- Filed under: Motorsports, Honda, Motorcycles
Formula One champ Michael Schumacher has been enjoying his new gigs working with Ferrari's development team and hooning Honda Fireblades in various Superbike racing events, and he's proven to beabout as adept racing around on two wheels as he is on four. The seven-time F1 champion from Germany has been extended an open invitation by Honda racing officials to pilot one of its factory-prepped literbikes on the world stage. For his part, Schumacher has stated that he has no intentions to make a second career out of racing motorcycles, but his actions often seem to indicate otherwise, and he's apparently scheduled to take part in the German championship for 2009. We can only hope that our "retirement" is half as much fun as Michael Schumacher's. Thanks for the tip, Chris!
[Source: Autosport]Honda offers Michael Schumacher a ride in World Superbike Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Audi, Honda, Nissan
Click above for high-res gallery of the Nissan GT-R
Nissan has hit a major home run with its latest Skyline, known as the GT-R here in the States. In fact, the car was knocked so far out of the park that it seems an obvious choice for anyone's Car of the Year. Nissan's latest supercar boasts enough performance to take on the best from the rest of the world regardless of price, making it an amazing value despite costing upwards of $80,000. As such, the new GT-R has been awarded the Car of the Year trophy from Automobile Mag. Who are we to argue?
Other winners of Automobile's year-end awards include Audi's stunning A5 coupe, which takes the award for Design of the Year, though it seems it feels like the A5's already been around for more than a year. Man of the Year goes to Honda's CEO, Takeo Fuki, who's company is now reaping the rewards for staying true to its initial vision of rational, fuel efficient designs after all these years. It's pretty hard to take exception with these choices, though 2009, which is right around the corner, is shaping up to be the year of fuel efficiency. Follow the jump for Automobile Mag's official press release, which has a few extra award winners we didn't mention.
[Source: Automobile]Continue reading Nissan GT-R named Car of the Year by Automobile Mag
Nissan GT-R named Car of the Year by Automobile Mag originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Earnings/Financials, Ferrari, Renault
Ever wonder how expensive it is for a manufacturer to compete in Formula 1 racing? Not surprisingly, it ain't cheap. Each of the successful teams spend hundreds of millions of dollars on their programs, but success is not necessarily tied in to how much dough was spent. For instance, Ferrari, winners of this year's constructor's championship with 172 total points, spent about $2.4 million per point in 2008. McLaren and BMW, numbers two and three respectively, spent a bit more than that figure, but still under a cool $3 mil. Honda and Toyota, though, had budgets nearly as large as the top-tier manufacturers yet scored significantly fewer points. In fact, Honda's meager 14 points cost the automaker over 28 million buckaroos a piece, making theirs the most expensive points of all. On average, teams spent about $4.3 million per point. No wonder the sport is looking to cut its budget as soon as possible. Thanks for the tip, Keith!
[Source: F1 Fanatic]F1 budgets off the chart, $4.3 million per point originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Tuners, Honda
Driving around the streets of Los Angeles, it is easy to spot a plethora of Honda Civics attempting to achieve the appearance of the world's fastest economy car. Huge shopping cart wings, monster tachometers and racing stripes often highlight the package. Legitimate world record speed isn't achieved on any city street, however, and not with any aerodynamic packages reminiscent of shopping. It is achieved on the Bonneville Salt Flats in northwestern Utah. The latest records indicate that there is only one car with the claim to the title of World's Fastest Honda Civic. That car happens to belong to automotive writer Richard Holdener and it is currently available for sale on eBay.
Richard's Lucas Oil sponsored 1999 Honda Civic Si ran a top speed of 227.7 mph back in August of this year. Despite the Civic's ability to produce 728 hp at 29 psi of boost, the record was achieved with only 15.2 psi. Inherently weak stock Honda CV joints were apparently the hold-up in laying down the full power band. It certainly wasn't due to any failure of the engine components, since the parts list reads like a roll call of some of the best names in the American Honda tuning game. Any small-displacement four cylinder engine tuned to output in excess of 700 ponies has to be stocked to the gills with improvements. The cost to own this piece of history, and the potential to make some of your own, starts at $21,777.77. The car's located in Las Vegas, Nevada, so those must be some lucky 7's in the price.
