Honda Teases The Next Ridgeline, Due Out In 2016

If there has been one piece of forbidden Honda fruit that enthusiasts have been clamoring for a few years, it has to be the Civic Type-R. The good news is that the Type-R is coming and Honda has revealed a "concept" of it at the Paris Motor Show.
Like most Honda/Acura concepts, the Civic Type-R Prototype is a thinly veiled preview of the production model. There is an aggressive body kit with new bumpers, hood scoop, wider fenders, 20-inch black wheels, and a large rear wing.
No details were given on the Type-R's powerplant, but it is expected that the new model would use the current Type-R's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. In the current Type-R, the engine produces 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Expect a bit more power for the new model. A six-speed manual will route power to the front wheels. There will be a number of upgrades to the suspension, steering, brakes, and tires to handle all of this power.
Honda will begin production of the next-generation Civic Type-R sometime next year. We'll likely have more information when Honda shows off the Civic Type-R next month at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Source: Honda
 
Live Pic Credit: Newspress
Press Release is on Page 2


Radical New Honda Civic Type R Prototype Debuts in Paris; Making its North American Debut at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas
Sep 28, 2016 - TORRANCE, Calif.
New Civic Type R Prototype unveiled at 2016 Mondial de L'Automobile in Paris First-ever Honda-badged Type R coming to the U.S. Features wide, aggressive fascias, extended wheel arches and dramatic rear wing Bespoke "brushed aluminium" wrap provides eye-catching finish Fresh on the heels of the sales launch of the 2017 Civic Hatchback, the next-generation Civic Type R had its global debut in prototype form today at the 2016 Paris auto show. The radical new Civic Type R, with its sporty and sleek hatchback design and track-ready performance, will make its North American debut at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 1-4, 2016, marking the arrival of the first-ever Honda-badged Type R in the U.S.
The Civic Type R Prototype offers insight into the styling of the next-generation Civic Type R, which will be officially unveiled in 2017, joining the 10th Generation Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe and newly released Civic Hatchback, with the Civic Si variants also launching next year.
"We promised the most ambitious, sportiest Civic lineup ever and we're delivering on that promise with each new Civic," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "For the first time ever in America, Honda fans and enthusiasts will have access to the ultimate in Civic performance in the form of the new Type R."
Based on the low and wide proportion of the new Civic Hatchback, the Civic Type R Prototype is enhanced by muscular body styling and modifications to aid aerodynamic performance. The exterior is wrapped in a highly reflective, finely-grained brushed aluminum-effect finish, which is unique to the prototype car. At the front, the aggressive fascia is accentuated with a winged carbon fiber splitter and sporty red accent line. Additional slatted ducts add width to the fascia, and diamond-mesh inserts fill the sculpted air intakes.
Honda's iconic red "H" badge, which adorns all Type R models, sits prominently on the front grille at the nose of the car. There is a new intake on the hood, with an air scoop sited centrally in a trapezoidal recess. Smoked lenses for the LED headlights, indicators and side indicator repeater lights reflect the Type R Prototype's more aggressive character.
Carbon fiber side skirts run the length of the side sills, between 20-inch piano black alloy wheels with red accents and 245-section high-performance tires. A beefy carbon fiber diffuser runs below the wider rear fascia, which frames three fully-functional tailpipes flanked by a pair of directional strakes. The smaller diameter central tailpipe is highlighted in bright metallic red. Model-exclusive vortex generators at the rear edges of the roof point backward toward a visually striking rear wing.
The next generation Civic Type R was developed by the joint efforts of Honda R&D teams in Europe and Japan and will be officially unveiled in production form next year. The 2017 Civic Type R will be produced exclusively at the Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) plant in Swindon, the global manufacturing hub for the five-door hatchback.

