Honda Launches First Ever Diesel Automatic
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2/16/09
Honda FC Sport Design Study Suggests Hydrogen Sports Car Future
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Honda Begins Leasing FCX Clarity In Japan
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First Official 2009 Honda Insight Photo Released
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The production version of the Insight is pretty close to the concept version that has been touring the auto show circuit. The apparent differences on the outside are different wheels, larger mirrors, door handles and a slightly different front bumper and taillights. The 2009 Honda Insight will be in showrooms in the spring of 2009. It's also expected to be cheaper than the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid. |
Honda Insight Hybrid to Make World Debut at the Detroit Motor Show
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Honda exits F1 !!
| Honda pulled out of Formula One on Friday, dealing a major blow to the sport and ending a dream for Japan's number two car maker.
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Honda may delay U.S. diesels due to fuel costs
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Honda, GM announce massive Q1 2009 production cuts
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Honda Civic Hybrid Makes Hollywood Film Debut
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Honda Cancels New NSX
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Uh-oh! … and why do I get the feeling I'm going to be saying that a lot more? News breaks today that Honda has decided to ax the upcoming re-do of the much loved NSX, Honda's uber-car. During a speech outlining the carmaker's revised economic forecast, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said that his company has been forced to cancel the upcoming NSX because of the global economic conditions. "The situation is worsening by the day, and there is no prospect for recovery, is our understanding," Fukui said to the assembled reporters. Read more after the jump. The old NSX was a very well received ride. Although not a complete technical marvel, it was very competent and as reliable as an Accord. Think of the older NSX as a Ferrari 308 that would start every time you turned the key. The upcoming/now-canceled NSX was to be V10 powered, still a two-seater, but in the more traditional front engine/rear drive set up. This config was not applauded my many (me included), who felt that Honda should have stuck to better, if sharper, engineering path of a mid-engine layout. Its development was even covered by Chris here at Automoblog. That said, the new NSX was very far along in its development; test mules were seen on a regular basis pounding around the 'Ring, and there were regular leaks onto the net about what latest hurdle had been cleared. In the land of "soon to be released" cars, this one was about at ready to roll as they come. So for Honda to pull the plug at this late a date is highly indicative of the concern running through their boardroom. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui also said at today's press conference that company profits were down 67% since this time last year. Honda, for all their willingness to push technical boundaries, especially on the track, is a pretty conservative company. The old NSX is a good example. A lot of people were disappointed when it had "only" a V6 under the lid. Honda had the engineering muscle back then to easily putting a V8 or for that matter a blown V8 under the hood … but like I said, Honda is a conservative outfit, so they went with the conservative option of a V6. So in times like we all face today, and that Honda faces (like a 67% drop), I would expect them to act conservatively. The news of the NSX getting pulled, coupled with their leaving F1 racing are confirmation of this. Still, pulling the upcoming NSX at this late a date is still very surprising. Source: PistonHeads |
Honda to Release 67 MPG Fit Hybrid in 2010
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Sources are now claiming that Honda is going to release a hybrid powered version of the Fit/ Jazz in 2010. The Fit hybrid will feature the same hybrid powertrain as the Insight, which is a 1.3L engine mated to an electric motor. According to sources the Fit hybrid will get approximately 67 mpg. |
67 mpg Honda Fit Hybrid due in 2010
| According to AutoCar, Honda will be adding a hybrid version of the Jazz - aka the Honda Fit on our side of the world - by 2010. The publication reports that the hybrid version of the Jazz/Fit will use the same mechanicals as the upcoming Honda Insight Hybrid which will make its debut next month at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.
