Acura NSX Supercar is NOT Dead?

Autotelegraaf is reporting that Honda will be bringing the near-production NSX concept to Detroit in 2009. Apparently, their reporters did not do a great deal of fact checking.

On Honda's British web site, a summary of CEO Takeo Fukui's end of the year speech is available. Under the "R&D" section, the wrap-up clearly states, "The development of the NSX successor model equipped with V10 engine will be cancelled."

In his speech, Fukui indicated that the current state of the economy has forced the company to take a fresh look at their priorities. Since Honda will substantially allocate resources for energy efficiency and green technology, a 600 horsepower supercar may no longer fit into their plans.

Perhaps they will introduce the Honda / Acura NSX with a different engine. However, that could conflict with CEO Fukui's vision of a car that is better and faster than the Nissan GT-R.

The full press release from Honda is below. Mention of the NSX is at the top of page 2.

Autotelegraaf reporters believe the Japanese manufacturer may debut a Honda or Acura NSX production model at the end of 2009 during the Tokyo Motor Show. Sadly, this looks like wishful thinking.

We can't blame Autotelegraaf for dreaming. We hope Honda revives the NSX, too.

- The development of the NSX successor model equipped with V10 engine will be cancelled.

- The start of operations at the new R&D Center in Sakura, which was scheduled to become fully operational in 2010, will be delayed.

- Honda has decided to withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation.

- While reassessing investment priorities, Honda will concentrate its investments on initiatives which enable Honda to survive in the rapidly changing world and achieve continuous future growth.


Further strengthening advanced environmental technologies while maintaining a long-term viewpoint
In order for Honda to sustain its business during the next 100 years of the automotive industry, it is critical for the company to further strengthen its ability to continue advancing environmental technologies and to apply them to creative and attractive products.

Since the establishment of the company, Honda has been consistently pursuing advanced environmental technologies in every business area. More than ever, Honda will concentrate its resources on the development of fuel-efficient products.

The keys to achieve this goal are advancements of electromotive technologies including hybrid models as well as motorcycles and small cars.

By concentrating the focus of its technology and product development efforts largely into these two areas, Honda will strive to achieve a breakthrough under the difficult business environment.

Hybrid models
Honda recognizes hybrid technologies as the most realistic path for CO2 reduction at this moment.

To effectively utilize fixed resources, Honda believes it is most important to focus all of our energy on hybrids and achieve mass market penetration as soon as possible.

All-new Insight
The all-new Insight, which will make its world debut in Detroit early next year and achieve both excellent fuel economy and an attractive price has been a pioneer model toward mass market penetration for hybrid vehicles.

It will offer convincing economic benefits for customers through its excellent fuel economy. At the same time, the all-new Insight will also enable drivers to feel the joy of driving through its zippy, yet light and comfortable driving performance.

Insight sales are scheduled to begin in spring 2009. As for the price, which is the key factor for mass market penetration, Honda is targeting to offer a starting price below 2 million yen in Japan.

The all-new sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z will go on sale by the end of 2010. This vehicle is being developed to become a model which offers new value of the 'joy of driving' which only a hybrid vehicle can offer.

Honda will enhance its hybrid lineup while considering the possibility of applying hybrid technology to medium to large-size vehicles.

Production
Honda will also strengthen its manufacturing system to support sales of hybrid models. As for the hybrid motor, which is one of the key components of a hybrid system, production on a new assembly line added to the Suzuka Factory just began last month (November 2008).

Combined with the 70,000-unit capacity of the first line, total motor production capacity will be increased to 250,000 units annually. Honda will establish a production system and the capabilities to be prepared for a further increase in demand for hybrid models.

Small car model
Along with hybrid models, Honda will focus on and accelerate product development of small cars for which an increase in global demand is expected.

To minimize the impact of raw material prices, which fluctuate based on various external factors, Honda will build products with a minimal reliance on expensive materials, which will enable Honda to offer its customers products with stable cost competitiveness.