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If there has been one piece of forbidden Honda fruit that enthusiasts have been clamoring for a few years, it has to be the Civic Type-R. The good news is that the Type-R is coming and Honda has revealed a "concept" of it at the Paris Motor Show.
Like most Honda/Acura concepts, the Civic Type-R Prototype is a thinly veiled preview of the production model. There is an aggressive body kit with new bumpers, hood scoop, wider fenders, 20-inch black wheels, and a large rear wing.
No details were given on the Type-R's powerplant, but it is expected that the new model would use the current Type-R's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. In the current Type-R, the engine produces 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Expect a bit more power for the new model. A six-speed manual will route power to the front wheels. There will be a number of upgrades to the suspension, steering, brakes, and tires to handle all of this power.
Honda will begin production of the next-generation Civic Type-R sometime next year. We'll likely have more information when Honda shows off the Civic Type-R next month at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Source: Honda
 
Live Pic Credit: Newspress
Press Release is on Page 2


Radical New Honda Civic Type R Prototype Debuts in Paris; Making its North American Debut at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas
Sep 28, 2016 - TORRANCE, Calif.
New Civic Type R Prototype unveiled at 2016 Mondial de L'Automobile in Paris First-ever Honda-badged Type R coming to the U.S. Features wide, aggressive fascias, extended wheel arches and dramatic rear wing Bespoke "brushed aluminium" wrap provides eye-catching finish Fresh on the heels of the sales launch of the 2017 Civic Hatchback, the next-generation Civic Type R had its global debut in prototype form today at the 2016 Paris auto show. The radical new Civic Type R, with its sporty and sleek hatchback design and track-ready performance, will make its North American debut at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 1-4, 2016, marking the arrival of the first-ever Honda-badged Type R in the U.S.
The Civic Type R Prototype offers insight into the styling of the next-generation Civic Type R, which will be officially unveiled in 2017, joining the 10th Generation Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe and newly released Civic Hatchback, with the Civic Si variants also launching next year.
"We promised the most ambitious, sportiest Civic lineup ever and we're delivering on that promise with each new Civic," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "For the first time ever in America, Honda fans and enthusiasts will have access to the ultimate in Civic performance in the form of the new Type R."
Based on the low and wide proportion of the new Civic Hatchback, the Civic Type R Prototype is enhanced by muscular body styling and modifications to aid aerodynamic performance. The exterior is wrapped in a highly reflective, finely-grained brushed aluminum-effect finish, which is unique to the prototype car. At the front, the aggressive fascia is accentuated with a winged carbon fiber splitter and sporty red accent line. Additional slatted ducts add width to the fascia, and diamond-mesh inserts fill the sculpted air intakes.
Honda's iconic red "H" badge, which adorns all Type R models, sits prominently on the front grille at the nose of the car. There is a new intake on the hood, with an air scoop sited centrally in a trapezoidal recess. Smoked lenses for the LED headlights, indicators and side indicator repeater lights reflect the Type R Prototype's more aggressive character.
Carbon fiber side skirts run the length of the side sills, between 20-inch piano black alloy wheels with red accents and 245-section high-performance tires. A beefy carbon fiber diffuser runs below the wider rear fascia, which frames three fully-functional tailpipes flanked by a pair of directional strakes. The smaller diameter central tailpipe is highlighted in bright metallic red. Model-exclusive vortex generators at the rear edges of the roof point backward toward a visually striking rear wing.
The next generation Civic Type R was developed by the joint efforts of Honda R&D teams in Europe and Japan and will be officially unveiled in production form next year. The 2017 Civic Type R will be produced exclusively at the Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) plant in Swindon, the global manufacturing hub for the five-door hatchback.

The Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse are well past their sell-by-date. GM knows this and will be introducing new versions of both within the next year. We haven't seen any spy shots of either model, til today.
Autoblog published some spy shots of the next-generation Buick Enclave undergoing some hot-weather testing in Death Valley. From the shots, it looks like Buick will be retaining the shape of the current model. Although, it looks like the roofline has changed somewhat towards the back. We can pick out the new grille that we first saw on the new LaCrosse along with a set of LED running lights.
The Enclave is expected to use a stretched version of the Chi platform that currently underpins the new GMC Acadia.
Source: Autoblog

View full article

The Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse are well past their sell-by-date. GM knows this and will be introducing new versions of both within the next year. We haven't seen any spy shots of either model, til today.
Autoblog published some spy shots of the next-generation Buick Enclave undergoing some hot-weather testing in Death Valley. From the shots, it looks like Buick will be retaining the shape of the current model. Although, it looks like the roofline has changed somewhat towards the back. We can pick out the new grille that we first saw on the new LaCrosse along with a set of LED running lights.
The Enclave is expected to use a stretched version of the Chi platform that currently underpins the new GMC Acadia.
Source: Autoblog

