Honda's Prius-fighter coming to Paris
Honda To Unveil Prius Fighter in Paris TOKYO — Honda will pull the wraps off its new Prius fighter, a compact five-door hatchback sedan priced from under $20,000, at the 2008 Paris Auto Show in early October. As yet unnamed, the vehicle — Honda's first dedicated hybrid since the Insight — is known inside the company as the New Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle, or simply the "small hybrid." It will be christened at Paris with a new nameplate, although Honda insiders now dismiss earlier speculation that it might revive the Insight name. The small hybrid is one of four new gas-electric models that Honda plans to roll out over the next four years, as part of a broad global strategy to boost hybrid sales to 500,000 units by 2012 — about 10 percent of its total sales volume. Also in the pipeline is a production version of the sporty CR-Z hybrid coupe that debuted as a concept at last year's Tokyo show and is now due to arrive in early 2010; a replacement for the current Civic Hybrid, in late 2010; and a new hybrid edition of the subcompact Fit in 2012. The small hybrid that's coming next year is intended to be an "entry-level " model that should undercut the price of the Toyota Prius by thousands of dollars. The production version of the Honda hybrid is expected to be formally unveiled in January at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, when Toyota plans to introduce its next-generation 2010 Prius. Where the next Prius is moving further upscale in size, performance and price, the Honda hybrid is designed to be one of the most affordable gas-electric models on the market, priced from around $19,000 and delivering superior mileage — as much as 60 mpg or better, according to insiders. It will be powered by a smaller, lighter version of the 1.3-liter IMA system that is fitted to the Civic Hybrid, along with a continuously variable transmission. A nickel metal hydride battery pack is located beneath the rear floor. The Honda hybrid is a five-passenger design with compact exterior dimensions but lots of room inside. Its design silhouette resembles that of the Prius, with some styling cues said to be inspired by Honda's new FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle. The small hybrid will be slightly taller and wider than the Fit and will borrow a number of chassis bits from the Fit. The small hybrid will be built at Honda's Suzuka plant in Japan and eventually could be assembled in China as well. Honda wants to build 200,000 units a year of the new car, with about half going to North America and another 50,000 to Europe. Honda's next hybrid model after that, the CR-Z, will take the company upscale. The production version of the CR-Z, due to reach Honda's U.S. dealers as a 2011 model, may not have any direct competitors. Designed in Europe and built in Japan, it will be priced from around $25,000 and will be fitted with a more powerful version of Honda's IMA system. What this means to you: Honda still won't be able to catch Toyota, which wants to be building a million hybrids a year by 2012. (10 hrs ago | post #2)
Honda's Prius-fighter coming to Paris
Honda's Prius-fighter coming to Paris Last month we showed you spy photos of Honda's Prius-fighting hybrid testing in the desert, and now we have confirmation that the dedicated hybrid will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October. The hybrid-only model, which looks awfully Prius-like when camo'd, will carry many styling cues from the handsome FCX Clarity. The Honda hybrid will go on sale in 2009, will start at under $20k and is rumored to achieve at least 60 mpg. Honda plans to build 200,000 units per year, with half of the production coming to our shores. The Honda hybrid will utilize a smaller, lighter version of the 1.3L engine from the Civic hybrid, with a CVT transmission and a nickel metal hydride battery pack. The still unnamed hybrid hatch is just one piece of Honda's larger goal of producing 500k hybrids a year by 2012. Honda is also planning a battery-assisted Fit sub-compact, a new Civic hybrid, and a production version of the CR-Z coupe concept. We're excited to see Honda's dedicated hybrid, which will be the first real competition to the Prius and an honest to goodness alternative for the American consumer. http://www.autoblo g.com/2008/08/07/h ondas-prius-fighte r-coming-to-paris/ (10 hrs ago | post #1)
Unveiled: 2009 Honda Ridgeline
http://www.trucktr end.com/features/n ews/2008/163_news0 80807_2009_honda_r idgeline_press_rel ease (10 hrs ago | post #3)
Unveiled: 2009 Honda Ridgeline
Official Press release: 2009 Honda Ridgeline Adds Power, New Look ... TORRANCE, Calif. Aug. 8, 2008 - Updated for 2009 with a total of 50 significant changes and new features, the Honda Ridgeline takes on a bolder look and feel with new exterior and interior styling along with a more powerful engine. A trailer hitch becomes standard on every model, and newly-introduced premium features include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and a rearview backup camera on Ridgeline RTL models equipped with the available Honda Link to story and pictures:http://ww w.trucktrend.com/f eatures/news/2008/ 163_news080807_200 9_honda_ridgeline_ press_release (10 hrs ago | post #2)
