops of the Lake Tahoe area was inspiration for the exclusive use of Charcoal and light grey interior colors.

Prologue will keep the great outdoors open feeling by having a panoramic roof and yet showcase a tech-rich cabin with a standard fully digital 11" driver display and a 11.3" audio/connectivity display.

Prologue details are as follows:

Wheelbase - 121.8" (8 inches longer and 5 inches wider than a 2023 Honda CR-V)
Overall length - 192"
Width - 78.3"
Height - 64.7"
Wheel Diameter - 21"
AWD available at launch

This is the start of what Honda has stated is the "YEAR of the HONDA SUV"

All-new models of the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot, play key roles in preparing for volume Honda EV sales that begin in 2024 with the Prologue per Honda's press release.

Gary Robinson, vice president, automobile planning and strategy of America Honda stated the following: "We are not going to wait until 2024 to attract EV buyers, because we see a natural progression for a CR-V customer to Prologue with its slightly larger size, larger interior and capable handling," "We will support that transition now by putting smart strategies in place with the CR-V hybrid, that will enable our customers to transition to an EV."

Honda made the following statement on their current and future sales plan.

Honda’s research shows that hybrid-electric customers are among the first to move into full-electric products. Honda plans to increase the model mix of the 2023 CR-V to 50% hybrid sales and will offer customers of the CR-V hybrid a shorter term, two-year lease in ZEV states when that model comes to market in fall 2022. This will enable a customer in targeted markets to easily transition into a Prologue when the new EV launches in 2024. In this way, the company’s increasing hybrid sales volume will help grow a future EV customer base.

More details on the Prologue will be released in the coming months with customers encouraged to sign up for updates at:

2024 Honda Prologue – Fully Electric SUV | Honda

Honda Electrification Rollout
Toward its global goal to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050, Honda will introduce 30 new EVs globally by 2030, with a global sales volume of 2 million units. In North America, Honda has laid out an aggressive timeline of EV introductions based on three initial phases leading to 2030 and ultimately to 100% zero-emission automobile sales by 2040:

2024: Begin sales of the Honda Prologue, co-developed with GM

2026: Begin sales of Honda models based on Honda e:Architecture to be produced by Honda in North America.

2027: Begin sales of a new series of affordable EVs co-developed with GM, also produced by Honda in North America.

Honda also recently announced an agreement to establish a joint venture to produce lithium-ion batteries in the U.S. to power Honda and Acura EV models for the North American market.

Honda teases new butched up CR-V due out Summer 2022

Wed, 25 May 2022 19:32:00 +0000

The CR-V took over from the Civic as Honda's best selling model in 2014 as crossover sales exploded. The current CR-V went on sale a few years later in 2016 and further extended that growth, keeping sales over 370,000 units most years since. In the CR-V's best year of 2019, the crossover eclipsed the Civic by about 60,000 units.

When you've got sales like that, you generally don't mess with success. But even with numbers like those, the CR-V comes in second in sales to the Toyota RAV-4. The RAV-4 took on a more rugged look for 2019 and Toyota's biggest problem has been keeping them in stock. So with an eye on that success, Honda decided to pull on a pair of hiking shoes when redesigning the 2023 CR-V.

While we don't have full details yet, the teaser shots show the new CR-V will adopt the butch looks of its big brother the Honda Passport. We expect a carryover of the existing 1.5 liter turbo producing 190 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 179 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm routed through a CVT. The CR-V currently offers a hybrid option with 212 horsepower and a combined 232 lb-ft of torque. Honda says that the hybrid system will be getting some enhancements for "a sportier driving experience and more capability".

Honda Opens State-of-the-Art Wind Tunnel Facility in East Liberty, Ohio

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 04:03:06 +0000

Honda Press Release:

The new $124 million Honda Automotive Laboratories of Ohio (HALO) facility, located at the independent Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC) in Central Ohio, is the world's most advanced wind tunnel, with three separate state-of-the art testing functions — aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, and racing — in one location.

Honda created the multifunctional HALO facility to reinforce its commitment to developing fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles. One of the most advanced of its kind anywhere, the wind tunnel uses a unique interchangeable modular ground plane system capable of aerodynamic vehicle testing of production vehicles and race machines.

With a five-belt rolling road system designed for production vehicle development and a second single wide-belt system for testing both high-performance sports cars and purpose-built race vehicles, the tunnel can generate wind speeds of more than 190 miles per hour.

Even more, the wind tunnel can quickly enable a sophisticated acoustic test system for an aeroacoustic testing mode that utilizes a powerful system of acoustic arrays, made up of microphones and cameras, able to collect real-time data and precision measurement. This becomes even more important as an element of vehicle design as Honda moves toward its electrified future.

As Honda continues to move toward its electrified future, noise reduction becomes an even more important element in vehicle design. Absent engine and exhaust sounds, wind noise will be more noticeable inside the cabin of an electric vehicle. Using the acoustic test system, Honda engineers will be able to identify the precise locations of both interior and exterior noise issues more quickly than ever before.

"Honda's product development capabilities will advance to new heights thanks to this investment in our Ohio research operations," said Jim Keller, executive vice president of Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC (HDMA), and leader of the company's North American Auto Development Center. "With this new facility, Honda is not simply investing in an advanced technology facility but in the future of the Honda engineers and other researchers who will work here."

The new wind tunnel, coupled with the company's advanced safety research center, provides Honda's R&D engineers with two world-class facilities in Ohio; both supporting the design and development of products built in America using domestic and globally sourced parts. This also is an opportunity for Honda engineers to build relationships with other companies interested in aerodynamic and aeroacoustic research, support STEM activities, and sustain the general aerodynamic community's testing needs.

Additionally, the wind tunnel's aerodynamic test capabilities will help increase the range and performance of the company's future full-electric vehicles, supporting Honda's efforts to continually advance its current position as America's most fuel efficient and lowest CO2 full-line automaker.

The HALO wind tunnel is Honda's latest major investment in Ohio, where the company has been advancing its ability to develop and build products for over 40 years – now totaling $14 billion.

Many talk about how quiet BEVs are, many do not realize the noise current auto's make and how much noise is drowned out by the ICE and Exhaust. As the auto industry moves forward, it will be interesting to see how each auto company addresses noises that are currently not noticeable or do not gain owner/passenger attention due to sounds that are currently produced by the engine and exhaust.

Dialing in an EV in the wind tunnel will become critical to the success of how these autos are accepted.

Honda Opens New World-Class Wind Tunnel in Ohio (hondanews.com)

Honda Prologue SUV, Next American Chapter in BEVs

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:32:00 +0000

2024 is a New ERA of electrified Honda vehicles that are coming. The start is the all new 2024 Honda Prologue SUV, offering versatility and driving range on par with Honda's current lineup of ICE SUVs. Honda Prologue is the first in a series of EVs leading to a global leading lineup of 100% zero-emission Honda lineup by 2040.

Honda USA says that more details will be forthcoming about the Prologue and other future BEVs and to start for those that want to get updates on the Prologue, to follow this web site: 2024 Honda Prologue – Fully Electric SUV | Honda

In addition to the BEV Prologue that goes on sale in early 2024 as a MY 2024 SUV, an all-electric Acura SUV will also join the companies portfolio of products as a MY 2024 SUV at Acura dealerships. Both SUVs will utilize the highly flexible global EV platform powered by Ultium batteries and power train based on the companies strategic partnership with General Motors. This is the start of a major change with Honda launching a new series of BEVs under Honda and Acura in the second half of the decade based on a new e:ARchitecture global platform with development led by Honda.

Honda Global CEO Toshihiro Mibe has announced a carbon-neutrality for the global company that see's sales ratio of battery -electric and fuel cell electric vehicles in North America to progress from 40% by 2030 to 80% by 2035 and 100% by 2040. Details of that road map can be read here: https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-corporate/releases/release-32797eaea7316f1bed4bfcd27919f703-honda-targets-100-ev-sales-in-north-america-by-2040-makes-new-commitments-to-advances-in-environmental-and-safety-technology

Honda has a long history of electrified vehicle leadership with the initial EV Plus electric auto in 1997, followed up by the 1999 Honda Insight Hybrid. The Honda FCX in 2002 as the industry's first fuel cell vehicle in the hands of individual owners and followed this up with the Clarity series in 2017.

As Honda prepares to launch the Prologue, the company has announced that they will introduce hybrid-electric systems to all core models to continue to reduce CO2 emissions and bridge customers from the Volume ICE auto's to Volume BEV auto's now in development.

Honda in the last three years has achieved record sales of electrified vehicles with sales momentum continuing in 2021. Led by CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid, Honda has recorded its best-ever first-half year of electrified vehicle sales.

Check out the current lineup of Electrified Vehicles here: Here

New Honda Prologue SUV Begins Next Chapter in Brand’s EV Direction in North America (hondanews.com)

2024 Honda Prologue – Fully Electric SUV | Honda

Honda will call its GM-based EV the Prologue (autonews.com)

Honda Gives the CR-V a Buff and a Shine.... and a Hybrid

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 19:31:00 +0000

Honda debuted the 2020 Honda CR-V today with a lightly refreshed exterior, but with a big announcement under the hood. This is the first time Honda will be offering the CR-V with a Hybrid Powertrain. There are some other powertrain changes as well.

Starting with the Hybrid, the system is a two motor hybrid that combines electric power with gasoline propulsion from a 2.0 liter DOHC engine. This engine boasts a thermal efficiency over 40 percent, the highest of any mass-produced Honda engine. Peak total system horsepower for the Hybrid is now 212, up from 190 on the standard gasoline model. This is the same powertrain found in the Accord Hybrid. It is also the first time Honda has offered AWD on a hybrid vehicle. In times of low traction, a clutch can engage an electric motor to the rear wheels to help with grip. Hybrid models are equipped with Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System, a small speaker on the front of the car that makes a noise for passers by while the vehicle is traveling in electric only mode.

Previously, base model CR-V LXes got a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Now for 2020, all non-hybrid CR-Vs will come with the 190 hp 1.5-liter turbo unit. No matter which mode of power you choose, power flows to the wheels through a CVT.

On the safety front, the CR-V now comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of sweet safety technologies that include Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist. Additionally, as an option, are blind spot information, rear cross traffic monitor, and auto high beam headlights.

EPA figures will be released closer to launch, but Honda is forecasting a 50% increase in fuel economy over the non-hybrid models. Non-hybrid production begins this fall and hybrid production starts in early 2020.

Honda E Released for Europe

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 15:54:00 +0000

Ahead of its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Honda has unveiled the full specs of their Honda E small electric car. Honda developed the E with a focus on design simplicity and usability for the needs of modern urban lifestyles. The clean external lines are helped by the use of exterior cameras replacing the traditional side mirrors. The mirrorless design allows for better aerodynamics. The interior has a full width digital dashboard with dual 12.3 inch LCD touch screens for infotainment and driver information. Owners are able to access the car via a digital key on a smartphone app. The app can also report on things like battery charge control, range monitor, and navigation search results can be sent from the phone to the vehicle or have control of remote climate control.

The Honda e makes use of contextual speech recognition to use natural language to provide access to a range of online services. Occupants can activate the system by saying "Okay Honda"

The power for the Honda E comes from a choice of two motors driving the rear wheels with either 134 horsepower or 151 horsepower. Torque comes in at 232 lb-ft. The 35.5 kWh battery is among the smallest in its class but still offers a range of about 137 miles. The e can recharge up to 80-percent of its battery in 30 minutes. The 0-62 mph run takes about 8 seconds.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but interested buyers in UK, Germany, France, and Norway and reserve their car online. The car remains Forbidden Fruit for the US.

Honda Pulling Production Out of Argentina

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 19:39:27 +0000

Honda is continuing its global pull back of production by announcing it will cease automotive manufacturing operations in Argentina next year. This is after announcing the closure of its Swindon UK plant and the pull back of production in the U.S., mainly of the Civic and Accord. Honda is in the midst of consolidating production to fewer facilities and using fewer platforms to produce their vehicles.

Honda said it's plant in Campana, which produces the HR-V will focus solely on manufacturing motorcycles. Honda is in talks with the local union to potentially offer buyouts to those who will be affected by the cessation of automotive production. The total plant population is over 1,000 workers. Honda has been building motorcycles in Argentina since 2006 and automobiles since 2011.

Honda Upgrades Odyssey to a 10-speed

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 18:01:50 +0000

The minivan is not quite dead yet and the Honda Odyssey, one of the five remaining minivans still in production, is entering its 25th year on the market. Since its launch in 1995, the Odyssey has sold more than 2.7 million units. Honda is quick to point out that most of these are retail sales and not fleet. The Odyssey has been the number one retail seller in the segment for 9 years running.

For 2020, all Odysseys will be upgraded to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. This is mated to the existing 280 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 driving the front wheels.

Also for 2020, Honda is offering a $1500 25th Anniversary package that includes a chrome roof rack, body side moldings, chrome rear bumper protector, extra 25th Anniversary badges, illuminated sill plates, and for an additional $1,300, special 19-inch wheels.

The Honda Odyssey is built in Honda's Lincoln Alabama manufacturing plant alongside the Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline.

Honda Slowing Production, Cutting Shifts

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 14:31:11 +0000

Honda is cutting back on production at two of its U.S. plants in anticipation of a slide in sales. The Marysville, Ohio plant and Honda of Indiana are the two plants being affected. The cuts primarily come to the Accord and Civic built in Marysville. Marysville operates two lines and one shift at Marysville on Line 1 will be suspended temporarily. That line produces the Accord, CR-V, ILX, and TLX, but the cuts there will mostly impact Accord. Acura production is unchanged at this time. The CR-V is also produced in Indiana so some production can be shifted from Marysville to there. This news comes after the announcement of the closure of Honda's Swindon UK manufacturing plant which builds the CR-V for Europe and the Honda Civic Hatchback and Civic Type-R for the U.S.

Honda sales are down 0.9% for the year, but the Accord has slipped 5.9% July YTD, and the Civic which is Honda's second most popular model has slipped 2.1% July YTD. CR-V, which is Honda's biggest seller is also down 0.9%, but a light refresh is in the works for the CR-V and should debut soon.

Honda says these adjustments are to help maintain Honda's sales discipline and to flex to the shift in market demand away from sedans. Honda has already announced they are looking to trim fat from their model lineup and have fewer regionally specific models. They will also be reducing the number of variations available to one third of what they are today. These plans are to be completed by 2025.

New Black Edition Trim Tops the Honda Pilot Line

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 14:11:44 +0000

For 2019, the most well equipped Honda Pilot you could buy was the Elite trim. That level of Pilot brought on extra trimmings like panoramic roof, standard All-Wheel drive with variable torque management, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated 2nd row, and other trappings. For 2020, Honda is building on that trim and elevating it higher with the Black Edition. Based on the Elite trim, the Black Edition comes exclusively in Crystal Black Pearl Paint, black painted 20-inch alloy wheels, and blackout treatments that remove the exterior chrome trim. Inside, there is a red accent to the perforated front and second row seating surfaces along with red accent stitching.

The Black Edition trim starts at $49,620, a $1500 increase over an equivalent Elite trim. After a destination charge of $1,095, you'll be paying over $50k for a Pilot. That's pricey, but a Chevrolet Traverse High Country will run you $54k and a Ford Explorer Platinum will easily touch $60k. The most direct price competitors would be the new Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, which come in a couple thousand less than the Honda Pilot Black Edition.

In addition to the new trim, the price of the Pilot goes up by $100 for front-wheel drive trims and $200 for all-wheel drive trims. The 2020 Pilot begins arriving in dealerships today.

Honda Sees A Different View When It Comes To Cars

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 13:00:02 +0000

Like most mainstream automakers, Honda is raking in the cash with their lineup of crossovers. But Honda is also doing quite well when it comes to cars, a bit surprising since the news is flooded with automakers deciding to cut back on their lineup - though we should note that Honda is planning on slimming down their lineup, both in trims and models in the coming years.

"What's perhaps more unusual and important for us, however, is our cars. We all know the narrative: Cars are dead and dying. That's certainly true for some, but not for us. Our story is a little different," said Henio Arcangeli Jr., senior vice president of the automobile division of American Honda Motor Co.

How is that story different at Honda? It comes down to certain groups of buyers.

"But cars really matter for another fundamental reason: the future. Cars play a crucial role for Honda in attracting and retaining new buyers, particularly young buyers, millennials and Gen Z," said Arcangeli.

Data gathered by the company revealed more than half of first-time buyers of news are choosing cars, not trucks or utility vehicles. We have to wonder if the lower prices of new cars play a key role in this.

"So, we're dominating the front door with new buyers, with cars playing a critical role. Gen Z today is still a relatively small share of the market, but it's growing daily, and Honda is in the early lead."

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Honda's Future: Fewer Models, More Efficiency

Sun, 12 May 2019 19:10:00 +0000

On Wednesday, Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo announced plans for the future of the company's automobile division. Efficiency was the theme in Hachigo's speech in terms of their lineup. manufacturing, and driving.

One of the initiatives put forth by Hachigo was to cut down on the number of variations on offer in their global lineup, along with the dropping of various regional nameplates.

"However, as a result of accommodating regional needs somewhat excessively in each individual region, we recognize that the number of models and variations at the trim and option level have increased and our efficiency has declined. So, we will undertake initiatives to further strengthen our inter-regional coordination and collaboration and advance our art of making automobiles in order to simultaneously increase the attractiveness and efficiency of both global and regional models," he said.

"With this initiative, by 2025, we will reduce the total number of variations at the trim and option level for our global models to one-third of what we have now.In addition, we will increase efficiency by eliminating and consolidating some similar regional models into even more competent models shared across multiple regions."

This will allow Honda to simplify model allocation at their various assembly plants around the road. According to Hachigo, this will allow the company to achieve "100 percent capacity utilization worldwide by 2020" and cut production costs by 10 percent by 2025.

Part of that initiative involves a new modular architecture that will debut in a global model next year. No details on the vehicle were provided, but Honda says the goal of the architecture "is to commonize about 70 percent of the components" used in a vehicle such as the engine bay and passenger cabin.

Honda is also planning to have two-thirds of their global lineup electrified by 2030. Furthermore, it wants 100 percent of its European lineup to be electrifed by 2025. To do this, Honda is readying a new electric city car known as the e, along with deploying their two-motor i-MMD hybrid setup to all of their models in Europe. In the U.S. Honda is planning to launch more hybrid models, and increase their electric car lineup with some help from General Motors.

“In North America, we will jointly develop battery components with General Motors and introduce highly-competitive battery EVs in the market,” said Hachigo.

Press Release is on Page 2

Summary of Honda CEO Speech on Automobile Business Direction

Remarks by Takahiro Hachigo, President & CEO, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

May 8, 2019

Honda has been working on two top-priority management challenges in the midst of abrupt changes in the global business environment surrounding the automobile industry: to strengthen the structure of our automobile business and to further increase the speed of business transformation for future generations.

So, today, I would like to introduce some initiatives we are taking for our automobile business, especially how we are strengthening the structure of our automobile business, the direction we are taking with electrification, as well as some progress we have made to date.

Strengthening automobile business structure
Ever since I became the president of the company, I have been conveying the message that we will make Honda strong by creating strong products and also by strengthening our inter-regional coordination and collaboration. We put special emphasis on the strengthening of our global models, which have been the source of Honda's core competence, and also the enhancement of our regional models.

As a result, we currently have the five global models, namely Civic, Accord, CR-V, Fit/Jazz and Vezel/HR-V, and these five strong models now account for 60% of our global automobile sales. At the same time, our regional models such as the N Series for Japan, Pilot for North America and Crider for China are playing an important role as a source of growth for each respective region.

However, as a result of accommodating regional needs somewhat excessively in each individual region, we recognize that the number of models and variations at the trim and option level have increased and our efficiency has declined. So, we will undertake initiatives to further strengthen our inter-regional coordination and collaboration and advance our art of making automobiles in order to simultaneously increase the attractiveness and efficiency of both global and regional models.

Strengthening inter-regional coordination and collaboration
As for inter-regional coordination and collaboration, under the new operational structure we adopted for our automobile operations starting from April, we began reviewing and sharing the product lineup by grouping some of our six regions outside Japan based on a similarity of key factors, such as market needs and environmental regulations. With this initiative, by 2025, we will reduce the total number of variations at the trim and option level for our global models to one-third of what we have now. In addition, we will increase efficiency by eliminating and consolidating some similar regional models into even more competent models shared across multiple regions.

Advancement of our art of making automobiles (automobile development)
As for the advancement of automobile development, since I became the president, we have been increasing the efficiency and speed of our Monozukuri (the art of making things) by innovating the entire process, from planning and development all the way through production, by enabling the S-E-D-B (sales, manufacturing, R&D, purchasing*1) functions to collaborate beyond the boundaries of their divisions.

Moreover, we have already introduced the Honda Architecture in our development.

The Honda Architecture is a company-wide initiative which will increase the efficiency of development and expand parts-sharing for our mass-production models. The first model being developed with this new method will be the global model we are launching next year. And we will continue increasing the number of models to which we apply this new architecture.

With the strengthening of global and regional models through inter-regional coordination and collaboration and with the introduction of the Honda Architecture, by 2025, we will reduce the number of manhours we use for the development of mass-production models by 30%, and we will repurpose those manhours to accelerate our research and development in advanced areas for the future. In this way, we can continue creating new technologies which will support the future of Honda.

Strengthening our operational structure in the area of production
In addition to the area of development, we are further strengthening our operational structure in the area of production as well, so that we can create strong products with high efficiency.

We are making steady progress in optimizing our production capacity in all regions. When this is complete, we are expecting to see that our global capacity utilization rate, excluding China, will increase from 90% recorded in 2018, and we will be producing at full capacity by 2022.

In China, the third plant of Dongfeng Honda became newly operational, and this put us in a position where we can definitely accommodate market demand in China. We believe that this progress we made paved the way for the optimization of our global production capacity.

From here onward, we think it is important to increase our competitiveness by increasing the efficiency of our production system in North America.

For our business in North America, while keeping pace with sales expansion, we enhanced our model lineup and established a flexible production system where our plants sometimes produce various models in duplication to accommodate changes in market demand. However, as a result of the pursuit of high flexibility, an increase in the investment amount and a decline in production efficiency started to become an issue. Therefore, in North America as well, we will reduce the number of variations at the trim and option level, and at the same time, we will simplify the production model allocation at each plant. Through this initiative, we will re-establish a highly-efficient production system and realize the growth of North American business through the pursuit of quality.

By implementing these initiatives to increase production efficiency in each region, we are expecting to reduce global cost in the area of production by 10% by 2025, compared to the cost recorded in 2018.

Through all these initiatives I have mentioned, we will steadily strengthen the structure of our automobile business and realize the solidification of our existing automobile businesses by 2025, and, at the same time, we will accelerate our preparation for the future.

Direction for the electrification of our automobile products
Striving to realize a carbon-free society, Honda set a goal to electrify two-thirds of our global automobile unit sales by 2030.

When we talk about the introduction of electrified vehicles, there are two perspectives. One is the improvement of fuel economy, and the other is zero emissions. Regulations for the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards are becoming increasingly stringent in every country around the world and complying with CAFE standards is one of the most important challenges for the automobile industry. At Honda, in light of the required infrastructure and how people use automobiles, we believe that hybrid technology is, at this moment, the most effective way for us to comply with CAFE standards. Therefore, we will electrify our products mainly with hybrid technologies. By increasing sales of our hybrid models all around the world, Honda will contribute to the global environment through the improvement of fuel economy.

To this end, we will expand the application of our 2-motor hybrid system to the entire lineup of Honda vehicles. In addition to the 2-motor hybrid system which is compatible with mid-to-large-sized vehicles, we developed a new, more compact 2-motor hybrid system suitable for small-sized vehicles. This small-sized 2-motor hybrid system will be adopted first by the all-new Fit which we are planning to exhibit as a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show this fall.

In addition to the expansion of the lineup of products equipped with the 2-motor hybrid system, we also will expand the application of the 2-motor hybrid system on a global basis. With that, by 2022, we are expecting to reduce the cost of the 2-motor hybrid system by 25% compared to the cost of this system in 2018.

As for zero emission vehicles, with our battery EVs we will comply with the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program being adopted by California and other states in the U.S. and China's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) mandate. We will efficiently introduce our battery EVs to the market by selecting the most appropriate partners and resources to satisfy the different needs in each region.

In North America, we will jointly develop battery components with General Motors and introduce highly-competitive battery EVs in the market.

In China, in order to keep up with the fast speed of electrification, we have already begun introducing battery EV models developed together with our local joint venture companies in China. While envisioning the introduction of battery EV models from the Honda brand, we will continue utilizing local resources in China and introduce more battery EV models in a timely manner to fulfill local market needs in China.

In Europe and Japan, we will introduce the Honda e, a new battery EV model, which was recently introduced as a prototype at the Geneva Motor Show.

To summarize, Honda will popularize and improve the business feasibility of electrified vehicles by focusing on hybrid vehicles and battery EVs.

Changes in operational structure
In order to ensure the solid implementation of these initiatives I just introduced for our automobile business, we renewed our operational structure as of April. The aims of this structural change are to establish an organization which brings all regional operations together to strongly facilitate inter-regional coordination and collaboration and to increase the speed of our business operations by enabling prompt decisions and prompt execution.

Today, I introduced our initiatives to strengthen our automobile business structure and the direction of our electrification. Under the new organizational structure, we will realize our goals with a keen sense of speed.

Closing
As we stated in our 2030 Vision, Honda is striving to grow through the pursuit of quality so that we can fulfill our vision to "Serve people worldwide with the joy of expanding their life's potential."

Honda will continue taking on new challenges while being driven by strong passion, so that we can continue to be a company that society wants to exist even in 2050 after Honda becomes more than 100 years old.

*1 S-E-D-B: Sales, Engineering (Manufacturing), Development (R&D), Buying (Purchasing)

Honda Civic Hatch and Type-R Production Heading to the North America

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 16:01:55 +0000

Last week we reported that Honda would be closing their UK manufacturing plant in Swindon. That plant produces Honda Civics and CR-Vs mostly for the European market. However, in addition to European production, the Swindon plant also produces the Civic Hatchback and Civic Type-R for North America. Production in Swindon is to finish out the model run into 2021.

Automotive News reports that Honda CEO Takahir Hachigo said "Given out efforts to optimize production allocation and production capacity on a global scale, we have concluded that we will produce the Civic for North America in North America." The North American sourced Honda Civic is built in Alliston, Ontario and Greensburgh Indiana.

The Honda Civic hatchback makes up about one third of Civic's 325,760 US sales for 2018.

Honda Confirms Swindon Closure

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 14:56:00 +0000

Confirming reports from yesterday, Honda has officially announced the closure of its manufacturing facility in Swindon UK as part of a global restructuring at the end of the current products lifecycle in 2021. The Swindon plant manufactures Honda Civic and Honda CR-V.

Honda officials insisted that Brexit was not the reason for the closure, but rather global trends in the automotive industry. A factory in Turkey will also close as part of the restructuring as Honda recenters all EU market manufacturing back to Japan.

No changes in production or jobs are expected until the 2021 time frame.

Honda May Close UK Manufacturing Plant

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 16:49:14 +0000

Sky News is reporting that Honda is preparing announce as early as tomorrow the closure of its only EU manufacturing facility in Swindon UK. The plant currently produces over 100,000 Honda Civics and directly employs 3,500 workers. The plant has been in operation since 1985. If confirmed, the plant would close in 2022 and have drastic consequence for downstream suppliers.

This move would be a sudden change of direction for Honda which recently insisted that the UK was a key part of their automobile manufacturing plans. The possibility of a no-deal Brexit likely hastened the decision to close the plant. The Japanese government has negotiated a trade deal with the EU that went into effect on February 1, 2019 that would allow Honda to import vehicles from Japan to the EU tariff free.

The news comes just as Jaguar-Land Rover plans to cut 4,500 jobs and Nissan shelves plans to build new models in the UK.

