Honda Accord Scores Highest Euro NCAP Crash Test Rating in Class

The new Honda Accord achieved the best combined safety rating in its class, in the latest Euro NCAP crash test results, published today. The Accord was awarded the first-ever three star pedestrian rating in the large family class, along with 5 star adult protection and 4 star child protection. "We are delighted with the EuroNCAP result, which confirms the new Accord as the leader for combined adult, child and pedestrian safety in the large family car class. With this rating, and the advanced active safety features of the Accord, our customers can experience the most effective technologies put into practice, with our goal of providing safety for everyone," said Ken Keir, Managing Director, Honda (UK). Innovative safety features fitted as standard: • Active head restraints • Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) • Motion Adaptive EPS Plus: • Dual stage front airbags • Driver and front passenger side airbags • Front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters • Full length curtain airbags • ISOFIX fittings and tether anchor points A host of advanced safety features are available on the new Accord, placing it at the forefront of its category for safety. It is the first D-sector car to be available with Collision Mitigation Braking System, which comes as part of the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) along with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). ADAS is available as an option on all EX and EX GT models, excluding 2.0-litre EX saloon models. In addition, for the first time, EuroNCAP has published Whiplash ratings for the front seats and the Accord achieved a score of 2.26 out of 4. — Motion Adaptive EPS The latest Accord features a new and innovative system in which the capabilities of both VSA and the car's Electric Power Steering are brought to bear. Called Motion Adaptive EPS, it detects instability in slippery conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs aimed at prompting the driver to steer in the correct direction. The input is barely noticeable and control of the steering remains with the driver at all times. But this supporting steering torque is enough to prompt the driver to act intuitively and the driver's reaction as a result is enough to regain stability or to shorten braking distances, allowing control to be maintained. ADAS (optional across the range) LKAS: Uses a camera to detect the car deviating from a traffic lane and provides steering torque when necessary, thereby reducing the burden of motorway driving while at the same time enhancing safety. ACC: Uses a millimetre-wave radar to maintain a consistent distance to a vehicle directly in front, for more relaxed, less tiring driving. CMBS: Monitors the following distance and closing rate between the Accord and the car directly in front of it, warning the driver when a collision is likely and helping reduce impact when a collision becomes unavoidable. Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure Progressively introduced throughout the Honda range, the Accord's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure provides significantly enhanced occupant protection in a variety of real-world crash conditions. A front-mounted polygonal main frame is designed to prevent cabin deformation by distributing forces through multiple major load bearing pathways - and away from the passenger compartment. This is particularly important where a frontal collision occurs between vehicles of differing heights, weights or frame construction. To achieve top level, side impact safety, Honda's engineers have increased the side section of the frame and chosen different material specifications to provide the desired level of stiffness and strength for critical areas, without adding unnecessary weight. The new Accord also incorporates many of the pedestrian-protection design features already familiar from recent Honda models, including windscreen wiper pivots designed to break away on impact, energy absorbing front wing mounts and bonnet hinges alongside an unobstructed area beneath the bonnet allowing greater space for deformation.

 

