Honda Cars : Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ makes 174-hp, 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 secs | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda’s tuning arm Mugen has unveiled their new Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ. Based on the Honda CR-Z, the tuned version gets an upgraded spension, brake system, wheels, exterior parts designed considering aerodynamics and a centrifugal supercharger.
MUGEN will install the parts on their own on the CR-Z (6-speed manual) provided by Honda and start to sell 300 complete cars.
So what is exactly going on here? Basically, Mugen tuned the 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine to produce 154-hp and a maximum torque of 136 lb-ft. The 20-hp electric-motor allows for a combined output of 174-hp and a 0 to 62 mph time of 6.1 seconds.
Hit the jump for more specs.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
POWER UNIT
1.5L i-VTEC ENGINE + SUPER CHARGER 115kw (156ps) / 6,600rpm
185N.m(18.9kgf.m) / 5,200rpm
IMA SYSTEM 15kw (20ps) / 2,000rpm
78N.m (8.0kgf.m / 1,000rpm)
CAT-BACK EXHAUST
TITANIUM DUAL FINISHERS
SUSPENSION
5 ADJ. SUSPENSION
17inch FORGED ALLOY WHEEL 17 x 7J
17inch HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRE 205/45R17, DUNLOP DIREZZA ZⅡ
BRAKE SYSTEM
ACTIVE GATE BIG SIZE BRAKE ROTORS for FRONT, ø300mm. t=25mm
REINFORCED BRAKE CALIPERS for FRONT
REINFORCED BRAKE PADS for FRONT
MICRO MESH BRAKE LINES for FRONT
EXTERIOR
FRONT GRILLE
ADJUSTABLE FRONT UNDER SPOILER with LED ILLUMINATIONS
SIDE SPOILERS
REAR UNDER SPOILER & DIFFUSER with LED FOG LAMP
ADJUSTABLE REAR WING CFRP
SPECIAL BODY COLOR AZURE BLUE METALLIC
INTERIOR
SPECIALLY COLORED FRONT SEAT BLUE & BLACK
SPECIALLY COLORED STEERING WHEEL BLUE STITCH
CFRP SHIFT KNOB
BOOST METER
SERIAL NO. PLATE
PRICE
JPY 4,494,000 Including 5% consumption tax
- By: Omar Rana

Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2012/10/05/honda-cr-z-mugen-rz-makes-174-hp-0-to-62-mph-in-6-1-secs/

Honda Cars : Carscoop!: Honda Sports Ute Concept by Daniel Pearson is so Wrong that it Could be Right | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

In most places around the world, the words "sports" and "utility vehicle" don't make much sense together. 
 
However, there are some exceptions, notably Australia, which through Ford's local division gave birth to the coupe utility category in the early 1930s and continues to be represented to this day by the Ford and Holden Utes, and of course, North America, with its most famous model being the Chevrolet El Camino. 
 
To put it simple, a Coupe Utility vehicle is a passenger car model with two doors and an open cargo bed, the purpose being to bond (...or compromise) two different worlds into one automobile. 
 
A Coupe Utility is what Daniel Pearson, a third year design student from the UK, had in mind for his Honda project aptly named the "Sports Ute". The two seater study was designed to be 4.7 meters long (185 inches) riding on a lengthy 3,025mm (119.1 inches) wheelbase, all while looking like it belongs to the same family of cars as the NSX. 
 
Pearson says he imagined the concept as a front-engine, rear wheel-drive model. 
 
Here's how Pearson describes the Honda Sports Ute: 
 
"This concept was intended to be an all-in-one sports car/utility vehicle. As a 2 seater sports car owner myself, I understand how frustrating it can be at times when you need practicality.
My concept utilises all the benefits of a sports car, embraces them with practicality, and enables multiple user experiences from just one vehicle. A fully usable tailgate enables loading at the rear, and clip-on spoiler can be fitted to give rear downforce when used as a sportscar.
A meaty 2.0 turbocharged VTEC engine, with an electronic boost controller gives 3 levels of power for different modes of driving. 300bhp peak power, sent along a prop shaft to the rear wheels automatically puts this car into the Japanese sports car market, but with a twist."
 