2019 Honda Pilot gets a mild refresh

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 20:02:00 +0000

When it comes time to update one of the most popular models in a segment, familiarity is key. That's just what Honda did for the 2019 Honda Pilot, arriving in dealers now. The front and rear feature refreshed looks that bring the Pilot more in line with the rest of the Honda family.

Under the hood, Honda made numerous powertrain improvements including new tuning and smoothing of the 9-speed automatic available in Touring and Elite trim. The transmission will now start in 2nd gear under light to moderate throttle and will also start there by default when the vehicle is in snow-mode. First gear is utilized on steep grades, S-Mode, Sand Mode, or Mud Mode. The gas-saving Idle Stop feature can now restart the engine quicker and smoother than the prior year's model while the air conditioning has been reconfigured to allow fewer engine restarts.

On the safety front, the Honda Sensing suite of safety features is now standard on all trims. Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Road departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Inside, the Pilot gets a new instrument cluster with a 7-inch screen. EX trim and above get a standard 8-inch touchscreen with tablet-style finger gestures. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HD Radio are all included. Most importantly, the volume knob is back.

The Pilot LX FWD base price starts at $31,450 while a top line Pilot Elite AWD starts at $48,020 before destination.

Honda Press Release on Page 2

Honda Pilot Arrives with a New Attitude for 2019, Sporting Fresh Styling, New Technology and Standard Honda Sensing®

Jul 16, 2018

Aggressive new styling, front and rear
Powertrain refinements enhance drivability
Honda Sensing® now standard on all trim levels
Extensive technology upgrades include available new Display Audio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Honda exclusive CabinTalk™ and CabinControl™ app

TORRANCE, Calif.– The redesigned and refreshed 2019 Honda Pilot arrives in dealers today, bringing with it a long list of upgrades to Honda's award-winning 8-seat SUV. The numerous changes include more aggressive exterior styling, an available new hands-free power tailgate, substantial powertrain refinements, major upgrades to available connected-car technology, an available new Display Audio touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, and a volume knob. The 2019 Pilot also adopts the Honda Sensing® suite of advanced driver-assistive and safety technology as standard in all trims. The 2019 Pilot LX with standard front-wheel drive carries a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP¹ ) of $31,450 (excluding $995 destination and handling).

While all Pilot trim levels benefit from refreshed styling, technical upgrades and new features—including newly standard Honda Sensing®—the popular EX trim extends its value story even further as it gains several premium features while maintaining the same price point as the outgoing EX w/ Honda Sensing® trim.

Combined, the upgrades to Pilot reinforce its capabilities while emphasizing the state-of-the-art technology and family-friendly character that has made it one of the most popular midsize 3-row SUVs. Pilot also remains one of the few models in its segment to offer 8 seats (7-seats with the optional second-row Captain's Chairs), with three-person capacity in both the second and third rows, and with third row access made simple and easy by the available One-Touch Walk-In feature.

All 2019 Pilots feature more aggressive front and rear styling to compliment the Pilot's robust off-road and all-weather driving capabilities, supported by Honda's available intelligent Variable Torque Management system (i-VTM4) with true torque-vectoring. Standard on all AWD trims, i-VTM4 uses an electronically-controlled, hydraulically-actuated rear differential to apportion engine torque between the front and rear axles, and dynamically distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels. The benefits are superior all-weather handling, and neutral, accurate steering under power.

In addition, the 2019 Pilot's 9-speed automatic transmission, available in Touring and Elite trims, gets new tuning for enhanced drivability and smoother shifts, while Pilot's Idle Stop system now provides quicker restarts and more seamless operation.

Pricing & EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Model / Trim / Drivetrain	Transmission	MSRP¹	MSRP² Including $995 Destination Charge	EPA Mileage Rating (City/Hwy/Combined)³
Pilot LX (2WD)	6AT	$31,450	$32,445	19 / 27 / 22
Pilot LX (AWD)	6AT	$33,350	$34,345	18 / 26 / 21
Pilot EX (2WD)	6AT	$34,330	$35,325	19 / 27 / 22
Pilot EX (AWD)	6AT	$36,230	$37,225	18 / 26 / 21
Pilot EX-L (2WD)	6AT	$37,760	$38,755	19 / 27 / 22
Pilot EX-L (AWD)	6AT	$39,660	$40,655	18 / 26 / 21
Pilot EX-L w/ Navi & Rear Entertainment System (2WD)	6AT	$39,760	$40,755	19 / 27 / 22
Pilot EX-L w/ Navi & Rear Entertainment System (AWD)	6AT	$41,660	$42,655	18 / 26 / 21
Pilot Touring (AWD)	9AT	$44,420	$45,415	19 / 26 / 22
Pilot Touring (2WD)	9AT	$42,520	$43,515	20 / 27 / 23
Pilot Touring w/ Rear Captain's Chairs (2WD)	9AT	$42,820	$43,815	20 / 27 / 23
Pilot Touring w/ Rear Captain's Chairs (AWD)	9AT	$44,720	$45,715	19 / 26 / 22
Pilot Elite (AWD)	9AT	$48,020	$49,015	19 / 26 / 22

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DESIGN
The 2019 Honda Pilot's updated exterior reflects its off-road capabilities without losing what makes Pilot a perennial favorite in the midsize SUV segment. The front sports an aggressive new front fascia with standard LED low-beam headlights, while the rear features new taillights, a new bumper, and chrome accents.

The new front bumper incorporates larger fog light housings, fully integrated into the bumper, giving the 2019 Pilot a more aggressive look. A redesigned grille features a bold interpretation of the Honda "flying wing" grille design, with its chrome band extending above the headlights. Further emphasizing the off-road aggressiveness is a new "skid" garnish on the lower portion of the front bumper.

Available fog lights are now LED, the turn signal is thinner, and Pilot Elite models benefit from multi-element full LED headlights, including high beams. Additionally, Pilot Elite models receive power folding mirrors with automatic dimming.

The rear receives new taillights with amber turn signals and LED backup lights. A chrome strip on the rocker extends along the side of the vehicle, wrapping around the rear bumper and highlighting the lower bumper's skid-type design. Wheels are also more ruggedly styled, with 18-inch designs on LX, EX and EX-L, and an aggressive new 20-inch design on Touring and Elite trims.

A hands-free power tailgate is available for the first time on Pilot on Touring and Elite grades. With the remote key fob in their pocket or handbag, the driver simply kicks their foot under a designated area of the rear bumper. The tailgate then opens without the owner needing to use their hands--very useful for occasions when their hands are full.

In addition to its numerous technology upgrades (described below), updates to Pilot's interior include new trim around the vents, available 3-way heated front seats, and wider fold-down armrests for the driver and front passenger. Additionally, second-row captain's chairs are now available on both Touring and Elite models (previously Elite only) and second-row retractable sunshades are available on EX-L, Touring and Elite grades.

POWERTRAIN
For 2019, Pilot receives a number of refinements to the 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT), available in Touring and Elite models. When in Drive and under light-to-moderate throttle, the 9AT will now start in second gear for smoother launch and lower speed acceleration. The transmission also defaults to second-gear launches when the Intelligent Traction Management (ITM) switch is in Snow mode. At full throttle, with steep grades, in S mode, or with the ITM in Sand or Mud, the 9AT will start in first gear.

Pilot also has an upgraded Idle Stop system. Fully integrated with the new second-gear launch mode, it features new programming and a new brake pressure trigger for quicker restarts when accelerating immediately after engine stop, making the system less noticeable in heavy traffic and similar driving situations. The air conditioning has been reconfigured as well to reduce engine restarts. Additionally, when in idle stop, the engine remains off after shifting to Park for a more intuitive driving experience.

Powertrain Specs

	LX, EX, EX-L	Touring, Elite
Engine	3.5-liter V6 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC
Transmission	6-speed automatic	9-speed automatic
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net)	280 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque @ rpm (lb.-ft., SAE net)	262 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm
Recommended fuel	Regular Unleaded
CARB emissions rating	LEV3-ULEV125
Tune-up interval	100K +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune Ups (does not include fluid and filter changes)

SAFETY AND DRIVER-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
For 2019, all Pilot models come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Honda Sensing® helps provide greater awareness of driving conditions around the vehicle, and in some cases helps drivers maintain lane position. Comprising the Honda Sensing® suite are Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM); Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Honda's blind spot information system (BSI), previously available only on the Elite trim, is now standard on EX, EX-L and Touring trims as well. Additionally, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor has been expanded from the Touring and Elite trims to EX and EX-L.

In addition to the above, Pilot offers numerous other driver-assistive features, such as automatic high beams and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, both standard on all trims. The new Pilot was designed to provide a high level of active and passive safety protection and targets a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Honda Sensing Features	LX	EX	EX-L	Touring	Elite
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)	•	•	•	•	•
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)	•	•	•	•	•
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)	•	•	•	•	•
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)	•	•	•	•	•
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)	•	•	•	•	•
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)	•	•	•	•	•
Active Safety Features	LX	EX	EX-L	Touring	Elite
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control	•	•	•	•	•
Advanced 4-Channel ABS	•	•	•	•	•
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)	•	•	•	•	•
Brake Assist	•	•	•	•	•
Multi-angle rearview camera with static guidelines	•
Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines		•	•	•	•
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)9 with Tire Fill Assist and Location and Pressure Indicators	•	•	•	•	•
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)	•	•	•	•	•

Passive Safety Features	LX	EX	EX-L	Touring	Elite
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with crash stroke front frame design	•	•	•	•	•
Advanced Front Airbags (SRS)	•	•	•	•	•
Front Side Airbags	•	•	•	•	•
3-Row Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor	•	•	•	•	•
3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions	•	•	•	•	•
Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System	•	•	•	•	•
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All, 3rd-Row Passenger-Side), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All, 3rd-Row All)	•	•	•	•	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Seat-Belt Reminder	•	•	•	•	•
Child-Proof Rear Door Locks	•	•	•	•	•

TECHNOLOGY
Already featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, the 2019 Pilot benefits from a variety of enhancements and upgrades to its audio/connectivity and driver convenience features: An all-new available Display Audio system is easier to use, with customizable shortcuts and simplified menus; A redesigned instrument cluster features a new, larger thin-film transistor (TFT) screen with a variety of user-selectable displays; Rear seat occupants benefit from an available updated Rear Entertainment System (RES) with a larger screen and new capabilities; Pilot is also now available with a 4G LTE-based Wi-Fi hotspot.

New Instrument Cluster
The Pilot's new instrument cluster now uses a 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) with a wide range of information content. Not only does it display typical vehicle functions such as vehicle speed and RPM, the TFT includes a Multi-Information Display (MID) with driver-selectable customizable features, such as audio system information, a detailed trip computer, phone information, and turn-by-turn route guidance on Pilot models equipped with navigation. Drivers navigate the new TFT using a new steering wheel with enhanced controls, redesigned for more intuitive operation such as Bluetooth® phone buttons that are more easily distinguished by touch.

More Intuitive Display Audio
Leading the long list of technology upgrades is Pilot's all-new Display Audio system. Standard in Pilot EX trims and above, its 8-inch touchscreen uses gestures common to smartphones and tablets, such as swipe, tap and pinch, to control the vehicle's audio system, display settings and other advanced features, while also adding a volume knob. Intuitive and easy to use, with a simplified menu structure, it also offers customizable shortcuts for commonly used features and customizable app locations. Pilot LX, EX, and EX-L models get a 218-watt audio system with six speakers plus a subwoofer. Touring and Elite models get an updated 10-speaker system with, a subwoofer, and 590 watts of power.

The new Display Audio includes AM/FM, HD Radio™, SiriusXM®, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, and HondaLink® content in Touring and Elite trims. In addition, Pilot models with the new, larger Rear Entertainment System (RES) can play CDs in the same drive that plays DVDs and Blu-ray™ media. Pilot EX-L with Navigation/RES, Touring and Elite models include a fully integrated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System developed in partnership with Garmin®. Additionally, the Nuance voice-recognition engine (VR) has been improved and now features a simplified one-button operation, with less back-and-forth and improved prompts shown on the screen.

Among the new Display Audio's many functions are big icons resembling smartphone apps, making the capacitive touchscreen interface intuitive and easy to use. Like a smartphone, apps can be moved and rearranged on each page, or hidden on the touchscreen. Hidden apps are easily restored by accessing the "all apps" list and checking a box. Users also benefit from three customizable onscreen shortcut buttons, so owners can have access to their three favorite features.

The Honda-developed operating system is built on Android and is easily updatable and upgradeable either through a USB stick or over-the-air using the Pilot's available 4G LTE data plan, the customer's smartphone-powered hotspot, or any available Wi-Fi network.

HondaLink®, CabinControl™ and CabinTalk™
The available next-generation HondaLink® platform connects customers to online content both inside and outside the car for a variety of cloud-based services. Connected to the user's smartphone by the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless interface, the HondaLink® phone app provides convenient access for free services including roadside assistance, vehicle health report, service scheduling and access to the vehicle Owners Guide. Additional fee-based services such as automatic collision notification, security alarm alert and personal concierge are also available.

CabinControl™, an all-new feature on Pilot EX and above trims, is now available. A downloadable app for iPhone and Android phones, CabinControl™ allows passengers to use their smartphones to control a range of Pilot features, including the audio system, Rear Entertainment System (if equipped), and rear climate control system. Any connected phone can also look up an address or point of interest and then send it to the navigation system (if equipped), where the driver can accept or reject it.

Additionally, Social Playlist, operating like a virtual family jukebox, allows up to seven connected phones to share music on a playlist that appears on Pilot's Display Audio touchscreen, where the front-row occupants can view and control the list.

CabinTalk™ is included on Pilot EX-L models with navigation and rear-seat entertainment, Touring and Elite trims. Using the HandsFreeLink® microphone, it allows those in the front row to easily communicate to those in the second and third rows using the rear speakers, wireless headphones, or both. CabinTalk™ is activated using the Display Audio touchscreen. When the CabinTalk™ app is in use, Blu-ray™ video appearing on the Rear Entertainment System is automatically paused and audio is muted (non Blu-ray content can be muted only). Audio and video automatically resumes when the app is closed.

4G LTE Wi-Fi and Rear Entertainment System
For the first time, Pilot offers an embedded Telematics Control Unit (TCU) in Touring and Elite trims that can provide an AT&T 4G LTE connection inside the vehicle. The system includes a 90-day/3GB (whichever comes first) free trial and once the trial period ends, customers will need to obtain an AT&T data plan to continue service. With a better antenna than in typical smartphones, the system often offers superior reception. The Wi-Fi network can support up to seven devices and enables "Smart TV"-style video streaming of select video content directly to the Rear Entertainment System (RES) via any W-Fi connection. Additionally, content can be streamed directly to the RES through a compatible Android device.

The 2019 Pilot's all-new state-of-the-art, factory-integrated Rear Entertainment System (RES) for EX-L Navi/RES and above trims features a ceiling-mounted 10.2-inch WSVGA (1024x600) display that swings down, allowing for easy viewing with low glare and better second- and third-row viewing. Its expanded capability over last year's model includes integration with the onboard 4G LTE data network (Touring and Elite) or a paired smartphone (data charges apply), allowing functionality similar to that of a Smart TV with select content channels.

The system includes a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port for attaching high-definition players, digital TV devices such as Apple TV or Roku, compatible tablets and certain gaming consoles. A 115-volt power outlet rated for devices up to 150 watts is included, along with a pair of 2.5-amp USB ports. The system's disc player is located in the center stack of the instrument panel, easily accessible by either the driver or front passenger. The system can play CDs, DVDs. and Blu-ray™ discs. The Rear Entertainment System can play audio via Pilot's speaker system, or through a pair of included wireless headphones. Two additional headphone jacks are also provided.

The Rear Entertainment System includes a fun, kid friendly, puppet-themed "How Much Farther?" app. It functions as a "flight tracker" with a colorful on-screen animated marionette play that counts down time and distance to the destination that has been set into the navigation system. Multiple backgrounds with animation give the app a fun feel that's engaging for children.

Wireless Smartphone Charging
Available for the first time in Pilot is wireless smartphone charging, using the Qi and PMA charging standards. Large enough for even plus-size smartphones, it's standard on Elite models and available as a dealer-installed accessory on EX, EX-L and Touring trims.

Model Trim Level Summary

Pilot LX

Honda Sensing System (NEW)

LED Headlights (Low-beams) (NEW)

Automatic high beams (NEW)

LED daytime running lights (NEW)

18-inch alloy wheels

6-speed automatic transmission

7-inch TFT Screen

6-Speaker Audio System

Heated Door Mirror

5-inch Color Audio w/HFL

Pilot EX (Add or replace from LX)

Blind Spot Information System (NEW for EX)

Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (NEW for EX)

One-Touch 2nd Row Seats (new for EX)

Heated Front Seats (new for EX)

8-Way Power Driver's Seat (new for EX)

O/S Mirrors w/ Turn Signals (new for EX)

Power Windows – Auto Up/Down (new for EX)

HD Radio (new for EX)

LED Fog Lights

Smart Entry

Remote Engine Start

Auto HVAC

Dual-Zone HVAC

Separate Rear HVAC Controls

Display Audio (vs. Monitor)

Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ Integration

Satellite Radio (subscription required after trial period)

Body-Colored O/S Door Handles

Heated O/S Mirrors

Body-Colored O/S Mirrors

12V Power Outlet

Conversation Mirror

Illuminated Visors

Pilot EX-L (Add or replace from EX)

Memory - Driver Seat and Door Mirrors (new for EX-L)

2nd Row Sun Shade (new for EX-L)

HomeLink (new for EX-L)

Leather Trimmed Seats

Moonroof

Power Tailgate

4-Way Power Passenger Seat (vs. 4W Manual)

Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror

Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel

USB +2 (2nd row)

Leather Wrapped Shift Knob

Pilot EX-L Navi/RES (Add or replace from EX-L)

Rear Entertainment System withBlu-Ray(NEW design)

Navigation

AC Power Outlet

Pilot Touring (Add or replace from EX-L Navi/RES)

HondaLink Cloud-Based Services (NEW)

Hands-free Access Power Tailgate (NEW)

Captain's Chairs (Available; new to Touring)

Ambient Lighting with Three Zones (Available with Captain's Chairs) (new to Touring)

Navigation

20" Wheels

9-speed automatic transmission

Parking Sensors

Heated 2nd Row Seats

LED Inline Hi/Lo-Beam

Roof Rack

Paddle Shifters

Premium 10-Speaker Audio

Auto Stop Start

Gloss Black Door Garnish

Body Color Tailgate Spoiler

Gloss Black Outside Mirror

A/C Power Outlet

Bumper Skid Garnish - Painted Silver with Chrome

Front Grille Chrome Bar with Gloss Black Frame

Chrome Outside Door Handles

Door Lower Garnish with Chrome Accent

Pilot Elite (AWD only; Add or replace from Touring)

Auto-Dimming Side Mirrors (NEW)

Wireless Phone Charger (NEW)

Power-Folding O/S Mirrors (NEW)

Panoramic Moonroof (vs. Moonroof)

Captain's Chairs

Ventilated Front Seats

Heated Steering Wheel

Rain Sensing Wipers

3rd Row Floor Mats

Ambient Lighting

For More Information
For more information and high-resolution photography, visit www.hondanews.com/honda-automobiles/channels/pilot. Consumer information is available at www.automobiles.honda.com/pilot. To join the Honda community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/honda.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Hon

Honda's UK Branch Goes Mad, Builds A Civic Type R Pickup

Thu, 24 May 2018 21:04:38 +0000

If you happen to have a pre-production Honda Civic Type R just sitting around, what would you do with it? If you happen to an engineer in special projects division at Honda's Swindon plant in the U.K., you decide to make it into a pickup.

Codenamed ‘Project P’, the Type R pickup made its debut at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Test Day. To create this truck, the special projects division changed everything from the b-pillar to the back to install a bed with diamond-plate metal bed and a set of rollbars. The big rear wing is retained.

The rest of the vehicle is pretty much identical to the standard Type R with a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four producing 306 horsepower, six-speed manual transmission, and adaptive suspension. Honda says the truck can hit 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 165 mph - just 5 mph slower than the standard Civic Type R.

"We have a special projects division at the factory in Swindon and this project was a fantastic opportunity for the team to show just what their creative minds could do. The passion that our engineers have for Honda is shown in our latest creation and we are even considering taking it to the Nurburgring to see if we can take the record for the fastest front wheel drive pickup truck!” said Alyn James, project lead.

Before someone asks, Honda explicitly states in the press release "no plans to put the concept into production."

Source: Honda

Honda Reveals Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept at SMMT Test Day

Created by the team behind Synchro Motorsport at the Swindon factory
Potentially one of the fastest pickup trucks on UK roads
No plans to put concept into production

Honda UK has stolen the show at the annual SMMT Test Day this year by showcasing a Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept, almost a year after the launch of the standard road car.

Built by a specialist team from the Product Engineering department at the Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) factory in Swindon and codenamed ‘Project P’, the Civic Type R Pickup Truck has been modified and developed from the standard road car to create potentially one of the fastest pickup trucks on UK roads.

To create the Project P concept, the team used a pre-production version and adapted the design rearwards from the B-pillars of the car, with sweeping lines from the roofline to the back hiding a flatbed loading area in the centre of the car where the rear seats and boot space would normally be.

Finished in Rallye Red, the concept retains the iconic rear wing associated with both the FK2 and FK8 Civic Type R, which, in a clever piece of engineering, is movable to allow direct and unfettered access to the rear of the truck.

Using the same powertrain, suspension and gearbox as the standard road car, it is estimated Project P will complete the 0-62mph sprint in under six seconds and reach a top speed of over 165mph. It also possesses the same driving modes of comfort, Sport and +R, Project P offering both ride comfort as well as a unique racing capability on track.

Alyn James, project lead, commented: “We have a special projects division at the factory in Swindon and this project was a fantastic opportunity for the team to show just what their creative minds could do. The passion that our engineers have for Honda is shown in our latest creation and we are even considering taking it to the Nurburgring to see if we can take the record for the fastest front wheel drive pickup truck!”

Phil Webb, head of car at Honda UK, added: “This Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept by the special team at our Swindon-based plant demonstrates the passion and commitment of the team there – going above and beyond outside working hours to deliver the final product. There are no plans to put this in to production but we will be using it to transport our lawn and garden products as and when required!”

A Slow Start for the 2018 Honda Accord

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 15:25:55 +0000

The new Honda Accord has been lauded by the automotive press for its design, improved ride and interior, and noticeable increases in fuel economy. In fact, the Accord has been named North American Car of the Year. But dealers are struggling to move the new Accord off lots.

In February, sales of the Accord dropped 15.8 percent when compared to the year before. According to Automotive News, inventory levels of the Accord stood at a 104-day supply at the beginning of this month - very high by Honda's sparse count. Some dealers have been turning away shipments from the Marysville, Ohio plant.

"Where lease is heavy, like Florida, New York, Ohio and California, that's where we're getting hurt. When you get two cars as close as they are, it's not that much better than the Camry that people are going to pay $50, $60 [or] $80 more a month," said Rick Case, CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group.

One of Case's dealers in Florida has more than 600 Accords in stock, about 200 more than its usual stock. They have turned away some Accords in January an February. Sources told Automotive News that dealers in the Miami area have turned down around 1,000 Accords since they have too many sitting on their lots.

One reason is how consumers are trending towards to crossovers over midsize sedans. But dealers who spoke with Automotive News say there is another reason - the lack of attractive leasing options. The new Accord has a higher starting price than the previous-generation model which in turn raises the price of a lease. Honda's website lists a 36-month lease for the base Accord LX at $249 per month with a $3,199 down payment. Meanwhile, Toyota is offering a 36-month Camry LE lease in the Detroit area for $229 per month with a $1,999 down payment. In other regions, the Camry deal becomes even sweeter. In the Miami area, Toyota is offering a 36-month Camry LE lease for $199 per month with a $3,198 down payment.

The various accolades and high-quality that have been key Accord attributes aren't working at the moment.

"The quality gap has narrowed between the domestics, Honda and Toyota. When you're buying a car, you have a great story to tell a customer. When you're leasing, they say, 'Well, it has at least three years of warranty on it.' They're just renting it anyway. It is an uphill battle," said a Honda dealer in the Detroit area.

Dave Conant, owner of Conant Auto Retail Group which has four Honda dealers in California says he understand why Honda isn't throwing money at the Accord at the moment due to big investment to get it on the road. But he wouldn't be shocked if the automaker offers some sort of incentive support, especially in terms of leases later in the year.

"I'll be surprised if we don't see some help in April or May. They're not going to let the car sit on the lot. Without the incentive support, the payment from the car [that customers are] trading to the new one — the gap is too large. They need to do something to bring that closer, and the car will start selling and leasing well again," said Conant.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Rumorpile: Return of the Honda Passport

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 20:54:47 +0000

Honda's first SUV sold in the U.S. was the Passport. Sold between 1994 to 2002, the Passport was rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. But the name could be making a return for a new model.

Automotive News has learned from sources that the Japanese automaker is working on a new crossover wearing the Passport name. The two-row crossover will slot between the CR-V and Pilot, and compete with the likes of the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano. Reportedly, dealers have been pushing Honda's management for a near-premium crossover.

The Passport is expected to use the platform that underpins the Pilot. It will be about 6 inches shorter than the Pilot.

According to one source, Honda will be showing off the new Passport at a dealer meeting in November and go on sale in early 2019.

"We have not confirmed any details related to this product so any specifics would be quite speculative at this point," a Honda spokesman told Automotive News.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Honda Australia Exec: Affordable Sports Car is “Very Desirable”

Fri, 13 Oct 2017 18:55:22 +0000

Ever since the S2000 was discontinued back in 2009, many people wished for Honda to do an affordable sports car. Some of those folks work for Honda. Case in point is Stephen Collins, director of Honda Australia who told CarAdvice that he would like to see something like this make a return.

“We’ve said it a number of times: we really want to dial up the sportiness of our range and our brand. NSX is one part of that, Type R is another. But if anything else becomes available, we’d really be chasing that pretty hard,” said Collins.

“Type R is a hot hatch and if there’s another type of sports car that becomes available to us, say if it was a convertible or something that could come in at around $30,000 (list price), that would be very desirable for us.”

When asked about S660 roadster, Collins shot down this idea.

“The S660 is a beautiful little sports car but it was only really designed for Japanese domestic market,” he said. “To get it homologated and up to a standard for the Australian market would be difficult. It’s also very constrained by production and, unfortunately, it’s not made for export. But if a small, sporty car like that became available to Honda Australia we’d definitely stick up our hand for it. Sadly, the S660 is not an option for us.”

Source: CarAdvice

Honda Has A Lower-Cost Civic Type R in the Cards

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 20:15:39 +0000

The only way you can purchase a Honda Civic Type R is the fully loaded Touring trim with adaptive dampers, navigation, LED headlights, etc. Possibly, you might have to pay a 'market adjustment' price - i.e. a dealer adding a few grand to the price to make a quick buck. But 2018 could see Honda introduce a base version of the Type R.

The Truth About Cars uncovered NHTSA certification papers filed by American Honda for the 2018 model year. The papers reveal two Civic Type R models, 'Type R' and 'Touring'. Both models have the same engine code - K20C1 which corresponds to the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder.

As we reported back in June, Honda is considering adding more Civic Type R variants to "broaden the audience and keep sales fresh." One way to that is to introduce a lower-cost model. Honda already sells one in other markets that lose out on the navigation system, parking sensors, and LED lighting.

Source: The Truth About Cars

Honda Sees Accord Coupe Buyers Will Become Accord Sedan Buyers

Thu, 20 Jul 2017 15:47:35 +0000

We knew it was coming, but it was still a shock when Honda announced that the Accord Coupe would be no more with the next-generation model. As The Truth About Cars notes, about 5 percent of Accord sales were the coupe. That means out of 345,225 Accords sold last year, about 17,200 were for the coupe.

Despite dropping the coupe, Honda believes buyers of the coupe will switch over to the sedan.