Honda taps into the youth market
Honda taps into the youth market David Booth, The Ottawa Citizen Published: Friday, August 08, 2008 I am humbled. Not just by the fact that these teenagers are all faster riders than I am, but by the totality of their youthful enthusiasm. I see myself when I was 14 in their eyes. And the program that Honda Canada has put together to take advantage of that youthful desire is admirable. Honda Canada sells the "race kit" at cost and, since the CBR125R retails for less than $3,599, the entire package can cost less than $5,000. Honda pays for the track rental and provides all the prize money (imagine the glee of a 14-year-old when told he is being paid -- yes, paid -- to race a motorcycle). It's a wonderful series that has events at Calabogie, Shannonville and Mosport, Ont., Shubenacadie, N.S., and Calgary. (10 hrs ago | post #1)
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis Is Latest To Lease Honda FCX Clarity
http://latimesblog s.latimes.com/upto speed/2008/08/fuel -cells-get.html (10 hrs ago | post #4)
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis Is Latest To Lease Honda FCX Clarity
« Catching Up to Speed: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 | Main | Decriminalizing the GPS » Jamie Lee Curtis has a new Honda: Another fuel-cell star is born This post comes to you from the letter H and the word "hydrogen. " "Halloween " star Jamie Lee Curtis has just taken delivery of her new Honda. It’s an FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle, which she will be leasing for three years. JLC is happy. "I really wasn't expecting it to be so luxurious," she says. "It is user-friendly and very modern." The FCX, whose only emissions are heat and H2O, should be a regular sight in Santa Monica, because at least one other has gone to a well-heeled beach denizen. Plus, with a range of 280 miles and hydrogen filling stations few and far between (there are currently just a handful in Southern California, and most of those are open at limited times only — demand is rather low at the moment), they won't be undertaking extended road trips anytime soon. However, plans are in place for all that to change. Hoping to break this chicken-or-egg deadlock, the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP, a collaboration of carmakers, energy providers, tech companies and government agencies) has just released its vision for a hydrogen-fueled future. The full document can be seen on CaFCP’s website. Here are the highlights. It goes into the numbers of how many fuel-cell vehicles will be humming along the Golden State's highways from 2010 to 2025 and how much hydrogen they will need. Even fuel-cell buses are part of CaFCP's grand scheme. "It can be difficult to see how we move from today's 200 FCVs and 25 limited-access stations to a commercial market," says executive director Catherine Dunwoody. "This document provides a clear vision of how that transition can occur." The idea is to set up an infrastructure of stations. CaFCP realizes this would be a loss-making venture in its initial stages and proposes government funding, although Dunwoody contends: "Moving toward a hydrogen future has clear benefits for the environment and the economy. To achieve commercialization, California needs to establish a network of early hydrogen fuel stations focused in key early markets. Although the benefits may not be fully realized for years to come, it is time to take the next step." The other big question is: Because JLC’s husband is Christopher ("Spinal Tap") Guest, does the FCX's stereo go all the way to 11? Story Here and Pictures:http://la timesblogs.latimes .com/uptospeed/200 8/08/fuel-cells-ge t.html (10 hrs ago | post #3)
Unveiled: 2009 Honda Ridgeline
Unveiled: 2009 Honda Ridgeline TORRANCE, California — Honda says it has added "50 significant changes and new features" to the 2009 Ridgeline, including "a bolder look and feel." That's why they call it "public relations." In fact, while Honda has revised the Ridgeline's grille, bumpers, headlamps and taillamps for '09, the net visual impact is virtually nil. But we appreciate the score card. Inside, you'll find a new steering wheel and updated switches, gauges and displays, as well as a 115-volt power outlet on the Ridgeline TRL and an iPod jack on the RTS and RTL. Under the hood, Honda has tweaked the truck's 3.5-liter SOHC V6, nudging output from 247 to 250 horsepower and torque from 245 to 247 pound-feet. Honda says its engineers broadened the torque curve and boosted power by adding larger intake valves, a new camshaft profile and a revised, high-flow intake manifold. It also revised the gears in the five-speed automatic transmission. While the '09 Ridgeline may realize a modest improvement in performance, its EPA fuel economy ratings remain unchanged at a paltry 15 mpg in city driving and 20 on the highway. Honda says new features include a standard trailer hitch on every model, a rearview camera on RTL models equipped with navigation, plus active front-seat head restraints and daytime running lights on all models. A motorcycle bed extender and a bed-mounted bicycle attachment are among the new accessories for '09. What this means to you: Despite the freshening, still the homeliest pickup on the market. — Paul Lienert, (10 hrs ago | post #1)