In order to fulfill strong demand from customers, especially in newly emerging countries where motorization continues to advance, Honda is making progress in the development of a new small car which will be positioned in the class below Fit with a goal to introduce it to the market in two to three years.


To further enhance its product strengths in the small-size vehicle segment, Honda will make progress in the development of small-size diesel engines.

To concentrate its resources on hybrid models and small cars, the introduction of medium to large-size diesel models in the U.S. and Japan will be delayed.

Motorcycles will support Honda in the difficult business environment

Honda’s toughness in meeting changes in the business environment comes from the global business foundation built around the three axes of motorcycles, automobiles and power products.

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.

In the newly emerging countries in regions such as Asia and South America where motorcycles are being used for everyday transportation, long-term and steady market growth is expected despite some external factors such as changes in economic conditions.

All-new Wave 100
Honda is planning to install PGM-FI to all motorcycle models sold in Thailand by the end of 2009. The most important model for this FI strategy, Wave 100, will undergo a full model change in January 2009.

Wave 100 series, which is based on the Cub and thus can be called the "Asian Cub," has been a key model for Honda with annual sales of approximately 2.6 million units in seven countries mostly in the ASEAN region. With the all-new Wave 100, fuel economy was further improved. Moreover, by unifying product specifications as a strategy to pursue smooth introduction to multiple production bases, it was possible to achieve improved efficiency during the development and startup of production as well as significant cost reduction. After the introduction in Thailand, the all-new Wave 100 will be introduced sequentially to other ASEAN nations.

Electric motorcycle
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.

Power Products
In its power products business, Honda will focus also on the development of energy creation products to support a mobility society which includes automobiles and motorcycles.


Solar cell business
In October 2007, Honda Soltec began production of thin-film solar cells for residential use. In October 2008, the company entered the solar cell market for public and industrial uses in order to accommodate demands from more customers.

Compact household cogeneration unit
Honda is currently developing a new model of Honda’s ECOWILL compact household cogeneration system, with a target to introduce it to the market in two to three years. The new model will be equipped with an even smaller and more efficient core unit, a unique Honda technology, pursuing a high level of environmental performance.

Mini-tiller
Targeting the rapidly growing demand in the home gardening market in Japan, Honda will introduce a new mini-tiller with a cassette gas-based engine in spring 2009, under the product name Pianta. Honda aims to cultivate new demand by introducing a new product which uses inexpensive and easy-to-handle cassette gas as fuel source.

Conclusion
As we face the next year, while hoping for the earliest recovery of the global economy and the market situation, Honda will develop business plans based on an assumption that the situation will worsen next year and will navigate the company through this challenge.

Especially because this is a difficult time, Honda will not be overwhelmed by immediate matters, but rather, effectively utilize company resources to ensure the steady implementation of long-term initiatives which must be undertaken such as the advancement of environmental technologies. The result of the company’s decisions this time will certainly be realized in the form of attractive new products and technologies in several years. Honda will continue making progress based on the belief that Honda’s new growth potential will become evident beyond that point.

Honda is a company driven to achieve continuous growth by the dreams and passions of each Honda associate. Especially when the company faces difficult times, each associate will maintain a high level of initiative and continue challenging.

Honda will continue earning even more smiles from its customers by creating attractive new products which only Honda can create.

Source: Autotelegraaf via egmcartech.com

Hydrogen-powered Honda FCX Clarity, giant ASIMO to lead Rose Parade

For the first time ever (yes, ever!), this year's Rose Parade in Pasadena, California will be headed up by a hydrogen-powered vehicle. Honda's fuel cell-equipped FCX Clarity will lead the 120th parade, and the pace car will be followed by the Super Cub motorcycle -- the first model sold in the United States. As fancy as these two are, it's the ASIMO that'll undoubtedly steal the show, and yes, we're talking about the 49-foot iteration we spotted a few days back. Catch Honda's trio riding high on January 1 at 8:00AM PST; after that, it's time to place your bets between USC and Penn State.