“The sedan has dramatic enough styling to appeal to coupe intenders,” said Sage Marie, American Honda spokesman at the reveal of the 2018 Accord to Wards Auto.

The key words in that quote is 'coupe intenders'. We have to wonder how many of the buyers of the Accord Coupe bought it because it was the better looking of the two. We also wonder how many Accord Coupe owners will transition to the new sedan. It might be a small amount, but considering how much hemorrhaging is going on in the sales of midsize sedans, every little bit will help.

Source: Wards Auto, The Truth About Cars

2018 Honda Accord Enters Its 10th Generation With Only 4-Cylinders

Fri, 14 Jul 2017 17:30:00 +0000

The enthusiasm for midsize sedans may be dwindling due to crossovers, but they are still an important segment for many automakers. The Honda Accord is a prime example as it makes up a key part of the Japanese automaker's sales. Last year, Honda moved 345,225 Accords - making 23.4 percent of Honda's 2016 sales. Today in Detroit, Honda introduced the 10th Generation Accord.

Design has never been one of the Accord's strongest suits. It always sat in the middle of the design spectrum of midsize sedans which many buyers were ok with. This new one sees Honda taking some risks. Up front, there is larger grille and big bar integrating the headlights. The side profile reveals Honda shortening the front and rear overhangs, adding some sculpting for the doors, and lowering the roofline. The new Accord rides on a wheelbase that 2.16 inches longer, while the ride height has been dropped 0.39 inches. One item that will disappoint a small group of people is the Accord coupe being dropped in this generation.

The interior has become a bit more upscale with higher quality materials and a more efficient center stack. There is a fair amount of tech with a seven-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system (WITH ACTUAL VOLUME AND TUNE KNOBS!). The system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Options include a heads-up display, 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi, and wireless device charging.

Honda is the latest automaker to join the turbocharged four-cylinder bandwagon with a choice of two for the 2018 Accord. The base is a 1.5L four-cylinder with 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Optional is a 2.0L four-cylinder derived from the Civic Type R. It offers up 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet. The 1.5 will come with a CVT, while the 2.0 features a 10-speed automatic. Both will have the option of a six-speed manual.

A hybrid version featuring a 2.0L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder and a two-motor hybrid system will also be available, though details on this powertrain will be revealed closer to the Accord's launch.

Honda says depending on the trim, the 2018 Accord is about 110 to 176 pounds lighter than the outgoing model. This is due to increased amount of high-strength steel and aluminum for the body.

Pricing for the 2018 Accord hasn't been announced, but you'll be able to pick up one at your nearest Honda dealer this fall.

Source: Honda
Press Release is on Page 2

Dramatic Design of Reimagined 2018 Honda Accord Signals New Direction for America’s Retail Best-Selling Midsize Sedan

Jul 14, 2017 - DETROIT, MI

Next-generation Honda design, packaging and proportion
Interior space and quality that exceeds the midsize class
New powertrain lineup: turbocharged and electrified performance
Lighter, more rigid body and new chassis design
Honda Sensing® technology standard on all models and trims
New Accord Hybrid to be made in Ohio

Honda today showcased a new direction for America's retail best-selling midsize sedan1 with the world debut of a more stylish, sporty and premium 2018 Honda Accord that launches this fall. The world debut event held today in Detroit can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/honda.

The 10th-generation Accord is new from the ground up and features a lighter and more rigid body structure, an advanced new chassis design, two all-new, high-torque direct-injected and turbocharged engines, the world's first 10-speed automatic transmission for a front-drive car and a new generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid technology, along with a host of new safety, driver-assistive and connected-car technologies – all wrapped in a more sophisticated, sleek and athletic design with top class interior space and comfort.

"We are redefining the Honda Accord for a new generation of buyers by bringing something unexpected that challenges the idea of what a mainstream sedan can be," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president of the Automobile Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Even as we advance core values like great driving dynamics, safety performance and efficiency, the distinctive design of this all-new 2018 Honda Accord will help it appeal to both head and heart in equal measure."

Next-Generation Accord Design and Packaging
In reimagining the Accord for its 10th-generation rebirth, Honda designers and engineers went back to the fundamentals of proportion and stance with a sporting and athletic appearance, like a sprinter in the blocks. The approach reinvigorates classic Honda design principles, such as a low and wide body, expansive visibility and sporty seating position, and then translating them into a thoroughly modern, sporty and premium Accord sedan design.

The new Accord features a longer wheelbase (+2.16 inches), a lower overall height (-0.59 inch) and wider (+0.39 inch) body, wider wheel tracks (+0.20 in. front, +0.79 in. rear), a shortened overall length (-0.39 inch) and lower, sportier seating position (-1.0 inch front and -0.79 inch back). A sweeping greenhouse positioned farther back on the body completes the new stance and proportion of the next-generation Accord. The combined effect of these changes is a more premium look, highlighted by shorter overhangs, a bold front fascia, a long and low hood, and a visual center of gravity moved closer to the rear wheels.

Viewed head-on, the new Accord's greenhouse also angles in more dramatically from the window sills to the roof, further emphasizing the wide lower body, while inside the cabin the seats have been moved slightly inward that contributes to improved hip, shoulder and head room while enhancing occupants' freedom of movement. Also, the longer wheelbase allowed designers to move the second-row seats substantially rearward, giving Accord almost 2 extra inches of rear leg room to offer one of the most spacious rear seating areas in its class. Overall passenger volume is increased by 2.5 cubic feet to 105.7 (based on LX). Trunk space has also been increased by nearly one cubic foot on the 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engine powered Accords and by 3.2 cubic feet on the Accord Hybrid to a top level 16.7 cubic feet (+0.9 cu.ft.).

Elegant and modern exterior detailing compliments the Accord's new, more dynamic design. The bold and upright front fascia is highlighted by Honda's signature chrome wing front grille positioned above a large main air intake and flanked by available 9-lamp full-LED headlights and LED fog lights. The chiseled hood features a distinctive and aggressive raised center, and the deeply sculpted body sides enhance the visual length and strength of the lower body.

Further, a new laser brazing process that joins the dramatically arching roof to the body side panels creates a clean appearance with no garnish over the rain channels. The similarly low and wide rear view is finished off with an upswept decklid, distinctive LED light-pipe taillights and cleanly integrated dual exhaust ports. Overall aerodynamic efficiency is improved by approximately 3 percent (based on EX trim) to make it the most streamlined Accord yet.

Elegant and Tech Savvy Cabin
The 2018 Accord also boasts a larger, more premium and tech savvy interior that compliments its athletic and elegant body design, delivering a level of quality and premium feel that belies Accord's mainstream sedan status.

The new Accord features a panoramic forward view that is enabled by its lower cowl and by front roof pillars that are 20 percent narrower and moved rearward relative to the driver's seating position. The new soft-touch instrument panel features an ultra-thin profile and three-tier design with a strong upper deck that describes a continuous arc from its outboard section through the side door sills, giving a sense of strength and visual continuity.

A more intricately contoured sport inspired steering wheel with deep-set thumb rests and available paddle shifters compliment the Accord's more sophisticated and sporty performance capabilities. Meticulous attention to the tactile and visual quality of surface materials and decorations communicates modernity and soft-spoken elegance throughout the cabin.

The inboard positioning of the seats provides for improved freedom of movement and is complimented by longer, wider and more deeply padded arm rests, front and rear; while the Accord's newly designed seats feature taller shoulder bolstering for a more premium appearance and improved lateral support. New high-accuracy seat padding with variable firmness improves seating comfort and support. The driver's seat now has available 12-way power adjustment with height-adjustable lumbar support, and passenger comfort is further enhanced by available new heated and ventilated front seats and by improved available rear seat heating with both seat bottom and seat back heating elements.

The tech-savvy and easy-to-use 2018 Accord cabin also features an all-new HMI that includes an ultra-slim 7-inch TFT driver's meter and a new 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface with physical volume and tuning knobs and more intuitive, smartphone-like features and functionality including customizable app tiles and home-screen shortcuts, along with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility. The Accord also will offer the next-generation of HondaLink telematics with new capabilities including emergency roadside assistance, remote locking/unlocking and engine start, stolen vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics, geofencing, speed tracking and more.

Touring trims of both 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter models also feature a new 6-inch driver's Head Up Display with selectable information, including speed, engine rpm, turn-by-turn navigation, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Additional new or improved connected-car technologies available on the 2018 Accord include wireless device charging, automatic Bluetooth® phone pairing with Near Field Communication technology, 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi-enabled over-the-air system updates.

Audio systems vary by trim, starting with 4 speakers and 160 watts on LX, 8 speakers and 180 watts on Sport and EX trims, and 10 speakers and 450 watts on EX-L and Touring trims. All models feature USB charging ports (two 2.5-amp ports on EX and above) along with Bluetooth connectivity.

Accord Performance: Turbocharged and Electrified
The 2018 Accord takes an entirely new approach to performance by featuring three advanced new powerplants – two direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines and the third generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. The 2018 Accord also features a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission (10AT) with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, the first of its kind for a front-wheel-drive car, and an available 6-speed manual transmission for both turbocharged engines.

The new 1.5-liter, 16-valve DOHC direct-injected turbo with dual Variable Timing Control (dual VTC) produces a peak 192 horsepower (HP) at 5,500 rpm and 192 lb-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 5,000 rpm, up from 185 HP at 6,400 rpm and 181 lb.-ft. at 3,900 rpm on the existing, normally aspirated 2.4-liter model. The new 1.5-liter turbo is mated to a Honda continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or, in Sport trim, to a CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission (6MT).

The Accord can also be equipped with a new 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC direct-injected turbo with i-VTEC® valvetrain paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission or, in Sport trim, to the 10AT or an available 6MT. The new 2.0-liter turbo, sharing much of its design with the race-bred 2017 Civic Type R, produces 252 HP at 6,500 rpm and 273 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm, compared to 278 HP at 6,200 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. at 4,900 rpm for the 3.5-liter V6 that it replaces.

Both turbocharged engines utilize a host of new technologies, including high-efficiency low-inertia turbos, variable valve timing, low-pressure-loss air intake and high-accuracy direct injection, to deliver immediate and powerful response along while still anticipated to receive top level fuel economy ratings. The two new automatic transmissions – the CVT for the 1.5-liter engine and new 10AT for the 2.0-liter engine – take greater advantage of available torque while maximizing quietness and efficiency during highway cruising. The redesigned CVT has an 11 percent lower ratio compared to the current version for more powerful launch performance, while the new 10AT is 22 lbs. lighter, has a 68 percent wider overall ratio range with a 43 percent lower first gear, and a 17 percent taller top gear compared to the current Accord's six-speed automatic.

Production of New Accord Hybrid Returns to Ohio
An all-new, even more refined and fuel efficient Accord Hybrid will be again built in Marysville, Ohio after a couple of years of production in Japan, and will be powered by the third-generation of Honda's innovative two-motor hybrid technology, offering improved power delivery with no compromise to interior or cargo space and packaging.

The new hybrid powertrain will utilize a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine with greater than 40 percent thermal efficiency, the highest for any mass-produced Honda engine, paired with Honda-developed electric motors that are the first drive motors in the world to use magnets containing no heavy rare-earth metals. As before, the Accord two-motor system operates without the need for a conventional automatic transmission.

Additionally, a new, more compact intelligent power unit (IPU), containing the hybrid battery pack and its control systems, is now mounted under the rear floor instead of in the trunk, preserving both cargo space (16.7 cu.-ft.) and the flexibility of a 60/40-split and folding rear seat, standard on all models and trims. Detailed specifications on the 2018 Accord Hybrid, including power and fuel-economy ratings, will be release closer to launch.

New Approach to Body and Chassis Design
The 2018 Accord's new body structure is lighter and more rigid, utilizing 29 percent ultra-high-strength steel, the most extensive application of this weight-saving material in any current mass-produced Honda car. Overall, the new Accord employs 54.2 percent high strength steel (above 440 MPa).

Key body features include the latest generation of Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with crash stroke front frame, tailor-tempered rear frame members for improved crash-energy absorption, and the extensive use of structural adhesives for increased rigidity, cabin quietness and weight reduction. Total vehicle weight is down between approximately 110 to 176 pounds, depending on trim, while body torsional and bending rigidity are improved 32 and 24 percent, respectively, aiding ride quality, cabin quietness, and dynamic performance.

Mated to the new body is a more sophisticated new chassis design. The 2018 Accord's lighter chassis features a new Macpherson strut front suspension with L-shaped aluminum control arms mounted to an all-aluminum front subframe. The new setup better isolates and manages varying road inputs, improving handling precision, ride quality and cabin quietness along with outstanding high-speed stability and control. The new, more space-efficient rear suspension is a multi-link design mounted to a more rigid, floating rear subframe. Fluid-filled compliance bushings at all four corners further improve ride comfort and absorption of road irregularities, and all new Accords also feature, for the first time, an Adaptive Damper System with the ability to adjust shock absorber damping force every 1/500 of a second, providing for a more compliant and controlled ride in all driving situations.

The new Accord has a 10 mm lower center of gravity. The adoption of lighter-weight turbocharged engines and other body design changes reduce the vehicle's moment of inertia, resulting in crisper turn-in and steering response. All models now have near optimal FWD weight distribution of approximately 60/40 (front/rear). Accords with the new 2.0-liter i-VTEC turbo and 10AT check in at approximately 61/39, a significant improvement versus the current V-6 and 6AT Accord.

All new Accords will now come equipped with a Two-Mode Driving System featuring Normal and Sport settings, allowing the driver to dial-up/down the vehicle's sporty reflexes depending on the driving environment. The system engages with multiple chassis and drivetrain components, including the new dual-pinion variable-ratio electric power steering (EPS), automatic transmission, drive-by-wire throttle, adaptive dampers and Active Sound Control system, to provide the driver with an expanded range of driving characteristics. An ECON mode is also available that helps improve fuel efficiency by modifying throttle mapping and HVAC operation.

Along with the first application of structural adhesives to Accord, cabin quietness is further enhanced by a comprehensive sound-insulating package that includes full underbody covers, which also aid aerodynamics, front and rear fender and engine compartment insulators, alloy wheels with Honda-proprietary resonator technology, sound-absorbing carpet, acoustic laminated windshield glass – plus front door acoustic glass on EX and above – and a new, three-microphone Active Noise Control system.

Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology
For 2018, all Accords will feature the full suite of Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment. Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and new Traffic Sign Recognition. Additional available driver-assistive technologies include Blind Spot Information, front and rear parking sensors, Cross Traffic Monitor and Driver Awareness Monitor; and all models feature a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with dynamic guidelines.

Standard advanced active and passive safety systems include Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), advanced front airbags, driver and front-passenger side airbags and new driver and front-passenger knee airbags. The Accord targets top U.S. government (NCAP) and IIHS collision safety ratings.

Accord Models and Trims
More detailed information will be provided closer to launch, but the 1.5-liter powered Accord will be available in six trims – LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Touring. The 2.0-liter model has four trims available, which are Sport, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Touring. And the new Accord Hybrid will be available in five trims – Hybrid, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Touring. Sport trims for both 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engine variants will now feature available short-throw 6-speed manual transmissions.

Accord Manufacturing
All variants of the 2018 Accord will be produced at Honda's Marysville, Ohio auto plant2, at which the company is investing with numerous enhancements to further advance quality and efficiency, including the introduction of additional technologies and processes. Accord was the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be made in America and has been in continuous production at the Marysville Auto Plant since November 1982, with cumulative U.S. production exceeding 11 million units over 35 years.

The 2018 Accord's 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines will be produced at Honda's Anna, Ohio engine plant, and its CVT transmission will be manufactured at the company's Russells Point, Ohio plant.

The all-new, Honda-designed 10-speed automatic transmission will be produced at the company's Tallapoosa, Georgia plant2. Honda recently announced a combined $149 million investment in the Russells Point and Tallapoosa plants to facilitate production of the new 10AT. Additional details concerning new manufacturing technology and investments will be announced closer to launch.

Honda Reveals An Automatic Was Considered for Civic Type R

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 15:43:41 +0000

The Honda Civic Type R is only available with a six-speed manual which limits the possible group of buyers. But according to CarAdvice, Honda was considering an automatic option of some sort for the Type R.

Yuji Matsumochi, assistant large project leader for the 10th-generation Civic's powertrain told the Australian outlet that the Japanese automaker was looking at offering either a conventional automatic or a dual-clutch transmission to broaden the appeal for buyers. But the decision was made to only offer a manual due to weight concerns.

“The Type R needs a lightweight powertrain because it is front-wheel-drive, and needs lightweight powertrain systems. So, the engine is a little bit heavy, so the transmission side needs to be more lightweight,” said Matsumochi.

“If we applied an automatic transmission, or dual-clutch transmission, for a 400Nm engine, it would be very heavy weight, and very big. The front weight would be very heavy.”

Source: CarAdvice

More Civic Type R Variants Are Being Considered

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 18:55:25 +0000

Honda has finally given us a taste of the forbidden fruit that is known as the Civic Type R. But the Japanese automaker has plans to introduce new variants of the Type R to broaden the audience and keep sales fresh.

“We’re hoping that by gradually putting out more [variants] that we’ll be able to maintain a more stable sales volume,” Hideki Matsumoto, chief engineer for the Civic model range to Automotive News.

Topping the list of variants is a more hardcore Type R offering up more power. Honda is also considering a toned-down Type R that is “focused more on the grand touring aspect” to help broaden the target market. The most interesting idea on the table is making an all-wheel drive variant of the Type R.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Honda Teases Us with the 2018 Accord

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 17:37:00 +0000

2018 is setting up to be an interesting year. Like a rare celestial event, the two biggest players in one of the largest segments will both be releasing all new versions of their mid-size sedans.

Toyota has already shown the all-new 2018 Toyota Camry earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, and on July 14th it is Honda's turn with the 10th Generation Accord.

Earlier this month we wrote that the 2018 Honda Accord will no longer offer a V6, instead opting for two turbo-direct-injected engines in 1.5T and 2.0T configurations or a next-generation two-motor Hybrid. Three transmissions will be available depending on engine; a 10-speed automatic, a CVT, or a 6-speed manual. Performance specifics will be shared during the live event.

In the concept teaser image shared by Honda, we can see the latest face of Honda under a muscular looking and long hood. Honda promises that the 2018 Accord will be the most dramatically styled Accord ever. (not a high bar to cross - DD) While Toyota takes the overall sales crown in the midsize segment, Honda is quick to point out that the Accord enjoys higher retail sales, which is a gentle jab at Toyota for increasing fleet sales.

It's rare that we get to see two such heavyweights fight it out with brand new models released in the same model year, with additional competition coming from the redesigned 2018 Hyundai Sonata, and Nissan likely following the year after with the Altima, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

We will have more information posted on July 14th during the live reveal in Detroit.

Honda press release on page 2

Source: Honda Media, Picture courtesy of Honda America.

World Debut of Dramatically-styled 10th Generation Honda Accord Set for July 14

June 19, 2017 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Live in Detroit and via Livestream on YouTube at 11:00 a.m. EDT
Concept sketch reveals dramatic new styling direction
America's best-selling (retail) midsize sedan gets complete remake from ground-up

Honda today released a concept sketch highlighting the aggressive stance and proportion of the all-new 2018 Honda Accord that will make its global debut in Detroit and via YouTube Livestream (honda.us/2018AccordReveal) on July 14, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. The all-new Accord – the most fun-to-drive, premium and dramatically styled Accord ever – is the 10th generation of America's best-selling midsize sedan, the number one choice of individual American car buyers cumulatively since 2010¹.

Earlier this month, the company announced plans for a new Accord that will feature three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains, including two new direct-injected and turbocharged engines paired with either a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission, CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission depending upon engine, as well as the next-generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. Honda will share additional details of its powertrain performance, along with the new design and technology at the event.

A perennial best-seller with American car buyers, the Accord has been the U.S. retail sales leader in the midsize sedan segment for four straight years (2013-2016). For the first five months of 2017, based on retail sales to individual buyers, Accord is the top selling midsize sedan in America and the second best-selling passenger car overall, surpassed only by the new Honda Civic². Accord also is an unprecedented 31-time recipient of Car and Driver magazine's coveted 10Best award.

Since its launch in 1976, American car buyers have purchased more than 13 million Accords. It was the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be made in America and has been in continuous production at Honda's Marysville, Ohio auto plant since November 1982. Cumulative U.S. production of Accord now exceeds 11 million units over 35 years of U.S. manufacturing³.

About Honda

Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Accord and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot sport/utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for 35 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2016, more than 95% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

^{1. Based on Urban Science cumulative retail sales data for all car models in the industry for 2010-2017CYTD May.2. Based on Urban Science retail sales data in the Midsize car segment for 2013-2017CYTD May. 3. Manufactured in the U.S. using domestic and globally-sourced parts.}

2017 Honda Civic Type R Begins At $34,775*, Only Comes In One Trim

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 15:51:55 +0000

Honda has announced pricing for the maddest Civic to date. The 2017 Civic Type R will set you back $34,775 (includes $875.00 destination charge). This confirms the price we saw on a window sticker last month .

Honda will only be selling the Type R in the high-spec Touring trim. This will net you LED lighting, 12-speaker audio system, 7-inch touchscreen with HondaLink, navigation, keyless entry, and push-button start. A turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder produces 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired solely with a six-speed manual. Other performance tweaks for the Type R includes an aero package, revised suspension with adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and high-performance tires.

The Type R is now available at Honda dealers.

Source: Honda
Press Release is on Page 2

First-Ever Civic Type R for America Goes On Sale Tomorrow
Jun 13, 2017 - TORRANCE, Calif.

306-horsepower Civic Type R is most powerful production Honda ever sold in the U.S.
World's fastest production front-wheel-drive car at the Nürburgring
Civic Type R capstones Honda's epic 10th generation Civic lineup

The all-new 2017 Honda Civic Type R – the ultimate performance variant of America's best-selling car1 and the first-ever Type R-badged Honda sold in the U.S. – goes on sale starting tomorrow in one comprehensively-equipped Touring trim with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)2 of $33,900.

The most powerful production Honda ever sold in America, the track-ready 2017 Civic Type R embodies Honda's racing spirit, making 306 horsepower (SAE net) at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net) from 2,500-4500 rpm from its 2.0-liter DOHC direct-injected and turbocharged i-VTEC® engine. A pre-production version of the new Type R claimed the title of world's fastest production front-wheel-drive (FWD) car on April 7, 2017, setting a record lap time of 7 minutes 43.80 seconds on Germany's legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop), more than three seconds faster than the previous FWD best.

The Type R puts the power down through a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission with helical limited slip differential hooked up to 245/30ZR20 Continental SportContact 6 high-performance tires on 20x8.5-inch black-finished aluminum wheels. Speed is scrubbed by 13.8-inch cross-drilled rotors clamped by 4-piston Brembo aluminum calipers in front and 12.0-inch rotors with single-piston calipers in the rear.

The Type R chassis features a dual-axis strut front suspension and multi-link rear, front and rear anti-roll bars, Type-R exclusive springs, bushings and damper mountings and a newly designed Adaptive Damper System with the ability to continuously adjust damping force at all four corners using input from three on-board G sensors, four suspension stroke sensors and a steering angle sensor.

The Adaptive Damper System, along with the dual-pinion variable-ratio electric power steering, drive-by-wire throttle, and brake system, are tied to the Type R's three selectable driving modes, with COMFORT, SPORT and +R settings, allowing the driver to dial up the Type R's reflexes depending on the driving environment. The throttle ECU also features driver-selectable automatic rev matching with two profiles, one for COMFORT and SPORT modes and one for +R mode, to assist drivers in making smooth downshifts without the need for heel & toe downshifting.

Additional performance-enhancing Type-R exclusive features include a weight-saving all-aluminum hood (-11.7 lbs.) and the application of structural adhesives to the body for added structural rigidity, as well as a high-flow exhaust system with three center-mounted exhaust outlets, and a comprehensive aerodynamic package that delivers an exceptional balance of high-speed stability and low drag.

2017 Civic Type R Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Trim	MSRP¹	EPA MPG Rating³(city/highway/combined)
Civic Type R	$33,900	22/28/25

Key Exterior and Interior Features

The all-new 2017 Civic Type R offers a sporty and stylish exterior with advanced aerodynamics that immediately distinguishes the hatchback at a glance, while also providing a performance-focused interior with comfort, convenience and the latest in technology and connectivity features.

Exterior

Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with crash stroke front frame design

Acoustic windshield

Unibody structural adhesive at key points

Triple door sealing

Security System with Remote Entry and Trunk Release

Advanced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) countermeasures

LED daytime running lights (DRL)

LED headlights with auto on/off

LED fog lights, turn signals, taillights, brake lights

2-speed intermittent windshield wipers

Smart wipers

Body-colored power side mirrors

Body-colored door handles

Capless fueling system

Aerodynamics package with front splitter, side winglets, air-stabilizing vents, large rear wing, and roof-mounted vortex generators

Interior

97.0 cubic feet of cabin space

Class-leading 22.6-cubic foot cargo area with rear seats up

60/40 split and folding rear seat

Soft-touch, one-piece instrument panel upper

7-inch Display Audio touchscreen with integrated HVAC controls

7-inch Driver Information Interface (DII) with selectable performance content

Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility

540-watt, 12-speaker stereo

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™

Driver Information Interface with performance-oriented information displays

Smart Entry and Push Button Start

Hill Start Assist

Walk Away Door Locking

Electric Parking Brake

In-Vehicle Connectivity

Like the rest of the Civic family, the new Civic Type R significantly benefits from advanced in-vehicle connectivity and audio performance with a new generation of cutting-edge technologies. Type R standard features include a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio interface with Android operating system, with a unique red graphic theme. Matching the aggressive spirit of the Type R is a standard 540-watt 12-speaker audio system. The system enables simplified smartphone connectivity with a single cable connection and is compatible with the Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ platforms. Featuring standard Pandora® compatibility, streaming Bluetooth® audio and many other content choices, including SiriusXM®, the Civic Type R offers a rich selection of audio and connectivity choices. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic is standard equipment on the Civic Type R.

The Type R's red-illuminated meter cluster features a 7-inch Drivers Information Interface (DII) that includes a range of selectable real-time information designed to support performance driving. The system can display throttle and brake application in a graphic percentage format, turbocharger boost pressure, lap time (intended for use on closed circuits) and shift lights. A graphical G-meter provides a representation of acceleration, braking and cornering forces.

Safety Performance

The 2017 Civic Type R is equipped with numerous safety and driver-assistive features. Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, Advanced 4-Channel ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EDB), Brake Assist, LED daytime running lights, headlights and fog lights, a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines, and an Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Passive safety begins with advanced unibody engineering and construction, which includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and energy-dispersing crash stroke front frame rails are employed, and additional passive-safety features include advanced front airbags (i-SRS), front side airbags, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor.

2018 Honda Fit is All About That Safety Tech

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 19:16:26 +0000

Honda is giving their smallest model its first significant update since it was redesigned for the 2015 model year.

The 2018 Fit will now come with Honda Sensing suite of active safety equipment. Standard on EX and above, and optional on the LX and new Sport trim, Honda Sensing brings adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road departure warning, and road departure mitigation. This puts it ahead of the Toyota Yaris which comes with a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.

As mentioned above, the Fit will get a new trim called Sport. This is more of an appearance package than anything else with 16-inch wheels finished in black, rear diffuser with bright orange trim, and chrome exhaust tip. All Fits do come with a new two-piece grille, while trims except the Sport come with new bumpers.

Honda says the 2018 Fit will arrive at dealers next month. Pricing hasn't been announced, but we expect it to be similar to the 2017's base price of $16,965.

Source: Honda
Press Release is on Page 2

Refreshed 2018 Honda Fit Launches Next Month with More Aggressive Styling, New Sport Trim and Available Honda Sensing

Jun 12, 2017 - TORRANCE, Calif.

