5/16/09

MUGEN bodykit for the new Honda Life

MUGEN has wasted no time in releasing a kit for the newly launched Honda Life, to satisfy those who have the extra hunger for individuality and don’t want their little Honda Life to look just like everyone else’s.
The MUGEN Honda Life accesssory set consists of a new front bumper which includes the option for daytime running lights, ventilated door visors, a choice of new alloy wheels (2 types available - one with 10 Y-shaped spokes and another with 8-spokes), an i-TCMS (intelligent-Tire Condition Monitoring System) device to monitor tyre pressure that’s mounted on the dash to the right of the gear lever, and a sports exhaust system.

Honda to Demonstrate Advanced Safety Technology in New York

2009 Acura RL - Front

Honda engineers will demonstrate an advanced vehicle-to-vehicle communications system that helps vehicles avoid collisions with one another as part of Honda’s participation in the 15th annual World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems. This will be done by showing a working prototype system on a public road in front of the Jacob Javits Center on Nov. 17-20, 2008.
Intelligent Transportation Systems are aimed at improving transportation through better safety and mobility as well as enhancing productivity through the use of a broad range of advanced information and communications technologies.
Honda’s participation in the ITS World Congress is based on the company’s focus on the research and development of advanced safety systems and the application of new information technologies to automobiles. The vehicle-to-vehicle communication demonstration, using an Acura RL sedan, is designed to showcase the potential for inter-vehicle communications as a means to reduce vehicle collisions at intersections, which today account for approximately 17 percent of fatal traffic collisions in the U.S. The demonstration will be held at two intersections along 11th Avenue, at 36th and 37th streets, directly in front of the Jacob Javits Center.
Through the use of autonomous sensors and vehicle-to-vehicle radio communication, the goal of the Honda system is to warn drivers of potential dangers at intersections in situations where the driver’s view of the oncoming vehicle is obstructed by buildings, trees, fences or large trucks. In the event of an impending collision, the system can provide audio, visual and tactile alerts to the driver.
A key enabler of the system is the Dedicated Short Range Communications (DRSC) system, which allows for inter-vehicle communications at a frequency of 5.9 gigahertz (GHz). The DSRC system allows each vehicle to broadcast a "heartbeat" signal that includes key information such as speed, acceleration and brake status, which can be detected and interpreted by other vehicles in close proximity. Designed primarily as a line-of-sight communications technology, Honda has been working to advance the capabilities of the DSRC system and allow for inter-vehicle communication even in the presence of obstacles to line-of-sight communication, such as large trucks and buildings.
The Acura RL being used in the demonstration is already a technology leader with available Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™), Active Cruise Control, Active Front Lighting System, and AcuraLink® weather and Traffic Rerouting™.
The vehicle-to-vehicle demonstration will be orchestrated by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., which represents Honda in ITS-related industry-government research programs in the U.S., including the Crash Avoidance Metric Partnership (CAMP), the Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) initiative, and the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems (IVBSS) program.
Honda Exhibit at ITS World Congress Honda’s exhibit inside the Jacob Javits Center will include a 2009 Acura RL featuring CMBS® and the AcuraLink® vehicle navigation and information system, and a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, the world’s first production motorcycle equipped with an airbag. Further, a number of displays and technologies Honda offers exclusively in Japan will be exhibited, including car to car, car to motorcycle and intersection collision avoidance technologies, the Honda Monpal electric scooter designed for senior citizens with physical limitations, and the company’s highly advanced Internavi navigation system which provides route guidance in Japan, including informing the driver of the most fuel efficient route currently available.
Honda’s ’Safety for Everyone’ Approach to Safety American Honda’s "Safety for Everyone" approach is a comprehensive commitment to vehicle safety that seeks to provide high levels of occupant protection for all Honda and Acura vehicles, regardless of size or price, enhanced compatibility with other vehicles, and improved injury mitigation for pedestrians. As part of this approach, Honda has applied a core suite of advanced safety technologies as standard equipment on virtually all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. since it announced its "Safety for Everyone" initiative in 2003. These include driver and passenger front and side airbags, side curtain airbags for all rows, and anti-lock brakes (ABS); and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with rollover sensor for all light trucks.
Honda also leads the industry in addressing the issue of compatibility between large and smaller vehicles in a collision with its Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE) body structure, already applied to the 15 of 19 new Honda and Acura models and being applied to the all-new 2009 Honda Fit, which was launched this fall.
Honda has also led in development and application of advanced pedestrian injury mitigation features. More than 8 million Honda and Acura vehicles already on the road in the U.S. today are equipped with features such as collapsible hood hinges and breakaway windshield wiper pivots, designed to reduce severe head injuries that are responsible for 60 percent of pedestrian fatalities. In advancing its designs, Honda first sought to better understand the dynamics of pedestrian collisions with the development of POLAR II, widely recognized as the world’s most advanced pedestrian safety dummy. Tests conducted with POLAR II led to the development of these and other design features being incorporated into all new Honda and Acura automobiles.
Honda also operates two of the world’s most sophisticated crash test laboratories for development improved safety designs and technologies. In 2000, in Japan, Honda established the world’s first indoor car-to-car multidirectional crash test laboratory. The facility has played a critical role in the development of enhanced designs for occupant and pedestrian safety as well as vehicle-to-vehicle collision compatibility. In 2003, Honda R&D America’s opened an automotive safety test facility in Ohio to perform advanced testing on all its U.S.-developed models as well as advanced research utilizing unique equipment such as the world’s first pitching test sled and the world’s highest resolution impact barrier.
Honda Honda (NYSE: HMC) is the largest manufacturer of engines in the world that power a wide range of products, including automobiles and light trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment that earn the company more than 23 million customers annually. Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959. The company has since invested more than $10.6 billion in its North America operations, including 16 major manufacturing facilities and 12 major research and development centers.
ITS The World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems is held annually, with the location rotating among nations in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. The theme of the 15th World Congress on ITS is "ITS Connections. Saving Time. Saving Lives" The World Congress on ITS is the largest event in the world for ITS leaders, policy makers, and other industry professionals with approximately 35,000 participants. Held in conjunction with ITS America’s 2008 Annual Meeting, the event includes more than 200 extraordinary education sessions, exhibitions, and the largest fully-integrated demonstration showcasing vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside communication technologies and services.
Source: Honda

