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. Sources say that the 1.3 liter gasoline engine mated to Honda's new hybrid system should deliver around 67 mpg. Honda announced yesterday that it has teamed up with Japanese firm GS Yuasa to develop lithium-ion batteries for future Honda hybrids. We're not sure if lithium-ion batteries will be substituted for the nickel-hydride batteries for the Jazz/Fit hybrid. Honda says that it is hoping to sell 500,000 hybrids annually by 2010. Joining the Hybrid Insight, Civic Hybrid, and the Jazz/Fit Hybrid will be the CR-Z Coupe hybrid, which is also due out in 2010. Source: AutoCar

 

Honda NSX See-Through Technical Illustration Leaked

Honda was never going to take Nissan's GT-R or the ever-elusive Lexus LF-A lying down and the next NSX was the most natural way to break that current GT-R tidal wave. What you observe here are leaked pictures of its see-through technical makeup, the stuff under the skin as it were. Thanks to contributing artist, Larson, a pretty accurate rendering completes the picture. NSX hits the dealership network in late 2009 after numerous test sightings and spy shots published on WCF. Just from the figures it is evident that sardines aren't on the target menu; only the really big fish interest NSX, names like Ferrari F430 and Porsche 911 GT3 come to mind. For this to happen the NSX will employ the power of a 5.5-litre V10 whose cylinders will fire up an entire 560bhp/ 417kW through a sequential gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters. Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) should ensure 0 - 100km/h times of under 4 seconds and a top speed approaching 200mph or 322kh/h. Pricing may begin from the £100,000 mark. Source: autoexpress.co.uk

 

Honda RA270 F1 prototype digitized

John A. Frye has resurrected the first prototype of the Honda RA 270 racer. Honda's first racer to F1 in 1964, the RA271 was based on the RA270. The rear shows twelve independent exhausts that remained only on the prototype, and they look fascinating. No wonder the car needed so many exhausts, Honda's transversely mounted V12 was the most powerful engine on the tracks. The prototype was tested by Jack Brabham, and is a bit different from the final F1 car that had Ronnie Bucknum behind the steering. John worked hard to recreate the prototype, the images were not easily available, and some details were sketchy. Nonetheless, his effort has paid of well. Via: Hyrend

 

Acura Tops All Competitors in Value (2009 Acural RL Images Update)

Acura Wins ALG's 2009 Overall Luxury Brand Residual Value Award TORRANCE, Calif. - The Acura brand ranked first in overall luxury brand residual value in the recently announced Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) 2009 Residual Value Awards. According to ALG, Acura's line of luxury performance vehicles is expected to retain the highest percentage of its purchase price after a traditional three year lease. "Residual value is an important measure of overall vehicle quality and desirability," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. "ALG's prestigious award is yet another example of how the Acura brand is a top competitor in luxury, performance, cutting-edge technology, safety as well as in resale value." Residual values are a measure used to recognize vehicle quality, reliability and overall brand strength. ALG, which debuted its Residual Value Awards in 2001, bases its awards on the careful study of important factors including sales strategy, competitive set segment competition, resale performance and overall automotive industry residual values. This year's ALG awards are based on 2009 model year vehicles and Acura beat out top luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Audi and Lexus. 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. 2009 Acura RL - Hi-res. Images

 

Honda Civic Hybrid Makes Hollywood Film Debut

Honda's low-emission Civic Hybrid stars alongside Keanu Reeves in the Hollywood event blockbuster 'The Day the Earth Stood Still', which opened in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 12 December. Six of the fuel efficient hybrids were supplied for the movie, which was shot in Vancouver, Canada with two of the cars requiring cutting open to assist filming. To celebrate the release of the film, Honda is running a competition to win a VIP trip to Hollywood. Anyone who visits a Honda dealership and takes a test drive in any Honda car will be entered into the draw to win a week's holiday in LA for four people, including a VIP day at 20th Century Fox Studios. "The reason the filmmakers chose the Civic Hybrid is that as a low-emission, fuel efficient car, it's already a car of the future that was right for the lead female part," says Harry Cooklin, Marketing Communications Manager at Honda (UK). "We're proud of the car's role in the movie and are also pleased to be able to offer a taste of Hollywood to customers who want a taste of a new Honda." The Day the Earth Stood Still is a contemporary reinvention of the 1951 classic movie of the same name. Keanu Reeves plays Klaatu, an alien whose arrival on our planet triggers global upheaval. As governments and scientists race to unravel the mystery behind the visitor's appearance, a forward-thinking scientist (Jennifer Connelly) and her young stepson get caught up in the action - and come to understand the ramifications of being caught up in his mysterious mission. 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid - Hi-res. Images