More youthful and emotional styling enhances Fit's sporty character
Honda Sensing® adds safety and driver assistive technologies to Honda's benchmark subcompact
New style and features add to Fit's best-in-class space, refinement, practicality, fuel efficiency and affordability

Honda today revealed the 2018 Fit with fresh new styling, the addition of a Sport trim and the availability of Honda Sensing® on its popular hatchback. Updated styling at the front and rear, and a splash of additional color add vibrancy and infuse the versatile Fit with an enhanced youthful, sporty and emotional character. The availability of Honda Sensing® brings the suite of advanced safety and driver assistive technologies to the subcompact Fit.

"With sporty new styling and additional feature content, the 2018 Honda Fit ups the ante with new styling and sophistication not typically found in the subcompact segment," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president of the American Honda Automobile Division. "Fit has always represented a great value for subcompact customers and the addition of available Honda Sensing® to its fun-to-drive performance and unmatched versatility will keep the Honda Fit as the industry's benchmark subcompact."

The 2018 Honda Fit features new, sportier styling, starting with a horizontally layered, two-piece chrome and piano black grille with a larger, more prominent "H" mark. The more integrated and sophisticated headlights blend into the side edges of the upper fascia's wing creating a unified yet more aggressive design. The front bumper sports top chrome accents and features a full-width splitter, along with more angular fog lights pods.

At the rear, the Fit's low and wide sporty styling continues with a redesigned bumper featuring a full-width character line in piano black and a splitter-shaped lower section. A newly styled taillight combo completes the Fit's sharper looking rear.

Positioned between the LX and EX trims, the new Fit Sport trim features an even more aggressive and sporty look with aero form features at the front, sides and rear, and a low and sharp front splitter highlighted in bright orange. An exclusive black finish on the 16-inch alloy wheels further adds to the sporty look. At the rear, a three-strake diffuser with bright orange upper trim line, chrome exhaust finisher and Sport badge complete the Fit Sport's aggressive exterior styling.

Two new vibrant colors – Helios Yellow Pearl (replacing Mystic Yellow) and Orange Fury – join an expanded color palette that includes White Orchid Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Milano Red and Aegean Blue Metallic.

Available on LX and Sport trims and standard on EX and above, Honda Sensing® includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Brake Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) incorporating Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) incorporating Road Departure Warning (RDW). This makes Fit the most affordable car in America with such a robust suite of available advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies and the only vehicle within its segment to do so.

This is the third-generation Fit's first update since the launch of the 2015 model in 2014. More in-depth information about the upgrades to the 2018 Fit, including expanded feature content will be provided in the near future.

2018 Honda Accord Drops the Six

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 19:18:00 +0000

If you want a six-cylinder engine in your midsize sedan, the selection of models has been steadily declining. At the moment, you can only get a six from Ford, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Come the 2018 model year, there will be one less automaker.

Honda announced today that next-generation Accord, due later this year, will feature two turbocharged four-cylinders. The base will be a 1.5L four-cylinder (most likely from the Civic with 174 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque) and a 2.0L four-cylinder with i-VTEC valvetrain - derived from the Civic Type R. Offical power figures are not out, but Honda says both engines will have the option of a six-speed manual. The 1.5L will also feature a CVT, while the 2.0L will get an all-new 10-speed automatic.

"With these three advanced new powertrains, the tenth-generation Accord will be the most fun-to-drive, refined and fuel-efficient Accord yet. Just as the new Honda Civic injected new energy into the compact car segment, we expect this all-new 2018 Accord will make people rethink the midsize sedan," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of America Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The Accord Hybrid will also be returning for the next-generation model. Not many details are known, but Honda says it will feature a new two-motor hybrid system that is more refined.

Source: Honda
Press Release is on Page 2

All-New 10th Generation Honda Accord Launching This Year with Advanced New Powertrain Lineup

Jun 9, 2017 - TORRANCE, CA

Two high-performance, high-efficiency turbocharged engines
First-ever 10-speed automatic transmission for a front-wheel drive car
Available 6-speed manual transmission for both turbo engines
Next-generation Honda two-motor hybrid powertrain technology
New, more aggressive design direction complements powertrain lineup

Honda will launch the most stylish and fun-to-drive Accord ever later this year. The all-new, completely redesigned and reengineered 2018 Honda Accord is the tenth generation of America's best-selling midsize sedan, the number one choice of individual American car buyers cumulatively since 20101. A new-from-the-ground-up design that features a more aggressive stance and proportion than any previous Accord complements the lineup of advanced new powertrains.

The three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains in the 2018 Accord will include two direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission and a sporty 6-speed manual transmission that will be available on both turbo engines, as well as the next-generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. The new Accord design will have a dramatically lower and wider appearance that creates a more aggressive and athletic stance. Additional details on the all-new 2018 Accord design, technology and performance will be released in the weeks ahead.

"With these three advanced new powertrains, the tenth-generation Accord will be the most fun-to-drive, refined and fuel-efficient Accord yet,"said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of America Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Just as the new Honda Civic injected new energy into the compact car segment, we expect this all-new 2018 Accord will make people rethink the midsize sedan."

The 2018 Accord will feature two available high-torque, high-efficiency turbocharged powerplants, a 1.5-liter direct-injected DOHC Turbo with dual variable cam timing (dual VTC), mated to either a Honda continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or 6-speed manual transmission; and a 2.0-liter direct-injected DOHC Turbo with i-VTEC® valvetrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission – the industry's first 10AT for a front-wheel-drive passenger car – or a 6-speed manual. An all-new, even more refined Accord Hybrid will be powered by the next-generation of Honda's innovative two-motor hybrid technology, which uniquely operates without the use of a conventional automatic transmission.

A perennial best-seller with American car buyers, the Accord has been the U.S. retail sales leader in the midsize sedan segment for four straight years (2013-2016). For the first five months of 2017, based on retail sales data, Accord is the top selling midsize sedan in America and the second best-selling passenger car overall, surpassed only by the new Honda Civic2. Accord also is an unprecedented 31-time recipient of Car and Driver magazine's coveted 10Best award.

Since its launch in 1976, American car buyers have purchased more than 13 million Accords. Accord is the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be made in America and has been in continuous production at Honda's Marysville, Ohio auto plant since November 1982, with cumulative U.S. production exceeding 11 million units over 35 years of U.S. manufacturing3.

The new 2018 Accord's 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines will be produced at Honda's Anna, Ohio engine plant. The Accord's CVT transmission will be manufactured at the company's Russells Point, Ohio plant, and its new 10-speed automatic transmission will be produced in the company's Tallapoosa, Georgia plant. Honda recently announced a $149 million investment in the Russells Point and Tallapoosa plants to facilitate production of the new 10AT and its components in America. Additional investments related to manufacturing of the new Accord will be announced closer to its fall 2017 launch.

Honda Ponders Whether It Should Do A Odyssey Hybrid

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 20:24:01 +0000

There could be some competition for the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid. Speaking with Wards Auto, Honda's lead r&d engineer Tom Sladek hinted that Odyssey minivan could be getting a hybrid powertrain.

“The electrification initiative is definitely coming, but on which products and which timing is not 100% clear yet,” said Sladek.

“We just released the hybrid (Acura) MDX so that powertrain could be considered in the future, although we can’t comment on particular plans.”

That line gives us some idea that Honda is looking at possibly using this powertrain in other vehicles. Why the Odyssey? The main reason is that both vehicles utilize the same platform - known as 2SL according to Wards.

The MDX Sport Hybrid uses a 3.0L V6 and three electric motors (one in the transmission and two for the rear wheels) to produce a combined output of 321 horsepower. While the MDX emphasizes performance with its hybrid powertrain, the Odyssey will likely focus more on fuel economy.

Honda has set a goal of having two-thirds of its global sales to be electrified by 2030.

Source: Wards Auto

Two Reasons As To Why the Civic Si Only Produces 205 HP

Sun, 04 Jun 2017 15:40:59 +0000

The echo of a sad trombone could be heard when Honda announced that the new Civic Si would only produce 205 horsepower from a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder. Fans were hoping for a bit more power and Honda's engineers say there is more power on tap. But there are two key reasons as to why the Japanese automaker did this.

The engineers said "you can tune more power into it, but all of that takes away from the durability of the engine," said Rob Keough, senior product planner on the Civic to Automotive News.

"Honda likes to build their engines to last hundreds of thousands of miles, so they're working toward that target."

The other reason comes down to price. Honda wanted to keep the Si affordable while adding some impressive performance parts such as a limited-slip differential and adaptive suspension.

"The Si has always been in the [price] range that it's in. We wanted it to be attainable and affordable, so our target for Si was really to come in at this price point with this performance level," said Keough.

For example, if Honda was to use a detuned version of the turbo 2.0L found in the Civic Type R, that would push the price to nearly $30,000.

Keough didn't rule out the possibility of there being a variant between the Si and Type R that would offer a bit more power. He also didn't rule out using a detuned Type R motor for this model.

"There's maybe other configurations and things that they can do with this motor," said Keough.

We have a possible name for this possible model, Civic SiR.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Picture of Window Sticker Gives Us An Idea On Civic Type R Pricing

Wed, 31 May 2017 19:41:00 +0000

It will not be too long before the Civic Type R begins hitting Honda dealers in the U.S. and we now have some idea on pricing.

A member on the CivicX.com forums came across a lot full of new Civic Type Rs nearby a port. The member was able to get some pictures of the vehicles sitting there along with one showing the window sticker. According to the sticker, the Civic Type R Touring will carry a base price of $33,900 - add $875.00 for destination and you'll end up with a final price of $34,775.

We don't know if Honda will be doing a lower-trim version of the Type R - Touring at Honda is their designation for the top trim level. If they do, we expect it to be around $30,000 to $32,000.

Source: CivicX.com
Pic Credit: Newspress USA

Honda CR-V Hybrid Might Be Coming to the U.S.

Fri, 21 Apr 2017 17:37:24 +0000

At the Shanghai auto show, Honda introduced a hybrid version of the CR-V crossover. Not many details were released about it aside from it featuring the company's Sport Hybrid i-MMD two-motor hybrid system and would go on sale in China in the second half of this year. This got a few outlets wondering if Honda might bring the CR-V hybrid to the U.S. as the automaker has said they plan on electrify core models.

Green Car Reports reached out Honda's U.S. office to ask about this and here is Honda responded,

"We have already announced our intent to electrify core volume models, including light trucks. CR-V will logically be a part of that, and we'll announce timing for the U.S. at a later date."

In other words, we're are planning to sell CR-V hybrid in the U.S. When it does arrive, it will face off between the Nissan Rogue Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Source: Green Car Reports

Oops! Honda Accidentally Reveals the Upcoming Civic Si's Torque Figure

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 18:29:42 +0000

Honda was hoping to surprise us all with the power figures of the upcoming Civic Si, but part of the surprise has been spoiled.

A member of the CivicX forum posted an email from Honda saying the Civic Si would boast 192 pound-feet of torque from a turbocharged 1.5L four. This number was confirmed by a Honda representative to Road & Track. Compared to the outgoing Si's naturally-aspirated 2.4L engine, the new engine produces 18 more pound-feet (174 vs. 192).

We still have questions for the upcoming Civic Si. What is the horsepower rating for the Civic Si? Also, does all of the torque arrive on the low end or high end of the rpm band? We'll hopefully have answers in the near future.

Source: CivicX, Road & Track

Honda's Upcoming Clarity EV Falls Short In Terms Of Range

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 16:56:39 +0000

Honda will soon be entering the electric car arena with the introduction of the Clarity EV this spring. But as Automotive News has learned, the Clarity EV will have a big disadvantage right out of the gate.

The Clarity EV will only offer a range of 80 miles on a single charge. This puts it well behind nearly all of the electric vehicles on sale.

2017 Nissan Leaf: 107 mile range
2017 Ford Focus Electric: 115 mile range
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric: 124 mile range
2017 Volkswagen e-Golf - 125 mile range
2017 Chevrolet Bolt - 238 mile range

Why the limited range? Honda explained to Automotive News the decision came down two parameters that were non-negotiable: the size of the Clarity's platform - underpins a fuel cell and upcoming plug-in hybrid - and keeping the starting price around $35,000. With these two points, Honda's engineers were hamstrung from putting in a larger battery. Still, Honda is trying to put a positive spin on this, saying they believe they have found a sweet spot in the EV marketplace.

"A pillar of the Honda brand is affordability, and if Honda came out with some obscenely priced long-range electric car, what does that do for the brand? Most of our customers would not be able to acquire it," Steve Center, vice president of environmental business development at American Honda Motor.

"These people want a battery car and they know what they do and where they go. They're very rational and they don't need to lug around or charge up a 300-mile-range battery because that costs them electricity."

But how many of those people are out there? Studies within the past year or so have shown that while most people would be able to get away with an electric vehicle providing a range of under 100 miles, the fear of range anxiety rears its ugly head.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Honda Planning A New Dedicated Hybrid For 2018

Fri, 13 Jan 2017 19:25:16 +0000

While the big story for Honda at the Detroit Auto show was the 2018 Odyssey minivan, there was another announcement that was left as a footnote. For 2018, Honda will introduce a new dedicated hybrid model.

This is part of Honda’s overall electrification strategy, where it plans half of its new vehicle reveals within the next years will have some sort of electric-drive technology. By 2030, the automaker hopes two-thirds of their vehicle sales from electrified vehicles.

Not many details were released on the new hybrid model except that it would be “two-motor hybrid system.”

Honda also announced that the two-motor hybrid system would appear on its light-truck lineup. Possible candidates include the CR-V, Odyssey, and Pilot.

Source: Honda
Press Release is on Page 2

Honda Adds All-New Dedicated Hybrid Model to Growing Electrified Lineup

Jan 9, 2017 - DETROIT

New hybrid model will be made in America and launch in 2018
Two-motor hybrid system to be applied to light truck lineup
More than half of all new models launching in next two years will be electrified vehicles

Honda today announced a new dedicated hybrid model that will be made in America and launch nationwide in 2018, as part of the Honda Electrification Initiative, which will expand the company's portfolio of electrified vehicles. Honda also announced it will expand the use of its innovative two-motor hybrid powertrain from passenger cars to its light truck lineup in the future.

"Half of the all-new models Honda will launch in the United States in the coming two years will be electrified vehicles," said Takahiro Hachigo, President & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "In the long term, electrified vehicles are key to the future of carbon-free mobility."

Honda set a global target for two-thirds of all sales to come from electrified models by 2030 and to halve its total company CO2 emissions from 2000 levels by 2050.

The new, dedicated hybrid vehicle will utilize Honda's innovative two-motor hybrid system, which is currently deployed in the 49 mpg Accord Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in America. The new model will be produced at an existing plant in the United States. Additional details on the vehicle and its manufacturing will be announced closer to launch.

In December 2016, Honda began the launch of its new Clarity series of electrified vehicles, starting with the Clarity Fuel Cell. The Clarity Fuel Cell is available through select California Honda dealers and boasts the highest range of any zero-emissions vehicle in America with its 366-mile EPA range rating.1 This year, Honda will launch the Clarity Electric and the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, as the two remaining models in its Clarity series of premium midsize electrified vehicles.

Honda's Civic Type R Could Be Boasting A CVT (UPDATE)

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 14:22:00 +0000

UPDATE: The folks at Temple of VTEC were able to find the quote from Car Magazine that the CivicX forums referenced.

"Doubtless power will continue to be transmitted by today's magical six-speed manual gearbox, with its tightly packed ratios. There's no indication of a dual-clutch gearbox for the Civic: the announced automated option is a CVT, although engineer Kariya hastily adds that he's tried to head-off the typical rev-metal thrash by making the cooking engines tractable at low revs."

We can see how some may think the Civic Type R could be getting a CVT from reading this (emphasis ours). But there is one key thing to be aware of. The line bolded mentions the Civic, not the Civic Type-R.

To put this story to rest, Temple of VTEC reached out to Honda for comment. Honda said that the Type R would only come with a six-speed manual. Those worried that Honda was going mad can breath a sigh of relief.

Source: Temple of VTEC

We're finally getting our chance to sample some forbidden fruit in the form of the Honda Civic Type R when it launches later this year. For awhile, we've known that the Type R would be coming with a six-speed manual transmission only. ~~But it seems there is another transmission option on the horizon and one that will disappoint a number of enthusiasts.~~ (SEE UPDATE ABOVE).

In the November issue of Car Magazine (via the CivicX forums), the publication spoke with three senior Honda folks,

Mirsuru Kariya - Head engineer of Civic
Daisuke Tsutamori - Head designer of Civic
Katsushi Inoue - Head of Honda Europe

One interesting bit of information that came out of this was the Type R getting the option of a CVT transmission. Yes, we can already hear the cries of those who believe Honda is watering the vehicle down. First, this an option as the manual will be standard. Second, engineers have reportedly tuned the transmission for low-end acceleration.

Source: CivicX

2017 Honda CR-V Features A New Look, Turbo Power

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 18:04:00 +0000

The Honda CR-V is one of the brand's most important vehicles as it makes up a fair chunk of Honda's sales. The combination of its comfort, utility, and reputation for being reliable has made it a safe bet for buyers.

Yesterday at an event in Detroit, Honda pulled the curtain back on the all-new 2017 CR-V. The CR-V follows Honda's current recipe for their new and updated models; increased dimensions, nicer interior, improved technology, and a turbo engine.

Yes, the CR-V for 2017 will be getting the option a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 1.5L and features direct-injection. Power output stands at 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Honda believes this engine will make up 75 percent of CR-V sales. We can't argue with this since the engine will come standard on the EX and above models. The base LX will retain the 2.4L four-cylinder (184 horsepower, 180 pound-feet) that is used in the current CR-V. No matter which engine, it will come paired with a CVT and the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The exterior has some personality with new a front end (new grille and headlights that appear to come from the Civic) and a restyled rear tailgate. Inside, the CR-V comes with a new instrument cluster, more soft-touch materials, and an updated head unit with an actual volume knob (I could kiss you Honda -WM). Honda says the 2017 CR-V is the roomiest compact crossover with a 2.1-inch increase in rear legroom and 39 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Thank a longer wheelbase (up 1.6 inches) and better packing for the increase.

Honda is making the Honda Sense suite of active safety features standard on the EX and above. Honda Sense includes such features as adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigating braking, lane-keep assist, and road-departure mitigation. Blind spot monitoring is available as an option.

Honda says the 2017 CR-V will arrive at dealers in December. Pricing will be announced sometime before the launch.

Source: Honda
Press Release is on Page 2

Revealed! 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback, Arrives This Fall

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 14:30:00 +0000

Honda has finally pulled the curtain back on the 2017 Civic Hatchback that will be arriving this fall in the U.S.

There aren't many changes with the transition from concept to production model. There is a sloping roofline and a upswept beltline. The model shown here - Sport Touring - features side skirts, intergrated rear wing, and center mounted exhaust.

The Civic Hatchback will only be available with the turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder. The LX, EX, and EX-L get 174 horsepower, while the Sport and Sport Touring feature 180. Both tunes of the turbo 1.5 will feature the same amount of torque - 162. One exciting bit of news is that the hatchback (along with the Civic coupe and sedan equipped with the turbo engine) will have a manual transmission as standard equipment for the LX, Sport, and EX trims. A CVT will be available on those trims and standard on the EX-L and Sport Touring.

Honda says the Civic Hatchback provides best-in-class rear legroom (36 inches) and cargo space (no measurement is listed for it).

More importantly, the hatchback will be the basis for the next Civic Type R, due out next year.

Honda's Swindon plant in the UK will handle the worldwide production of the Civic Hatchback. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

Source: Honda

Press Release is on Page 2

All-New 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Arrives This Fall in North America

Aug 15, 2016

First 5-door Hatchback for Civic lineup in the U.S.
Civic Hatchback combines Euro-inspired styling and five-door versatility
All models powered by 1.5-liter DOHC direct-injected turbo engine
Civic Hatchback will serve as the basis for radical new Civic Type-R

TORRANCE – Arriving this fall in North America, the 2017 Civic Hatchback is the latest addition to the much-heralded 10th-generation Honda Civic lineup, joining the 2016 North American Car of the Year – the Civic Sedan, and the Civic Coupe that launched earlier this year. The 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback combines striking, Euro-inspired styling and five-door versatility with the Civic's world-class driving dynamics and Honda direct-injected turbo engine technology. The Civic Hatchback, scheduled to arrive this fall at Honda dealers nationwide, also will serve as the basis for the radical new Civic Type-R launching in the U.S. in 2017.

"The Civic Hatch has been a staple for Honda in Europe, but has long been the forbidden fruit for Honda fans in the U.S.," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Now, we're bringing this sporty, stylish and versatile Civic Hatchback to North America, as we amp up the performance of our incredible Civic lineup with each new Civic model."

Built on the same world-class platform as the 10th-generation Civic Sedan and Coupe, the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback offers an appealing combination of sporty styling, efficiency, interior utility and premium features. The Civic Hatchback will be available in LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Sport Touring trims, and will feature a single engine for the U.S. market: a 1.5-liter DOHC direct-injected turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder with peak output of 174 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque in LX, EX and EX-L trims and 180 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque in the Sport and an all-new Sport Touring grade, which feature a high-flow center-mounted exhaust.

The turbocharged engine will be offered with either a sporty CVT (all trims) or a performance-inspired 6-speed manual transmission (LX, Sport, and EX trims). Anticipated EPA fuel economy ratings of 31/40/34 mpg (city/highway/combined) for CVT-equipped models, based on the newer, more stringent model year 2017 EPA ratings requirements, put the 5-door Honda Civic Hatchback at the top of its class.

Working in concert with the Honda turbocharged powertrain is the Civic's more rigid and lightweight body and sophisticated chassis design, featuring a fully independent suspension system with liquid filled bushings, front and rear; sport-tuned electronic power steering with variable gear ratios; and powerful 4-channel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Hill Start Assist.

The interior of the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback carries through on the modern, sophisticated and premium quality of the 10th-generation Civic lineup, with high-grade materials and finishes applied liberally throughout. In terms of packaging, the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback delivers class-leading volume and cargo capacity, including a roomy interior (122.9 cu. ft.), best rear seat legroom (36.0 inches) and largest cargo carrying capacity in the competitive set.

Available on most trims (and standard on Sport Touring) will be the Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) integrated with CMBS, Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning integrated with RDM and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow. Other available features include Honda Display Audio with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ (EX and above trims), heated front seats and heated side mirrors, power driver and front-passenger seats, remote engine start and more.

The Civic Hatchback's all-new Sport Touring grade makes Honda Sensing™, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ and LED headlights as standard equipment, while adding heated rear seats and other features.

The Civic Hatchback will target top-class safety ratings – an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score and an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK rating with a GOOD rating in all crash test modes and a SUPERIOR rating in frontal crash prevention, when equipped with Honda Sensing.

The 2017 Civic Hatchback was developed jointly by Honda R&D teams in Europe and Japan and will be manufactured exclusively by Honda of the UK Manufacturing in its Swindon, UK plant.

Spying: Our First Look At the Honda Civic Si

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 13:25:00 +0000

At first glance, this set of spy photos might look like a standard Honda Civic Coupe being disguised for some unknown reason. But the back has an emblem on the passenger side covered up and there a single-piece exhaust that is similar to the Civic coupe concept from the 2015 New York Auto Show. Ladies and gentlemen, may we introduce you to the upcoming Civic Si.

These pictures handed off to AutoGuide are the first spy shots of Honda's hot Civic - until the Type R comes around. Other details we can pull from the shots is a more aggressive front end that is similar from the 2015 concept and new bumpers.

Power is expected to come from the 2.0L turbo-four powering the current Civic Type R. The engine will be slightly de-tuned to produce 220 to 230 horsepower. A six-speed manual is expected, but no word on whether this Si will be the first to offer an automatic transmission.

The Civic Si expected to arrive sometime next year, so it would be safe to assume it will appear at either the LA or Detroit Auto Show.

Source: AutoGuide

NHTSA Calls For Urgent Repairs of Certain Honda and Acura Models Due to Takata Airbags

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 19:05:00 +0000

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning to owners of certain 2001 to 2003 Honda and Acura model to stop driving them due to these models being equipped with Takata airbags.

Lab tests done by NHTSA revealed that the airbag inflator in these vehicles have a 50 percent chance of the bag rupturing, causing metal shards to enter the interior and possibly injuring or even killing a person.

"With as high as a 50 percent chance of a dangerous air bag inflator rupture in a crash, these vehicles are unsafe and need to be repaired immediately. Folks should not drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately, free of charge," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

The vehicles involved include,

2001-2002 Honda Accord
2001-2002 Honda Civic
2002 Honda CR-V
2002 Honda Odyssey
2003 Honda Pilot
2002-2003 Acura 3.2 TL
2003 Acura 3.2CL

According to NHTSA, there 313,000 vehicles that need to have their airbags replaced.

One of the main causes for the rupturing is moisture getting inside the inflator. Vehicles in high humid areas such as Florida are susceptible to this.

In a statement, Honda agreed with NHTSA's findings and urged owners to get their vehicles to a dealer as soon as possible.

Source: Reuters, NHTSA

Press Release is on Page 2

NHTSA: New test data on particular subset of Takata air bag inflators shows substantially higher risk

NHTSA calls on news media and public to assist in finding unrepaired high-risk vehicles

WASHINGTON – New test data on a particular subset of defective Takata air bag inflators in certain model-year 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles show a far higher risk of ruptures during air bag deployment, prompting an urgent call from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure that unrepaired vehicles in this population are found and fixed before they cause further injuries or fatalities.

“With as high as a 50 percent chance of a dangerous air bag inflator rupture in a crash, these vehicles are unsafe and need to be repaired immediately,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Folks should not drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately, free of charge.”

The higher-risk inflators are in certain 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles:

2001-2002 Honda Civic
2001-2002 Honda Accord
2002-2003 Acura TL
2002 Honda CR-V
2002 Honda Odyssey
2003 Acura CL
2003 Honda Pilot

The air bag inflators in these particular vehicles contain a manufacturing defect which greatly increases the potential for dangerous rupture when a crash causes the air bag to deploy. Ruptures are far more likely in inflators in vehicles that have spent significant periods of time in areas of high absolute humidity—particularly Florida, Texas, other parts of the Gulf Coast, and Southern California. Testing of the inflators from these vehicles show rupture rates as high as 50 percent in a laboratory setting.

The vehicles in question were recalled between 2008 and 2011. Honda has reported that more than 70 percent of this higher-risk population of vehicles has already been repaired, but approximately 313,000 vehicles with this very dangerous defect remain unrepaired. The risk posed by the airbag inflators in these vehicles is grave, and it is critical they be repaired now to avoid more deaths and serious injuries.

NHTSA and Honda are asking for the news media and public’s assistance to find the remaining unrepaired vehicles. Drivers of these vehicles should immediately visit SaferCar.gov to check whether their vehicle has any outstanding safety recalls. Those that do should contact their nearest dealer to schedule a no-cost immediate repair. Replacement parts for these vehicles are available immediately.

“The air bag inflators in this particular group of vehicles pose a grave danger to drivers and passengers that must be fixed right away,” said NHTSA Administrator Dr. Mark Rosekind. "Drivers should visit SaferCar.gov or contact their local dealer to check whether their vehicle is affected. If it is, they should have the vehicle repaired immediately for free at an authorized dealer. We commend Honda for taking additional actions to get these vehicles repaired.”

Though the vehicles are already under recall, NHTSA ordered Takata to perform additional ballistic testing following recent reports of ruptures. Eight of the 10 confirmed U.S. fatalities due to Takata ruptures — including the most recent in Fort Bend County, Texas — were in this population of vehicles.

Honda has committed to immediately taking additional actions to enhance their efforts to find and fix recalled vehicles. Honda will provide additional information about their efforts. NHTSA has also directed Honda to report weekly on the progress of vehicle repairs.

NHTSA is also expanding its own direct consumer outreach, including a paid media campaign and a series of outreach events in high-risk areas this summer. NHTSA has also engaged the vehicle insurance industry to help locate the unremedied vehicles.