Thanks for the tip Srihari!
[Source: eBay Motors]eBay Find of the Day: World's fastest Honda Civic originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Gadgets, Tech, Honda
Click above for more shots of the Honda Walking Assist Device
Those who have difficulty walking may not be bound to a Segway for like thanks to Honda. The Japanese automaker is developing a new technology called the experimental walking assist device. These accessory legs have been designed as a means to offer a helping, um... leg to those who have difficult supporting themselves in day-to-day life but are capable of walking without assistance. Ongoing research for Honda's humanoid Asimo project spurred the robotic leg development, which began in earnest way back in 1999. Honda is now testing the legs at one of its Japanese factories in Sayama, Saitama.
To use the legs, the wearer slips on the special (and extremely stylish) shoes and adjusts the seat so that it supports their weight. Two motors move the frame and seat position while lithium-ion batteries keep the system powered for about two hours on a full charge. Are we the only ones who think Honda's new toy looks like the lower half of a Star Wars droid? OK, just checking.
[Source: Honda]Continue reading Honda unveils supplemental robot legs for humans
Honda unveils supplemental robot legs for humans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Motorsports, SEMA, Tuners, Coupes, Honda
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Galpin Accord Concept
The Galpin Accord Concept is actually pretty tasteful for a Galpin Auto Sports vehicle, and even if the bright blue paint job doesn't get you more attention on the street than you can handle, the two tunnel-sized exhausts out back will do the trick. The carbon fiber roof and plinth for a rear wing will also get you all kinds of cred in certain parts of town. And while information is scarce, the Stoptech brakes up front will help you come back from the edge when the car's actual limits are exceeded. We don't what's hiding under that carbon fiber hood, but we'll take it on faith that the intercooler up front isn't just for show and that something turbo'd lies within. And then, because apparently racers can't hear the stereo when they're hard on the gas, the back seat has been replaced with a speaker array. You just can't be the fastest man on the planet without tunes, now can you? Ah, SEMA... Check it out the gallery of high-res photos below.
SEMA 2008: Galpin Accord Concept is loud outside and in originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Economy, Hatchbacks, Honda
Click above for high-res gallery of the Honda Fit Sport by Mugen
The 2009 Honda Fit Sport will soon be able to shop at the Mugen outlet store thanks to a host of Mugen accessories that were announced today at SEMA. They include a front grille and spoiler, side skirts and rear spoiler, new wheels, and inside you can have Mugen-branded mats and rearview mirrors. We'll take that Mugen shifter and install it in any car, thank you very much. If you want to buy the whole car you see above, just ask for the "Exciting Fit". Really. And while you wait for delivery, go ahead and get excited by the high-res images in the gallery below.
Continue reading SEMA 2008: Mugen kits the Honda Fit Sport
SEMA 2008: Mugen kits the Honda Fit Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Motorsports, SEMA, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Honda
Click above for high-res gallery of the Honda Civic HFP Concept
Honda's F1 team might not be about winning, but it is all about green and dreams of the Earth. In another triumph of race tech trickling down to the masses, Honda unveiled the Civic HFP Concept to show regular folks like you and me that we can have performance and good gas mileage. Developed by Honda Access America, the automaker's in-house factory accessories maker, the Civic HFP is based on the Civic Si Sedan and features a next-generation HFP body kit with additional aero enhancements, super light alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers, a super light HFP exhaust and upgraded HFP suspension. Honda doesn't mention what gas mileage you might expect from the HFP Concept, but we'd venture a guess that it's more fuel efficient than a stock Civic Si Sedan. You can read the press release after the jump and check out the gallery of live and official high-res photos below.