Design Credits: Daniel Pearson


Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/10/honda-sports-ute-concept-by-daniel.html

Honda Cars : Honda Weighs Moving Fit Production to Mexico in 2014 | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

TOKYO – Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co. is studying the possibility of moving production of its Fit model destined for the U.S. market from its plant in Japan to Mexico in 2014, the Nikkei business daily reported Wednesday.

Honda exported about 67,000 Fits from Japan last year, with 40,000 units of the small automobile destined for the U.S. market.

The automaker, which has two plants in Mexico, plans to manufacture the next version of the highly fuel efficient Fit, sold as the Jazz in some European markets, in that country.

Honda expects to open its third Mexican plant in 2014, a facility located in the central state of Guanajuato that will have the capacity to produce nearly 200,000 units annually.

The automaker could also shift some Fit production to Europe or other countries in Asia after ending manufacturing of its popular Civic and Accord models for the U.S. market at its Saitama plant north of Tokyo, Nikkei said.

Honda exported 250,000 vehicles, or less than 30 percent of its domestic production, in 2011. That figure was well below the 690,000 units, or 54 percent of domestic production, exported in 2007.

The automaker may be looking to cut exports down to around 200,000 units and boost manufacturing of the minivehicles that are popular in Japan and which account for about 1 million units of annual output, Nikkei said.

Rival Toyota Motor Co., Japan’s largest automaker, is planning to produce Corollas bound for foreign markets outside the country to avoid taking a hit to profits due to the strong yen, the business daily said. EFE

Source;
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=599174&CategoryId=14091

Honda Cars : The Secrets behind Honda’s Success | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The current economic climate is one of the most difficult since the Great Depression. Many carmakers have been on the verge of bankruptcy. Sales of some car makes and models have suffered, as consumers have taken on different priorities in this economy. However, one company continues to stand out and has been rather resilient during these tough times. This would be Honda whose sales figures have been consistent.

Seeing the economic problems of most carmakers while Honda is prospering leads many to wonder why this is happening. Currently a myriad of factors are helping Honda remain on the top. One major change in this economy is seeing consumers veer away from trucks and sport utility vehicles. These vehicles are not only more expensive to purchase but much more expensive to maintain. Fuel efficiency is definitely not one benefit of purchasing a vehicle in this class. This is one reason that Honda is faring well in this economic climate. Their line of vehicles is not dependent upon truck or SUV sales. While they do offer them, they depend more on their car sales. These include a range of types of car such as the Hybrid model Honda CR-Z.

The brand name, Honda, also has quite a great deal of loyalty surrounding it. This helps keep consumers coming back for more. Consumers view Hondas as being high quality vehicles as well as reliable. Honda cars also maintain high resale values; more than other brands currently on the market.

Honda vehicles are also perceived by consumers as being fuel-efficient choices. Today’s consumers are aware of the high fuel prices, and so they want a car they will require less fuel which in turn will save them money. In fact, Honda has built its brand around this aspect of fuel efficiency. Coupled with that the inclusion of the environmentally friendly hybrid models, Hondas are excellent choices for today’s consumers.

Source;
http://www.inautonews.com/the-secrets-behind-hondas-success#.UG0DWFF1trV

Honda Cars : Volkswagen reveals 2013 Beetle Convertible ahead of LA debut | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Volkswagen peeled the digital covers on the latest addition to the current Beetle: the all-new 2013 Beetle Convertible ahead of its world debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The new 2013 Beetle Convertible follows a long standing tradition of being one of the longest automobiles to ever be in production in history. That said, it has some pretty big cult shoes to fill.
Powering the base 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is Volkswagen’s common 2.5L five-banger good for 170hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to a six-speed automatic. But that’s not all, as Volkswagen’s latest 2.0L TDI turbodiesel four-pot good for 140hp and 236 lb-ft of torque is also available as an option. Either a six-speed DSG or manual are available. And topping out the range is a 2.0L TSI turbocharged four-cylinder, which is good for 200hp and 207 lb-ft of torque and available with either a six-speed DSG or manual cog swapper.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but Volkswagen said that we could expect that near the end of 2012…should we all still be alive.