Honda To Quietly End Production of CR-Z At the End of 2016

Fri, 17 Jun 2016 13:25:00 +0000

Honda has quietly announced that the CR-Z would be done after the 2016 model year. Car and Driver received a statement from the automaker that said they will “discontinue CR-Z this year [2016]” as it “significantly expand its sales of electrified vehicles with the addition of two new volume models.” Those models in question are the 2017 Accord Hybrid and upcoming Clarity range.

The CR-Z was launched in 2010 as a 2011 model. The vehicle never really found traction in terms of sales. Its best year was in 2011 with 11,330 models sold. In 2015, Honda only moved 3,073 CR-Zs. Part of the reason dealt with the hybrid powertrain. The CR-Z used Honda's IMA hybrid system that produced 130 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque (the CVT saw torque drop to 127). This made CR-Z slow. It didn't help the CR-Z didn't fare so well with fuel economy numbers. The EPA rated the CR-Z manual at 31 City/38 Highway/34 Combined.

Source: Car and Driver

Honda Debuts 2017 Accord Hybrid, Expands Clarity Lineup

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 14:45:00 +0000

Honda is getting serious with its green cred as they have announced an updated Accord Hybrid for 2017 and two more models joining the Clarity Fuel Cell in the U.S.

We'll begin with the 2017 Accord Hybrid. The model took a break for the 2016 model year as Honda updated the Accord lineup with a revised look and new tech. But the Hybrid as a 2017 model with all of the changes seen on the 2016 model - updated exterior and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The big news is with the Accord Hybrid's powertrain. The 2017 model uses the next-generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid system with a revised 2.0L i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, a more compact electric motor, and improved electronics. The changes increase horsepower from 196 to 212.

Fuel economy figures for the 2017 Accord Hybrid stand at 49 City/47 Highway/48 Combined. These numbers are slightly different from the 2015 model which boasted 50 City/45 Highway47 Combined. This is due to Honda having to certify the fuel economy numbers under new, stricter EPA drive-cycle test requirements for 2017.

Standard equipment includes a backup camera, remote start, and Honda Sensing (suite of safety tech such as collision avoidance braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, etc). Higher trims get a new 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; heated rear seats, and front and rear parking sensors.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but Honda says the 2017 Accord Hybrid will be arriving at dealers towards the end of spring.

Honda Clarity To Get Two New Members

Honda hasn't even started selling the Clarity Fuel Cell in the U.S. (specifically California), but they have announced two new variations of it. For 2017, Honda will offer a fully electric and a plug-in hybrid version. Details are scarce on both models, but Honda says the Clarity EV will be sold in California first before moving to other markets. The Clarity plug-in hybrid will be sold in all 50 states and offer 40 miles of electric-only range.

Source: Honda

Press Releases are on Page 2

The Best Gets Better: More Powerful, Fuel Efficient and Technologically Advanced 2017 Accord Hybrid Launching this Spring

Apr 21, 2016 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Next-generation two-motor hybrid powertrain expected to receive class-leading EPA fuel economy ratings; including 49 mpg city
Most powerful and refined midsize hybrid sedan with 212 total combined horsepower
Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive technologies standard
Doubled production capacity for expected sales increase

Honda will bolster its Accord lineup with the launch of the 2017 Accord Hybrid this spring, featuring a more powerful and efficient second-generation two-motor hybrid powertrain that has the highest EPA fuel economy ratings of any midsize hybrid sedan and delivers the most power. With improved production methods and supplies of hybrid components, Honda is anticipating significant growth in sales of Accord Hybrid and is targeting annual sales to be more than double its previous best of just under 14,000 vehicles in 2014.

"The new Honda Accord Hybrid is the ultimate Accord – the most refined, technologically sophisticated and, of course, most fuel efficient in the lineup," said John Mendel, Executive Vice President of the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With Accord already America's most popular car three years running and the best-selling midsize car to younger buyers, we think this new hybrid model will add considerable momentum for the Honda brand."

In addition to its more powerful and fuel efficient hybrid powertrain, the 2017 Accord Hybrid carries the substantial upgrades made to the entire Accord lineup for model year 2016. This includes the latest technology Honda has to offer, including the available Display Audio with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, to be offered as standard equipment on all new 2017 Accord Hybrids. Hybrid-exclusive design features include a special aluminum hood and wheels, blue highlighted LED headlights and taillights and "Hybrid" exterior badging. A more compact hybrid battery pack increases trunk capacity to a midsize hybrid class-leading 13.5 cu.-ft.

Combining the next generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid system with an ultra-efficient 2.0-liter i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine, the 2017 Accord Hybrid powertrain will achieve peak combined output of 212 horsepower, the highest of any midsize hybrid sedan and up 16 horsepower over the 2015 Accord Hybrid. EPA fuel economy ratings of 49/47/48 (city/highway/combined)1 put the Accord Hybrid at the top of the class for ratings, making it the most powerful and fuel efficient midsize hybrid sedan in America. These EPA fuel economy ratings are based on new, more stringent ratings requirements enacted by the U.S. EPA for the 2017 model year. Based on the new requirements, Honda estimates the 2015 Accord Hybrid ratings would be 48/45/47 (actually rated at 50/45/47 under the previous method), indicating a +1/+2/+1 increase for the 2017 model over the previous version.

The Accord Hybrid's two-motor hybrid powertrain takes an elegant and innovative approach to hybrid power, eliminating the need for a conventional mechanical transmission. The Accord Hybrid's powertrain seamlessly transitions between three operations:

EV Drive – using its electric propulsion motor and lithium ion battery pack drives the front wheels for short distances under light loads (with the engine turned off)
Hybrid Drive – the electric propulsion motor drives the front wheels while the gasoline engine powers a second motor/generator to supplement electrical current drawn from the battery pack
Engine Drive – using a lock-up clutch mechanism to connect the engine and propulsion motor, the front wheels are driven by both the motor and gasoline engine.

With its next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and Honda Sensing™ technology, the 2017 Accord is anticipated to receive the highest available crash safety rating from the U.S. government – a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA – and a similar top rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2017 Accord Hybrid will be available in three trims – Hybrid, Hybrid EX-L and Hybrid Touring – and all grades will feature increased levels of standard and available equipment. New standard features include a wide angle rearview camera, remote engine start and Honda Sensing™, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW). Available new features on upper trims include a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlayâ compatibility, heated rear seats, and front and rear parking sensors.

The Accord has been named a Car and Driver magazine "10Best" an unprecedented 30 times and has been the most popular car in America with retail car buyers for three consecutive years.2 The Accord is on track to earn a fourth straight year as America's most popular car with sales up 12.3 percent through the first three months of 2016. Accord also is the most popular midsize car with Millennials and has been #1 with under-35-year-olds for four consecutive years and leads all other cars in America, except Honda's own Civic, in sales to under under-35 car buyers since 2010.3

The 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid will make its first public appearance at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif., as part of the aquarium's Earth Day weekend celebrations on April 23-24.

Honda Takes Bold Step with Honda Clarity Series; Fuel Cell, Battery Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Variants to Leverage Common Platform

Apr 21, 2016 - DETROIT

Clarity Fuel Cell gets two electrified siblings – the Clarity Electric and the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid – both launching in 2017
New trio of Clarity vehicles provide unparalleled choices to customers through three different electric powertrain options
All Clarity vehicles will offer spacious, five-passenger seating, premium features and interior appointments; consumers can learn more at http://www.automobiles.honda.com/Clarity

DETROIT – Honda today announced that the upcoming Clarity Fuel Cell will be joined by two additional variants, the Clarity Electric and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, launching in the U.S. in 2017. The addition of two new Clarity vehicles, based on the same platform underpinning the new Clarity Fuel Cell, makes Clarity the first vehicle in the industry to offer fuel cell, electric and plug-in hybrid technology on one model platform, offering Honda customers an expanded array of electrified vehicle choices to suit their individual tastes and driving needs.

Following the U.S. launch of the Clarity Fuel Cell in late 2016, the Clarity Electric will go on-sale in 2017. The Clarity Electric will be the first affordable, midsize, five-passenger battery electric vehicle (BEV) to offer premium content and features. The third vehicle in the Clarity series, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, will launch in all 50 states later in 2017 and will be the volume leader in the series, seamlessly combining an all-electric driving range in excess of 40 miles with a hyper-efficient gasoline-hybrid extended range mode.

With elegant exterior styling, the Clarity series of vehicles will also offer spacious interiors outfitted with premium, environmentally-responsible materials and thoughtful, stylish design cues. The Clarity series will also feature advanced technologies, including Display Audio with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ as well as standard Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive technology.

"The Honda Clarity Series will provide customers with a well-equipped, premium, midsize vehicle with range of ultra low-carbon powertrain options to suit their lifestyle needs," said John Mendel, executive vice president, Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "This Honda trio of dedicated, advanced technology vehicles, along with the expanded application of two- and three-motor hybrid systems to our core models, represents a strong commitment to Honda's future and will help create a new volume pillar for electrified vehicle sales."

All of the Clarity models will leverage the platform that has enabled the Clarity Fuel Cell's low, wide and aerodynamic proportions and spacious five-passenger cabin. This shared platform strategy also enables flexibility in responding to infrastructure and market developments, and the ability to provide customers nationwide with an ultra-low carbon vehicle that meets their lifestyle needs while expanding the market for Honda advanced technology products. The first of the Clarity Series to launch will be the Clarity Fuel Cell, Honda's most technologically advanced vehicle ever, slated to begin deliveries to customers in select California markets in late 2016. The Clarity Fuel Cell will have a targeted monthly lease price of under $500.

Technological innovations to the Clarity Fuel Cell include a fuel cell stack that is 33 percent more compact than its predecessor with a 60 percent increase in power density compared to the outgoing Honda FCX Clarity. The more compact fuel cell and integrated powertrain, comparable in size to a V-6 engine, now fit entirely under the hood of the car, allowing for a more spacious cabin with seating for five adult passengers. The new Clarity Fuel Cell will feature an anticipated U.S. EPA driving range in excess of 300 miles, with a refueling time of approximately three to five minutes, roughly equivalent to customers' experience with gasoline refueling.

In addition to the Clarity series, a reengineered 2017 Accord Hybrid will go on-sale this spring, delivering both top-of-class power and fuel efficiency in a midsize hybrid sedan, as Honda seeks to grow sales of electrified vehicles – hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles. On a global basis, Honda is aiming to have electrified vehicles account for two-thirds of its vehicles sales around 2030.

Customers interested in the Clarity vehicles are encouraged to visit http://www.automobiles.honda.com/Clarity where they can receive more information and sign up for the opportunity to become a Clarity Fuel Cell customer.

Honda Considers A Type R Variant of the NSX

Mon, 14 Mar 2016 17:05:00 +0000

As Honda/Acura begin production of the NSX, talk has sprung up about doing a more extreme version.

Nick Robinson, Dynamic Development Leader on the NSX told Autocar there are a number of folks who want Honda to do a Type R version as it would continue the revival of the company’s sporting heritage. Robinson was quick to point out that Honda hasn't approved anything at the moment.

What would an NSX Type R look like? It would be lighter than your standard NSX to begin with. A key item that could be removed is the NSX's hybrid powertrain. Not only would it remove a fair amount of weight, but it also would make it rear-wheel drive. There could also be the use of lightweight materials.

“There are places weight could be cut out. We are Honda so cost [of exotic materials on the regular car] is a consideration, but for a limited edition? Why not?” said Robinson.

Robinson also mentioned that a convertible version of the NSX is likely to follow.

Source: Autocar

Rumorpile: Next Honda Civic Si Could Use A Detuned Version of Civic Type R's Engine

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 16:35:00 +0000

While everyone has been wiping the drool from their lips with the announcement of the Civic Type R coming the U.S. that will be arriving in 2017, there is still the Civic Si coming around the corner that should whet our appetites when it arrives sometime in 2016.

The folks at CivicX Forums got their hands on some intriguing info on Civic Si. According to a source, the Si will use a detuned version of the turbocharged 2.0L found in the Civic Type R. Power is expected to be around 220 to 230 horsepower. A six-speed manual will be the sole transmission choice. It is expected that the Si will share a number of parts with the Type R as well.

Source: CivicX.com

Rumorpile: Honda Civic To Get Manual Transmission With Turbo Engine In 2017

Wed, 25 Nov 2015 18:45:00 +0000

If there has been one complaint of the new Honda Civic, it is that you cannot get a manual transmission with the optional turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder. But there could be a change in the air.

A member on the CivicX forum got their hands on a slide revealing that a six-speed manual transmission option would be available on the turbo-four starting in the 2017 model year. The slide also reveals that it was planned for 2016, but was pushed back a year. No reason as to why wasn't said.

Source: CivicX.com, The Truth About Cars

Image Source: CivicX.com

Spying: 2016 Honda Civic Coupe Makes An Early Appearance

Fri, 13 Nov 2015 18:50:00 +0000

Next at the LA Auto Show, Honda will unveil the coupe version of the Civic. But thanks to an eagle-eye spy photographer, we have our first peek at what the production coupe will look like.

While the Civic coupe in the photo has the same bright green color as the concept shown at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, the production model is toned down a bit with no rear wing or distinctive front bumper. But the basic shape is all there.

It's expected the Civic coupe will feature the same 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower as found in the sedan.

We'll have full details of the coupe when it is shown at the LA Auto Show next week.

Source: Motor Authority

Honda Recalls Over 143,000 Civic and Fits For An Issue With the CVT

Fri, 02 Oct 2015 18:45:00 +0000

Honda is recalling 143,676 examples of the 2014-2015 Civic and 2015 Fit over a problem with the CVT. According to the company in a statement, the transmission software is programmed to use high hydraulic pressure at certain times, which puts a lot of stress on the on the drive pulley shaft. Honda goes on to say certain components of the drive pulley shaft may have been produced at the low end of the hardness specification. This combination could cause the shaft to break and cause the front wheels to lose power or lock up.

According to NHTSA, there are 23 warranty claims for this problem, with the first one happening in July of 2014. Honda says no injuries has been reported for this issue.

Honda will begin notifying owners later this month. Dealers will update the software for the CVT.

Source: Honda

Press Release is on Page 2

Revealed! 2016 Honda Civic Hopes To Challenge The Compact Class' Best

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 01:45:00 +0000

The last-generation Civic was a disappointment. Honda appeared to fall asleep at the wheel while a number of competitors stepped up. The Japanese automaker tried its best to improve the model in subsequent years, but it still lacked something. Tonight, Honda introduced the 2016 Civic - the model that will hopefully fix the mistakes of the previous model.

From the outside, the Civic is much more distinctive than the model it replaces. From the fastback roofline to a front end style borrowed from the Accord. A set of LED taillights come standard, while LED headlights are an option. The interior features a modern looking dashboard, minus the tiered instrument cluster (thank you Honda).

Interior space for the new Civic is 3.7 cubic feet larger than the outgoing model. Rear legroom has also seen an increase of 2 inches. Trunk space is up 2.6 cubic feet thanks to the sloping shape of the rear.

In terms of technology, the 2016 Civic gets a large TFT screen in the instrument cluster on EX models and up. A 7-inch touchscreen that will be able to use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Powertrains for the Civic include a 2.0L four-cylinder for base models and a turbocharged 1.5L four on higher trims. No power figures were given for either engine. A pair of CVTs will come with the new Civic, but Honda hasn't said if a manual transmission will be available. Honda is keeping mum on fuel economy figures, but does say the turbo 1.5 will get up to 40 MPG on the highway.

We'll have more details, along with pictures of the coupe, hatchback, Si, and Type R models in the near future.

Source: Honda

Press Release is on Page 2

Honda Debuts Dynamic New 10th Generation Civic Sedan for North America: The Most Ambitious Remake of Civic Ever

Sep 16, 2015 - LOS ANGELES

Two new powertrains, including first Honda turbo engine in U.S.
Available Honda Sensing™ technologies
Compatible with Apple CarPlay®, the smarter, simpler way to use your iPhone in the car
Also supports Android Auto™
New styling includes significant use of LED lighting
New platform and package yields largest cabin in compact class

Honda took to YouTube today to unveil an all-new, dynamically styled 10th-generation 2016 Civic Sedan, slated for sale in the U.S. this fall. With a more athletic stance and sportier driving position, the 2016 Civic Sedan is a new-from-the-ground-up design intended to recapture the sporty character of Civic while creating the world's best compact car – setting a new benchmark in the mainstream compact class for fun-to-drive performance, safety performance and fuel efficiency, together with a new level of refinement.

The Civic Sedan is the first in a series of new 10th-generation Civic models that will include a sedan, coupe, high-performance Si models, a 5-door hatchback and the first-ever Civic Type-R model for the U.S. market, comprising the most diverse and innovative lineup in Civic's 43-year history.

"This tenth-generation Civic is quite simply the most ambitious remake of Civic we've ever done," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co, Inc. "We are bringing more new technology and innovative thinking to Civic than ever before to establish a new benchmark for fun-to-drive performance, fuel efficiency, safety performance and refinement in the compact class."

Backing up the new Civic's dramatic and sporty design with new power and efficiency, for the first time the 2016 Civic will feature two all-new engines – including the first-ever application of Honda turbo engine technology in the U.S. These powerful and fuel-efficient new engines combine with a sophisticated new body and chassis design to deliver incredibly responsive and sporty performance with a higher level of ride refinement and class-leading fuel efficiency.

The 2016 Civic Sedan will be available with the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation and, for the first time in a Honda, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow – bringing new value to the compact segment.

Further, the 2016 Civic lineup joins the freshened 2016 Accord in offering advanced smartphone integration with a new, 7-inch high-definition Display Audio touchscreen, offering tech-savvy customers a more advanced and intuitive connected-car experience.

Apple CarPlay® takes the things you want to do with your iPhone while driving and puts them right on your car's built-in display. You can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third party apps. Apple CarPlay® is compatible with iOS 8.4 or later and iPhone 5 or later.

Android Auto™ was designed to give drivers a simple, intuitive way through touch and voice to minimize the potential for distraction so the driver can stay focused on the road. Compatible with Android 5.0 and higher, Android Auto features Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, music and numerous popular apps.

Sporty Civic Design
The dramatic and sporty new Civic design is grounded in its more athletic stance and low and wide proportions. Compared to the current model, the 2016 Civic Sedan is nearly 2 inches wider and 1 inch lower with a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase, featuring a more compact and sporty front overhang, a longer, more aggressively sculpted hood and fastback-style tail.

The taut and tidy proportions of the new Civic Sedan are complemented and accentuated by refined design details, including sleek and swept-back bodylines, a sharp and aggressive face and bulging wheel arches. The new Civic's more premium compact sedan character is also highlighted by its available LED exterior lighting, including new Honda LED headlights (in-line type), LED daytime running lights (standard) and distinctive C-shaped LED taillights (also standard).

"The new Civic really is the embodiment of our global design team's goal of styling a dramatic form that follows and speaks to the dynamic function of this ambitious redesign," said Jarad Hall, Senior Exterior Designer and project leader of the Civic Sedan, Honda R&D Americas. "The low and wide proportions, with the wheels pushed to the outmost corners, emphasize the Civic's dynamic handling prowess and give the car a crouched and muscular look, like a tiger ready to pounce."

Two All-new Engines
The 2016 Civic Sedan will feature two all-new, more powerful and fuel-efficient engines. Civic Sedan LX and EX trims will be powered by a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder – the most powerful base engine ever offered on Civic – mated to either a 6-speed manual (LX trim) or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Civic Sedans in EX-T, EX-L trims and Touring trims will be powered by a 1.5-liter, direct-injected and turbocharged 16-valve DOHC inline-4, mated to a unique CVT, delivering a new level of responsiveness in this capacity class of turbocharged engine.

The new 1.5-liter powerplant is the first turbocharged engine on a U.S. Honda model and the most powerful engine ever offered on a non-Si Civic in America. Both engines will offer top-in-class performance and fuel efficiency, and are targeted to receive EPA highway fuel economy ratings in excess of 40 mpg. Additional powertrain details and specifications will be announced closer to launch.

Advanced and Sporty New Body and Chassis
The 2016 Civic will set a new standard for dynamic handling, steering, ride quality and cabin quietness in the compact class, courtesy of its all new platform, featuring the most rigid and tightly sealed body and the most sophisticated chassis in Civic history.

Advancing the sporty character of this all-new Civic is its more sporty driving position, with a one-inch lower hip point compared to the current car. The lower hip point is enabled by the new Civic's lower floor and engine and its all-new suspension design. The new Civic chassis features a redesigned strut front suspension and a new multi-link rear suspension mounted to an ultra-rigid rear subframe.

Torsional rigidity of the new body is improved by 25 percent, aided in part by more intensive use of ultra-high-strength steel. Twelve percent of the unit body is made of ultra-high-strength steel, up from 1percent on the current model. Aerodynamic efficiency is improved by 12 percent to class-leading levels, in part through the use of full underbody covers—a Civic first. Despite its larger size, the new Civic unit body is 68 pounds lighter than before, while new body-sealing techniques result in a 58-percent reduction in cabin air leaks. Class-leading cabin quietness is further improved by the use of premium noise-reducing features, including a flush-mounted acoustic glass windshield, a more tightly sealed engine compartment and triple-sealed doors.

To achieve the Civic development team's high targets for dynamic performance and refined ride quality, the new Civic Sedan utilizes hydraulic compliance bushings, a technology typically reserved for more expensive vehicles, aiding the isolation of road vibration. Additional new chassis technologies include variable gear ratio steering, beefier front and rear stabilizer bars and standard 4-wheel disc brakes, along with the application of new Agile Handling Assist brake-torque vectoring technology for more precise and agile cornering.

Spacious, Sophisticated and Advanced Cabin
The new Civic interior is designed to offer the most comfortable, sophisticated and premium-feeling cabin in the compact class. An additional 3.7 cubic feet of interior space translates into the largest cabin in the compact segment with 2 inches of added rear-seat legroom versus the outgoing model. In front, new ultra-thin front roof pillars enable class-leading forward visibility; and at the rear, trunk space has been increased by 2.6 cubic feet with a lower liftover height, larger opening and wider and taller cargo area. Civic Sedan EX and above trims will feature a 60/40 split and folding rear seat.

The 2016 Civic Sedan offers customers more premium features than ever before. New standard equipment includes automatic climate control – dual-zone on EX-L and higher trims; auto-up/down front power windows; an electronic parking brake with Brake Hold; Walk-Away auto door locks and an adjustable driver's seat thigh support with 14 degrees of tilt (EX-L and above). All Civic Sedan models also feature a larger, reconfigurable new center console with up to 7.2 liters of secure storage space, approaching SUV levels of console utility.

The new Civic interior strikes a more premium tone with high-quality materials and high-contrast finishes. These include a new one-piece, soft-touch instrumental panel with molded stitching; more premium seat fabrics; a new full-color TFT center meter (EX and above trims); a center console with piano black finish and high-contrast sliver bezel; door inserts with live stitching; an LED shift indicator and LED overhead lighting; and for EX and higher trims, a leather shift boot. Upper grades offer even more premium features, including an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, 4-way power front passenger's seat, heated front and rear seats and heated side mirrors.

Civic Manufacturing
Civic Sedans for the North American market will be produced at the company's Greensburg, Indiana and Alliston, Ontario, Canada auto plants. The new Civic's 2.0-liter and 1.5-liter turbo engines will be manufactured in Anna, Ohio, and the vehicle's two automatic transmissions (CVTs) will be sourced from Honda plants in Russells Point, Ohio, and Celaya, Mexico.

The new Civic utilizes numerous new manufacturing processes and technologies to advance quality, efficiency and fun-to-drive performance – the result of new investment in Honda automobile and engine plants in North America. This includes the addition of the company's innovative new inner-frame weld body construction process in both Indiana and Canada, a system first utilized for production of the 2015 Honda Fit. This new general weld system creates a more lightweight, rigid and strong body structure that helps enable the Civic's class-leading fuel efficiency, outstanding safety performance and fun-to-drive experience.

Uncovered! 2016 Honda Civic

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 18:25:00 +0000

Someone at Honda is going to be yelled at. An eagle-eyed member of the CivicX forum caught the next-generation Civic parked outside of a building in Ann Arbor, MI.

Compared to the Civic Coupe concept shown at New York, the production sedan retains a number of details such as the fastback shape and bold front end treatment. We have to admit that the Civic is quite the looker.

We'll have more information and pictures when Honda officially introduces the next-generation Civic on Wednesday.

Source: CivicX.com
Image Credit: Mark at CivicX.com

Honda Wants Sporty Cars For U.S.

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 15:35:00 +0000

Honda has apparently rediscovered its sporty side when they announced that the Civic Type R would be coming to the U.S. in the near future. But Automotive News reports the Japanese brands wants more sporty cars. Speaking with executive vice president of American Honda, John Mendel, Automotive News asked if the Honda S660 - a roadster that is about two feet shorter than the Mazda Miata would be coming the U.S. Mendel said no.

"I wouldn't put my chips on that," said Mendel. "When the practicalities of the market come in, and the car only so big, that might not be the best car for the U.S. market. It might be better for India or China or somewhere else."

But the idea of a sports car is still alive and well at Honda. The company filed patent drawings for a mid-engine model this year, and at the opening of their Silicon Valley r&d lab, there was a full-scale exterior design study looking very familiar to the drawings. When asked about, Mendel only said it was a design study from a team. But he did admit that dealers are wanting a sports car of some kind.

"They want anything in the sports car world," Mendel said. "They're going, 'Gimme a sports car.' They want a retractable hard top; they want a high-horsepower $20,000 sports car. Because that's the nature of what they do."

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Refresh: 2016 Honda Accord

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:15:00 +0000

Late last week, Honda introduced a refreshed 2016 Accord in Silicon Valley. The location was chosen for the Japanese automaker to make the point of one the biggest changes for this model - introduction of Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay. Standard on EX models and up, these systems allow your phone to take the place of the vehicle's infotainment system.

Additionally, all Accord trims come with the option with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving and safety features that includes Forward Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Collision Mitigation Braking System.

Outside, the 2016 Accord looks more like an Acura (for better or worse) with a new front grille and LED taillights. The top Touring trim gets LED headlights. A set of 19-inch wheels are available on higher trims.

Powertrains largely carryover from the current model.

The 2016 Accord arrives at dealers later this summer.

Source: Honda

Press Release is on Page 2

Honda Introduces the Highest Tech Accord Yet in High Tech’s U.S. Hub—Silicon Valley
Jul 23, 2015 - MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.

Upgraded 2016 Accord features one of the first applications of both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ in a volume-produced vehicle
More dynamic styling, including first 19-inch wheels on Accord
Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive tech available on all trims
New 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface

Honda introduced a refreshed 2016 Accord loaded with advanced technology in Silicon Valley today, the first time the company has launched a new vehicle in the U.S. tech hub. Coming to market in August, the 2016 Accord will be the first Honda model and among the first high-volume cars in the marketplace to feature both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. These and other major upgrades to technology and features make it the most high-tech Accord ever.
The 2016 Accord Sedan and Coupe receive dynamic new styling, a new Display Audio touchscreen interface, and Honda Sensing™, the most comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies in the midsize car class. The 2016 Accord also adds HD Radio®, heated rear seats, front and rear parking sensors, and a number of other new features and technology to be revealed in coming weeks. Details on the Accord Hybrid will be announced at a later date.
"Where else to introduce the most technologically advanced midsize sedan, the 2016 Accord, than in Silicon Valley," said John Mendel, executive vice president of the Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Customers want their vehicles to be more intelligently integrated with their smartphone-powered lives, and we are committed to delivering that experience starting with Accord, retail car buyers' most popular vehicle the past two years."
Exterior and Interior design
The 2016 Accord gets a major facelift with sportier, more sophisticated styling, front and rear. In front is a more sharply creased and intricately structured bumper fascia with outside edges that tuck into intake-like meshed areas that house new LED fog lights (Sport trim and above). A new aluminum hood features sharper character lines that meet up with a brighter, more expressive front grille. In the rear, the Accord gets restyled LED taillights and a similarly aggressive rear bumper fascia redesign.