Honda hybrid

Honda hybrid models became available on the market in 1990?s and they were introduced in the United States in 1999. The model called Honda Insight was the first one that became available to us buyers and soon Toyota Prius followed Honda?s model. Honda hybrid automobiles has lived up to its name as the leading manufacturer and if you are thinking of getting yourself an environment-green gas-efficient automobile, think of Honda. Honda hybrid models became available on the market in 1990’s and they were introduced in the United States in 1999. Honda Insight opened the road, quickly followed by the response of Toyota with the appearance of the Prius.

Honda hybrid designs were thus available in a superior diversity. It was the American Honda that got the laurels of this success, as the Accord became a market hit. Honda hybrid automobiles reduce gas use by 50 percent, which enables you to travel 60 miles or more, with just one gallon of gas. Of course, this is a great profit for automobile owners but even individuals who do not have cars can profit. Honda hybrid models became available on the market in 1990?s and they were introduced in the United States in 1999. The model called Honda Insight was the first one that became available to us buyers and soon Toyota Prius followed Honda?s model.
Honda hybrid designs were thus available in a superior diversity. It has presented the company in North America with quite a great deal of success and worldwide it has become a favorite among hybrid models.

So whose ads pay off?

So whose ads pay off?

What’s your favourite car ad? Whether it’s Citroen’s robot or Honda’s skydivers, they all cost money to make.