For full details, check out the press release after the jump.

VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE
Volkswagen reveals images of the latest version of its iconic convertible ahead of the
2012 Los Angeles Auto Show
Herndon, VA, October 3 – Today, Volkswagen unveils the latest Beetle Convertible, the
third-generation of the iconic VW ragtop. Like its predecessors-the type 15 from 1949 and
the 2003 New Beetle Convertible-the curvaceous convertible offers the perfect combination
of practicality and fun for four.
In creating the latest version of the Beetle Convertible, Volkswagen has reinterpreted the
Beetle Convertible’s timeless design with a sportier and more dynamic silhouette, just as it did with the latest Beetle coupe. The combination of a flatter roofline and a more upright
windshield gives the car a shape that’s more closely aligned with the first generation of Beetle convertibles.
Volkswagen decided to stick with a traditional soft-top rather than incorporate a folding
hardtop on the car. When the top is down, it lies flat, giving good rear visibility. Although the top looks compact when furled, it’s actually wide and long when in place, an action that takes a little over 10 seconds at the touch of a button.
Inside, the Beetle Convertible retains the design cues that have made the latest Beetle such a
hit with consumers, such as the body-color dashboard and the stylish gauges and trim. The
spacious cabin has space for four full-size adults and is able to carry plenty of luggage: a
fold-down split rear bench seat increases the practicality even further.
In any Volkswagen, safety is paramount and to that end, the company has developed an
Automatic Rollover Support System. Two roll-over bars are concealed behind the back of the
rear bench seat, activated by the computer that deploys the airbags in the case of a crash.
Along with the fixed A-pillars, they provide effective protection for the occupants of all four seats within milliseconds. Driver and front passenger combined head-thorax airbags are also among the standard equipment.
The new Beetle Convertible will be available in the United States with three engine options. The entry-level powerplant is the familiar 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen’s fuel-efficient 2.0-liter TDI® Clean Diesel four-cylinder engine makes 140 hp and 236 lb-ft, but just as importantly delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy figure of 41 mpg on the highway with the six-speed manual transmission. (A six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic is also available with this engine.) Finally, the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI® four-cylinder, which makes 200 hp and 207 lb-ft, can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or DSG automatic.
Beetle Convertible pricing for the U.S. will be announced closer to launch, which occurs in the last quarter of 2012.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, Golf R, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

- By: Chris Chin
Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2012/10/03/volkswagen-reveals-2013-beetle-convertible-ahead-of-la-debut/#more-166513

Honda Cars : Report: Toyota Finally Adding Direct-Injected, Downsized Engines | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Few may not think of Toyota as falling behind in fuel-efficient engines thanks to the company’s dominance in hybrid powertrains, but the Japanese automaker’s non-hybrid engine tech is now years behind its competition. As it continues to refresh its global portfolio, Toyota is hoping to roll out turbocharging, direct injection, and new transmissions to help eke more efficiency from its internal combustion engines.

According to Automotive News, Toyota will introduce a slew of revised engines and new transmissions over the next two years in order to catch up with its competition. Toyota has quickly become one of the few automakers not to take advantage of the efficiency gains of variable valve timing, direct injection, and turbocharging. Prominent examples include Ford’s leveraging of much of its lineup on a number of different downsized, turbocharged engines to replace large-displacement, naturally-aspirated powerplants, and Mazda’s Skyactiv suite of technologies that prominently features direct injection and variable valve timing. The trio of valve timing, direct injection, and forced induction has become so prevalent that we even named it our 2012 Technology of the Year.

Toyota is hoping to begin rolling out two new engines and two new transmissions starting next year. AN reports the first of which will be a new 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 with direct injection, slated to find its way into the brand’s hybrids. Coming in 2014 will be a 2.0-liter turbo-four, along with a new continuously variable transmission for small-to-midsize cars and six- or eight-speed transmissions for larger vehicles. Currently, only Toyota hybrids use a CVT and the Lexus LS and IS F are the only models in the company’s portfolio to use eight-speed automatics. It’s also been rumored that Toyota may introduce a CVT in the next-generation Corolla to replace the current car’s ancient four-speed auto.