While all models feature restyled wheels, the Accord Sedan (Sport and Touring trim) and Coupe (Touring, new for Coupe) get new, larger 19-inch wheels and tires. The Touring sedan also gets a new rear deck spoiler. All models, Coupe and Sedan, feature the expanded use of LED lighting – LED taillights for all models, LED headlights for the new Touring Coupe, and LED daytime running lights (DRLs) for Sport and above trims.

Honda Sensing™All 2016 Accords also can now be equipped with Honda Sensing™, among the most comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies in the class. Honda Sensing includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and is available as a standalone option on all trims with the exception of Touring, where Honda Sensing is included as standard equipment.
Also, all 2016 Accords feature a standard Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and Expanded View Driver's Mirror and, for the first time, new auto high-beam headlights (Touring trim) that enhance nighttime visibility and driving convenience by defaulting to the high-beam setting and automatically switching to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is detected.
Display Audio with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
The Accord audio and digital experience also is significantly upgraded with the application of a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, on EX and above trims, as well as available HondaLink™ Assist (e911) and HD Radio. The intuitive and easy-to-use capacitive touchscreen lets users swipe, tap and pinch—just like on a tablet or smartphone—to control the vehicle’s audio system, display settings and other advanced features.

Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are designed to support seamless smart phone integration and offer a multitude of new functions and features.

Apple CarPlay® takes the things you want to do with your iPhone while driving and puts them right on your car’s built-in display. You can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third party apps. Apple CarPlay® is compatible with iOS 8.4 or later and iPhone 5 or later.

To take full advantage of these new systems and features, the 2016 Accord's new 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen is paired with an upper 7.7-inch high-resolution display screen and steering wheel-mounted controls. The upper screen can display audio settings, turn-by-turn directions, time and trip information, LaneWatch™ and Rearview Camera displays, incoming calls, SMS text messages when stopped, and parking sensor alerts.

Upgraded FeaturesThe Accord value proposition is further bolstered by new standard and available features: Accord EX and above trims (Sedan and Coupe) with automatic transmission get remote engine start, 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen and HD Radio. SiriusXM satellite radio and Homelink remote, previously on EX-L and Touring, are now standard on EX and above trims. Sport and above trims in the sedan lineup also get a new 60/40 split and folding rear seat, previously a one-piece folding design. The Accord Sedan in Touring trim gets heated rear seats, front and rear parking sensors and new rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Advanced Powertrains
The Accord will continue to be offered with two advanced Honda engines: a direct-injected (DI) 2.4-liter inline i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder and a 3.5-liter VTEC™ V-6 that is the most powerful engine offered in a Honda sedan to date. Available transmissions include a sporty and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the 4-cylinder engines, unique 6-speed manuals for the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines, and a 6-speed automatic for V-6 models.

Spying: 2016 Honda Ridgeline

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 20:10:00 +0000

Honda has a big product offensive coming soon and one of those key products is the new Ridgeline. Unlike the old model which had some clever ideas, but never made it on the sales chart, Honda is making more of an effort to make the next Ridgeline more 'truck'. A new set of spy shots show us how more 'truck' the Ridgeline will become.

The Ridgeline looks be adapting conventionally shaped crew cab rather than the oddly shaped one from the previous model. The front end looks to have same front end styling as the new Pilot. The Pilot will share its underpinnings with the Ridgeline as well, meaning it will get the 3.5L V6 and all-wheel drive system. A six-speed automatic will be standard transmission, but a nine-speed automatic is in the cards.

The Ridgeline is expected to be shown sometime this year, with sales beginning sometime next year.

Source: Left Lane News

Honda Axes Civic Hybrid and Natural Gas At The End of 2015

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 20:50:00 +0000

Changes are afoot at Honda as they get ready for a massive product overhaul coming in the next few years. Autoblog reports that at the end of 2015 model year, the Civic Hybrid and Natural Gas models will be no more due to customer preferences changing.

"These moves will allow greater focus on Civic's sporty new driving character," said John Mendel, Honda executive vice president and head of US automotive operations.

The new Civic will go on sale sometime later this year in sedan, coupe, and hatchback forms. The Type-R which was announced to come to the U.S. sometime later has been given an arrival date of 2017.

Source: Autoblog

Honda Crosstour To Reach End of the Line in 2016

Thu, 09 Apr 2015 20:15:00 +0000

From the not surprising news department; the Honda Crosstour will be saying good-bye. In a statement from American Honda, Executive Vice President John Mendel announced the model's departure after the 2015 model year.

The Honda Crosstour has never been a big seller. Designed as a comprise between a crossover and station wagon, the model never caught the success that other models such as the Subaru Outback had. In 2014, Honda only moved 11,802 Crosstours, a 29.9 percent drop when compared to 2013.

"However, the crossover segment has evolved and we believe the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V launching later this spring will create new value for crossover shoppers and play a more significant role as a gateway model for the Honda brand to drive light truck sales growth," said Mendel.

There is an upside to the Crossover leaving Honda's lineup. The East Liberty Plant in Ohio will now be able to focus on production of the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, and in 2017, the Acura MDX.

Source: Honda

Press Release is on Page 2

Statement by John Mendel, Executive Vice President, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Re: North American Production Portfolio

Apr 8, 2015

Honda's growth strategy in North America is keyed to aligning our product portfolio and related production around the needs of our customers and growth segments in the marketplace. This includes the fortification of our light truck line-up with the recent introduction of a refreshed version of America's best- selling SUV, the CR-V, as well as the all-new 2016 HR-V, a new 2016 Pilot, and the next generation Ridgeline truck, coming to market next year. The strategy also includes strengthening our leading lineup of passenger cars with the introduction this fall of an all-new Civic lineup that will include more variants than ever before, including a new five-door model.

In order to fulfill this customer-focused strategy, we are making several changes to the lineup of vehicles we build in our auto plants in Ohio. Effective with the 2016 model year, we will discontinue production of the Honda Crosstour at the East Liberty Plant in Ohio, also home to the hot-selling Honda CR-V and Acura RDX models, and transfer production of the Accord Hybrid from the Marysville Auto Plant to the Sayama Plant in Japan.

The Crosstour, introduced in 2010, served a positive role in helping the Honda brand target crossover buyers. However, the crossover segment has evolved and we believe the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V launching later this spring will create new value for crossover shoppers and play a more significant role as a gateway model for the Honda brand to drive light truck sales growth. This move will allow the East Liberty Plant to focus on meeting demand for the CR-V and a refreshed 2016 Acura RDX and, as announced last month, expand light truck production in early 2017 with the Acura MDX.

The transfer of the Accord Hybrid from the Marysville Auto Plant (MAP) to Honda's Sayama Plant in Japan, will better optimize our global production capabilities, enabling MAP to focus on its significant role in producing popular models including the Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe and the Acura TLX and ILX performance sedans. ILX production began at MAP in February 2015.

Honda will continue to evolve its customer-focused product strategy in North America by leveraging the flexibility of its production operations in the region. Last year, more than 97 percent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in America were produced in North America.

Next-Generation Honda Civic To Boast A New Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 13:15:00 +0000

Honda appears to be the next automaker to join the downsized, turbocharged engine craze. Automotive News reports that the next-generation Civic - possibly arriving as early as this year - will feature a turbocharged four-cylinder as its base engine.

"Downsized turbocharging will be the base, even for the Civic," said Yoshiharu Yamamoto, global r&d head of Honda.

The turbocharged engine will be a 1.5L four-cylinder that will deliver the power of a normally-aspirated 2.0 to 2.4L four-cylinder engine with excellent torque and better fuel efficiency according to Yamamoto.

The new engine is expect to go into production later this year at Honda's Anna, Ohio plant.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Rumorpile: Next-Generation Honda CR-Z To Be Very Different

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 18:15:00 +0000

The Honda CR-Z hasn't set the sales chart on fire and it has been canned Europe and Australia. The reason is likely the disappointing hybrid powertrain which offers ho-hum performance and economy. But Honda is planning to change that with the next-generation CR-Z.

Car and Driver reports that the next-generation CR-Z - due out in 2017 - will trade in the Honda Fit platform for the Civic. Honda will slice four inches off the Civic platform for its duties in the CR-Z. Power will come from a detuned version from turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder found in the Civic Type-R.

The new CR-Z expected to go on sale in 2018.

Source: Car and Driver

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito To Step Down In June

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 16:35:00 +0000

Honda is making some changes to its executive staff with a number of new appointments. The big change is the announcement of current CEO and president Takanobu Ito stepping down in June.

Ito became the CEO back in 2009 and led the company through a tumultuous period which included the financial crisis, the massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011; and fluctuating currencies. More recently, Ito has received a lot of criticism for flagging quality issues which has led to a number of recalls, along with delays on a number of key products for the company.

Despite the recent problems Ito has been dealing with, he has also introduced a number of reforms to get the company back on track. Such reforms include the retooling of the r&d division, delegating power and responsibility to six global hubs, and the return of such models of the Acura NSX and Honda Civic Type R.

Taking Ito's place is Takahiro Hachigo. Hachigo has been with the company since 1982 and has held a number of roles at Honda including the head of the r&d department in the U.S. At the moment, Hachigo is the managing officer at Honda's office in China.

“We are going forward. I believe this is a good opportunity to revamp our entire operations,” said Ito today at a news conference.

“In 2015, Honda is ready to make a huge leap forward. To do this, I believe, Honda needs to overcome challenges under a new, younger leader as a team.”

Now this change will need to ratified by Honda's shareholders, which is expected to happen at June's annual shareholders' meeting.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Honda

Press Release is on Page 2

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Announces New President & CEO

TOKYO, Japan, February 23, 2015 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (“Honda Motor”) today announced that Takahiro Hachigo, currently the company’s Managing Officer, will become Senior Managing Officer effective in April 2015, and will become President, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director in late June 2015. Takanobu Ito, the current President, Chief Operating Officer and Representative Director, will remain on the board and assume the post of Director and Advisor to Honda Motor. This management succession will occur following the final decision of the Honda Motor Board of Directors after the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, scheduled for late June 2015.

Hachigo joined Honda in 1982, and began his career in its automobile research and development operations, principally as an engineer in the area of chassis design. Hachigo was in charge of developing the first-generation of U.S.-built Odyssey minivan, which was launched in 1999 primarily for the U.S. market. Hachigo went on to assume responsibilities as the person-in-charge of developing the second generation CR-V, Honda’s highly successful compact sport-utility vehicle for the worldwide markets, in 2001.

From April 2004 to March 2006, Hachigo was stationed in the U.S. as Senior Vice President of Honda R&D Americas, Inc., where he became actively involved in the local development of Honda and Acura automobiles. In April 2006, Hachigo became Operating Officer of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. (“Honda R&D”) and subsequently gaining promotion to Managing Officer in April 2007. After retiring from this position in March 2008, Hachigo became General Manager of Purchasing Division No.2 of Purchasing Operations, Honda Motor, in April and became Operating Officer of Honda Motor in June of the same year. Hachigo then assumed a role in the area of manufacturing as General Manager of Honda’s Suzuka Factory in April 2011. He served as Vice President and Director of Honda Motor Europe Ltd. from April 2012 to March 2013 and also as President and Director, Honda R&D Europe (U.K.) Ltd., from September 2012 to March 2013. In 2013, Hachigo’s responsibilities shifted to China, becoming Vice President of Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. in April, simultaneously becoming Representative of Development, Purchasing and Production (China), Honda Motor, and Vice President of Honda Motor Technology (China) Co., Ltd. In April 2014, Hachigo was promoted to Managing Officer of Honda Motor, a title he currently holds.

Ito joined Honda in 1978 and began his career in the company’s automobile research and development operations, primarily as a chassis design engineer. Ito was in charge of developing the all-aluminum uni-body frame structure for the highly acclaimed first-generation NSX sports car that went on sale in 1990. In June 2000, he was appointed a member of the Honda Motor Board of Directors, subsequently assuming responsibilities as President and Director of Honda R&D, General Manager of the Suzuka Factory, and most recently, President, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director of Honda Motor, a title he has held since June 2009.

During the six years of Ito’s leadership, Honda was able to actively evolve its global manufacturing structure, notably the establishment of automobile plants in Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, India and China. Also under Ito’s leadership, Honda succeeded in solidifying its business foundation by enhancing its product development capabilities—from the hugely popular N-series mini-vehicles, to automobile powertrain development as represented by the Earth Dreams Technology, to the establishment of product development structures in each of Honda’s global regional operations. Furthermore, an all-new FCV that Ito has led in an effort to realize a CO2-free automobile, as well as “fun to drive” vehicles including the S660, Civic Type R and NSX models are scheduled to be launched during the fiscal year ending March, 2016. Likewise, Honda’s participation in Formula 1, the pinnacle of automobile racing, and foray into aviation businesses with HondaJet and jet engine will take place during the same period.

Rumorpile: Return of the Honda S2000

Tue, 13 May 2014 13:30:00 +0000

From the 'We Can Dream' file, Auto Express is reporting that Honda is planning to bring back the S2000 nameplate for a new mid-engine coupe. Quite the departure from the front-engine roadster that was the S2000. The model is expected to be the middle of a trio of sports cars from Honda; the top being the NSX and bottom being a small roadster named S660.

The reborn S2000 is expected to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder producing somewhere in the range of 350 horsepower. There is talk of using a simplified version of the NSX's hybrid powertrain as another option.

The model is expected to arrive sometime in 2017, two years after the arrival of the NSX.

Source: Auto Express

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Honda Insight Takes Its Final Curtain Call

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 14:25:00 +0000

The tough life of the Honda Insight will come to a close. Bloomberg reports that Honda told dealers back in November to not place any more orders for the model as production would come to a close at the end of the February. This news comes a week after Honda announced sales of the Insight and CR-Z would end Europe.

The Insight was the first hybrid vehicle to be sold in the U.S. just before the start of the millennium and paved the way for many more vehicles down the road. Honda ended production of the first-generation model in 2006. Three years later, Honda introduced the second-generation Insight. However the new model wasn't able to keep up with the Toyota Prius, which would become the best selling hybrid vehicle ever. At the moment in the U.S., Honda dealers are currently sitting on a 237 day supply of Insights.

It isn't clear whether or not Honda will replace the Insight or not at this current time.

Source: Bloomberg

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Honda Teases The Next Ridgeline, Due Out In 2016

Wed, 11 Dec 2013 17:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 11, 2013

Despite a drop in sales and the announcement that the current model will be heading out of the door next year, Honda still believes in the Ridgeline pickup. Yesterday, the automaker released a teaser shot of the next-generation due out in 2016.

The new Ridgeline's design looks to be becoming more truck. Oddly, the teaser shot reminds of the new Chevrolet Colorado. We don't know much more than that, but expect the slow drip of information to begin shortly.

"The next generation Ridgeline will build on Honda's role in creating new value with a new take on advancing form and function in the truck segment. With a clear path forward, Ridgeline will play an even more important role in our future product portfolio and strengthen an already class-leading lineup of light trucks," said Michael Accavitti, senior vice president of automobile operations for American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Source: Honda

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

All-new Honda Ridgeline Pickup to Debut Within Two Years

12/10/2013 - TORRANCE, Calif.

-Design sketch reveals styling direction for Next-Gen Honda truck

-Current Ridgeline production will end mid-2014

-Sales of Ridgeline up 29 percent in 2013

An all-new Honda Ridgeline pickup truck will come to market in less than two years and, today, Honda shared a sketch expressing the new truck's styling direction. Honda also confirmed that production of the current Ridgeline (http://automobiles.honda.com/ridgeline/), built exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC, in Lincoln, Alabama, will conclude in mid-2014.

Like the innovative first-generation model that earned 2006 North American Truck of the Year and Motor Trend Truck of the Year honors after its fall 2005 debut, the next-gen Ridgeline is being designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc. at its Los Angeles and Ohio R&D centers.

The Honda Ridgeline broke new ground in the American pickup market with its unique design featuring a spacious five-passenger cabin, smooth ride and handling, and half-ton truck capability. The first truck of its kind to be built on a closed-box unibody platform, the Ridgeline introduced innovative new features to the pickup segment, such as its large In-Bed Trunk® and dual-action tailgate.

"The next generation Ridgeline will build on Honda's role in creating new value with a new take on advancing form and function in the truck segment," said Michael Accavitti, senior vice president of automobile operations for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With a clear path forward, Ridgeline will play an even more important role in our future product portfolio and strengthen an already class-leading lineup of light trucks."

Sales of Ridgeline have enjoyed strong momentum in 2013, strengthened recently by the introduction of a new top-of-the-line Special Edition model for 2014, with sales totaling 16,160 units through the first 11 months of the year, an increase of 29 percent.

Honda Joins The Turbocharging Party

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 15:40:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 19, 2013

It has been a few years since Honda did a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in one of their vehicles (first-generation Acura RDX), but the company is coming back with turbocharged engines with a vengeance. This morning in Tokyo, Honda introduced three new turbocharged VTEC engines; a 1.0L three-cylinder unit, and two four-cylinder engines displacing 1.5L and 2.0L.

The new engines utilize direct injection and advanced cooling techniques, such as pistons with cooling galleries to run relatively high compression ratios for turbocharged engines (10.6:1 for the 1.5L and 9.8:1 for the 2.0L).

Honda said these "engines will be applied on a number of future global models, depending on local market requirements and vehicle characteristics," without saying anything further.

Will we see any of these engines in the U.S.? We're not quite sure, but we'll let you know if anything changes.

Source: Honda

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

Honda Announces All-New VTEC TURBO Engine Series

19 November 2013

Honda has announced the introduction of three all-new VTEC TURBO engines as part of its growing Earth Dreams Technology range. These new engines come in three capacities; 1 litre, 1.5 litre and 2 litre, and will deliver a dynamic performance, as well as class-leading output and fuel economy.

All three engines will be direct-injection petrol turbos, utilising variable valve motion technology such as Honda’s refined VTEC technology. Together with Honda’s 1.6 litre diesel engine and hybrid technology, these new turbo engines will be applied on a number of future global models, depending on local market requirements and vehicle characteristics.

Based on a completely new engine structure and utilising its newly developed turbo systems, Honda has downsized its engines and produced a highly efficient 1 litre direct-injection, 3-cyclinder turbo engine as well as a 1.5 litre direct injection, 4-cyclinder turbo engine. Both engines have low friction throughout and are able to achieve class-leading output and environmental performance.

The first VTEC TURBO set to come to Europe will be the high-output 2 litre, direct injection, 4-cyclinder turbo engine, which will appear in the forthcoming Civic Type R. A highly efficient and highly responsive engine, it will have an output in excess of 280ps and will be EURO 6 compliant.

SEMA Show: Honda Shows Off The Refreshed Civic and Civic Si Coupes

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 14:45:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 6, 2013

The SEMA Show isn't known for the introduction of new models, but Honda decided to change that by introducing the refreshed 2014 Civic Coupe and Civic Si Coupe yesterday.

The 2014 Civic Coupe gets a more aggressive front end treatment that features a new grille treatment, revised bumper, a new hood, and new fenders. Around back are a new bumper and set of taillights. No mention if the interior of the 2014 model is the same or has been changed.

For the 2014 Si Coupe, Honda fits a unique bumper to make it stand out and a set of eighteen-inch wheels. Around back is a larger decklid spoiler and new bumper with rear diffuser. The 2.4L i-VTEC engine has been given a bit of massage to eek out another four horsepower and four pound-feet of torque to 205 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque.

Honda says more details will be revealed at the L.A. Auto Show.

Source: Honda

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

2014 Honda Civic Coupe Ignites Opening Day of 2013 SEMA Show

- 2014 Civic Coupe features sportier exterior styling

- 2014 Civic Si boosts fun-to-drive performance with more horsepower

- Launch of Honda Performance Development Street Performance Accessory lineup beginning with CR-Z

- 133-mph Honda "Mean Mower" joins stock and modified cars and motorcycles on display

A significantly updated 2014 Honda Civic Coupe made its world debut today at the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, offering a first look at new exterior styling updates to America's best-selling1 compact car. Honda also announced that the performance-oriented Civic Si will benefit from increased power and larger wheels and tires, making both the two- and four-door varieties even more fun to drive.

Honda also surprised performance enthusiasts by announcing plans to begin sales of street-oriented performance parts developed by Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD), Honda's U.S.-based race engineering company, starting with a full range of performance accessories for the CR-Z sport hybrid coupe that go on-sale at Honda dealerships today. A power-boosting CR-Z supercharger package will follow in the spring of 2014. In the longer term, HPD engineers are also investigating other models and platforms in order to expand Honda's street performance product line.

"With the further advancement of the 2014 Civic Coupe and Si models and an exciting path forward for performance parts drawing on our racing experience we are making a statement about our commitment to the fun to drive character of the Honda brand", said John Mendel, executive vice president auto sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The 2014 Civic Coupe and Coupe Si

Following a major refresh of Civic Sedan styling for 2013, Honda turns its attention to the Civic Coupe and Coupe Si, implementing a host of exterior design changes that include a more aggressive grille, hood, front fenders and headlight design. Additional Coupe exterior changes include new taillight lenses, sportier front and rear bumpers, new side mirrors and new wheel designs.

The Civic Si Coupe benefits from the same styling enhancements as the standard Civic Coupe but adds Si-exclusive design cues, including a unique lower front bumper garnish, larger rear decklid spoiler, a distinctive front spoiler and sporty rear air diffuser. The Civic Si Sedan picks up on these same cues, and both the Si Coupe and Si Sedan get larger, 18-inch (+1 inch) wheels and tires with new wheel designs.

The performance-tuned Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan also get a retuned exhaust system that helps boost peak output to 205 horsepower2 (+4 horsepower) and 174 lb-ft of torque3 (+4 ft-lb).

More details about the full 2014 Civic lineup will be made available at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.

Rumorpile: Next-Gen Honda CR-Z To Get Some Help From The Civic Type R

Fri, 20 Sep 2013 15:45:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 20, 2013

Honda is hard at work on the next-generation Civic Type R which will pack a 2.0L turbo-four with 276 horsepower going to the front wheels. But don't expect to see this hot Civic coming to our shores anytime soon. Part of the reason comes from the Civic sold in the U.S. and the one sold elsewhere is very different. The other part comes from the Civic being seen as a econo-box and launching a high-performance and somewhat costly Civic seems like a bad idea.

Now at this point, I'm sure you're wondering why I'm telling you about this vehicle that will never appear in the U.S. Well according to CarSales.com.au, the next-generation CR-Z will utilize the same platform as the new Type R.

According to an unnamed source, the CR-Z will use a shortened wheelbase and a somewhat soften suspension setup from the Type R. Power will come fromdirect-injected and turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine teamed with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. Total output is around 221 horsepower. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

We're not sure if we fully buy this as there is one source to this story and the details are a bit sketchy. We'll be sure to keep an eye on this and let you know if there are any updates.

Source: CarSales.com.au

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Honda To End Ridgeline Production In 2014, Coming Back In 2016

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 15:25:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

July 15, 2013

About three years ago, Honda said there would not be a next-generation Ridgeline arriving in 2011. Since then, there has been murmurs and speculation that the Ridgeline would be heading into the great parking lot into the sky. Honda has been on the offensive with the CEO of American Honda saying the Ridgeline was a key part of the lineup. Now, industry sources tell Wards Auto that the Ridgeline is heading out... sort of.

The sources say the production of the current Ridgeline will end next September at Honda's Lincoln, AL plant. Two years later, the next Ridgeline will be introduced. This is somewhat of a surprise since early reports had the current Ridgeline lasting till 2016.

“(While) we don't comment on future product decisions, Ridgeline continues to be an important part of our lineup and we're pleased with Ridgeline sales, up 24% year-on-year and 32% in June,” said Honda spokesman Steve Kinkade when asked about the Ridgeline.

Source: Wards Auto

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Future Honda Accord. Civic, and CR-V To Share Platform

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:00:00 +0000

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

January 11, 2013

Honda could be joining Volkswagen and Ford with sharing platforms for a number of vehicles to reduce costs and increase sales.

According to The Nikkei, Honda is looking at using a common platform for the Accord, Civic, and CR-V. The three models would share 40 to 50% parts when the next generation models would arrive from 2015 to 2017. Currently, the Civic and CR-V share around 20% of parts and neither model shares with the Accord.

Honda is also planning to increase global sales, setting a goal of 6 million vehicles by 2016.

Source: Fox Business

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Honda Issues Recall For 871,000 SUVs and Minivans Due To Rolling Away Fears

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 19:35:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 12, 2012

Honda has issued a recall for 871,000 vehicles due to an issue where a vehicle may roll away after the key has been removed form the ignition. 92% of the effected vehicles (about 807,000) are in the U.S. The Honda vehicles in question are,

2003 - 2005 Acura MDX: 230,000 vehicles
2003 - 2004 Honda Odyssey: 318,000 vehicles
2003 - 2004 Honda Pilot: 259,000
Honda Vehicles Outside The U.S.: 64,000

Honda in a statement says the problem pertains to the ignition interlock which can become damaged or worn. This can allow the key to be removed from the ignition when the car is started or if the transmission has been shifted into any gear.

"If the transmission is not in park and the parking brake is not set, the vehicle could roll away and a crash could occur," Honda said in a statement.

NHTSA opened a investigation into the issue after receiving 43 complaints about Honda and Acura vehicles rolling away. Some of the complaints say their vehicles hit parked cars, fences, trees, mailboxes and in some cases, caused bodily harm.

Source: Reuters via The Chicago Tribune

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Honda to show Urban Utility Vehicle Concept in Detroit

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 15:22:00 +0000

December 11, 2012

Drew Dowdell

Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com

The next big automotive fad appears to be little. Honda is working on an Urban Utility Vehicle concept, based on a sub-compact platform, to be shown in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show in January. They released this teaser sketch at a press conference today.

This is a relatively new segment currently only occupied by the Mini-Countryman. Buick is set to release their new Encore in February, and we recently got word that Mazda is working on a CX-3 in the same vein.

Expect similar announcements from other brands in the near future.

Drew Dowdell is Managing Editor of CheersandGears.com and can be reached at Drew.Dowdell@CheersandGears.com or on Twitter as @cheersngears

2013 Honda CR-Z Gets Some Ch-Ch-Changes

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 20, 2012

The Honda CR-Z tries to blend sportiness and hybrid efficiency. However, it doesn't do so well on either one and has been a poor seller. Through October, Honda has only sold 3,705 CR-Zs (down 64.7% year over year in sales). Still Honda still believes in the CR-Z and has made some changes for the 2013 model year.

Outside, the CR-Z gets a reworked front fascia, new wheels, and a rear diffuser. Other outside changes include two new paint colors and and optional LED daytime running lights. Honda has also made small changes inside with new trim, redesigned door panels and new standard features like a rearview camera and Bluetooth.

The biggest change deals with the battery. Honda changed out nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack for a lithium-ion pack. The switch helps bump horsepower and torque to 130 and up to 140 (increases of 8 HP and 12 lb-ft). Fuel economy has also increased a little bit, with the manual getting 31 City and 38 Highway, while CVT-equipped cars get 36 City and 39 Highway.

Other drivetrain changes include a reworked manual transmission with a larger clutch and lower final drive ratio, and a new Plus Sport System that gives the system an extra boost of acceleration under certain conditions.

Pricing for the 2013 CR-Z starts at $19,975* for the base model and $21,655* for the CR-Z EX (pricing doesn't include $790 destination charge). The new CR-Z arrives at Honda dealers this week.

Source: Honda

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

2013 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Gets Performance Enhancements, Fresh Styling and Host of Feature Upgrades

The only manual-transmission hybrid for sale in the U.S. adds more horsepower and value to its efficient, fun-to-drive appeal

11/19/2012 - TORRANCE, Calif.