Continue reading SEMA 2008: Honda Civic HFP Concept adds enviro to Si Sedan
SEMA 2008: Honda Civic HFP Concept adds enviro to Si Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Tuners, Minivans/MPVs, Japan, Honda
Click above for high-res gallery of the Mugen JDM Honda Odyssey
Thousands of soccer moms would probably argue that Honda's Odyssey is the greatest vehicle ever built. Well, the rest of us know that the Toyota Sienna is an equal, but both are still relatively boring.
Mugen has been making pedestrian Hondas more exciting for 35 years and its most recent project is the new JDM Honda Odyssey, which is a different vehicle entirely than the Odyssey sold in the U.S. Nevertheless, it could possibly be the most exciting-looking minivan ever created, "looking" being the key word there. For the JDM Odyssey, Mugen leaves its 203-hp four-cylinder alone and focuses mostly on the minivan's appearance. A new grille, new front and rear fascias, sporty-looking rear wing, side ground effects a line of custom wheels make up the Mugenized Odyssey. A sport exhaust and brake kit with slotted rotors are as close to performance upgrades as you're going to get. Nevertheless, it's still cooler than any minivan we have over here. Including the Odyssey and Sienna.
[Source: Nihon Car]Mugen JDM Honda Odyssey puts the "get" in grocery getter originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Crossovers/CUVs, Honda
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Element
Honda has taken the wraps off its redesigned 2009 Element after a number of leaked shots revealed the CUV's new skin. Priced from $20,175 for a 2WD LX model to $25,185 for a 4WD EX with Honda's Satellite-linked navigation, the new Element arrives looking much more grown up than its quirky predecessor. Retaining the same lunch box shape as before, the '09 Element gets a new front end with its own version of Honda's new corporate grille that debuted on its bigger brother, the Pilot SUV. Whereas the first Element used matte black plastic fenders to get across its off-the-beaten-path personality, the new one is dressed in color keyed sheetmetal on all four sides. The rear end has also been tweaked with a redesigned lift gate and taillights.
The Element's interior includes new color combos, titanium-look accents, new fabrics and revised switchgear, as well as a new convertible center console with a removable cooler. There's also a new three-compartment overhead console available. Buyers can choose from three models: the base LX, up-level EX and sportier SC. All three are powered by Honda's 2.4L inline-four engine with i-VTEC that produces 166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy ranges from 18 city/23 highway for the SC and 20/25 for the LX and EX.
The new Element is certainly an improvement over the outgoing model, at least in the looks category, but functionally speaking it offers the same experience as the one before. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing considering the Element offers unique capabilities in a small, efficient package.
[Source: Honda]Continue reading 2009 Honda Element debuts, priced from $20,175
2009 Honda Element debuts, priced from $20,175 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Honda
The Civic has been a pillar of the Honda lineup for decades, and high gas prices have made it even more important to the Japanese automaker's success here in the U.S. Back in May and June, Honda couldn't make enough Civics, but with the auto industry here in the States imploding, even Honda's little money maker needs incentives. Right now, buyers with good credit can pick up a brand new 2008 or 2009 Civic with 1.9% financing for 36 months or 3.9% APR for up to 60 months. All models except the GX are included in the offer, even the Civic Hybrid.
If you're not looking to buy a Civic, you can lease one for $1,999 down and $189 a month for 36 months. That's $1,100 cheaper than the previous offer of $2,799 down and $199 a month. Honda says the incentive offers are necessary in part because of lowering gas prices, and the Japanese automaker wants to continue to see Civics fly off dealer lots to keep its new Indiana factory humming. Honda dealers are also happy about the Civic deals in light of Toyota's 0% financing program on 11 vehicles, but they would like to see even more. Between 0% financing at Toyota and hefty discounts on 2009 Civics, we have all the evidence we need that U.S. auto market is completely screwed right now.