Trucks and Compacts Star as American Honda Reports August Sales
Sep 1, 2016 - TORRANCE, Calif.
American Honda and Honda Division trucks have best August sales ever Honda CR-V sets 2nd consecutive all-time sales record Honda core models—Civic, Accord and CR-V—each top more than 30,000 sales Honda's smallest vehicles—Fit and HR-V—post largest gains for the brand Refreshed Acura MDX posts 8.1 percent gain to push Acura trucks up 2.5 percent in August American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported strong August sales of 149,571 Honda and Acura vehicles, a 3.8 percent decrease over August 2015 due in part to the lack of the Labor Day sales weekend. American Honda trucks set a new August record, rising 4.3 percent on sales of 76,140. Honda Division sales totaled 135,325 units, with Honda trucks also setting an August record, gaining 4.5 percent on sales of 66,802. Acura Division sales were down 7 percent on sales of 14,246 units, also feeling the effects of the lost weekend. However, Acura trucks were up 2.5 percent on sales of 9,338 as new models continued to fill the pipeline.
Honda
Honda Division's August sales almost matched the same period last year without one of the biggest holiday sales weekends of the year. Despite the handicap, CR-V continued its record-setting ways for the second straight month while all three of the brand's best-selling models (Accord, Civic and CR-V) topped 30,000 units apiece and Honda's compact HR-V and Fit posted major gains. Honda trucks posted a new August record supported by brisk sales of CR-V, HR-V and Ridgeline, while Civic and Fit drove car sales for the brand.      
Honda trucks set a new August record, rising 4.5 percent with sales of 66,802 units CR-V climbed 5 percent on sales of 36,517 for a 2nd consecutive all-time record HR-V sales jumped 66 percent on sales of 7,580 vehicles Civic and Fit were up 2.4 percent (32,807 sales) and 85.1 percent (5,370 sales) "Our continued success with strong sales of both passenger cars and light trucks demonstrates once again that the key to great sales is great product," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. "As we continue with our rapid cadence of new models, our focus will remain on selling vehicles one at a time to individual customers."
Acura
With inventories building for the new 2017 MDX, sales continue to rise as more customers experience the bold new exterior styling and expanded complement of premium features and technologies. Adding a solid result from RDX, Acura truck sales were up 2.5 percent in August, with sedan sales held back in part due to the lost holiday weekend compared to August 2015.
MDX sales increased 8.1 percent in August on sales of 5,131 units Acura trucks were up 2.5 percent overall for the month, with 9,338 vehicles sold The new NSX posted 22 sales in August as production continues to ramp up in Acura's new NSX global production facility "It's great to see Acura's Precision Crafted Performance DNA resonate with customers, as the new MDX gives luxury buyers their first taste of our new performance design direction," said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of the Acura division. "Together with the launch of the amazing new NSX, a resurgent Acura Motorsports program and growing intentions from younger buyers, we continue to build strong momentum for the Acura brand."
American Honda Vehicle Sales for August 2016
      Month-to-Date
Year-to-Date
      August 2016
August 2015
DSR** % Change
MoM % Change
August 2016
August 2015
DSR** % Change
YoY % Change
    American Honda Total
149,571
155,491
-3.8%
-3.8%
1,094,725
1,054,816
3.8%
3.8%
    Total Car Sales
73,431
82,483
-11.0%
-11.0%
564,425
542,210
4.1%
4.1%
    Total Truck Sales
76,140
73,008
4.3%
4.3%
530,300