The 2013 Honda CR-Z goes on sale November 21, 2012, with a host of powertrain, styling and feature upgrades adding to its sleek appeal and sporty handling. More power from an all-new Lithium-Ion battery pack improves performance while also improving the CR-Z's already impressive EPA mpg ratings. Styling upgrades include revised interior trim along with a new front fascia, a new finish for the 16-inch alloy wheels, an aerodynamically functional new rear diffuser and two new exterior colors – Passion Berry Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

Standard features on all 2013 Honda CR-Z models include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control. To give drivers even more access to the CR-Z's performance capabilities, the 2013 Honda CR-Z is also equipped with a new Plus Sport System, which allows additional on-demand electric boost via a steering wheel-mounted "S+" button.

With a starting MSRP of $19,9751, two CR-Z models are offered for 2013, including the well-equipped base CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. The up-level CR-Z EX adds Auto-On/Off High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is also available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 with FM traffic and voice recognition, Pandora® Interface and an SMS text messaging function.

The improved horsepower and torque on the 2013 Honda CR-Z does not come with a fuel-economy penalty, as the new, more powerful Lithium-Ion battery pack helps boost EPA-rated fuel economy figures by 1 mpg city for CVT equipped models, and 1 mpg highway for CR-Z models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.

Summary of Changes for 2013

-Revised front fascia styling

-New 16-inch alloy wheel finish

-New rear diffuser

-New Lithium-Ion battery pack

-Increased horsepower and torque

-New Plus Sport System

-Revised interior trim

-Available two-tone combi (black/red) seats

-StandardExpanded View Driver's Mirror

-Standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®

-Standard Bluetooth® Audio

-Standardrearview camera

-Available Pandora® Interface and SMS text message function

-Available LED daytime running lights (DRL)

-New Passion Berry Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic exterior colors

Powertrain

The CR-Z hybrid powertrain is a unique variation of Honda's original IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) technology, which debuted on the 2000 Honda Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available for sale in North America. The system in the CR-Z utilizes a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single-overhead cam engine with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system's DC brushless electric motor.

The hybrid CR-Z's electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the new Lithium-Ion battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency. When starting on steep inclines from a stop with the manual transmission, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch.

For 2013, assist from the electric motor has jumped from 10 kW to 15 kW, thanks to the new higher voltage (144-volt) Lithium-Ion battery pack. The CR-Z now delivers a combined peak output of 130 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 140 lb-ft. of torque (127 lb-ft. on CVT-equipped models), a gain of eight horsepower and 12 lb-ft of torque (4 lb-ft on CVT equipped models). Manual-transmission versions also receive both a larger clutch and a new lower final drive ratio.

Even with better performance, EPA fuel economy3 ratings for the 2013 Honda CR-Z have improved. On CVT-equipped models, the EPA city/hwy/combined rating is up 1 mpg city to 36/39/37 mpg, while models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission see an EPA mpg rating of 31/38/34, a gain of 1 mpg highway. The CR-Z is also rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

To help drivers make use of this improved performance, a new Plus Sport System is standard on the 2013 Honda CR-Z. If the battery is more than 50 percent charged and the CR-Z is traveling over 19 mph, the driver can activate this feature using the "S+" button on the steering wheel. When activated and the accelerator is pressed, electric boost begins, delivering increased acceleration for up to five seconds. A flashing gauge on the dashboard indicates when the Plus Sport System is active. The Plus Sport System can be used in Econ, Normal or Sport modes.

Enhanced 3-Mode Drive System

Activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel, the CR-Z's 3-mode drive system allows the driver to choose among three individual performance modes:

-Sport mode enhances engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist.

-Normal mode standardizes steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning settings.

-Econ mode can increase the potential for enhanced fuel efficiency by optimizing throttle angle for smooth acceleration, lower engine rpm and limiting power and torque by approximately 4-percent (except at wide-open throttle). It can also reduce the air conditioning's overall load on the engine and modify the cruise control to operate more efficiently.

Body

The CR-Z's "one-motion" exterior wedge shape begins at its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance, with its side profile's deeply inset beltline adding a dynamic element. For 2013, a new front fascia and mesh grille help widen the presence of the CR-Z, and this effect is increased by the new "floating" lower front spoiler lip. New brighter chrome plating on the headlight assemblies tinged with blue clearcoat hint at the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain. The new rear diffuser mimics the floating lip of the front spoiler while also improving aerodynamic performance, and the lower portion of the tail lights receive the same blue clearcoat treatment. Exterior colors include Crystal Black Pearl, Milano Red, North Shore Blue Pearl, Premium White Pearl, new Passion Berry Pearl (exclusive to the Honda CR-Z), and new Polished Metal Metallic.

Chassis

The CR-Z's front MacPherson strut and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension are tuned to provide a sporty driving experience. All 2013 CR-Z models are equipped with new darker-tinged 16x6-inch aluminum wheels with finished spoke tips and 195/55R-16 tires, while accessory 17x7 alloy wheels with 205/45R-17 tires are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height, short wheelbase and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area further contribute to a low center of gravity and responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves efficiency.

Interior

A high-tech appearance and intuitive controls define the CR-Z's newly revised interior. For 2013, interior changes include new metallic trim on the door pulls and latches, center console, speaker grilles and lower steering-wheel spokes. The inner door panel has been redesigned to provide easier access to the storage space, with the horizontal bar on the speaker housing eliminated, and a bottle holder added to the pocket. The door-pad trim has also been upgraded with a new, more upscale lamination. For 2013, CR-Z EX and Navi trims will provide an all-new black and red interior trim combination that adds new two-toned combi seats, and colored accents to the door panels and floor mats.

The CR-Z's ultra-modern instrument panel gauges illuminate with a 3-dimensional blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. The upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wraparound cockpit environment. Premium sport-oriented seats are designed to provide firm lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space, and a hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.

The CR-Z features a 6-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack for connection to a portable audio player, and all models include a USB audio interface4 for connecting an iPod®5 or other compatible audio device. Other audio features include speed-sensitive volume control and CD/MP3 text readout. The radio data system shows supplemental programming information from participating radio stations while also offering search-by-genre capability (not available on the CR-Z EX with navigation). Now standard, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a rearview camera further expand the CR-Z's appeal.

A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 is available on the CR-Z EX model and features a 6.5-inch screen and rearview camera display. For 2013, CR-Z EX Navi models add FM traffic, Pandora® and an SMS text messaging function. The navigation system database includes more than 7-million points of interest and integrates the audio system, while the voice recognition feature is capable of inputting numbers, street names and cities, in addition to more than 600 commands.

Safety

The CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include: standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS); a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

The Honda CR-Z earned a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and 4-star Overall Vehicle Score in federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests.

Warranty

The 2013 Honda CR-Z is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty, as well as a 15-year/150,000-mile emissions warranty when the vehicle is registered and normally operated in California and certain states that have adopted California Zero-Emission Vehicle regulations.

Connect with Honda:

For consumers: http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda

Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews

Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Honda/posts

1 MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $790 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

2 The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the CR-Z EX in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

3 Based on 2013 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

4 The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

5 iPod not included. Compatible devices include fifth-generation iPods and later and iPod Nano.

Honda To Dealers: Clear Out 2012 Civics, 2013 Models Coming Nov 29

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 20:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 23, 2012

"For your dealership to take full advantage of the refreshed Civic and the marketing we will have supporting it you must greatly increase the turn rate on our 2012 Civics. With the unprecedented enhancements we have made to the current Civic after its first year in its cycle you will want to have little to no Civics on hand at arrival time of this refreshed 2013 model. The changes made to the 2013 model will make the outgoing 2012 Civic a difficult model sell when they are side to side. I strongly encourage you to discuss your Civic inventory situation with your district manager today, and set up a sell down strategy that will reduce your total remaining model year 2012 Civics by a minimum of 60% before December 1, 2012. I cannot stress enough, sell down of your 2012 Civics is critical to the 2013 Civic launch and the success of inventory balance at your dealership."

This excerpt is from a letter by David Hendley, Assistant Vice President of Honda National Sales that was given to Autoblog by an anonymous tipster.

Hendley's letter also gives some hints as to what to expect in the 2013 Civic. The 2013 Civic will address the 2012 Civic's interior by having "upgrades and improvements to bring more sophistication and quality to its appearance." Outside, the 2013 Civic will get "dramatic improvements to the exterior styling that moves Civic into a more premium sporty direction."

The 2013 Honda Civic goes on sale on November 29, 2012.

Source: Autoblog

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Honda Previews A Refreshed CR-Z

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:10:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 14, 2012

Honda has dropped a teaser image for the refreshed CR-Z that will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show later in the month.

The teaser shot shows Honda has made a few design changes to the front end. There's a strip of LED lighting running under the HID headlights and new grille insert.

The big changes are underneath the hood. Honda says the CR-Z will receive power increases for the gas engine and its electric motor. Honda is staying quiet on how much more power the CR-Z will, though it does say the power increase will not effect fuel economy or emissions.

Source: Honda

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

2013 Honda Accord Starts At $21,680*

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 15:35:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 10, 2012

Last week, Honda announced the new 2013 Accord. Today, the company has released pricing on the sedan and coupe models. The Accord sedan starts at $21,680 (excludes $790 destination charge), while the Coupe starts at $23,350 (excludes $790 destination charge). That gets you Honda's new EarthDreams 2.4L four-cylinder producing 185 HP and 181 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed manual. The CVT will add $800 to the bottom line.

Want a V6 model? The Accord V6 Sedan starts at $30,070, while the coupe starts at $30,350 (both excluding $790 destination charge). The V6 produces 278 HP and goes through either a CVT (sedan and coupe) or a six-speed manual (coupe).

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

2013 Honda Accord Adds Thousands of Dollars in New Standard Features

with an MSRP Starting Under $22,000

Pricing for all-new Accord remains consistent with outgoing model

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 10, 2012 – The dynamic all-new 2013 Honda Accord Sedan will debut at U.S. dealers nationwide on September 19, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) ranging from $21,680 for the well-equipped Accord LX to $33,430 for the luxurious Accord Touring model, plus a destination and handling charge of $790 per vehicle. The Accord Coupe will go on sale October 15 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $23,350 for the sporty LX-S model plus a destination and handling charge¹.

The all-new Accord adds thousands of dollars worth of standard features and technologies with average pricing across the sedan lineup increasing by less than $300. The price of the most popular Accord LX (4-cylinder) trim is up by only $200.

The 2013 Honda Accord has been fully redesigned from the ground up to deliver new levels of refinement, sophistication, fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive performance in the midsize segment. Every new Accord is equipped with alloy wheels, and standard features now also include a rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, Bluetooth^®HandsFreeLink^®, USB/iPod^® integration, Pandora^® internet radio compatibility, SMS text message function, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system.

“The 2013 Accord excels in all areas with sophisticated design, a luxurious interior, world-class dynamic performance, class-leading standard features and legendary Honda quality, all at a tremendous value for the customer,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co. Inc., “2012 is the year of the midsize sedan, and the new Accord will once again solidify Honda’s position at the head of the pack.”

New to the Accord Sedan lineup for 2013 are the Sport and Touring models. The Accord Sport targets younger buyers with the addition of 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights,10-way power driver’s seats, a decklid spoiler, dual chrome exhaust finishers, paddle shifters (on CVT models), a stiffer tower strut bar and exclusive suspension and steering tuning. Positioned between the Accord LX and Accord EX, the Sport model is equipped with the 2.4-liter direct-injected all-aluminum VTEC^® engine paired to either a 6-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Sport model is value priced with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $23,390 plus a destination and handling charge¹.

The luxurious and technology-packed Accord Touring is equipped with a powerful V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with Honda’s first application of LED headlights and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the Accord Touring sedan is priced with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $33,430 plus a destination and handling charge¹.

The 2013 Accord lineup is powered by a wide array of new Earth Dreams™ powertrains, which includes the first U.S. application of Honda’s next-generation 2.4-liter direct-injected VTEC 4-cylinder engine. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe will also offer a more powerful and efficient Earth Dreams VTEC V-6. Three transmissions are available, including the first-ever application of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models, a six-speed automatic on V-6 models, and 6-speed manual transmissions on 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models and the 3.5-liter V-6 Coupe.

The 2013 Accord successfully balances fun-to-drive performance with fuel efficiency. Accord Sedan 4-cylinder models paired to the CVT earn an impressive 27/36/30 mpg²city/highway/combined EPA fuel economy ratings (an increase of 3/2/3 mpg compared to the previous model) and the V-6 models achieve class-leading EPA fuel economy ratings of 21/34/25 city/highway/combined mpg² (an increase of 1/4/1 compared to the previous model) making it the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicle in the V-6 midsize sedan class.

Other new Accord technologies include the first application of the all-new cloud-based HondaLink™ system featuring Aha™, which lets drivers put away their smartphones and still stay connected to the people, music and social media they love. Also debuting on the 2013 Accord is Honda LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera integrated with the passenger-side mirror and the vehicle’s 8-inch color display to provide for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. LaneWatch is standard equipment on EX and above versions of the Sedan, and EX-L versions of the Coupe.

Celebrating 30 years of Accord production in the United States, the all-new 2013 Honda represents the expanding capabilities of Honda in North America. The Accord is produced by Honda of America Mfg. Inc. in Marysville, Ohio, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Its engines are produced at Honda plants in Anna, Ohio and the transmissions are produced at Russells Point, Ohio, and in Tallapoosa, Georgia. The Marysville Auto Plant earned a Silver Plant Quality Award from J.D. Power and Associates in its 2012 Initial Quality Study.

The 2013 Honda Accord is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Limited Warranty.

2013 Accord Sedan Pricing:

Model

Transmission

Pricing

EPA ratings²

city/highway/combined

4-cylinder models

Accord LX

6-speed MT

$21,680

24/34/28

CVT

$22,480

27/36/30

Accord Sport

6-speed MT

$23,390

24/34/28

CVT

$24,190

26/35/29

Accord EX

6-speed MT

$24,605

24/34/28

CVT

$25,405

27/36/30

Accord EX-L

CVT

$27,995

27/36/30

Accord EX-L with Navi

CVT

$29,995

27/36/30

V-6 models

Accord EX-L V-6

6-speed AT

$30,070

21/34/25

Accord EX-L Navi V-6

6-speed AT

$32,070

21/34/25

Accord Touring V-6

6-speed AT

$33,430

21/34/25

2013 Accord Coupe Pricing:

Model

Transmission

Pricing

EPA ratings²

city/highway/combined

4-cylinder models

Accord LX-S

6-speed MT

$23,350

24/34/28

CVT

$24,200

26/35/29

Accord EX

6-speed MT

$25,025

24/34/28

CVT

$25,875

26/35/29

Accord EX-L

CVT

$28,070

26/35/29

Accord EX-L Navi

CVT

$30,070

26/35/29

V-6 models

Accord EX-L V-6

6-speed MT

$30,350

18/28/22

6-speed AT

$30,350

21/32/25

Accord EX-L Navi V-6

6-speed MT

$32,350

18/28/22

6-speed AT

$32,350

21/32/25

Honda Introduces The 2013 Accord Sedan, Coupe, and Plug-In Hybrid

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 18:05:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 5, 2012

Last month, Honda unveiled the ninth-generation Accord sedan and coupe. At the time, Honda only talked about the design and that more information would come out in the fall. Well, fall has arrived and Honda has spilled more details on the new Accord.

Starting with the powertrains, most Accords will come equipped with Honda's EarthDreams 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder producing 185 HP and 181 lb-ft of torque. If you get the Accord Sport, the power jumps to 189 HP and 182 lb-ft of torque. Transmissions will be either a six-speed manual or a CVT. Honda says the four-cylinder with the CVT will get fuel economy numbers of 27 City/36 Highway.

A new 3.5L V6 is also available producing 278 HP and 252 lb-ft of torque. The V6 sedan will only be available with a six-speed automatic with steering-wheel paddles. The coupe has the choice between the automatic or a six-speed manual. Fuel economy for the V6 is 21 City/34 Highway.

Other mechanical changes include electric power steering and a new strut front suspension.

Inside the Accord, the dash trades the stacked layout for a single wraparound piece with fewer center controls. Standard equipment on all models include dual-zone climate control, a touch screen audio system with Pandora radio and Bluetooth, rearview camera, tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, automatic headlights, and active noise canceling. Move up the trims and you can get a moonroof, power seats, a navigation system, keyless access with push-button start and heated leather seats.

Safety features on the new Accord include side airbags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control. Optional is a forward-collision warning which alerts drivers when they're about to hit something and LaneWatch which uses a camera on the side of the car to display what's in your blind spot on the screen.

The new Accord sedan will go on sale later on in the month, with the coupe following along a month after. Pricing hasn't been announced.

But that's not all!

Also today, Honda introduced the Accord Plug-In Hybrid. The plug-in marks a shift for Honda as this model abandons the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) and uses a downsized version of the 2.4L four-cylinder, 124-kW electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack. Honda estimates total output to be 196 HP and 226 lb-ft of torque. Electric-only range is expected to be about 15 miles, while total range is expected to be over 500 miles.

Recharging time for the lithium-ion battery can take up to an hour on 240V outlet or three hours on 120V outlet.

The plug-in hybrid differs from the normal Accord due to a new front grille treatment, aerodynamic alloy wheels, blue-tinted headlights, and hybrid badges.

Inside, the Accord Plug-In comes fully loaded and has the requisite charge, power, and efficiency gauges and screens.

The Accord Plug-In Hybrid goes on sale early next year. There also will be a conventional Accord Hybrid coming next summer.

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press release for the Accord sedan and coupe are on Page 3

Press release for the Accord Plug-In is on Page 4

All-New 2013 Honda Accord Brings Remarkable Levels of Luxury, Agility, Efficiency and Sophistication to Midsize Segment’s Legendary Nameplate

Ninth-generation Accord offers all-new direct-injected powertrain, class-leading safety innovations and upcoming plug-in hybrid model

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2012 – Honda today announced the all-new 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe, a storied nameplate that will once again redefine sophistication, efficiency and driving joy in the midsize class. Completely redesigned for 2013, the all-new Honda Accord provides a host of powertrain, engineering, electronic and safety firsts combined with Honda’s trademark visibility and smart design.

Better, not bigger, the completely new Honda Accord lineup includes Sedan and Coupe models powered by 4-cylinder, V-6 and hybrid powertrains, teamed to manual, automatic and continuously variable transmission (CVT) options. The 2013 Honda Accord Sedan goes on sale September 19, 2012, with the Coupe to follow on October 15, 2012. An all-new, two-motor 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan is scheduled to debut in early 2013, followed by a conventional hybrid based on the same powertrain architecture in the summer of 2013.

Using the most high-strength steel in the model’s history, the 2013 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe bodies combine sophisticated and athletic styling with remarkable aerodynamic streamlining. Revised Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structures improve frontal crash safety, making the all-new Accord one of few midsize offerings expected to excel in the upcoming small-overlap frontal barrier crash test.

All-new Earth Dreams™ powertrains include the first U.S. application of Honda’s next-generation 2.4-liter direct-injected 4-cylinder engine. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe will also offer a more powerful and efficient V-6, and in early 2013, an all-new two-motor 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan will debut. Four transmissions are available, including the first-ever application of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models, a six-speed automatic on V-6 models, and unique 6-speed manual transmissions on 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models and the 3.5-liter V-6 Coupe. Fuel efficiency is the best ever for an Accord in the EPA Midsize class, with 4-cylinder models earning up to an EPA 36 mpg highway rating¹ and V-6 models getting up to an EPA 34 mpg highway rating.¹

Other new Accord technologies include the first application of the all-new cloud-based HondaLink™ system, which lets drivers put away their smartphones and still stay connected to the people, music and social media they love. Also debuting on the 2013 Accord is the exclusive available Honda LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. The all-new 2013 Honda Accord also receives a rearview camera and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror as standard equipment.

New Accord Technology

Honda’s first use of direct injection (DI) in North America contributes to the 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine’s excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions.
A new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), available with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, contributes to the Accord’s improved fuel efficiency. Honda’s unique G-Design Shift logic creates a connected feel and provides a more immediate acceleration response than conventional automatics or other CVT designs.
New MacPherson-strut front suspension improves ride and handling qualities, while also reducing interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The new lighter aluminum and steel front subframe also uses a proprietary Honda friction-stir welding process.
Three features highly coveted by consumers are now standard on every new Accord: Bluetooth^®HandsFreeLink^®, USB/iPod^® integration and rearview camera. No other manufacturer provides this level of standard equipment. Honda’s Expanded View Driver's Mirror is also now standard equipment on every Accord.
All Accord models feature standard Econ button with Eco Assist™
Included on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring Sedan models and EX-L Coupe, Honda LaneWatch™ Blind Spot Display provides an expanded rear view of the passenger side roadway through the intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID).
All-new Smart Entry & Push Button Start included on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring models.
Included on EX-L and Touring Sedan and EX-L Coupe models, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) alerts the driver when a potential collision with another vehicle ahead is detected.
Included on Accord EX-L and Touring models, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alerts the driver when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use.
New SmartVent™ side airbags mitigate the risk of excessive airbag deployment force while eliminating the need for the prior Accord’s Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). SmartVent also allows improved heating of the passenger seatback on EX-L and Touring models.
The Accord Touring Sedan offers Honda’s first light emitting diode (LED) projector headlights for improved visibility. In addition, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) are found on V-6 powered models, while LED brake lights come on all EX-L and Touring models.
Exclusive to the Touring Sedan, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and a distance interval behind the vehicle ahead.
The all-new available HondaLink™ connected-car system allows owners to put their smartphones away and still stay connected to their favorite digital content.

Model Lineup

The 2013 Honda Accord Sedan will be available in six model choices, including an all-new top-spec Touring trim (LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6, and Touring), with the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan arriving early in 2013. The striking 2013 Honda Accord Coupe will be available in four model choices (LX-S, EX, EX-L and EX-L V6).

The 2013 Accord Sedan is available in nine exterior colors, including four metallic and five pearl colors. All-new colors include Champagne Frost Pearl, Hematite Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and Obsidian Blue Pearl. The 2013 Accord Coupe is available in seven exterior colors, including two metallic, five pearl and one solid color. All-new colors include Modern Steel Metallic, Still Night Pearl, Tiger Eye Pearl and White Orchid Pearl.

Powertrain

As in previous generations, two gasoline engines are available on the 2013 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe. These include a new Earth Dreams™ 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with Honda’s first use of direct injection in North America, and an Earth Dreams™ 3.5-liter V-6 with revised VTEC + VCM functions. The base 185-horsepower (hp) 4-cylinder engine is coupled to a choice of an efficient new continuously variable transmission (CVT), or a new fun-to-shift 6-speed manual transmission on selected models. The Accord Sport Sedan model provides a 189-horsepower version of the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Meanwhile, Accord V-6 models feature a 278-horsepower 3.5-liter engine coupled to a 6-speed automatic or, in the V-6 Coupe, a 6-speed manual transmission.

In early 2013, the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid will debut Honda’s new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder two-motor plug-in hybrid system. Available in the Sedan only, this system operates continuously through three modes – all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive – to maximize fuel efficiency.

Body

Crisply styled and aerodynamically efficient, the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe body designs are the most sophisticated in Accord history. The 2013 Accord unit-body uses 55.8-percent high-tensile steel, more than in any previous Accord. In addition, 17.2-percent of the steel is now grade 780, 980 and 1,500 – extremely high grades that have never before been used in any Accord. This contributes to higher body rigidity and reduced weight, which directly benefits ride and handling, interior quietness, performance and efficiency and long-term durability.

With its contoured body-sides, the Sedan’s exterior design is sleek, bold and decisive, while the Coupe’s design is rakish, taut and athletic. Extensive use of under-covers improve aerodynamics for increased fuel efficiency, while other advances include available LED headlights, DRLs and brake lights, mirror-mounted turn signals, and the standard Expanded View Driver’s Mirror that increases the driver’s field of vision by 4.2 degrees.

Chassis

Literally every aspect of the Accord’s chassis was reviewed or redesigned to create the best possible driving experience. Altogether, the highly rigid unit-body, refined suspension technology and advanced electronics define the 2013 Accord chassis as the most capable in model history. The new Accord is quieter and more responsive on city streets, smoother and more composed on the highway, and even more faithful to the driver’s wishes on winding roads.

New features for Accord include a MacPherson strut front suspension, a steel and aluminum front subframe and electric power steering (EPS). Standard Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC) on both 4-cylinder and V-6 models counteract engine noise, particularly at high rpm.

The lightweight MacPherson strut front suspension improves ride and handling qualities while also reducing interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The new aluminum and steel front subframe reduces weight and, in conjunction with the new independent multi-link rear suspension, further reduces NVH. Careful aerodynamic tailoring of the underbody and suspension systems provides additional noise reductions.

The new EPS setup uses an electric motor to assist the rack-and-pinion steering rather than the hydraulic assist of the previous Accord. The result is reduced steering effort and fuel consumption, with improved precision, feel and stability.

Alloy wheels are now standard across the Accord model range, and range in size from 16 to 18 inches. Four-wheel disc brakes are also standard, as is Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist, a 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA^®) with Traction Control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Hill start assist is also now standard on the Accord.

Interior

A completely new interior provides a level of luxury and craftsmanship never before seen in the Accord. Available in Black, Gray and Ivory cloth or leather, the interior combines welcoming comfort with an impressive range of available technologies. Standard features include redesigned seating, dual-zone automatic climate control and simplified controls and instrumentation.

Compared to the prior edition, both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe offer spacious accommodations for five passengers, and a roomy trunk with a flatter load floor for greater utility. Although the Accord's length has decreased over three inches and the wheelbase is almost an inch shorter, key interior dimensions grow. Rear legroom increases over an inch, both front and rear shoulder room increase, and trunk space is up over a cubic foot. Altogether, the interior is remarkably quiet, stylish and upscale, with high-quality materials, exemplary fit and finish, and advanced seating comfort and ergonomics.

Contemporary onboard electronics help the Accord driver seamlessly interface with the latest generation of compatible personal mobile electronics. Standard features on all Accords include a bright, full-color 8-inch (diagonal) “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID), Bluetooth^®2 HandsFreeLink^®phone interface, Pandora^® internet radio interface and an SMS text messaging feature. A new available Audio with touchscreen display and the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and FM Traffic is also available.

The 2013 Accord is also the first Honda product to offer available HondaLink™ technology, which works with the owner’s compatible smartphone to connect the Accord with music and media resources such as Aha™ by Harman, internet apps, roadside assistance and more. Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are also available.

Safety

The 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe offer the greatest range of active and passive safety features in Honda history. Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA^®) is standard on all Accord models, and available new technologies include Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Collision safety engineering includes the updated Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which improves occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions, and the most extensive use of high-strength steel in Accord history. The Accord’s impact-absorbing front body design can even help attenuate energy in the event of a frontal collision with a pedestrian.

Passive-safety features include six airbags, including dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags. New SmartVent™ side airbags reduce the risk of excessive airbag deployment force and eliminate the need for the Accord’s previous Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS).

Based on internal testing, both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe are expected to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and 5-star ratings in federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests³.

Manufacturing

Celebrating 30 years of Accord production in the United States, the all-new 2013 Honda represents the expanding capabilities of Honda in North America. Virtually every aspect of the Accord was developed, tested and finalized by Honda associates throughout California and Ohio. The Accord is produced⁴ in Ohio by Honda of America Mfg. Inc. using domestic and globally sourced parts.

All-New 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid SedanMelds Power, Luxury and Efficiency with Electric-Only Driving Mode

Honda’s first plug-in hybrid combines extensive standard features

and estimated driving range over 500 miles

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2012 – The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan will provide the athleticism and craftsmanship of the all-new Accord platform, charged with a remarkable dose of hybrid efficiency and electric torque. Set to go on sale in early 2013, the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan will offer premium technology, exceptional cabin space, the ability to run in an all-electric mode for 10 to 15 miles¹ and a calculated¹ total driving range over 500 miles.

The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan features one of four efficient new powertrains for the all-new Accord. The Accord Plug-in Hybrid will also serve as the basis for a conventional hybrid version of the Accord Sedan, which will join the Honda Accord lineup in the summer of 2013.