Honda and Acura High Mileage Stories
• July 9 - Jeff wrote: I bought my 1995 Accord EX new and it now has 291,600 on the original clutch, transmission, and engine and I get 34 MPG highway. Congrats to Honda for setting a high standard of reliability at the lowest maintenance cost I have ever experienced. (11 hrs ago | post #501)
Honda and Acura High Mileage Stories
• July 1 - Jerry wrote: I have a 1991 Accord EX coupe (MT) with 183,000 miles, and she's running like a top! I'm still on the original clutch and it seems to be holding up well. I expect to drive her to 250K or more. (11 hrs ago | post #500)
Honda and Acura High Mileage Stories
• June 30 - Tom wrote: After almost 17 years and 452,400 miles, I was driving on I91 South on 6/16/08 (Monday) at 1am, 50 miles south of St J, as I had done 100.s of times, 70 mph, dry roads, when I drove into a cloud, dense fog, and wet roads. Through the fog, 50 feet distant were 3 big deer. The two on the left were blocking the left lane with the deer on the right partially blocking the right lane. I eased my foot from the gas and steered the Honda towards that space, mindful of the fact that the deer were not moving so I didn't hit the horn. The center deer took out my driver side view mirror and the deer on the right nearly obliterated the windshield. I stopped, saw that the car was drivable, and continued on despite many holes in the windshield. Once in Brooklyn, I stopped and asked my mechanic if he could call a glass guy, which he did. I then called my Insurance broker who totaled the car. It was only worth $700.00. I'm still waiting for a check. Lucky me, I'm alive and unhurt. So close to 500k, yet so far (11 hrs ago | post #499)
Honda's new hybrid to get more than 60 mpg!!
Honda has another winner here.... This is not surprizing as you come to expect the best from Honda and they always deliver..... (11 hrs ago | post #2)
Honda CR-Z -- a successor to the much-loved two-seater CRX.
I like that Stan..... Honda always in tune with what is happening..... (11 hrs ago | post #14)
Honda and Acura High Mileage Stories
• July 1 - Jerry wrote: I have a 1991 Accord EX coupe (MT) with 183,000 miles, and she's running like a top! I'm still on the original clutch and it seems to be holding up well. I expect to drive her to 250K or more. (Yesterday | post #493)
Honda seeks green edge with fuel efficiency drive
Honda seeks green edge with fuel efficiency drive Honda is touting itself as a leader in environmental and energy technologies with the launch of a regional campaign to promote the fuel efficiency of its latest i-VTEC engines. The ‘Drive every drop’ campaign comes at a time when fuel prices are rising rapidly around the world. The Japanese carmaker is keen to raise awareness of the way its technology can optimise fuel consumption, in turn benefiting consumers’ pockets. Nicholas Goh, head of marketing at Kah Motor Company, Honda’s distributor in Singapore, argued the initiative “differentiates Honda’s cars from our competitors”, which include BMW and Mercedes, as well as other Japanese marques such as Mitsubishi and Toyota. Honda and Toyota lead the Singapore car market. He added that drivers should “appreciate each and every drop of fuel”. “Honda will achieve environmental leadership by introducing and selling highly competitive products with excellent environmental performance,” said Tan Kheng Hwee, GM at Kah. The campaign was piloted in Singapore in the last week of July through print, online and point-of-sale activity, created by Wieden & Kennedy Tokyo. Regionally, the work is slated to feature on CNN and CNN.com, ESPN Star Sports and in Time magazine. The campaign’s 30-second TV spot features drops of fuel combusting in a Honda Civic engine, making the car race ahead to its destination. Meanwhile, a website keeps track of fuel consumption for consumers driving in different countries in Asia and features a travel blog by Singaporean celebrity Allan Wu. In Japan, Honda recently announced record profits of 179.6 billion yen (US$1.68 billion) in its first quarter of 2008, up 8.1 per cent on 2007 thanks to strong sales growth in new markets, and despite a strong yen and high material costs. Even so, Japan’s number two automaker has slashed vehicle sales estimates for the fiscal year to March 2009, to 4.08 million cars, due to faltering sales in the US. (Yesterday | post #1)
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