To calculate just how much of a new car’s price goes directly on publicity, industry analyst Ebiquity used registration figures and ad budgets for 2008 so far. Renault tops the table with £389 spent per car sold. Yet Ford, the UK’s best-selling brand, spends £114 per car and BMW only £22. An Ebiquity spokesman said: “Such firms have already built a reputation, so don’t need to try as hard.”

Manufacturer / Registrations / Add budget / Spend per car

Renault: - 68,637 / £26.7m / £389
Citroen: - 55,928 / £17.3m / £310
Toyota: - 72,106 / £20.1m / £279
Honda: - 60,022 / £12.5m / £208
Peugeot: - 82,886 / £17.1 / £206
Audi: - 67,575 / £11.9m / £177
VW: - 120,368 / £18.7m / £155
Vauxhall: - 205,554 / £26.0m / £127
Ford: - 219,824 / £25.0m / £144
BMW: - 75,161 / £1.7m / £22

New Honda technology to improve fuel efficiency

New Honda technology to improve fuel efficiency

A car is only as clean as its driver, that is the thinking behind Honda’s forthcoming Drive Assist dashboard.
Using a trio of functions, the new system aims to improve its users driving style, resulting in lower emissions and increased efficiency.
The three new technologies are headed by an ECON Mode which controls engine transmission for more fuel-efficient driving.

There’s a more advanced version of the guidance system currently available in the new Civic, which illuminates the speedometer in colours ranging from green to blue depending on how efficiently you are using the gas pedal.
And to provide an overall summary of the trip, there’s a scoring function which displays up to ten leaves depending on how efficiently you have driven. Honda's aim is to make "the hybrid experience more fun and rewarding". There is also a bar which displays your lifetime score.
The new ECO system is due to debut in Honda’s Insight hybrid, out next spring

Honda quits F1

Honda quits F1

It’s the end of the road for Honda in F1. In a shock announcement, the Japanese giant has confirmed it is withdrawing from grand prix racing with immediate effect.
In a statement, Honda’s President Takeo Fukai outlined the company’s reasons for making the radical cut. “This difficult decision has been made in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry”, he said. “Honda must protect its core business activities and secure its long term future.”
The decision leaves Britain’s Jenson Button and his team mate Rubens Barrichello - together the 700 staff at the squad’s factory in Brackley, Northants - facing an uncertain future. However, there is a glimmer of hope, as team bosses Nick Fry and Ross Brawn have confirmed they are aiming to find a buyer for the outfit.
In an interview with the BBC, Fry remained upbeat. “We have only had a short amount of time, but in the last 12 hours we've had three serious people come to us suggesting they would like to buy the team, so we are still hoping to be in Melbourne, Australia for the opening round of the 2009 season.”

Honda Insight breaks cover

Honda Insight breaks cover

Honda has released the first picture of the production version of the new Insight hybrid, which is billed as the most affordable car of its type.
It’s certainly a world away from the original Insight coup. That model, launched in 1999, used aluminium and plastic to achieve a kerbweight of less than a tonne, and returned economy of around 80mpg. Becasue of the car's specialist design, only 18,000 were sold.
The new version is a different proposition. When it first broke cover a few months ago at the Paris Motor Show, its combination of packaging and practicality wowed the crowds.
The battery pack needed for the electric power is stored under the boot floor and a set of small yet-powerful motors not only reduces costs, but also maximises cabin space.
Honda is aiming to sell 200,000 Insights a year globally. It will be the first of a new family of hybrids from the firm: next in line is the CR-Z sports car, followed by the Jazz supermini.Prices for the Insight will be announced in the new year, with sales starting in the spring.

Detroit Auto Show : Revenge Designs GTM-R supercar to debut


A new 'all-American' supercar will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show by 'Revenge Designs' - a tuner of GM products such as the Pontiac GTO and Solstice. Revenge Designs first shot to notoriety on its collaboration with renowned American tuners Lingenfelter, which resulted in the limited edition Pontiac GTO Lingenfelter Signature Series - the same car that won GM's award last year for the "Best Exterior Design" at SEMA.