According to our source close to the matter, Toyota originally planned on introducing a direct-injection V-6 in the 2013 Avalon, but delayed that to 2015 due to cost. Adding direct injection to current engines can tack on an extra $128 to the car’s bottom line, says AN. It was because of this added cost and an incremental increase in fuel economy that Toyota Motor North America previously passed on direct injection. The automaker has had direct injection-equipped engines on sale elsewhere since 2006, and only recently introduced the technology in the U.S. in the Lexus GS and LS and Scion FR-S.

Source;

http://rumors.automobilemag.com/report-toyota-finally-adding-direct-injected-downsized-engines-173563.html

Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Ridgeline Arrives with Standard Rearview Camera and Unmatched Combination of Practicality, Efficiency and Value | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

10/03/2012 - TORRANCE, Calif.

After receiving an extensive mid-cycle refresh for 2012, including a new high-value Sport trim level, new front styling and improved fuel efficiency, the Honda Ridgeline returns for 2013 with a rearview camera now standard on all trim levels. The 2013 Honda Ridgeline represents an exclusive and innovative approach in the half-ton pickup truck segment, prioritizing its construction and features based on the capabilities that recreational truck buyers need and use the most. The 2013 Ridgeline goes on sale today and pricing is unchanged for 2013, starting at $29,350¹.

The Honda Ridgeline features a closed-box, uni-body structure and an independent front and rear suspension for a unique combination of capability, interior spaciousness and comfortable ride performance. It also delivers a wide range of conventional pickup capabilities, with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds and a half-ton payload rating, all while offering unique features like a large In-Bed Trunk® with dual-action tailgate for easy access.

Four distinctive Ridgeline models are available, including the Ridgeline RT, Ridgeline Sport, Ridgeline RTS and top-of-the-line Ridgeline RTL, which is available with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™². The 2013 Ridgeline earns an EPA fuel economy rating of 15/21/17 city/highway/combined³ mpg.

Ridgeline RT features include:
Unique 17-inch steel wheels, integrated trailer hitch, pre-wiring for 7-pin trailer wiring, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, power sliding rear window, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, trip computer with instantaneous and average fuel economy, 6-speaker 100-watt audio system with CD player and MP3/WMA playback capability, rearview camera, and 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage.

Ridgeline Sport features include (adds to Ridgeline RT):
Exclusive black 18-inch aluminum wheels, exclusive black honeycomb grille with black surround, black headlight and brake light housings, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, auxiliary audio input jack, all-weather floor mats and rear privacy glass.
Ridgeline RTS features include (adds to Ridgeline RT):

Exclusive 17-inch aluminum wheels, painted inner grille surfaces, body-color painted door handles, 7-pin trailer wiring connector, 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7-speaker 160-watt audio system with subwoofer, 6-disc in-dash CD system, steering wheel-mounted controls, auxiliary audio input jack, exterior temperature indicator, all-weather floor mats and privacy glass.
Ridgeline RTL features include (adds to Ridgeline RTS):

Exclusive 18-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, power moonroof, heated side mirrors, leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, XM Radio⁴, HomeLink® remote system, ambient console lighting, 115-volt power outlet and carpeted floor mats.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™² with Voice Recognition and Zagat Survey® restaurant information is available on the Ridgeline RTL. It includes XM® Radio⁴, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a multi-information display. The navigation system includes a rearview camera display, thus eliminating this display in the rearview mirror.

Powertrain
The Ridgeline's all-aluminum, 60-degree, SOHC 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine produces 250 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 247 lb-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm. Variable valve timing enhances low-rpm torque while extending high-rpm horsepower for a broad power band.  The 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when going uphill or downhill to avoid gear "hunting."

A fully automatic Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4®) provides confident operation in rain, snow, ice, sand and mud, while also improving on-road and towing performance by distributing torque to all four wheels as needed. The system operates predominately in front-wheel-drive during dry-pavement cruising conditions and continuously proportions torque to the rear wheels during acceleration and low traction situations. The VTM-4 lock button located on the instrument panel allows the driver to temporarily hold engagement of both rear wheels to aid traction while in gears "1" and "2" at speeds of up to 18 mph.