The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid is powered by Honda’s first two-motor hybrid system, and uses a new Earth Dreams^TM 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, teamed with a powerful 124-kilowatt (kW) electric motor. Electric driving is supported by a 6.7 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, and total system output is 196 horsepower.

To maximize driving efficiency, the uniquely designed two-motor hybrid system allows the Accord PHEV powertrain to move seamlessly between all-electric EV Drive, gasoline-electric Hybrid Drive; and direct Engine Drive. Fuel efficiency for the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid is expected to exceed 100 MPG-e, and it’s also expected to receive an Enhanced AT-PZEV rating from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Beyond its function as a full-electric vehicle, owners of the 2014 Accord PHEV will be able to choose two additional driving modes to manage battery capacity and tailor the capabilities of the plug-in Accord to their own commute. In its default upon start-up, the Accord PHEV acts as a pure electric vehicle and will continue on in full-electric mode until battery capacity necessitates the automatic switch to gas/electric hybrid operation. At higher speeds or under high demand for acceleration, the gasoline engine can kick in to provide additional power.

In “HV” mode, the plug-in Accord acts as a conventional hybrid, blending motor power between gasoline and electric to maximize fuel efficiency while maintaining the battery charge level. In “HV Charge” mode, the Accord PHEV blends gasoline and electric power while also augmenting the battery charge level.

The 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan will feature an electric servo braking system similar to the setup on the Honda Fit EV, which allows for exceptionally natural brake pedal feel, while extending the range over which the regenerative braking can take place. In addition to its efficient powertrain, the Accord PHEV features remarkably swift charging times. The plug-in Accord can be fully charged from a low-charge indication point in less than three hours using a standard 120-volt household electrical outlet, and in less than one hour using a 240-volt “Level-2” charger. The free HondaLink™ EV smartphone application will allow owners to easily monitor the charging state of the Accord PHEV.

Based on the Touring trim level of standard Accord Sedan, the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan will feature three exterior color choices, including two standard Accord shades (White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl) plus a model-exclusive Burnished Silver Metallic exterior color choice. The Accord PHEV will also feature a weight-saving aluminum hood, 17-inch forged alloy wheels, a unique front bumper along with enhanced underbody aerodynamic treatments.

A host of visibility technologies are standard on the 2014 Accord PHEV, including a rearview camera, an expanded-view driver’s mirror, Honda’s new LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), and LED mirror-mounted turn indicators.

Standard Features

The Accord PHEV is available in a single highly equipped trim level, based on the standard features of the premium Accord Touring model. Standard Accord PHEV features include:

Bluetooth^® HandsFreeLink^®
USB/iPod^®connectivity
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Pandora^®internet radio compatibility
Smart Start and Smart Entry
Honda LaneWatch™
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition²
Multi-view rearview camera
HondaLink™ EV telematics system
Heated front seats
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Driver’s 10-way power seat with 2-position memory
HomeLink^®
Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID)
Audio with touchscreen interface
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Bio-Fabric seating surfaces
Expanded-view driver’s mirror
LED mirror-mounted turn signals
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
LED headlights
Fog lights
Chrome-plated door handles
Decklid spoiler

Powertrain

The Earth Dreams technology used on the Accord PHEV includes an i-VTEC 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine coupled with a two-motor hybrid drive system. The hybrid system features a 124-kW electric motor powered by a 6.7-kWh Li-Ion battery pack. The gasoline engine produces a maximum 137 horsepower (hp) at 6200 rpm. In conjunction with the two-motor hybrid-drive system, the total power output peaks at 196 hp, which surpasses the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt and projected output of the Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. The EarthDreams engine horsepower alone surpasses the total gas-electric output of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid.

Although not finalized at press time, anticipated fuel economy ratings for the 2014 Accord PHEV are expected to exceed 100 MPG-e¹ in full-electric mode, provide a 10- to 15-mile¹ EV driving range and a calculated¹ total driving range over 500 miles. When in gasoline-only mode, it is expected to return one of the top EPA fuel economy ratings among mid-size sedans, and is also expected to earn an Enhanced AT-PZEV rating from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The two-motor hybrid system in the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid allows power from the gasoline engine to flow directly to the front wheels, power the generator to supply electrical propulsion or even charge the battery pack. The Accord PHEV hybrid system moves seamlessly and automatically through its three powertrain states to maximize performance, efficiency and range.

From a low-charge indicator point³, recharge time for the Li-Ion battery pack when plugged into a standard 120-volt wall outlet is less than three hours, among the fastest in the Accord PHEV’s class. And when plugged into a Level-2, 240-volt charger the recharge time is less than one hour – the quickest in the class. This is about half the required charge time of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid. The battery pack is mounted above the rear suspension, which helps maintain interior and trunk space and provides protection for the battery pack in a collision.

Body

The Accord body received further improvements in weight reduction, aerodynamic efficiency and rolling resistance in its transformation to Accord PHEV. All are designed to help Accord PHEV drivers maximize their driving range from every watt of electrical energy and every gallon of gasoline. Weight reduction features include:

All-aluminum front subframe
17-inch forged aluminum wheels
Aluminum brake pedal
Aluminum hood
Aluminum rear bumper beam
Puncture repair kit (in place of gasoline-engine Accord’s spare wheel and tire)

Aerodynamic advancements include:

Powertrain undercover
Cabin floor undercovers
Rear decklid spoiler
Aerodynamic wheel covers

Reductions in rolling resistance include:

Low rolling-resistance tires
Low-friction wheel bearings

Chassis

The Accord PHEV chassis begins with the core engineering of the Accord Sedan, but then adds an all-aluminum front subframe (replacing the steel and aluminum version on the gasoline-engine Accord). The Accord PHEV uses proprietary 17-inch forged-aluminum wheels with a special low-aero drag design, fitted with 225/50-17 tires.

As with the gasoline-engine Accord models, the Accord PHEV uses an electric power steering (EPS) system that automatically adjusts the amount of steering assist for conditions. The EPS system is more efficient than a traditional hydraulic system, and it operates consistently whether the vehicle is using electricity, gasoline, or both.

The Accord PHEV features a braking system similar to the system in the Honda Fit EV, which provides fully electronic control of the hydraulic brake system. This system results in an improvement in regenerative braking efficiency compared to a hydraulic booster system used in other hybrids.

Interior

Sophisticated and contemporary, the redesigned 2013 Accord Sedan interior serves as the ideal basis for the 2014 Accord PHEV interior. Like the Fit EV, the Accord PHEV features a next-gen Honda Bio Fabric seat material, a new fabric that offers conventional softness and durability, but with reduced manufacturing environmental impact. The interior features several brighter trim accents and is available in gray to compliment the choice of three exterior colors.

With the Accord PHEV’s free and convenient HondaLink™ EV smartphone app, owners can remotely schedule charging of the Li-Ion battery pack (taking advantage of “off-peak” electricity rates), monitor the state of charge, and even pre-warm or pre-cool the vehicle’s interior while charging before they drive. This suite of capabilities is similar to those offered on the new 2013 Fit EV. HondaLink EV features include:

Charge scheduling
Charge status
Charge complete notification
Drive range display
Charge station locator
HVAC pre-conditioning

Safety

Like the all-new Accord, the new Accord PHEV offers a greater range of standard active and passive safety features than any other vehicle in Honda history. These include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA^®) Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The Accord PHEV also has an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) to audibly warn pedestrians when it is approaching in EV Drive mode. Based on internal testing, the 2014 Accord PHEV is expected to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and 5-Star ratings in federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests.

Manufacturing

The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan will be built in Sayama, Japan.

Honda Looks Towards U.S. For Vehicle Development

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 18:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 12, 2012

Honda is looking towards America to help out with the development of future vehicles. Honda cites two reasons for this move. One is due to the rising Japanese Yen which is making the price of development much higher. Also, Honda is under growing pressure from other automaker including Nissan and Hyundai with their new vehicles.

"Our U.S. r&d team is taking the next step in our growth toward an even larger responsibility for meeting the needs of our customers in North America," said Honda's North American R&D chief Erik Berkman at an a summit in Traverse City, Michigan.

Honda's North America r&d will be taking over taking over the next-generation Civic and will be the lead on the Acura NSX.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Honda Reveals 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:45:00 +0000

August 8, 2012

Drew Dowdell

Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com

Honda today release pictures of the re-sculpted 2013 Honda Accord sedan and Coupe. As one of their perennial best sellers, Honda did not stray too far from the formula that has kept them near or at the top of the mid-size family car segment for years. The overall look of the next Accord isn't much of a surprise since it is so close to the barely disguised concept-as-a-production-car Accord shown at the Detroit Auto Show last January.

Honda has repackaged the Accord to allow for more room on the interior while being slightly smaller outside. Further information on power trains will be released later in 2012, but we expect the 2013 Honda Accord to be available with a new 2.4 liter 4-cylinder and an all new 3.5 liter V6 with cylinder deactivation. Both will come with direct injection and stop-start technology. Transmissions will be a CVT and a new 6-speed automatic respectively. We are also expecting the eventual return of the Accord Hybrid, this time using an all-new 2-mode system with plug-in capability replacing Honda's IMA.

Aside from the familiar LX and EX trims, Honda is introducing "Sport" and "Touring" designations on the Accord with Sport sitting between the LX and EX 4-cylinder models and Touring being the top trim available.

Drew Dowdell is Managing Editor of CheersandGears.com and can be reached at Drew.Dowdell@CheersandGears.com or on Twitter as @Cheersngears

Honda Unveils HondaLink

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

July 20, 2012

Honda has revealed their new HondaLink infotainment system which will be appearing in the 2013 Accord and Fit EV.

As we reported last month, HondaLink will use will feature Aha Radio, a cloud-based digital content service that uses data from a smartphone to provide a variety of music, news, podcasts, other traditional audio content, and reading of facebook and twitter updates. (Because everyone wants to hear an update on someone's relationship status or what they're for lunch today. (Steps off soapbox))

Also, HondaLink will provide Pandora Internet Radio and voice-to-text messaging that was first introduced on the 2012 CR-V.

There is another version of HondaLink called HondaLink EV that will allow the driver to check driving range and locate EV charging stations, as well as remotely initiate charging, view the state of charge and activate the air-conditioning and heater. HondaLink EV will be on the Fit EV and the upcoming Accord Plug-In Hybrid.

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

New Cloud-Based HondaLink™ Connected Car System Helps Drivers Put Away Their Phones While Maintaining Intuitive Access to Their Favorite Media

HondaLink™ provides first-ever OEM application of Aha™, delivering robust digital content via preset smartphone app

July 18, 2012

TORRANCE

Honda today unveiled HondaLink™, a new in-vehicle connectivity system that will debut this fall on the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord. Featuring the first automotive OEM application of Aha™ by Harman, HondaLink will provide a personalized experience connecting drivers to thousands of cloud-based news, information and entertainment feeds from around the world, using an intuitive, audio-system based interface.

"HondaLink will enable customers to put away their phone and still stay connected to the people, music and media they love," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda. "By creating an intuitive and customizable user interface, HondaLink allows drivers to access digital content as easily as choosing a radio station."

Honda's intuitive new HondaLink smartphone application allows owners to preset content on their phone. Once in the car, consumers can enjoy personalized content accessible via voice recognition, steering-wheel mounted controls and in-dash audio system controls. With a tethered smartphone serving as a conduit to a wealth of cloud-based media, HondaLink creates a unique, connected driving experience.

"Honda's strategy is about leveraging the cloud to bring a wealth of new information and services to Honda owners," said Charles Koch, American Honda manager of new business development. "This is the next evolution of the connected car and the connected customer."

Through the Aha service, for example, HondaLink users can listen to Facebook and Twitter audio newsfeeds, podcasts from NPR, location-based personalized restaurant listings from Yelp!, and access internet music services such as Slacker. The service is free and instantly accessible from the cloud.

Aha delivers a user-friendly experience requiring infrequent smartphone software updates, with in-vehicle content and channel access updating simply and automatically throughout the vehicle life. And content available from HondaLink will grow as the system continues to expand its services for Honda owners. HondaLink will also incorporate Pandora internet radio and voice-to-text SMS text services with pre-programmed responses, which Honda introduced on the 2012 CR-V.

HondaLink EV

The HondaLink family also includes HondaLink EV, specifically designed for the all-new Fit EV all-electric vehicle and the upcoming Accord Plug-In Hybrid. Owners of these electric vehicles will have access to unique applications designed specifically to maintain connectivity to their vehicle. The HondaLink EV application will allow the user to remotely view the state of charge, initiate charging, and activate the air conditioning and heater to pre-condition the vehicle while connected to the grid to maximize battery range on start-up. HondaLink EV will launch with the Fit EV, which will be available for lease in California and Oregon beginning on July 20, 2012.

Honda Readies Their Ford SYNC Competitor

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 20:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

July 2, 2012

While most automakers like Ford, Toyota, and General Motors have been putting a larger focus on infotainment systems, Honda has been playing it safe.

Compared to the current crop of infotainment systems, Honda's system shows its age. The navigation and audio sources are somewhat severely dated. That will be changing for 2013.

Wired's Autopia reports that Honda is readying a new infotainment system called Hondalink that will first appear in the Fit EV, due out sometime in July. After the Fit EV, HondaLink will be in the new 2013 Accord. Honda representatives say they don't know if the system will utilize a cellular modem or work through a smartphone. This is due to Honda moving many of its connected services away from satellite data.

Honda's first move of connected services was at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, where Honda announced its partnership with Aha Radio. Aha Radio allows owners of Android and iOS devices to access thousands of streaming audio feeds that can be played on the head unit.

Source: Autopia

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Honda Pins Hopes On A Racing Enthusiast To Restore Its Reputation

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 02:00:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

June 28, 2012

If you were only to read the headlines about Honda, you might be wondering why a good amount of people are complaining. So far in 2012, Honda sales are up, has excellent relations with their suppliers, won this year’s Indy 500, and many other good stories that many a company wish they had.

However, those in the know see that Honda lost the magic that it once had during the eighties and nineties with its core group of fans. Honda has also began to realize this very fact and is taking some drastic steps to fix it.

For the first time in Honda’s history, they have promoted an American, Erik Berkman, to the position of North American Research and Development chief.

"What we expect him to do is, through this good knowledge and experience, fulfill his dream of making North America strong," said Tetsuo Iwamura, Executive Vice President of Honda North America.

Making Honda strong in North America will not be an easy feat. Berkman has to balance building cars that have the magic of old Honda vehicles while keeping keeping the brand profitable. Honda is the only automaker not to post an annual loss, despite a recession and the bad reviews on their cars.

However, Berkman has the reputation to possibly pull this off. A 30 year veteran of Honda, he has worked on the 1999 Honda Odyssey and 2001 Acura CL, his team designed the multiple-Indy 500-winning engine, and Berkman was the head of the 2004 Acura TL: a car that he had to fight for, and one that turn out for the best. In 2004, the TL was the best selling in its class.

Berkman’s first order of business is the Civic. The new Civic has been panned by the press and caused Honda to move up the refresh to this year. Berkman says the refreshed Civic will bring a few “tweaks” including upgraded interior materials and revised driving dynamics.

Berkman’s ultimate goal for Honda is this: "We want everybody to fall over and go: There it is again. There's that Honda we used to praise."

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Spying: Honda Accord Sedan/Coupe, Plus The Interior

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

June 22, 2012

Spy photographers strike once again, this time getting shots of the new Accord Sedan and Coupe while undergoing some hot weather testing.

Lets begin with the Accord coupe. The coupe mule caught in these pictures is almost identical to the concept shown at NAIAS in January. The front end features a wraparound grille and LED-infused headlights. There’s a noticeable character line running from front fender to the door handle.

Next is the sedan which appears to be somewhat daring for Honda. Like the Coupe, the Sedan has a noticeable character line running down the doors. Also, the Accord sedan gets a more raked windshield and a extended roofline.

And to top it all off, spy shots of the Accord’s interior have appeared. The big change is with the Accord’s center stack. Honda has realized that having a mess of buttons isn’t the best of ideas and has cut back on the amount and organized the buttons in a way to make it easier to find what you need. Also, the new Accord is taking some notes from the CR-V with its instrument cluster. The next accord will drop the pair of dials (speedometer and tachometer) and go towards a center speedometer with a with a digital display in its center. Left of the speedometer is the tachometer, while on the other side could be a fuel gauge.

Source: Automotive.com, Motor Trend

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

2013 Honda Accord Order Sheet

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

May 10, 2012

Even though Honda hasn't showed off the production version of the new 2013 Accord, the order sheet has made a surprise appearance.

The Temple of VTEC got their hands onto an order sheet for the 2013 Accord. Besides a new six-speed automatic for V6 models and a new CVT for the four-cylinder models, there are two new model designations.

On the sheet, there is an Accord Sport and an Accord Touring models. The Sport sits between the LX and EX four-cylinder sedans, and the Touring sits as the top of line model. As to what they'll bring, no one is quite sure at the moment.

Source: Temple of VTEC

Honda Wins Appeal Over Civic Hybrid Mileage Case

Wed, 09 May 2012 23:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

May 9, 2012

Heather Peters, the owner of a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid who won her case against Honda in small claim courts in February, has had here case overturned.

Superior Court Judge Dudley W. Gray II ruled in favor of Honda this week, saying the company complied with regulations one how automakers advertise fuel economy. Grey also wrote in his ruling that miles per gallon ratings are for comparing vehicles and don't account for factors that could effect mileage.

"Despite these many variables, most of the owners of the subject vehicle achieve fuel economy very close to the EPA estimate," Gray wrote.

"It's a sad day when regulations designed to protect consumers are used against them. I'm certain that the EPA and FTC never intended to shield Honda from liability for advertising claims that a court of law determined to be false." Peters said.

Source: Associated Press, Motoramic

Honda Civic Hybrid Owner Wins Judgement Against Honda

Rumorpile: Honda/Acura To Use A 9-Speed Automatic

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 22, 2012

Recently, Honda's powertrain news has dealt with hybrids, direct-injection, stop-start, CVTs, and dual-clutch transmissions. One thing Honda hasn't talked about is what they're going to with their five and six-speed automatics. That could be changing.

Automobile is reporting will likely adopt a 9-speed automatic by 2014 at the earliest. A source tells the magazine the 9-speed in question is from German supplier ZF.

ZF's 9-speed is designed for transverse installations, which makes it suitable for front and all-wheel-drive vehicles. ZF says the transmission is capable of handling up to 354 lb-ft of torque, and can support both start/stop and hybrid drive systems.

Automobile speculates the 9-speed could make its way to the Honda Odyssey, Pilot, Acura MDX, and TL due to the engines they're equipped with (3.5L and 3.7L V6).

When asked for comment, Honda said the usual "we don't comment on future product plans" line.

Source: Automobile

Honda Showing A Concept Accord Crosstour

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 21, 2012

The Honda Crosstour isn’t doing so well. Sales have gone into a swan dive, with sales in January seeing a 40% drop. In December, President and CEO of American Honda, Tetsuo Iwamura vowed to make the vehicle successful.

Now, Honda will be showing off a Crosstour concept at the next month’s New York Auto Show. Like most other Honda concepts, the Crosstour concept will be a lightly veiled production model. Expect many changes seen on the Accord shown at Detroit to make their onto the Crosstour.

Source: Auto Guide

Honda Looking At Installing Natural Gas Pumps At Dealers

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 9, 2012

Honda is currently the only automaker to sell a passenger vehicle that can run on Natural Gas, the Civic Natural Gas. There's one problem; to buy a Civic Natural Gas, a dealer has to be within a twenty-mile radius of a Natural Gas station. Currently, 270 Honda dealers in the U.S. sell it.

Honda wants to change that. The company is currently looking at installing Natural Gas pumps at its dealers to help increase sales of the Civic Natural Gas.

“If the dealer had a fueling station, it would really reduce some of that concern for the customer,” said Steve Center, U.S. vice president for environmental business development at Honda.

Honda is currently in negotiations with regulators in California to have pumps placed at two or more Honda dealerships this year.

"It's not our place to create infrastructure, but it's a chicken-and-egg situation and we're going to have to nurse that egg along," said Center.

However, its still an idea. Center said details like the cost of a CNG station at a dealership, how many vehicles it could serve a day, and how many can be established are being looked at. Honda will work with the dealers to gain the necessary permits, provide financing, and will apply for public incentives.

“Something like this helps fill in holes. We want to select a couple of test cases and walk through it,” Center said.

Source: Bloomberg

Honda Moves Date Up On Civic Refresh

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 6, 2012

Honda has been moving the date on their Civic refresh. Previously, John Mendel, executive vice president at American Honda Motor Co., said the refreshed Civic would arrive sometime in 2013. Then, executives pushed the date up to the end of 2012. Now, a top-level Honda executive told dealers this week, the Civic refresh will arrive sometime in the fall.

That means the refreshed Civic will arrive around the same time with the redesigned Accord.

Source: Autoweek

Honda Civic Hybrid Owner Wins Judgement Against Honda

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 3, 2012

Back in December, we’re reported on Heather Peters, an owner of a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid that was taking Honda to court due to the vehicle never achieving the official EPA fuel mileage ratings. But instead of taking Honda to the circuit court with lawyers, Peters filed the case against Honda at a small claims court. The reasoning behind it; she would have a better shot of winning the case. Peter’s case was to be heard on January 3rd.

Now, the court has reached a decision on her case. On Wednesday, the court ruled in the favor of Peters and awarded her $9,867 in damages.

“I am absolutely thrilled. It’s a victory for Civic Hybrid owners and consumers everywhere! Sometimes big justice comes in small packages,” Peters wrote in a email to the New York Times.

Honda spokesman, Chris Martin said the company plans on appealing the judgement.

Source: New York Times

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:37:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersamdGears.com

December 28, 2011

Heather Peters is angry with Honda. Her 2006 Civic Hybrid doesn't get its claimed EPA fuel economy and she isn't satisfied with a proposed class-action lawsuit settlement that would give lawyers $8.5 million while Civic owners would get as little as $100 and rebate coupons for the purchase of a new vehicle.

She could take Honda to court. But with Honda's army of lawyers, she wouldn't have a chance.

But, Peters has found a way to get a chance and keep Honda's lawyers out of the proceedings. On January 3 she'll take her case to Small Claims Court in Torrance, California and ask for the maximum compensation ($10,000) to compensate her for spending much more on gasoline than expected.

You might be wondering why going to Small Claims Court helps Peters avoids the army of lawyers. Well, California Small Claims Court law states parties must represent themselves and cannot use an attorney. That means Peters can deal with Honda directly.

Peters isn't stopping here though. She has started a website called DontSettleWithHonda.org and an Twitter account, DontSettleWithHonda giving owners a link to state-by-state instructions for filing these lawsuits.

"I want them to know they can file in Small Claims Court and that it is not so scary," Peters told the LA Times.

Some people are calling Peters’ plan a game-changer, not only for the automotive industry but for all large corporations in the U.S.

“This could create a lot of problems in the industry,” said Aaron Jacoby, a defense attorney at the Arent Fox law firm in Los Angeles who also heads the automotive industry group.

Not every state affords the same luxury as California's Small Claims Courts. But the efforts by Peters could prove costly and troublesome to automakers it it succeeds.

Source: LA Times

Honda USA CEO Vowing To Make Crosstour Successful

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:27:00 +0000

Tetsuo Iwamura, President and CEO of American Honda, told Autoblog that he is disappointed with the current sales of the Crosstour.

"In the case of the Crosstour, I'm really disappointed because that's a nice car, [with] very beautiful styling, and it gives very good driving performance as well as packaging. But yet, we went a bit too far."

Since being introduced back in 2009 as a 2010 model, the Crosstour has been struggling in sales. So far in 2011, Honda has only moved 16,679 Crosstours - a 36% drop compared to 2010 when Honda sold 25,927 Crosstours.

Iwamaura said Honda is actually "quite satisfied" with sales of most of its vehicle lines (i.e. Accord, Civic, CR-V), maintaining that he sees nothing within Honda that has prevented the company from generating new hit models. Iwamaura also said the company will continue development of its niche players.

"With further refinement of styling and performance, it will be a very good success, a leading model," Iwamaura said.

Source: Autoblog

Honda Standing Firm On Ridgeline

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:45:00 +0000

Honda’s Ridgeline hasn’t been a sales sucess. Sales of the truck have been lackluster since being introduced back in 2006 and refresh for the 2012 model hasn’t helped. That has lead rumors to Honda killing off the Ridgeline and caused American Honda's Truck Planner, Sage Marie issuing a statement saying the truck is staying. However, the statement didn’t say anything about future developments for the truck.

At the Tokyo Motor Show this week, Autoblog asked American Honda’s President and CEO, Tetsu Iwamura about the Ridgeline’s future.

"Ridgeline is quite an important model to us. It's the only truck-type of model we have. We're fully aware of the importance of that model and we're trying to make that model grow much more. At this moment, there is no intention to stop the Ridgeline. In order to make Ridgeline much more attractive – in order to enhance Ridgeline – we are studying lots of things at this moment."

When pressed about if Honda remains fully committed to trucks, Iwamura said they’re in it for the long haul. However, Iwamura said nothing on a second-gen Ridgeline.

Source: Autoblog

Honda’s CEO Takes Responsibility Over New Civic

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:25:00 +0000

The Honda Civic has been taking beating with reviews saying the car has dull styling and driving dynamics, poor interior materials, and many more reasons. Consumer Reports didn’t put the Civic on their list of recommended vehicles for this year.

Honda’s CEO Takanobu Ito told reporters this week that he takes full responsibility for the Civic.

"The ultimate responsibility rests with me. We take inputs from the various markets with sincerity ... and try to work out the best actions for what we have observed. Those decisions rest with me," Ito said.

Honda has pushed up the refresh for the Civic to 2013 to fix the problems the current model has.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Related:

Honda Moving Civic Refresh To 2013

Honda Surprises All With New Engines & Transmissions

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:20:00 +0000

Honda is known for many things; one of those things happens to be engine technology. The Civic CVCC and VTEC are some of technologies to done by Honda. However, during the past few years, Honda's engine technologies haven't changed much or fall flat on it's face (IMA Hybrid tech comes to mind).

But now, Honda is coming out swinging with new powertrains and transmissions. At a event before the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda introduced a new range of four-cylinders ranging from 1.5L to 2.4L and a new 3.5L V6. All of the new engines will come equipped with direct injection and stop-start technology.

The four-cylinders come with a new VTEC arrangement with an Atkinson cycle lower load cam plus extensive friction reduction technologies. The 3.5L V6 will replace the current 3.7L and 3.5L V6 and come with cylinder deactivation.

Also new for Honda powertrains is a two-mode hybrid system. Replacing the disappointing IMA system, the new system will use a brand new 2.0L four-cylinder paired with electric motor and batteries. Honda claims the system will be the most efficient and deliver “enhanced driving performance.” First car to use the new system will be a plug-in hybrid model due next year while a non plug-in system will be out the year after.

And, along with these new engines come new transmissions. Honda showed off a new range of CVT transmissions (alright stop moaning, they can hear you in Japan). The CVTs come with Honda's new “G-Design Shift”, which was created to help deliver more immediate throttle response. The transmissions are expected in the Civic, Accord and CR-V soon.

Source: Auto Guide, 2

Coming To Detroit: Honda NSX Successor Concept

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:15:00 +0000

If there is one thing that has bemoaned enthusiasts for the past few years, it's the lack of the NSX from the Acura/Honda lineup. Orginally, Honda had originally planned out the NSX replacement, but was canned due to the global economic crisis.

But within the past year, Honda has hinted at a return of the NSX, with their CEO Takanobu Ito adding fuel to it.

If a report from Autocar is to believed, Honda will be showing a concept version of what could be the successor to the NSX at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The car, known as the Super Sports Concept will follow the Small Sports EV Concept that will be shown at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Not much is known about the Super Sports Concept, but expect either a hybrid or electric powertrain.

Source: Autocar