[Source: Nick Sells Hondas]Honda rolls out low financing rates for best-selling Civic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Euro, Green, Honda, Toyota, UK
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Toyota Prius
According to AutoExpress' Japan correspondent, Peter Lyon, when the 3rd generation Prius goes on sale in Europe next year, the current model will continue to be sold at a discount along side its modern counterpart. The rumored decision by Toyota is in response to the release of the new Honda Insight hybrid, which will start at around £15,000 when it goes on sale this March. In the report, Lyon contends that Toyota wants to woo people into showrooms with the current Prius' lower sticker in an attempt to compete with its cross-town rival. We're interested to see how this will play with consumers and wonder if Toyota will use a similar tactic when the next generation Prius goes on sale in the States around the same time.
UPDATE: AutoExpress' report has been denied by Toyota. No surprise.
[Source: AutoExpress]Current Prius rumored to get price cut to compete with Insight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Acura, Honda
Honda's engines have always been a bit special. Not Mazda rotary, miller-cycle or tiny V6 special, but a bit off the beaten path and resistant to market trends. For decades the Japanese automaker insisted on making engines that rotate the opposite direction than the rest of the industry (in line with its motorcycle roots), and took what seemed like an eternity to go back on its founders aversions to any more than four cylinders. Well, as anyone who's stepped into an Acura dealership knows, a V6 still doesn't cut it when you're trying to lure customers away from the likes of Lexus and BMW. And the new TL may have the company's most powerful V6 to date, but even in today's socio-economic climate, luxury consumers still want V8 muscle. Reports now indicate that Honda is ready to cough it up.
The confirmation reportedly comes straight from Honda CEO Takeo Fukui, who says that a V8 engine will be earmarked towards the company's luxury brand Acura. No official word on where the eight-cylinder engine will land, but we can expect it to find its way into the engine bay of the top-of-the-line RL and probably an SUV, as well. Fukui reportedly promises his V8 will be highly efficient, but while we won't expect it to rotate in the opposite direction, it promises to plug the gap between the company's existing V6s and the V10 in the highly anticipated successor to the NSX.
[Source: All Cars, All the Time]
Acura finally caves to the Magic 8 Ball originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Ferrari, Renault
Citing the ridiculously spiraling costs associated with engine development, the FIA sent out a statement seeking drivetrain suppliers for every Formula 1 team starting in 2010, meaning that the same engine/trans combo would be fitted to every car on the grid. The company that gets the contract would either build and supply the engines or design and supervise the building of them so they meet a specified range.
This kind of plan seems almost incomprehensible given that Formula One has always been known as a series that allows manufacturers and private teams to compete within the regulations to push the boundaries of what's possible in car development, and especially in engine technology. It seems unfathomable that a team like Honda might consider staying in F1 if they had to use a Renault powerplant, or God forbid a Toyota mill. McLaren-Mercedes/Ferrari anyone?
Despite the obvious negative reaction to this announcement, F1 czar Bernie Ecclestone said he doesn't expect to lose any teams: "We're trying to get a level playing field," he said. "I don't see why [manufacturers] should leave, we're saving them an awful lot of money I hope." While increasing development costs have gotten out of hand and threatened the future of the sport by increasing the likelihood that all teams but those with the deepest pockets will be driven out, the overall feeling is that the FIA is using their usual tactic of offering a pretty unpleasant plan, with the hope that teams will accept their much more palatable alternative when that is offered.
Still, there is some support within F1 for this type of plan, especially among the smaller teams that already rely on the major manufacturers to supply engines. A smaller budget means these teams are usually perpetual backmarkers, and with a spec drivetrain, they might be better equipped to grab more podiums. The FIA is set to meet with the Formula One Team's Association in Geneva after this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix. We'll keep you posted. Thanks to Doug for sending this in!
[Source: Eurosport]FIA wants standard engine for F1 in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Japan, Honda
Click above to view a massive, high-res gallery of the JDM Honda Odyssey
Honda's JDM Odyssey - not to be confused with the U.S.-market people mover that shares the same name - has been hailed as one of the best handling minivans in Japan. For 2009, Honda has taken everything good about the outgoing third-generation model and made it better, beginning with a sleeker exterior that pulls a few cues from the Honda FCX Clarity.
