Honda cuts RWD, V8, S2000 replacement programs [Over The Back Fence]

In addition to the NSX supercar, Honda now plans to cut RWD, V8 engine and S2000 replacement programs due to theCarpocalypse. Still, there's one item of good news. In an effort to cut development costs, Autocar says it looks like the US could finally get the same Honda Accord as the rest of the world. Currently, a separate model is developed for the North American market while the Euro model is sold as the Acura TSX. This policy has always confused us, subtracting many tens of millions of dollars from Honda's bottom line. We don't know when this would happen or even if it will. Autocar goes on to report anything seen as wasteful or unnecessary is being cut from Honda's development cycle. This includes a V8 engine, something Honda engineers have long resisted building, and a slew of rear wheel drive Acuras intended to drive the brand upmarket. The saddest loss will be the convertible version of the forthcoming Honda CR-Z hybrid sportscar. That means there's no direct replacement on the cards for the S2000 when it ceases production at the end of this year. Honda will now concentrate on building fuel-efficient models like the 2010 Honda Insight and the world's first hybrid city car, based on the Honda Fit. [via Autocar]

 

Honda Accord Crossover - Spy Shots

2010 Honda Accord Crossover test drive in Michigan. While it's clearly destined for the US market, European versions are probable; these will come with the option of Honda's own 2.0-litre diesel engine, as well as 2.0- and 2.4-litre petrol units.

 

Honda (Acura) NSX Mugen RR Concept

Think you were crushed by the cancelation of the 2010 Acura NSX, imagine how Honda supertuner Mugen must feel. But unlike the rest of us who are pouting about how we'll have to settle for the Nissan GT-R, Mugen looking to the past to show that the old dog still has a few tricks left. At the Tokyo Auto Salon is the Honda (Acura) NSX Mugen RR, a concept car inspired by the old NSX. All we know is that this is a very cool body kit with a red interior and red brake calipers. Mugen is being

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Rendered Speculation: Honda to create mini-hatch for emerging markets

Lost in the jeers following Honda's move to cancel the NSX - a car it could probably sell based solely on its ridiculously wonderful exhaust note - is news that the Big H is planning an A-segment car for markets outside of Japan. Now that the microcar segment is what's cooking, and the smart fortwo isn't doing so bad on its American voyage, cars like the Toyota iQ, Volkswagen up!, and Hyundai i10 are getting lots of attention. To keep the cost down, Honda is expected to stick to traditional materials and probably focus on packaging. The powerplant is rumored to be a 1.4- or 1.5-liter turbodiesel with anywhere from 60 hp to 100 hp. But before you get excited, this car isn't automatically destined for America. Of course, none of this would-be Honda's competitors are headed this way yet either, and until the microcar trend is firmly established in the US - either by smart or another vehicle - we wouldn't advise holding your breath. [Source: Paul Tan]

 

Honda Insight

The 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid made its world debut today at the Detroit Show. The new Insight will go on sale in April 2009, and according to Honda will cost less than the Civic Hybrid. All Insights are powered by an advanced 1.3-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy i-VTEC engine and CVT, along with a new generation of Honda's IMA hybrid system that incorporates a 13 hp electric motor and a compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU). The car delivers an estimated maximum driving range in excess of 400 (...)

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Honda Insight Debut at NAIAS 2009

Honda has just introduced the all-new 2010 Honda Insight hybrid in Detroit. The five-door car gets 40 mpg in the city, and 43 mpg on the highway.

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Honda Insight Hybrid Makes World Debut at the Detroit Motor Show

The all-new 2009 Honda Insight hybrid car made its world debut today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2009 Insight defines a new stage in the evolution of hybrid technology by utilising a more cost-efficient version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology, resulting in a new level of affordability for hybrid customers worldwide, combined with 4.4 litre/100km* fuel economy and CO2 emissions of just 101g/km*. Commenting on the debut of the Insight, Honda Motor Europe Vice-President, Ken Keir said: "Honda has been selling hybrids for almost a decade, but this is the first time that our technology has been available in a five-seat, five door car at an affordable price. The Insight combines our award winning IMA hybrid system with an easy to use driver aid (Eco Assist) to help our customers maximise their real world fuel economy. By combining an electric motor with a highly efficient petrol engine, the Insight offers drivers not only low CO2 emissions, it also has very low emissions of other greenhouse gasses like N2O." The five-door hatchback design takes some of the styling cues as well as the aerodynamically efficient profile from the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car. To compliment the sleek profile the Insight has been designed with a low centre of gravity helped by the repackaged IMA system, which gives customers a fine handling car with a highly flexible interior. In order to help Insight owners enjoy the full benefits of Honda hybrid technology, the Insight will feature a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology, named the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist). Eco Assist combines multiple functions: A driver-activated ECON mode that optimises control of the continuously variable transmission, engine and related powertrain components to conserve fuel A driver feedback function that uses speedometer background colour that can provide real-time guidance on achieving higher fuel efficiency A fuel economy scoring function that provides feedback about current driving efficiency, as well as feedback on cumulative, long-term driving style Key safety features are Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure, which provides improved protection for vehicle occupants and helps mitigate damage to other vehicles; six airbags including driver passenger, side and curtain units; and a pedestrian-injury mitigation front body design. Other standard equipment on all new Insights includes 60/40 split and fold-down rear seatback, two-tier digital instrument panel, automatic climate control, power windows, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and a MP3 compatible audio system with auxiliary audio input jack and Speed-Sensitive Volume Control. High specification Insight models add cruise control, 6-speaker audio system with USB audio interface, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and Honda Satellite Navigation System with Voice Recognition. All Insights are powered by an advanced 1.3-litre aluminium-alloy i-VTEC engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox. The highly-efficient, ultra-low friction engine is assisted by a new generation of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system for excellent fuel economy and low emissions. The Insight's IMA system incorporates a 14 PS electric motor, advanced battery pack, and compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) - recapturing kinetic energy from vehicle braking and deceleration and supplying additional power for acceleration when needed. Packaging of the ultra-compact IMA battery and IPU in the vehicle's rear floor allows the enhanced utility of a 60/40 split and fold-down rear seat back. The IMA system has the capability to operate exclusively on electric power in certain low- to mid-speed driving conditions. It also provides for cylinder deactivation within the petrol engine during deceleration and shutoff when the vehicle is stopped. Honda is a leader in developing cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicle technologies, including the original Honda Insight, introduced in 1999 as the first commercially produced petrol-electric hybrid car in Europe and the US. Honda has announced plans to increase its global hybrid sales to over 500,000 units annually with the Insight being followed by a car based on the CR-Z concept and a hybrid version of the Jazz. Honda is also a pioneer in the development of advanced alternatives to fossil fuels, including the zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car, the world's most advanced low environmental impact production car.