Lexus LF-A Supercar Still Alive Despite Cost Cuts


What is expected to end up happening is that the 500hp Lexus will be built to a limited number of only 500 examples. Whether that includes the cabriolet or not remains to be seen.

Toyota is really serious about bringing to market the Lexus LF-A sports car by 2011. This despite the current economic situation, especially pronounced in the financial services and automobile manufacturing sectors. The company is holding firm on its commitment to Formula One as well, even though "to keep it up at the current level [of spending] is extremely difficult", according to CEO Katsuaki Watanabe. Rival Honda recently pulled the plug on its NSX as well as its F1 programme.

Earlier this year the LF-A teased crowds at the Nurburgring 24 hours and more recently at Toyota's Motorsport Festival at the Fuji Speedway. A small number of LF-A prototypes are rumoured to be on a short list to compete at various racing championships once again in 2009.

2009 Honda Insight Leaked Brochure Includes Sporty Modulo Version


2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan The brochure that was uploaded on the Honda enthusiast site called Temple of Vtec also reveals a picture of the Insight Modulo. For those wondering, Modulo is the name Honda gives to jazzed-up versions of factory-designed cars. The accessorized Insight pictured above features a sporty bodykit with a front spoiler that incorporates an extra set of (fog?) lights, side skirts, a rear apron and larger alloy wheels. Finally, we also learn from the leaked brochure that the JDM Insight will be offered in three trim levels, G, L and LS.
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan
Despite Honda's attempts to keep a tight lid on any information concerning the new Insight hybrid sedan, a set of scans from the official Japanese market model (JDM) brochure have been leaked online, two weeks before the car's worldwide premiere at the Detroit auto show on January 11. Honda had released a three-quarter front shot of the production version but the brochure scans give us our first glimpse of the 2009 Insight's more conservatively styled rear-end along with the hybrid's interior which remains for the most part unchanged compared to the Paris Show Insight Concept.
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan
Another site called 'Insightman' posted a more detailed article with plenty of data sourced from an unnamed Japanese car magazine that supposedly gathered the information from a product preview meeting for Honda dealers in Japan. We've included the 'spec-sheet' of the JDM Insight below, but since it's unofficial info from an unnamed source, we wouldn't take it too seriously.
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan
As for the information that Honda has verified up until now, the production Insight will be equipped with a mild hybrid powertrain developed from the one found in the Civic IMA, combining an electric motor with a small displacement petrol engine and a CVT gearbox. The Insight will go on sale worldwide in the spring of 2009 with U.S. prices said to start from around $18,000 to $19,000.
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan

Honda History Of The Humanoids

honda humanoid history 1

The first two-legged walking humanoid represents the fruition of engineerszeal to create an innovative kind of mobility that brings a whole new value to human society in perfect co-existence and harmony. Indeed, mans dream has taken the first but steady step into the future as the robot steps forward.

Honda S600 : 1965

honda s600 65

The Honda S600 was launched in March of 1964. It was the first Honda car to be offered in two versions, as convertible, bearing strong resemblance to the Honda S500, and as a fastback coupe introduced in March of 1965. During its production run up to 1966, the model styling would remain pretty much the same, with the most notable changes coming to the front grille, bumper, and headlights.