Read

The Clean and Safe : Honda PUYO

PUYO is eco friendly design car from Honda, this car is “clean, “safe” and “fun”. Puyo also has great functionality, environmentally responsible and people friendly. Honda PUYO fuel-cell vehicle is intended to create a gentle, friendly impression and entertain the passenger and the people around it.

The exterior of this cool car has "seamless soft box" design and PUYO's "gel body" made from soft material. It has minimalist design featuring an ultra high efficiency. PUYO a spacious interior design because of the seamless exterior design. PUYO has the charm of a cute car that begs to be touched. This eco-friendly car was designed to improve safety, while embedded headlight and other illumination shines through the soft, translucent skin.

Honda PUYO was first introduced at the 2007 Tokyo Motorshow and supposed to be the hope of a more tender relationship between human and machine.

Report Says GM Shopping For-Sale Assets in China; GM Denies It

Dongfeng Motor Group Co., China's third-largest automaker, said it had received proposals from investment banks to buy assets from General Motors as the carmaker tries to generate desperately needed cash, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.

A spokesman for Dongfeng, which partners in China with Nissan, Honda and PSA Peugeot Citroen, said it had received e-mails and investment materials asking if the company would be interested in buying some of GM's assets. The spokesman, who wouldn't reveal the investment banks it was talking with or the assets offered for purchase, told Bloomberg it hasn't reviewed the materials and has not responded to GM.

A GM spokesman based in Shanghai denied the report, saying there were no grounds to the rumors.

Still, it comes as no surprise that GM would go to foreign companies, especially those in emerging markets like China, to offer its wares. GM has assets to sell and the Chinese have access to cash. And Ford was successful in selling off its distressed assets of Land Rover and Jaguar to India's Tata Motors.

GM has put a number of assets up for sale including Hummer and AC Delco. So far, GM has found no takers. A deal to sell its medium-duty commercial truck business to Navistar fell apart as the economy worsened. Further, in its viability plan submitted to Congress on Tuesday, GM said it was considering "options" for Saab and Saturn as well. Saab could be sold; Saturn likely would be dismantled or its vehicles folded into other GM divisions.

Chinese companies are likely targets as buyers for GM's assets since they have access to capital and ambitious global expansion plans with sites set on North America in particular. A Shanghai analyst told Bloomberg capital for overseas investment is not a problem for Chinese companies, though other possible risks include issues regarding local legal regulations and labor unions.

More than likely, GM also has talked to its own Chinese partner, SAIC Corp., China's largest automaker. SAIC already has expanded into Europe with the purchase of design rights to MG Rover and South Korea with its stake in Ssangyong Motor Co.

And interestingly, the Chinese government in November opened a consulate office in the Detroit suburbs of Troy, Michigan, the home to SAIC's offices.

Honda: The Automaker Major Promises Perfection

Honda has carried the responsibility of being the biggest automobile manufacture for long time. They succeeded in reserving a civilization of sturdy manufacturing and constant improvement.
But there do occur situations when the traditions blind judgment creators from observing precisely in facade of the watch.

Honda has a story to tell about the Acura ASC. It was absolutely a footstep away from the thinking of variability and effectiveness that the NSX had.
After completing the manufacturing of the hybrid form, Honda demonstrated the not stimulating small hybrid conception in Geneva. Honda’s fashioning division is going all the way through a number of down days at the present. But we do expect the Japanese auto giant to make a big and speedy come back. The merchandise planners are the full-size problems.

Honda lost the spot in the fusion commerce by slender margins of impending because of common sense. Honda advertised Acura ASC as a winter sports automobile, but it was seen as not an improved usual undersized car.

Honda then brought out an improved hybrid V6 engine of Honda Accord, a V6 locomotive with 244 hp power. The car with four cylinders provides 166 hp of supremacy. These developments were gained by the widespread modifications that the car passed through in its ingestion and exhaust arrangements.

The Honda Accord fusion came out with a 253 hp engine, 3.0 Liters, V6 locomotive and a superior battery. It is effortlessly distinguished from the normal Honda Accord with its features including back radiance clusters, the antenna, the wheel plan, and the mirror twist indications.