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Honda Shadow Spirit 750 C2
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Honda's Shadow arm extends all the way to the Spirit 750 which is still a classic cruiser only that a bit more muscular and more into street-rod. They use the same V-Twin engine, making the bike perfect for cruising down the boulevards as well as exploring back-country roads, all at an affordable price. So the competition would better be beware of the Spirit! Introduction The 2009 Shadow Spirit 750 is the kind of bike that adds the salt and pepper to an already existing model and (...) |
Popular Mechanics: Ten Exotics Now Priced Lower Than A Honda Accord [Carpocalypse Now]
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A beleaguered exec's loss is your gain by following Popular Mechanics' advice to pick up an Elise or Quattroporte for the price of a Honda Accord...or less. Here's their ten best picks. [Popular Mechanics] |
Report: Mexican billionaire buys Honda F1 team
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Leaked Brochure Scans Show Honda Insight Hybrid In Sporty Trim [Detroit Auto Show]
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Honda's readying its production Insight for worldwide debut at the Detroit Auto Show two weeks from now, but we've got scans of what looks to be the sporty Modulo version for you now. We showed you the front three-quarter shot that Honda provided of its production Insight earlier this month and we just recently received these scans from a poster at the Temple of Vtec. Depicted are the first shots of the production Insight from the rear three-quarter as well as its interior. While the front design of the 2010 Honda Insight goes largely unchanged from the Insight Concept, the rear design is tidied up a bit and loses some of its show car flair. The interior is also very similar to what was shown in the Paris Motor Show Insight Concept, but it loses some of the neat capacitive touch button surfaces in favor of traditional push buttons. Also shown is what appears to be the sportier Modulo version – an accessorized version outfitted from the factory. The Modulo Insight is shown wearing a sportier bodykit including a front-lip spoiler with fog lamps, side skirts, lower rear fascia and a set of larger alloy wheels. Below we have an as-yet unofficial spec sheet listing the different models and options, but we'll wait for further information from Honda before trusting this information completely. Honda is expected to release the production Insight for worldwide sale in the spring of 2009 at an entry-level price of $18,000 to $19,000.
[via Temple of VTEC] |
2010 Honda Odyssey [Spy Photos]
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It looks like the 2010 Honda Odyssey will get a minor refresh. The centerpiece? Honda's new family grille. The American version of the Honda Odyssey has always had a cult following amongst the small set of minivan enthusiasts so we expect the 2010 Honda Odyssey to continue to find fans, despite the bucktooth grille also featured on the new 2009 Honda Pilot. Sadly, it doesn't appear we'll be getting the sharp-looking JDM Honda Odyssey. According to The Honda Portal, the new Odyssey will likely get an updated version of the 3.5-liter gasoline engine currently in the Odyssey, as well an updated interior. The same source says a diesel V6 is in the works but, we'd imagine, this is going to be on hold until the market improves or the price of diesel decreases significantly. Expect to see many of these on the road to Ithica. |
1982 Honda Accord LX [Down On The Street]
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Welcome to Down On The Street, where we admire old vehicles found parked on the streets of the Island That Rust Forgot: Alameda, California. Here's a little car that's nearly extinct in rust-prone areas. |
Honda e-Dream bike aims at greener future
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Eco Factor: Zero emission bike that includes electric batteries and energy efficient motors. Like other manufacturers of the same category, Honda aspires to put futuristic concepts on real roads. The Honda e-Dream is one of the dream concepts that Honda wants to see on the highways. The name itself is quite enough to explain the concept. E denotes environment, efficient, electric and e-dream. Making use of new advancements in technology and materials, this emissions-free motorcycle concept has been designed for pollution-free urban transport. The design includes frame integrating batteries, motor and rear suspension all within a simple, stylish and customizable frame. The electric engine, EL-1 20kW, that provides the necessary power to move the motors, is one of the most energy efficient in its class. The top speed of the bike can reach up to 60 km/h. An OLED touch sensitive multi-mode screen keeps the rider informed with information needed while driving. LEDs headlights further contribute to saving energy consumption.
The most advantageous feature is the PowerFrame and the SCiB battery technology from Toshiba. These lithium compound batteries amazingly take only 5 minutes to charge up to 90% and 4 hours for 100% charging. With everyday charging, the batteries ensure a lifespan of approximately 10 years. To charge the batteries, just plug it in to a wall with the integrated 6 foot cable, or dock it in a PowerDock system developed by Honda for municipal charging stations. These charging stations also allow you to find traffic, weather and navigation information, or surf the web while the bike is being charged. Three models, the Green Dream, PureDream and Black Diamond, are in the mind of the designers that differ from each other in few features.
