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Honda Cars : Honda CR-Z Concept 2009 Makes World Debut at the Tokyo Motor Show | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Unknown | 6:19 AM

Honda today debuted the much-anticipated CR-Z Concept 2009, the second concept version of the stylish, sporty hybrid coupe, at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. While the vehicle displayed at the show is a global concept with a rear seat, the production version that will be introduced to North America in the second half of 2010 will be packaged as a sporty, 2-seat hybrid that provides a personal driving experience for North American customers.

"The Honda CR-Z will expand our lineup of hybrid vehicles and reinforce the fun-to-drive values associated with the Honda brand," said Erik Berkman, vice president of Automobile Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Beyond great styling and features, CR-Z will bring new levels of engagement and fun to customers interested a small car or a hybrid vehicle."

CR-Z will join the Insight and Civic Hybrid in the Honda hybrid lineup, each offering distinct benefits. Civic Hybrid, launched in 2003, was Honda’s first mainstream model to feature hybrid power. The 2010 Insight, introduced in March 2009, ushered in a new era of affordability for a hybrid family sedan. The CR-Z will break new ground as a sporty, hybrid coupe with unique value.

The production version of the Honda CR-Z will make its world debut at the January 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1097/releases/5233

Honda fans of all sorts have cause to celebrate today with the reveal of the 2009 iteration of the CR-Z coupe. In typical Honda fashion, this CR-Z remains a concept in name and detail only. What you see here is essentially the production coupe that will go on sale in Japan next February and then arrive in North America in the Fall.

The cool scoop-like grille from the original 2007 concept has been largely carried over, with the biggest changes being a somewhat taller roof and a more upright windshield with blacked out A-pillars – concessions to the fact that real people will have to fit into the production car. On the exterior, the only elements likely to change once it hits the assembly line are the side mirrors, which will probably be a bit larger, along with the internals of the light clusters.

The good news for fans of the much-loved 1983-1991 Civic CR-X is that the CR-Z should have significantly better performance than the disappointing new Insight, a car that is geared more toward fuel economy than performance. In any case, the CR-Z coupe gets a bump in displacement up to 1.5-liter and – wait for it – a six-speed manual gearbox!

This will be the first hybrid with a row-it-yourself six-speed.Unfortunately, we probably won't hear any official numbers on the drivetrain's output or its mileage until closer to the Japanese launch, but color us excited – and you can share some of our joy by checking out the high-res image gallery below.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-honda-cr-z-coming-to-america-next-fall-with-six-spee/


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Honda Cars : Tokyo Motor Show Preview: Honda | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Unknown | 6:57 AM

CHIBA, Japan — When it comes to hybrid cars, Honda is still looking for a car that will trump its archrival, Toyota, and its perennial best-selling Prius.

Its last couple of efforts, the Civic Hybrid and Insight, haven’t quite managed to dethrone the Prius, although each has been a modest sales success. Honda hopes to take the hybrid market in a slightly different and new direction with its latest hopeful, the CR-Z two-seat sports car, which will be introduced at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

The CR-Z concept shown in Tokyo is essentially now in production form. The car is scheduled to go on sale next spring in the United States and as early as February in Japan.

The attraction of the CR-Z, according to Honda, is high performance coupled with good fuel economy. Pricing is also an issue, but that hasn’t been announced yet. Honda promises it will be “affordable.” Figure on something costing about $25,000.

The CR-Z evokes memories of the CRX, a cult favorite of the 1980s.

The car’s designer, Takaski Nagura, said, “We want to take sporty cars in a new direction. We want to make the image healthier.”

Power comes from a 1.5-liter version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system. (The Civic and Insight use 1.3-liter systems.) Instead of the usual, boring automatic or CVT transmissions, the CR-Z will offer a 6-speed manual.

The CR-Z is the highlight of what promises to be an unusually eclectic Honda display — even by Tokyo’s traditionally whimsical standards. For the first time, because of consolidations of exhibitors at the show, Honda’s automotive products will be joined by everything else Honda makes. This is will include motorcycles, garden tillers and generators. The various motorized machines will be powered by electricity, gasoline, hydrogen and even butane.

Vehicles include the Hello! mobility device, the latest FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell prototype, a unicycle personal mobility machine called the U3-X, 2- and 4-wheel scooters and the quirky EV-N.

The EV-N is a battery-electric minicar concept, with sort of an odd retro theme – although it is difficult to relate it to anything that has come before.

Honda is also showing a concept minivan called the Skydeck. It features seating for six, a glass roof, scissor doors and an far-out interior you will likely find only at an auto show — or a Tokyo love hotel. More importantly, the Skydeck suggests a future version of an Odyssey-style minivan that could be powered by a hybrid powertrain.

Source;
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/tokyo-motor-show-preview-honda/


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Honda Cars : Man allegedly takes car on 1,000-mile test drive | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Unknown | 6:43 AM

AP) JANESVILLE, Wis. (AP) - A Massachusetts man who allegedly kidnapped a car salesman during a test drive and drove the vehicle more than 1,000 miles was in custody in Wisconsin. Authorities said a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper pulled over a 32-year-old man near Edgerton, Wis. on Friday for speeding, reckless driving and operating a motor vehicle without owner consent.