512,606
3.5%
3.5%
    Honda Total Car Sales
68,523
76,281
-10.2%
-10.2%
526,962
498,695
5.7%
5.7%
    Honda Total Truck Sales
66,802
63,897
4.5%
4.5%
460,849
438,806
5.0%
5.0%
    Acura Total Car Sales
4,908
6,202
-20.9%
-20.9%
37,463
43,515
-13.9%
-13.9%
    Acura Total Truck Sales
9,338
9,111
2.5%
2.5%
69,451
73,800
-5.9%
-5.9%
    Total Domestic Car Sales
67,054
81,873
-18.1%
-18.1%
524,739
537,277
-2.3%
-2.3%
      Honda Division
62,265
75,859
-17.9%
-17.9%
488,231
495,393
-1.4%
-1.4%
      Acura Division
4,789
6,014
-20.4%
-20.4%
36,508
41,884
-12.8%
-12.8%
    Total Domestic Truck Sales
76,140
73,008
4.3%
4.3%
530,300
512,601
3.5%
3.5%
      Honda Division
66,802
63,897
4.5%
4.5%
460,849
438,801
5.0%
5.0%
      Acura Division
9,338
9,111
2.5%
2.5%
69,451
73,800
-5.9%
-5.9%
    Total Import Car Sales
6,377
610
945.4%
945.4%
39,686
4,933
704.5%
704.5%
      Honda Division
6,258
422
1,382.9%
1,382.9%
38,731
3,302
1,073.0%
1,073.0%
      Acura Division
119
188
-36.7%
-36.7%
955
1,631
-41.4%
-41.4%
    Total Import Truck Sales
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
0
5
-100.0%
-100.0%
      Honda Division
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
0
5
-100.0%
-100.0%
      Acura Division
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
     MODEL BREAKOUT BY DIVISION
Honda Division Total
135,325
140,178
-3.5%
-3.5%
987,811
937,501
5.4%
5.4%
      * ACCORD
30,115
40,931
-26.4%
-26.4%
231,415
231,173
0.1%
0.1%
      * CIVIC
32,807
32,031
2.4%
2.4%
255,599
221,471
15.4%
15.4%
        CR-Z
222
333
-33.3%
-33.3%
1,699
1,895
-10.3%
-10.3%
      * FIT
5,370
2,901
85.1%
85.1%
38,187
42,867
-10.9%
-10.9%
        INSIGHT
9
85
-89.4%
-89.4%
62
1,289
-95.2%
-95.2%
                                CROSSTOUR
7
930
-99.2%
-99.2%
720
6,450
-88.8%
-88.8%
      * CR-V
36,517
34,771
5.0%
5.0%
231,609
229,574
0.9%
0.9%
        HR-V
7,580
4,567
66.0%
66.0%
51,417
24,617
108.9%
108.9%
        ODYSSEY
9,992
13,423
-25.6%
-25.6%
85,881
88,910
-3.4%
-3.4%
        PILOT
9,269
10,202
-9.1%
-9.1%
81,793
88,742
-7.8%
-7.8%
        RIDGELINE
3,437
4
85,825.0%
85,825.0%
9,429
513
1,738.0%
1,738.0%
                              ***
Memo: Accord FHEV
890
1,369
-35.0%
-35.0%
1,720
9,257
-81.4%
-81.4%
        Memo: Accord PHEV
0
2
-100.0%
-100.0%
0
62
-100.0%
-100.0%
        Memo: Civic Hybrid
50
590
-91.5%
-91.5%
817
3,317
-75.4%
-75.4%
                              Acura Division Total
14,246
15,313
-7.0%
-7.0%
106,914
117,315
-8.9%
-8.9%
        ILX
1,172
1,660
-29.4%
-29.4%
10,831
11,744
-7.8%
-7.8%
        NSX
22
0
0.0%
0.0%
45
0
0.0%
0.0%
        RLX / RL
118
187
-36.9%
-36.9%
951
1,600
-40.6%
-40.6%
        TL
0
1
-100.0%
-100.0%
0
85
-100.0%
-100.0%
        TLX
3,595
4,353
-17.4%
-17.4%
25,632
30,055
-14.7%
-14.7%
        TSX
1
1
0.0%
0.0%
4
31
-87.1%
-87.1%
                                MDX
5,131
4,747
8.1%
8.1%
34,648
39,144
-11.5%
-11.5%
        RDX
4,207
4,364
-3.6%
-3.6%
34,803
34,654
0.4%
0.4%
        ZDX
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
0
2
-100.0%
-100.0%
                              ***
Memo: ILX Hybrid
0
1
-100.0%
-100.0%
1
20
-95.0%
-95.0%
        Memo: RLX Hybrid
19
34
-44.1%
-44.1%
134
181
-26.0%
-26.0%
        Memo: TSX Wagon
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
0
2
-100.0%
-100.0%
                              Selling Days
26
26
    204
204
          **** Hybrid
1,212
2,414
-49.8%
-49.8%
4,478
16,021
-72.0%
-72.0%
         
  *    Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic & global sourced parts
    **   Daily Selling Rate
    ***  Memo line items are included in the respective model total
    **** Hybrid includes FHEV, PHEV, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Insight, ILX Hybrid, RLX Hybrid, RLX Sport Hybrid and NSX