Honda is considered as the globe’s major automobile producer of locomotives with its supreme quality, performance and reliability. Honda motor vehicles are seen coming out reproduced in the components from which they are constructed. Honda, with this procedure promises that it will perform the task at its favorable presentation level while serving the toughness and dependability expected from Honda.

Gas Prices and Heavy Incentives Keep Car Sales From Sinking Below October's Depths

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- November car sales improved over October's historic lows thanks to lower gas prices and high incentives.

November new vehicle sales, including fleet and retail sales, are expected to be 850,000 units, a 27.6 percent decrease from November 2007 but showing a 1.9- percent increase from last month, according to Edmunds.com's forecast.

Still, the Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) for the month is expected to be only about 11.5 million units.

"Sales improved slightly over October thanks to near record high incentives and perhaps a sense of relief that the presidential election is over," observed Jesse Toprak, executive director of Industry Analysis for Edmunds.com. "Also, remarkably low gas prices motivated shoppers to seriously consider the tremendous deals available on SUVs and trucks."

The combined monthly U.S. market share for Chrysler, Ford and General Motors domestic nameplates is estimated to be 47.1 percent in November 2008, down from 51.1 percent in November 2007 and up slightly from 47.0 percent in October.

The domestic automakers are in the midst of scrambling to develop a viability proposal in order to earn government loans, making it more important than ever for them to demonstrate that their products are appealing to the American public.

Company by company, Edmunds.com predicts:

Chrysler will sell 94,000 units in November, down 41.7 percent compared to November 2007 and down 0.3 percent from October. This would result in a new car market share of 11 percent for Chrysler in November, down from 13.7 percent in November 2007 and down from 11.3 percent in October.

Ford will sell 119,000 units in November, down 33.1 percent compared to November 2007 and down 7.8 percent from October. This would result in a new car market share of 14 percent of new car sales in November for Ford, down from 15.1 percent in November 2007 and down from 15.5 percent in October 2008.

General Motors will sell 188,000 units in November, down 28.2 percent compared to November 2007 and up 11.2 percent from October. GM's market share is expected to be 22.1 percent of new vehicle sales in November, down slightly from 22.3 percent in November 2007 and up from 20.3 percent in October.

Honda will sell 88,000 units in November, down 20.6 percent from November 2007 and up 3 percent from October. Honda's market share is expected to be 10.4 percent in November 2008, up from 9.5 percent in November 2007 and up from 10.3 percent in October.

Nissan will sell 57,000 units in November, down 29.3 percent from November 2007 and up 0.2 percent from October. Nissan's market share is expected to be 6.7 percent in November 2008, down from 6.9 percent in November 2007 and down from 6.8 percent in October.

Toyota will sell 150,000 units in November, down 24.2 percent from November 2007 and down 1.7 percent from October. Toyota's market share is expected to be 17.6 percent in November, up from 16.8 percent in November 2007 and down from 18.2 percent in October.

	Change from November 2007
Chrysler	-41.7%
Ford	-33.1%
GM	-28.2%
Honda	-20.6%
Nissan	-29.3%
Toyota	-24.2%
Industry Total	-27.6%

Automobile names Takeo Fukui MOTY

Honda is one of the few automakers that's demonstrated studied restraint during the recent SUV boom. There is the Pilot, which is a big ol' thing, but it's also as efficient as something that size can be, with unit-body construction, and an engine that shuts off three of its six cylinders whenever possible. The company also has a long history of making small cars that aren't penalty boxes, and amazingly clever engineering. It should be little surprise, then, that the man at the helm is an engineer by trade, deftly maneuvering the automaker into whatever endeavors hold promise, popular fashion be damned. Takeo Fukui worked on the company's CVCC engines early on in his tenure, and his respect for the vision of Soichiro Honda has netted him the title of Man Of The Year from Automobile magazine. The new focus on fuel efficiency (though today, oil is under $50/barrel for the first time in three years) has made Honda seem oddly prescient for its steadfast manner. Cheers!

[source]

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

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 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

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.

Look after the jump for more shots of the MUGEN Life accessories.