Acura Achieves Historic First in Crash Test Ratings

11/24/2008 - TORRANCE, Calif. - For the first and only time in the history of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing, an automobile nameplate has earned the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK rating for every vehicle in its entire line-up. To accomplish this safety milestone, all 2009 Acura luxury sedans and SUVs received the highest possible rating in each IIHS crash test and feature the Acura Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) electronic stability control system as standard equipment. "TOP SAFETY PICK winners are the top performers in tough front, side, and rear crash tests, and they have electronic stability control, a crucial technology that can help drivers avoid many crashes altogether," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "Acura's achievement means that no matter which Acura model buyers choose, they're getting state-of-the-art protection for the most common kinds of real-world crashes." To complete the Acura feat, earlier today the IIHS announced that the all-new 2009 Acura TL performance luxury sedan garnered its top safety rating of "GOOD" for each category, including Frontal Offset Crash Test, Side Impact Collision Evaluation (SICE) and Rear Crash Protection. The completely redesigned 2009 TL went on sale in September and is Acura's top selling performance luxury sedan. "With every Acura vehicle we build, safety is at the forefront throughout the entire design process," said John Mendel, executive vice president of automobile operations. "We are extremely proud that Acura is the first and only nameplate to ever earn this safety distinction." In addition, all 2009 Acura vehicles have earned top governmental crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA*) for NCAP Frontal Crash tests-the most common form of vehicle accident. The top crash safety ratings are a direct result of Acura's "Safety Through Innovation" initiative that is based on the brand's commitment to leadership in safety. The initiative's goal is for all Acura models to provide a high level of occupant protection along with injury mitigation to pedestrians, as well as increased crash compatibility with other vehicles, regardless of size or price. For 2009, all Acura models include as standard equipment the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure along with a host of other standard safety equipment including Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual-stage/dual-threshold front airbags, side airbags with front passenger Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active head restraints for front seats, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Acura's ACE™ body structure is designed to help absorb the energy of a frontal crash, while also helping to minimize the potential for an "under-ride" or "over-ride" phenomenon that can occur during frontal impact with a significantly larger, smaller, higher or lower vehicle. ACE™ channels frontal crash energy to both upper and lower structural elements, including the floor frame rails, side sills and A-pillars. These specially engineered load pathways help distribute frontal impact forces through a greater percentage of the vehicle's total structure and away from the passenger compartment. Acura engineers have the advantage of being able to utilize two ultra-sophisticated crash test facilities, including the world's first indoor multi-directional car-to-car crash testing facility, located in Tochigi, Japan. This facility has played a crucial role in the development of enhanced designs for occupant and pedestrian safety as well as vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility. Along with the Japan facility, Acura also conducts extensive safety testing on all U.S. developed models at the company's Automotive Safety Research Facility which is located in Raymond, Ohio. The facility features the world's first pitching test sled, which aids efficiency by enabling economical, repeatable and quick crash test simulations with certain interior safety components (such as seats and seatbelts) prior to conducting a crash test with an actual vehicle. It also features one of the world's highest resolution impact barriers, which enables precise measurement of the distribution of impact load forces on a vehicle allowing for even more advanced vehicle designs. Acura has been the first to market on many safety technologies including: the first production vehicle in the U.S. to offer a 4-channel braking system; the first production vehicle with a passenger-side airbag with height and position sensors; the first car to have dual-stage driver- and passenger-side airbags; the first luxury SUV to receive a 5-Star crash safety rating from NHTSA; and the first production vehicle to offer Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) that varies the deployment of the passenger side airbag depending on the occupant's body location. As part of its commitment to improving safety for all road users, Acura has also led the U.S. industry in the application of features designed to reduce injuries to pedestrians in a collision- such as collapsible hood hinges and breakaway windshield wiper pivots, with a focus on reducing severe head injuries, which account for 60 percent of pedestrian fatalities. In addition, the company sought to better understand the dynamics of pedestrian collisions, thus it developed the POLAR II safety test dummy which is widely recognized as the world's most advanced pedestrian safety test dummy. 2009 Acura TL - Hi-res. Images About IIHS The IIHS is a not-for-profit organization that conducts independent testing to help reduce losses - deaths, injuries, and property damage - from crashes on the nation's highways, and provides its findings to automotive insurers. IIHS has been conducting vehicle testing since 1969, and while it conducts impact crash tests similar to those conducted by NHTSA, IIHS tests make use of offset barriers rather than full-vehicle-width barriers. Based on post crash test analysis, IIHS rates crash safety using four ratings: Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor. IIHS also conducts other vehicle safety tests including low-speed bumper impact tests and seat headrest evaluations based on rear impact tests. IIHS information and vehicle ratings can be obtained by visiting www.iihs.org. About Acura Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 271 dealers within the United States. The 2009 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle. For media information and high-resolution photos of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com. *Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). All models tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).

 

Honda Begins Leasing FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, November 25, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. began leasing the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle in Japan, delivering the first vehicle to the Ministry of the Environment. This transaction follows directly upon a completed lease to the Ministry of the FCX fuel cell vehicle, predecessor to the FCX Clarity. Initially, Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity in Japan only to governmental agencies and certain corporate entities. Honda has leased the vehicle in the US since July 2008. 2008 Honda FCX Clarity - Hi-res. Images Designed as a dedicated fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity is powered by the Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Thanks to the innovative layout of the fuel cell power plant, the FCX Clarity offers superior design, packaging and driving performance. Emitting no CO2 in operation, the FCX Clarity offers not only the ultimate in environmental responsibility but also real-world performance and appeal. The combined sales plan for Japan and U.S. calls for about 200 units within three years.