Standard towing equipment includes an integrated tow hitch, transmission and oil coolers, heavy duty brakes, dual radiator fans and a wiring harness for a 7-pin trailer hook up (pre-wiring only on RT and Sport).

Body
The unit-body architecture is designed for vastly superior rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame designs and provides the foundation for the Ridgeline's spacious interior cabin and bed, safety performance and class-leading ride and handling performance. Its modern and athletic design incorporates a solid, one-piece appearance with no separation between the bed and the cab. The windshield wipers have a heated wiper zone to enhance wiper performance in winter driving conditions and minimize ice scraping, while large side mirrors compliment rear vision while towing.
A 5-foot-long composite cargo bed with eight tie-down locations provides a payload rating of 1,100 pounds, while four cargo area lights illuminate both the bed and the in-bed trunk. A dual-action tailgate opens down for traditional access to the cargo area or to the side for ease-of-access to the 8.5 cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk®. The Ridgeline is available with a wide variety of accessories and can conveniently accommodate motorcycles or ATVs. The cargo area measures 49.5 inches wide between the wheel wells, 20.7 inches deep and 60.0 inches long (79.0 inches with the load-supporting tailgate in the down position).

Chassis
A MacPherson strut front suspension and fully independent multi-link rear suspension with trailing arms provide a smooth ride and responsive handling. A heavy-duty braking system includes 12.6-inch front and 13.1-inch rear 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Ridgeline RT has 17x7.5-inch steel wheels and P245/65 R17 all-season tires, while the Ridgeline RTS upgrades to 17x7.5-inch aluminum wheels. Ridgeline Sport and Ridgeline RTL models are uniquely equipped with 18x7.5-inch aluminum wheels and all-season P245/60 R18 tires.

Interior
The interior takes advantage of Honda's uni-body packaging efficiency to deliver full-size interior space dimensions while maintaining garage-friendly, mid-size exterior dimensions. The driving position provides ergonomically comfortable access to large and easy-to-use controls.

Between the front seats, a large multi-function console features a sliding armrest and sliding lower tray – each with a hidden storage area. Other console storage areas accommodate large and small items like mobile phones, beverage holders, compact discs and portable digital music players.

The 60/40 lift-up rear seats feature a storage area underneath that is large enough to accommodate a golf bag. Plus, the rear seating area can quickly convert for cargo duty by lifting the seats up to create enough room for a full-size mountain bike with the front wheel removed. The rear seat incorporates three LATCH positions for compatible child safety seats.

Safety
All Ridgelines are equipped with standard safety features including dual-stage, multiple-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags, front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, front-seat active head restraints, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), a tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

Awards and Accolades
The 2012 Ridgeline received the highest possible TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four IIHS ratings, including the rigorous roof-strength test. In addition, in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) for 2011, the Ridgeline earned the highest initial quality score in the midsize pickup segment.

Warranty
The 2013 Honda Ridgeline 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.

Ridgeline Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing¹
Ridgeline RT: $29,350
Ridgeline Sport:  $30,095
Ridgeline RTS:  $32,055
Ridgeline RTL:  $34,930
Ridgeline RTL with Navigation: $37,280
Connect with Honda:­
Media Newsroom (for journalists): http://www.hondanews.com/channels/honda-automobiles-ridgeline
For consumers: http://automobiles.honda.com/ridgeline/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hondaridgeline
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda/
On Google+
¹ MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $830 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
² The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the Ridgeline RTL in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
³ Based on 2013 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
⁴ Required XM Radio subscription sold separately after 90-day trial period. Subscriptions are governed by the XM Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com/serviceterms. Other fees and taxes apply after trial period; see XM Customer Agreement for details. Fees and programming subject to change. Service not available in Canada, Alaska, or Hawaii. 2012 SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Third-party trademarks: The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/2013-honda-ridgeline-arrives-with-standard-rearview-camera-and-unmatched-combination-of-practicality-efficiency-and-value