Underneath the new, slightly stretched sheet metal lies a reworked chassis sporting double wishbones at all four corners, optional all-wheel-drive and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC powerplant putting out 171 hp in standard guise and 203 hp in the range-topping Absolute model.
The interior is adorned with all the techy tidbits that made previous generations a hit with family-toting geeks, including a sci-fi inspired dash and a new multi-positioned camera system that allows drivers to get a bird's eye view of the vehicle. Similar to the Fit sold in the States, the seating can be arranged in a multitude of ways, including folding flat to create something resembling a bed. We'd like to scam one out of Honda during our next trip to Japan so we can post on the move and don't have to worry about heading back to our hotel - which is traditionally only slightly smaller than the new Odyssey.
Honda reveals all-new JDM Odyssey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'HONDA' Category
Sunday, September 16th, 2007
If you’re looking to buy a Honda Ridgeline, you might want to grab one of the remaining ’07s on the lot. Honda has released the details on the 2008 models, and though not much on the award-winning truck has changed, the price on all trims goes up a little bit.
According to Honda’s press release, the only thing different on 2008 Ridgelines is a wheel upgrade choice. Instead of chrome alloy wheels on the RTS and RTL tiers, customers get machine finished alloys.
The RT and RTX models get a $200 bump in price to $28,000 and $28,500. Honda adds $150 to the price of the RTS, $30,425; RTL, $33,090; and the RTL with navigation, $35,090.
The destination and handling fee also goes up, to $635, a $40 increase over the 2007 fee. EPA’s new rules give the Ridgeline a slightly worse fuel economy rating, at 15/20 instead of 2007’s 16/21.
Full press release after the jump, see our gallery for more photos.
Continue reading Honda releases 2008 Ridgeline details
Posted in World Cars, Cargo cars, Automotive News, HONDA, Pickups | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 24th, 2007
The 2007 Honda Accord Coupe Concept was unveiled Monday at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Detroit news
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, HONDA | No Comments »
Friday, May 20th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
FR-V (2004-) (Honda Europe - Belgium)
Honda Edix MPV
Sales Company:
Honda Europe (Belgium)
Available version:
1.7 16v aut.
1.7 16v
1.7 16v 4WD aut.
2.0 16v aut.
2.0 16v
2.0 16v 4WD aut.
2.2 CDTi
Previous version:
Variation:
Info:
New 6-seater MPV built on CR-V platform. Edix comes from edit + six, referring to the reconfigurable interior. The car will be called FR-V (Flexible Recreational Vehicle) in Europe.
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in HONDA | No Comments »
Friday, May 20th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Honda Acty (Mk.III.) - Vamos (Mk.II.) Vamos Hobio
Sales Company:
Available version:
0.7 12v 3AT
0.7 12v 4wd 4AT
0.7 12v 4wd 5MT
0.7 12v 5MT
0.7 12v Turbo 4AT
0.7 12v Turbo 4wd 4AT
Previous version:
Variation:
(Acty)
MicroVan Estate
(Vamos Hobio)
(2003 - )
MicroVan Estate
(Vamos (Mk.II.))
(1999 - )
MicroVan Pick-Up
(Acty Truck)
(1999 - )
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in HONDA | No Comments »
Thursday, May 19th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Accord (2002-) (Honda Europe - Belgium)
TSX(2004-) (Acura - United States of America)
Honda Accord (Mk.VII.) Limousine 4d
Sales Company:
Acura (United States of America)
Honda Europe (Belgium)
Available version:
2.0 16v
2.0 16v aut.
2.0 16v Awd aut.
2.2 CDTi
2.4 16v
2.4 16v aut.
Euro-R - 2.0 16v 162kW
Previous version:
Variation:
Mugen (Japan) Honda tuning
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Acura (United States of America)
Donors:
Posted in HONDA | No Comments »