The suspect is expected to be extradited back to Massachusetts to face charges of kidnapping, larceny of a motor vehicle and unarmed robbery.

The incident began Thursday afternoon when the man and a Honda car salesman went on a test drive but the man refused to turn back around. The salesman was able to get out of the car when it slowed at a tollbooth near the Massachusetts state line.

Source (via Jalopnik);
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/19/ap/strange/main5397769.shtml


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Honda Cars : Canadian Driver: Honda CR-V NEW FOR 2010 | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Unknown | 6:32 AM

Here's a great model overview on the revised 2010 Honda CRV, couldn't have put it better myself....
- Refreshed model with increased horsepower and fuel economy, exterior and interior design, and new available technologies;

- LX adds standard alloy wheels and privacy glass
- EX adds standard eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, USB jack, body-colour mirrors and handles, auto on/off headlamps, centre console, and compass
- EX-L adds standard auto on/off headlamps, USB jack, compass, XM satellite radio, and available Bluetooth connectivity

- Exterior colours: Opal Sage Metallic and Polished Metal Metallic added; Green Tea Metallic, Tango Red Pearl, Royal Blue Pearl and Borrego Beige discontinued

For 2010, the Honda CR-V receives a mid-cycle refreshing, with more horsepower and improved fuel economy. On the exterior, it has a redesigned front fascia, grille, bumpers and hood, and a ten-spoke alloy wheel design on the EX and EX-L models replaces a previous seven-spoke wheel design. The front seats have wider centre armrests, auto on/off headlamps are added to the EX, and Bluetooth connectivity is now included with the optional navigation system. Modifications also include new seat fabric textures, a new door handle design, and revised trim panel sections for the steering wheel, gear selector and upper glovebox.

Sold as the LX, EX and EX-L, the CR-V uses a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with five-speed automatic transmission. The LX and EX are front-wheel drive and can be optioned to all-wheel drive, while the EX-L is AWD only.

Features on the LX include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, tire pressure monitoring system, front and rear splash guards, heated mirrors, conversation mirror, cruise control, intermittent front and rear wipers, power locks with keyless entry, auto up/down driver's window, retractable centre tray table, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, CD/MP3/WMA stereo with auxiliary input, fuel economy meter, rear privacy glass, manual driver's seat height adjustment, 60/40 split-folding slide and tumble rear seats, fold-down rear centre armrest, and under-seat storage bin.

The EX adds dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power driver's seat, USB jack, body-colour mirrors and handles, auto on/off headlamps, centre console, compass, security alarm, chrome grille inserts, power sunroof, dual-deck cargo shelf, exterior temperature display, variable intermittent wipers, and six-CD/MP3 stereo with steering wheel-mounted controls.

The EX-L adds premium stereo, heated leather seats, eight-way power driver's seat, XM satellite radio, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Optional on the EX-L is the under-seat storage bin, along with an available navigation system with backup camera and Bluetooth connectivity.


Type
4-door, 5-passenger compact SUV

Layout
Front engine/Front-wheel drive/AWD

Engine
2.4-litre I4, DOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower
180 @ 5800 rpm

Torque (lb-ft)
161 @ 4200 rpm

Transmission
5-speed automatic

Tires
P225/65R17 all-season

Curb weight LX 2WD
1544 kg (3404 lbs)

Curb weight LX 4WD
1597 kg (3520 lbs)

Curb weight EX 2WD
1550 kg (3417 lbs)

Curb weight EX 4WD
1604 kg (3536 lbs)

Curb weight EX-L
1612 kg (3553 lbs)

Wheelbase
2620 mm (103.1 in.)

Length
4518 mm (177.8 in.)

Width
1820 mm (71.6 in.)

Height
1680 mm (66.1 in.)

Ground clearance
185 mm (7.2 in.)

Towing capacity
680 kg (1500 lbs)

Cargo capacity
1011 litres (35.6 cu. ft.)(seats up)
2064 litres (72.8 cu. ft.)(seats down)

Fuel consumption
City: 9.8 L/100 km (29 mpg Imp)
Hwy: 7.1 L/100 km (40 mpg Imp)

Fuel consumption AWD
City: 10.1 L/100 km (28 mpg Imp)
Hwy: 7.5 L/100 km (38 mpg Imp)

Fuel type
Regular

Warranty
3 yrs/ 60,000 km
Powertrain warranty
5 yrs/100,000 km

Side airbags
Standard
Curtain airbags
Standard

Anti-lock brakes
Standard

Traction control
Standard

Stability control
Standard

Assembly location
East Liberty, Ohio

Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/buyers-guide/2010/honda/cr-v.php


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Honda Cars : Next-Generation Acura RL to Reassert Flagship Position Within Acura Lineup | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Unknown | 6:20 AM

While attending the first drive event for the Acura ZDX in Los Angeles, I had dinner with several Acura executives and talked quite a bit of shop that had little to do with the ZDX but lots to do with the rest of Acura’s lineup. The most interesting tidbit I gleaned from the meal regards the positioning of Acura’s two larger sedans—specifically the TL’s assumption of the position of the sportiest, most powerful and, to many (especially enthusiasts), most desirable car in Acura’s lineup, a spot that used to belong to the RL and its forebear, the legendary Legend.