Honda Odyssey Cars

Honda Odyssey Cars
Honda Odyssey
Base MSRP: $25,645
Base Invoice: $23,234
Engine: Gas v6
Fuel: 3.5l/212
MPG City/Highway: 18/25
Transmission: 5-speed a/t
Drive Type: Front Wheel Drive
Doors: 4

Honda Odyssey car
Honda Cars
Concept Cars
Fast Cars
Honda
New Cars

Honda Accord Coupe

Honda Accord classic car
Honda Accord Coupe
Base MSRP: $21,860
Base Invoice: $19,813
Engine: Gas i4
Fuel: 2.4l/- tbd -
MPG City/Highway: 22/31
Transmission: 5-speed m/t
Drive Type: Front Wheel Drive
Doors: 4

Honda Accord Coupe
Honda Accord Smart car
Honda Engine
classic Honda Accord car
Honda cars
Honda

The Japan car Industry

The Japan car Industry by Yoichiro Shiba

According to consumer reports, Japan cars still dominate the automotive industry. Consumers prefer Japan cars because of the reliability, performance and style. The count of Japan car owners is ticking every second. As per the predictions, Japan made vehicles will hold the top position based on reliability in every vehicle category by the year 2009. This tremendous growth of the Japanese automotive industry is due to the trust that the renowned Japan car manufacturers like Mitsubishi, Honda and Toyota have created among the customers.

Mitsubishi- The Unbeatable

Mitsubishi, the best Japan car manufacturer is well known for the style and dependability of their products. Starting from Mitsubishi Lancer, every Mitsubishi vehicle delivers unleashed power with great fuel economy. More than 6 million Mitsubishi Lancer variants were sold since its debut on 1973. The Japan trucks are the preferred one’s worldwide because of the same reason-“reliability”. The Mitsubishi L200 is a unique Japan truck (compact pickup truck). Style, dependability, comfort and great power to pull heavy weights are the attractions of this Japan truck. Mitsubishi L200 is still very popular since its launch on 1978.

Toyota – Reflecting Japanese Culture

Toyota’s existence in the automotive industry, as early as the 1930s has gained the automotive giants a lot of experience in manufacturing high quality cars. The aerodynamics of the Japan made Toyota cars is the noticeable feature. The exteriors of Toyota vehicles are considerably streamlined for proper aerodynamics to ensure great fuel efficiency and great riding comfort. Toyota cars reflect the simplicity and emphasize the fashionable design of classic styled Japanese culture. Toyota land cruiser “Prado” is the well known SUV. Toyota Prado has gained global attention and is one of the best SUVs that are available in the planet today.

Honda – Best cars from the world’s largest Engine manufacturer

Honda manufactures a whooping 14 million IC engines every year. Honda jumped into the automobile industry by manufacturing motorbikes. Later the debut of Honda S500 a 2-door roadster featuring a 492cc engine made them enter into the Car manufacturing spot in the 60s. Today, Honda boasts a wide range of top quality cars like CR-V, Civic, FR-V, Jazz, Legend and S2000. Honda CRV is the buzz in the SUV world today. The added luxury and comfort makes Honda CRV the dream SUV of all the SUV enthusiasts.

Buying used Japan cars is beneficial in many ways

Buying used Japan cars from a Japan car exporter is the wisest move that anyone can make. While the used cars will be as good as the new ones, they also come with the bundled accessories. Accessorizing your new car will drain your wallet. You can buy a used car at a 20-30% lower price than a new one and also save huge money spent in accessorizing your car. There are many websites who list the Japan car exporters online. These website are pretty simple to use and you can find your dream Japan car in no time.
Exportjapancars.com is one of the most reliable Japanese used car exporters. With a very huge stocklist that they have, you can choose your dream Japanese used car with ease. You can also look for Japanese used car auction spots using their website. When it comes to trading used cars, Exportjapancars.com is the place to look for.

Honda FC Sport Design Study

Honda unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show today the FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept. It basically takes the technology from the FCX Clarity sedan and stuffs into a "hey, look at me" coupe. Although it is known that Honda has been working on hydrogen cars, the FC Sport was a true surprise in LA. Honda seems to be having some fun with this water-maker because it's using a lightweight body, a low center of gravity, and an electric motor that (...)

Galpin Honda Accord Coupe

Galpin presented at the SEMA Show a customized version of the Honda Accord Coupe. Galpin lowered the ride height and added huge wheels next to a blue paintjob with a carbon fiber hood and a GT wing at the rear. .