The Dark Side: The concept is, no doubt, a green dream for the future. However, its limitation lies in its top speed of only 60 km/h. For the younger generation, having tempting models with higher speed and style might diminish the eco-friendliness of the bike. Designer: Nicolas de Peyer |
Honda's Hybrid Billboards
| January 5, 2009 Primary among Honda's brand values are its role as a leader in creating low emission, fuel efficient vehicles, and its most recent promotional efforts have taken Hybrid technology to new heights, quite literally. The massive billboards featuring the new Honda Accord Euro are illuminated by green solar power; with green energy electric backup. Just like a Hybrid. Outdoor advertising specialists, APN Outdoor have installed solar panels on several of the billboards being used in the Australian launch... |
Honda goes green with solar-powered hybrid billboards
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Eco Factor: Massive billboards powered by solar-power-enabled electric backup. Honda, while ensuring production of low-emission and fuel efficient vehicles, takes a step closer to green advertising. Their latest billboards show Honda's concern toward the environment. Making them solar-powered positively renders it a reputation of being an unparalleled marketing strategy. Clearly, it's a lead that may see its followers aping it in the near future. Well, Accord Euro is all set to register its presence in the Australian arena, thanks to solar panels that power these giant commercial billboards. The Dark Side: Undoubtedly, these solar billboards would go on to herald an era of eco-friendly promotional tactics, still one needs to wait and see the acceptance of these ad campaigns. Via: Gizmag |
Honda Insight Hybrid: Official Euro-Spec Production Model, Unofficially [Detroit Auto Show]
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Official press photos of the new European market Honda Insight made their way onto the web today a wee bit earlier than Honda wanted. But, all that means is we've got a full gallery below. We showed you blurry images of a leaked JDM Insight brochure last month, but we've received a set of leaked images ahead of the 2010 Honda Insight's official debut on January 11th at the Detroit Auto Show. What's shown is a European-spec model that will likely be very similar to our own U.S. version, though in left-hand drive configuration. What we can see from these new photos is that the production Insight has lost some of the Paris Motor Show Insight concept's flashy lighting features and it's also toned down the rear design quite a bit. Overall the translation from show car to production has served Honda's earth-saving hybrid well. We'll bring you the full story on the U.S. market car in a little over a week or when someone else breaks Honda's Detroit Auto Show embargo. [via CarScoop] |
Honda Plans To Build All-Electric Motorcycle By 2010 [Motorcycles]
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One positive note in Honda CEO Takeo Fukui's NSX-cancelling, F1-withdrawing year-end speech: a renewed focus on motorcycle development. First up: an all-electric production motorcycle. We'll let Fukui explain it himself, ""Honda is currently developing a battery-powered electric motorcycle which emits no CO2 during operation, because the characteristics of a battery can be better utilized in the area of motorcycles, which are often used for short distance travel. Honda is aiming to introduce this electric motorcycle to the market about two years from now." We're excited by this news. When we tested the Quantya Strada road-legal electric dual sport last year, we found it to be an ideal vehicle for urban transportation. Our only issues were the price and limited range. Hopefully, the corporate might of Honda can address these issues. But why a bike and not a Tesla or Volt-like electric car? The reason lies in Honda's determination to refocus itself on what made it great in the first place. The company was founded in 1948 as a motorcycle manufacturer. In most of the rest of the world, bikes form an important part of the transportation infrastructure, making an electric bike ideal for crowded European and Asian city centers both for commuters and commercial users. As such, we expect a practical bike or scooter, rather than a performance-focused sportsbike or lame cruiser. Fukui elaborates, "History shows that motorcycles remain strong in a difficult market environment and have always supported Honda in difficult times. People showed renewed interest in the value of motorcycles which consume less fuel for commuting purposes as well as for their easy-to-own/easy-to-use efficiency." |
Honda Reportedly Kills the Next-Gen S2000, RWD Acuras and V8 Engine Program
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Autocar is now reporting that in addition to the death of the NSX, Honda has also killed the next-gen S2000. 2009 is reportedly going to be the last model year for the S2000 with no replacement in the works. Honda was also planning on producing a droptop version of the CR-Z that is going to be released next year, but those plans have been shelved as well. |
Honda Exhibition at Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 Overview
| TOKYO, Japan, January 7, 2009 - Honda Access Corporation*1, manufacturer of genuine Honda aftermarket parts and accessories, announced that it will feature two new Modulo*2 concept vehicles in its exhibition at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 with NAPAC*3, to be held from Friday, January 9, to Sunday, January 11, 2009, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. The two concept models express the new value that Sports Modulo customization has to offer. Their distinctive exterior styling features chiseled lines, while their interior design emphasizes the experience of driving an exceptional automobile.
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