That Acura’s “Jan Brady” is talented and sexy is certainly not a problem in and of itself, but what about “Marcia,” the RL? Yeah, remember that, the so-called “flagship” of the brand? The execs on hand recognized that the similarly sized TL, which costs $35,915 for the 280-hp, front-drive version and $44,195 in loaded, 305-hp, all-wheel-drive form, offers a set of product strengths that renders the $47,640 RL—available only with a 300-hp V-6 and all-wheel drive—difficult to market at the very best and all but irrelevant at worst: a prototypical case of elders being eaten by their young.

We are assured by Acura, however, that when the new model arrives, which we expect within two years (Acura is annoyingly tight-lipped about future products), there will be more distance created between the two models. But don’t expect the next RL to emulate the rear-wheel-drive, V-8 formula of most of its competitors, which include the Hyundai Genesis, the Lexus GS460, and the BMW 550i. Rumors that have suggested such a scenario have long been disproved, and Acura spokesmen reaffirmed that at our dinner, asserting that the relatively low take rate of V-8s in the segment and what it sees as shifting sensibilities on the part of luxury car customers will render a larger, more luxury-focused yet still V-6–powered RL right where it needs to be, particularly if gas prices rise over $4 per gallon again. We’re not sure if we’re looking into the same crystal ball as Acura is, but in any case, it will be nice to see a more distinct RL in the future.

Source;
http://blog.caranddriver.com/next-generation-acura-rl-to-reassert-flagship-position-within-acura-lineup/


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Honda Cars : Honda taps Ultraman and family for new series of commercials | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Unknown | 7:21 AM

Ultraman -- a longtime favorite superhero -- and his family are stumping for Honda's latest stepwagon family van in a new series of TV commercials.

The new van, which is being marketed as a car to make the whole family happy, was designed around a low floor and boasts a third row of seats that can be folded down flush with the floor, copious amounts of interior space and a gas-sipping 2.0-liter engine.

Ultraman and family were chosen as representative of "Japan's best families."

Now, if I could make a suggestion to Honda's North American Hero....

Source;
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/news/20091019p2a00m0na007000c.html


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Honda Cars : Up Close with Honda's New Step Wagon | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Unknown | 7:11 AM

Honda announced the introduction of the all-new Step WGN. With the largest interior space in its class and first in the class with under-floor storage for third-row seats the all-new Step WGN offers more convenience than ever before and best-in-class fuel economy. The new Step WGN and Step WGN special-needs vehicle go on sale in Japan today, with the Step WGN Spada and Step WGN Spada special-needs vehicle is to debut in Japan (not here in North America) on Friday, October 23rd.

This all-new fourth generation Step WGN, featuring Honda's original low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, was developed around the concept of comfort for everyone and is designed to be the ultimate in comfortable minivan transportation for the entire family.

With the combination of a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine and torque converter-equipped CVT both smooth driving and outstanding, class-leading fuel economy of 14.2km/L are achieved. Making further contributions to fuel economy are features such as ECON mode, which regulates the engine and transmission to help conserve fuel, and Eco Assist, with multiple functions that encourage fuel-efficient driving including a guidance function that gives the driver real-time feedback on the fuel-efficiency of his or her driving practices.

・ The exterior design features a dynamic square form that expresses spaciousness and comfort.
・Built on a low-floor, low-center-of-gravity package, the new Step WGN's overall length has been increased by 50mm*5 and overall height by 45mm to achieve the roomiest cabin interior in its class*1, with a cabin height of 1,395mm*6.
・ To create an enhanced feeling of freedom and spaciousness, the window area has been increased all around. The window area of the sky roof*7 is among the largest of any production vehicle in the world*8.
・ The interior design offers enhanced driving ease and ease of use for various purposes.
・ Third-row seats can be stored under the floor with a simple operation requiring a minimum of strength -a class*1 first- to help occupants make the most of the spacious interior.
・ A newly developed side-view support mirror shows road surface conditions to the front-left of the vehicle, aiding the driver when parallel parking and navigating narrow roads.
・ The all-new Step WGN features outstanding, best in class*1 fuel economy of 14.2km/L*4.
・ FWD models exceed Japanese government fuel economy standards for 2010 by 25%, while 4WD models exceed them by 20%.

All types are eligible for Japan's new preferential tax scheme for environmentally responsible vehicles (reduced automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax) and subsidy for environmentally responsible vehicles, introduced in April 2009.

Source;
http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news-1168-Honda+Announces+Their+All+New+Step+WGN.html


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