Honda Fit Sport by Mugen

The 2009 Honda Fit equipped with Mugen accessories was revealed at the SEMA Show along with the announcement that beginning next spring, Honda will make a complete new line of Mugen accessories available for the 2009 Fit on an a-la-carte basis through authorized Honda dealers. Available Mugen accessories for the Fit will include: 16-inch alloy wheels, aluminum oil filler cap, front sports grille, front under spoiler, side spoiler, rear under spoiler, sports silencer, rear emblem, quick (...)

Honda Fit TJIN Edition

Even the little cars get a makeover at SEMA. The Fit TJIN Edition is one of the 17 vehicles presented by Honda this year at the SEMA Show. The Tjin Edition 2009 Fit was created by Gene Tjin and features custom grey paint job, an impressive Realm Audio sound system and 16" BBS RS wheels. The Audio system features: Realm Audio 12” subwoofers, Realm Audio component speakers, Realm Audio amplifiers, Realm Audio speaker wiring and terminals, Custom audio speaker box, Custom audio amplifier (...)

Honda Element

Honda gave the Element a very mild restyle for 2009. Gone is the somewhat menacing grin from the front, and in its place is a happier look that's more in line with its Pilot brother. The Element is on sale at a price starting from $20,175 for the 2009 Element 2WD LX. All three Element trim levels (LX,EX and SC) are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 166 hp 4-cylinder engine available with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 5-speed automatic transmission. Both the LX (...)

Honda Civic HFP Concept

The Civic Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Concept sedan revealed today at the SEMA Show represents a new approach on performance improvement. With more consumer concern about fuel prices, future customers may want to maximize the performance of their vehicles without compromising fuel economy. The best way to do that is to put the car on a diet The concept features: HFP body kit, super-light alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers, a lighter HFP exhaust system and an upgraded HFP (...)

A tricked out Honda Rebel by Heiwa

Heiwa Honda Rebel 250

What a radical transformation! The way in which the crew at Heiwa modified this series motorcycle – one related to which you don't hear many “wows” – is simply amazing and it shows that sometimes the real challenges consist in what is unappreciated and left behind. Details such as the raw heat-forged shifter, the switches on both sides of the oil tank as well as the satin-finished megaphones and fittings make all the difference, but adding a N.O.S system to a 250cc engine is an idea I couldn't (...)

Honda ST1300P/1300P ABS

2009 Honda ST1300P

Wondering what that “P” in the model name is all about? Well, law enforcement officers certainly don't as these bikes address specifically to them. For 2009 Honda also produces Police models of the notorious ST1300/ABS. Easy to handle, a top performer and very reliable, the ST may not feature any upgrades, but it surely won't pass unnoticed when the lights and sirens are turned on. Ouch, that never sounds good! Introduction Obviously, the construction of police bikes is based on the one (...)

Honda reveals patent images of their Fury

Honda Fury Drawing

Honda “leaks” the official design drawings of the Fury before the much-awaited New York motorcycle show in January and no surprises. We must say that despite speculations that the Fury will send Harley-Davidson Rocker and Yamaha Rider designers and engineers back to the drawing boards, Honda's late arrival simply uses the a fuel-injected version of the 1312cc water-cooled V-Twin on the VTX1300. With no hybrid drive systems, no automatic gearboxes and zero chances for an all-new engine, the (...)

Honda CBR600RR Quad by WesllCorp

2009 Honda CBR600RR Quad

WesllCorp have come up with a four wheel kit for motorcycles in an attempt to improve performance and implicit lap times without cutting in the pleasure that only two wheels can offer. They call it Wesll Suspension and it can be mounted both on street and off-road motorcycles. And not just any motorcycles. We're talking about models such as the Honda CBR600RR (our favorite), Suzuki GSX-R1000 and Kawasaki ZX-10R, just to mention a few. Featuring a maximum of 28 inches of travel, the unusual (...)