Futuristic Honda The Great Race in 2025

Futuristic Honda The Great Race in 2025 : Combination of Marine, Jet, Robotic, and Automotive

Here comes something beyond our imagination. The Great Race 2025 is a futuristic conceptcar created by Honda. This design is surely inspired by some dragon games because the design looks like an unbelievable car with dragon wings that can be used to fight and travel any kind of track. The concept is designed to fulfill all the demands of a great race in 2025 which will be a toughest race ever devised. The vehicle’s sonar sensors are smart enough to detect the changes in speed, terrain and altitude. If you have enough credit to afford this vehicle, then you must go for it.

Text from designer :

In 1908, 17 men dared to take on the “toughest race ever devised.” Spanning six months, the Great Race brought these men over 22,000 miles, through three continents and around the world. 117 years later, the Great Race of 2025 is tougher than ever.

Competitors must circumnavigate the globe in 24 hours on land through the United States, by sea through Asia and by air over Europe.

The vehicle’s sonar/echolocation sensors are able to detect changes in speed, terrain, and altitude, allowing it to switch to any configuration. With expertise in automotive, marine, robotics, and jet technologies already in place, Honda possesses a distinct, competitive advantage over its rivals, allowing it to lead in the evolution of motorsports in the 21st century.

Source

SUVs and trucks: at the teats of the tanker

Pretty funny visual on this one.  With raising gas prices (oh wait…), with people more concerned about the effects they have on their surroundings, it’s becoming cool to own a small economy car.  The Fit has done a pretty good job carving into this niche and owning the fun/responsible category (all thought it could be argued that Mini started this trend).   Anyways, cool visual.  The ad was done by RPA in California for Honda.

Honda Civic Hybrid vs Honda Fit Sport

Edmunds put a comparison between the Honda Civic Hybrid ($27,420) and Honda Fit Sport ($19,430) by putting them to a series of tests. One drawback for hybrid will be the batteries replacement which will cost about $2000. Video after the break.

Edmunds:
They’re not fast, they don’t corner hard and they’re certainly not the most pulse-quickening cars we’ve ever tested at Inside Line. But if fuel-efficiency and utility are priority items in your next car purchase, then the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid and 2009 Honda Fit Sport are unbelievable machines.

Combining economic operation and utility like few other cars sold today, either of these Hondas is a responsible choice for the buyer looking to save fuel, minimize emissions and haul the family. Each has its own unique qualities — important distinctions that can’t be overlooked.

The question, then, is which is the better car? To figure it out, for two weeks we used the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid and the 2009 Honda Fit as they’re designed to be used. We drove them to work, loaded our families in them, packed our groceries in them and took them to the track to measure their performance. We argued the merits of the Civic’s superb fuel economy vs. the Fit’s exceptional utility.

In doing so, we designed this test to suit the priorities of a buyer looking for reasonably priced utilitarian transportation. Accordingly, fuel economy and price make up the majority of each car’s total score at 25 percent each. Performance, feature content and our 29-point evaluation score make up 15 percent each, while editors’ personal and recommended picks combine for the remaining 5 percent.

[via Techeblog]

Information About Honda Accord Car

There are new and used coupe cars for sale and sedan cars available in USA, but here we shall discuss only sedans.

The Honda Accord and the Hybrid :
The Honda Accord is a fuel efficient, low emission Japanese car import. The car is available in de facto DX, EX, LX, LX-V6, and EX-V6 line up. It is also available in high performance “enthusiast” versions which boast of better performance.

One of the most well known Japanese car import is the popular Honda Accord Hybrid which features the “green” hybrid car that is making waves in the eco-car community.

Accord Design :
The Honda Accord sedan car for sale has many design features which make the car a popular choice among car buyers. A few features worth mentioning are the bright LED taillights, attractive 17” wheel design, a GPS navigator and a valuable maintenance minder system which reminds the owner about scheduled maintenance for the car.