 

2008 Honda Accord Coupe Concept - Video

Honda's next-gen Accord will be in your neighborhood showroom this fall.   This wedge-shaped coupe is Honda's most daring styling exercise in a while. Keep Reading: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe Concept - Video

 

2008 Honda AquaTrax F-15X

You go, water dog! The recent history of personal watercraft reads much like the evolution of the automobile over the past 50 years, only condensed into a decade or so. EPA and CARB regulations have caused a 90-percent reduction in watercraft emissions, with fuel-injected four-stroke engines replacing two-stroke carbureted units. In the process, exhaust noise has been drastically reduced, and refinement is way up. Meanwhile, instead of offering room for just one rider to stand up, ever-increasing size and weight have resulted in enough space for two passengers to sit down. The best part of all this, as with cars, is the phenomenal spike in horsepower that has occurred. In 1998, a three-seat Sea-Doo made 85 horsepower. But many of today's personal watercraft are turbo- or supercharged and make 200—or even250—horsepower. Indeed, in 2000, the Coast Guard's concern that performance was getting out of hand prompted a gentlemen's agreement among watercraft builders to limit top speeds to 65 mph. Keep Reading: 2008 Honda AquaTrax F-15X

 

2009 Honda Insight

A peek at the hybrid Honda would show at its Detroit press conference—if it were having one. The production version of Honda's Insight hybrid is headed for a fanfare-free debut at the increasingly desolate Detroit show in January: Honda has said that it will maintain a presence at the show, but will forego its normal press conference in light of the global economic downturn. Previewed in concept form at last October's Paris auto show, the Insight is Honda's answer to the Toyota Prius. It shares the Toyota's basic shape—owing to efficiency and aerodynamics—but adds a bit of Honda style. The single advance photo of the production version reveals that not much has changed from the concept, although the side mirrors have grown to a more useful size, the wheels are smaller, and the head- and taillights have a much more conventional look. Keep Reading: 2009 Honda Insight

 

David Richards To Buy Honda Team?

And in today's episode of "As The Camshaft turns" … OK, as you know, Honda bailed from F1 racing with about 17 hours notice. 'Too expensive' they cried. 'World economic downturn' they moaned. Although actually it is looking more and more that getting their rear wings handed to them by the likes of Toro Rosso and Toyota had more to do with it than just plain money. Shoot, even the good crew over at Axis of Oversteer is saying that 'BMW calls Honda girly men for quitting Formula 1′. As they were leaving, Honda did say that if they could find a buyer, they'd be more than willing to sell the team and it's assets (you know, little trinkets like rolling road wind tunnels and server farms you'd ordinarily find in places like Fort Mead) if anyone was interested. 'F1 team for sale?!?!' said Dave Richards. There's more, after the jump. Richards is the guy behind ProDrive, the British outfit that runs Subaru's WRC team (and quite well thank you) and also runs Aston Martin's Le Mans efforts (and quite well thank you). Richards also really, really wanted to run his own F1 team. He was in it to the point of having an agreement to run a B-team of McLaren sourced customer cars … but then that fell through (and McLaren is now in an agreement with Force India of all things) and Dave Richards was left out in the cold. But now, a-HA!, Honda bails. And all their bright, shiny toys (like rolling road wind tunnels and server farms you'd ordinarily find in places like Fort Mead) could be picked up for Pence on the Pound. And Dave Richards has a LOT of those. But wait, it gets even better. "To boost the chances of a sale, embarrassed Honda has offered to bear the team's outstanding debts, and offer for sale the excellent facilities of the squad for a nominal fee as low as $1." says the news sources. That low-low, fire sale price does not come without strings however. "The successful buyer would have to convince Honda that it could safeguard the future of the team, even if many of the 700 employees would be retrenched as the annual budget is slashed from its current $300 million to as little as $70m." Yeah, that's a pretty tall order … but what it DOES do is make the nut of running an F1 team in the tens of millions of dollars range, rather than the hundreds of millions. That would be very attractive to a guy like Richards. "The Daily Telegraph" said that Dave Richards, could be in a position to seal the deal by the end of this weekend. It ain't over yet folks Source: SpeedTV