2010 Honda V4 in animated action

Honda wants to make sure that we don't forget about their innovative concept – the V4 – which is expected to make a debut in 2010 so they launch an animated video of the bike in which the most notorious features such as the V4 engine and the outrageous bodywork as well as wheel design can be spotted. Video after the jump

Shed a tear - there will be no S2000 after 2009

Earlier this month we got word that Honda canceled the S2000's replacement. From that we knew the days were numbered for the aging high-revving roadster. Now Honda has officially announced that 2009 will be the last year for the S2000. First premiering in 1999, the S2000 had a quick-shifting transmission, striking looks, and 9,000 RPM redline that made it exceptionally great. Although there inernal pieces of the car were reworked in 2004, the car remained relatively untouched for a (...)

Honda Reveals Accessory Concepts for Civic and Ridgeline at 2008 SEMA Show


More than 16 Honda project, concept, and accessorized production vehicles are on display at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

2010 Honda Insight unveiled

Honda today revealed a “concept” version of its 2010 Insight hybrid. Prototypes of the Prius-fighter were spied multiple times over the summer undergoing testing, so this thinly-veiled concept can best be thought of as a production preview. The car will be on display at the Paris International Auto Show next month..
“The original Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology in the U.S. and remains a symbol of Honda’s commitment to innovative technology and fuel efficiency,” said Takeo Fukui, Honda CEO. “This new Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within the reach of customers who want great fuel economy and great value.”
Priced below the Honda Civic, this Japanese-built hybrid will carry over much of the hatchback styling from the FCX.
In addition to recycling the Insight name, Honda will equip the new hybrid with the same 1.3-liter Integrated Motor Assist system found in the current-generation Honda Civic Hybrid. However, further development of the system will cut the IMA’s cost by about 50 percent in the new hybrid.
Although the new Insight will be loosely based on the Fit, it will measure in at 3 inches longer and 1 inch wider than the Fit.
One Honda insider told Edmunds the Insight’s fuel economy would be “insane,” with some Japanese sources predicting mileage as high as 71 mpg. Actual mileage will likely be lower when it hits our shores, but should still be impressive.
And if those lofty fuel-economy numbers weren’t enough to cause an instant waiting list for the new hybrid, the next-generation Insight will list from under $18,500 – undercutting the Toyota Prius by thousands of dollars.
The new Insight is expected to debut at the Paris Motor Show, but Honda could also wait until November’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Whatever the case, the new five-door hybrid will hit U.S. Honda dealers next April.
Honda hopes to build 200,000 units annually, with half of that production to be sold in the United States.

MotoMorphic JaFM 2

The second iteration of the MotoMorphic JaFM#1 is on its way...

Pics: MotoMorphic

We first wrote about the MotoMorphic JaFM#1 back in June this year. Well, Jim Davis (MotoMorphic founder) and his team are hard at work and the bike is now being further developed. The MotoMorphic JaFM#2 seems to be on its way…
Based on an Aprilia Falco, the MotoMorphic JaFM#1 features a custom-built chassis (made of 6061-T6 tubing and CNC machined billet 6061) which also serves as the fuel tank, custom-made swingarm, Ohlins fork, Penske monoshock and Brembo brakes.
The bike’s 990cc, DOHC, 8-valve, liquid-cooled Rotax v-twin, mated to a six-speed gearbox, makes 108bhp and 91Nm of torque, and the bike runs humungous rubber – a 250-section front tyre and a 300-section rear.
The JaFM#1 has now been tested for about 1,000km and #2 may not be very far away. In the meanwhile, you can visit the MotoMorphic website here for more details and updates.

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1992 Kawasaki ZX-7R based special...
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Supercharged Honda VFR800...
Big CC Racing's Kawasaki ZZR1400 Turbo!
Elsewhere today:
Riding the mighty Honda RC45...
The joys of riding... a Honda Gold Wing!

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