Accord Performance :
The V6 engine of the Honda Accord generates 244 hp. The 4 cylinder engine, on the other hand, gives 177 hp of power. These improvements to the car’s performance were gained by the extensive refinements that the car went through in its intake and exhaust airflow systems. V6 features (VCM) Variable cylinder management technology, which provides even better fuel efficiency.

The car also drives through a Drive By Wire (DBW) system instead of the common throttle cable. This makes the car more responsive and smoother to drive.

The Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, features a 253 hp, 3.0 L, V6 engine and a larger battery back. The Honda Accord Hybrid is easily differentiated from the regular Honda Accord by the difference in their rear light clusters, the antenna, the wheel design, the mirror turn signals and the folding rear which is absent in the Honda Accord. The Hybrid version of the Accord also does not have a 4-way passenger seat.

Safety in Accord :
Accord has (VSA) Vehicle Stability Assist which assists in cruising and keeps you away from danger. In emergency situation it reduces gas & adjusts brake pressure at each wheel to help the driver escape from dangerous situations. Also, the (TPMS) Tire Pressure Monitoring System alerts the driver if tire pressure is significantly down. Every accord is fitted with front, front side and side curtain airbags for extra protection. It’s infact a top pick for safe driving on the road.

Honda Accord Market :
While readily available in the car market, the Honda Accord is also easily accessible in many Japanese used car dealers. In Online Japanese auction sites, the Honda Accord is readily available, Reputable used car dealers offer many good-as-new Japanese used car models and, with proper maintenance, a used Honda Accord can last for years to come. Used car warranty offerings will differ from one dealer to another.

Honda NSX modified to Ferrari 360 Modena

Yes, the one you are seeing above is the Honda NSX. It has been modified to Ferrari, with custom body and interior, to make it look like the Modena 360. Current bid 30,250€. More pictures after the break.

[via Techeblog]

2009 Honda Accord Commercial

Here’s the new 2009 Honda Accord commercial titled “All in One Place”, it is by agency Rubin Postaer and Associates in partnership with producer Motion Theory. The ad is showing that how they put everything they know into one place. Check it out after the break.

[via Diretodoforno Notcot]

Honda Insight Hybrid on sale in UK early 2009

Honda is promising a new hybrid car that'll be "priced significantly lower than any other hybrid." SmartPlanet has learned the Honda Insight hybrid will go on sale in the UK for spring 2009, though the price is still shrouded in mystery. Considering today's basic Honda Civic Hybrid costs £17,145 and a basic Toyota Prius costs £17,145, my guess is we're looking at a hybrid for £15K or less.

While the price is unknown, the design isn't: it's essentially a tweaked version of the hydrogen FCX Clarity in the US and Japan. Green car fans will be able to see it first-hand at the Paris Motor Show this October. The look is certainly far less dowdy than Honda's current UK hybrid, the Civic Hybrid, which the Insight will complement rather than supplement.

The new Insight, which revives the name of Honda's US hybrid in 1999, will be a five door family hatchback. It'll be smaller than today's Civic Hybrid, which is one of the two top-ranking low carbon small family cars in the UK. Intriguingly, Honda says the Insight will have a "unique function to assist more fuel efficient driving": we'll have to wait for an explainer.

The Insight should give a boost to UK hybrids, which are facing stiff competition from cheaper diesel cars. Ford's Focus ECOnetic, for example, has attracted plaudits and undercuts both the Prius and the Civic Hybrid by more than a grand.
Honda also used the Insight news to remind us of its (already public) plans for three further hybrids: a new Civic Hybrid, a Jazz supermini hybrid, and a sporty hybrid based on its concept CR-Z design.

Watch this space for the price announcement on the Insight.

From right-to-left: Honda Insight, FCX Clarity, CR-Z concept

Spy Shot: 2009 Honda City

This is the City, Honda’s latest City, which is going to hit Asian countries. It is powered a by 120-horse 1.5-liter four cylinder i-VTEC engine, which found in Fit and Jazz models and mated with an automatic transmission.

As for my view, I will give a thumb up for the front but for the back, i will says it’s a bit squarish and the design looks like the Toyota Vios 2nd gen. More pictures after the break.









[via Autoblog]