The Honda Portals Updated look

Thanks for your patience while I updated the layout of The Honda Portal. I thought it was time for something new. What do you think?(sure have come a long way from where I start...

Read more »

Honda FIT Hybrid: Honda new hybrid to be cheapest one in Japan

* Hybrid cars becoming low-margin game for car makers-analystTOKYO, June 24 (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co 's (7267.T) new hybrid car will cost one fifth less than the cheapest hybrid on the Japanese market, according to a newspaper report -- a move that may make hybrids low profit margin models for automakers.The new car will cost around 1.5 million yen ($16,570), making it the cheapest hybrid in Japan when it goes on sale this autumn, the Nikkei business daily said.It will cost about 400,000 yen less than the Insight, Honda's other hybrid offering, and about 200,000 yen more than Honda's popular gasoline-powered Fit compact car, it said."Lower prices are good for consumers but not for shareholders," said Yoshihiko Tabei, an analyst at Kazaka...

Read more »

Honda S2000 successor to be a mid-engine hybrid

Patent filings in Japan by Honda suggest that the automaker is working on a new roadster to take over where the Honda S2000 left off, according to Autocar. The application says the car will use "an engine being fitted to a centre frame," suggesting that the rear-wheel drive car will be mid-engined.The magazine believes this model will be a hybrid, though that is speculation based on Honda's ever-changing corporate strategy. As S2000 sales dwindled in recent years, Honda will need to produce something that is both unique and competitively priced. Their push towards vehicles with reduced direct emissions does support the possibility of a hybrid roadster from the Japanese automaker.After cancelling the Honda/Acura NSX successor, eliminating niche...

Read more »

Retro Take for 2012 New VW Beetle Design Study

Hmmph....I like it....There's a lot of speculation going around about whether or not Volkswagen will introduce a second generation of the New Beetle. Either way, independent designers from all four-corners of the world are continuing to offer their take on how a 2012 New Beetle should look like.This here design study for a New Beetle MkII was penned by our Brazilian friend Eduardo Oliveira, who you may remember from previous concepts like the 2012 Jetta, Hyundai i30 Sedan and Ford Thunderbird CC. Unlike David Cordoso's futuristic-looking proposal (see here) that we showed you back in May, Oliveira's design for the New/New Beetle is far more retro.Source (with more pic's);http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/06/retro-take-for-2012-new-vw-beetl...

Read more »

Toyota to launch two new hybrid sports cars: MR2 and Supra

According to the latest reports it appears that Toyota is ready to built two hybrid sports cars: a successor to the MR2 and a reborn Supra.First of all, we have the MR2 which is set to receive a hybrid powertrain based on a 1.5-liter petrol engine, just like the Honda CR-Z, which uses a 1.5-liter engine capable to deliver 102 hp but also an electric motor which develops an extra 20 hp. Apparently, the MR2, which will make its debut in 2013, was set to receive a V6 petrol engine but due to the success of the Honda CR-Z, Toyota changed its mind. Regarding the Supra successor, it seems that this car will be inspired by the FT-HS Concept unveiled back in 2007 at the Detroit Auto Show and will receive a V6 hybrid powertrain. Set to make its debut...

Read more »

Rendered Speculation: Reader-penned Acura TL Sportwagon

With the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon now on sale and the Acura TSX wagon coming this fall, Autoblog reader Andrew decided to try his hand at producing a five-door version of the larger TL sedan.By merging the roofline of the seven-seat MDX crossover with the body of the midsize sedan, Andrew has created what to our eyes is a fairly handsome sedan... well, at least those of us in the minority that actually like the look of the standard TL. The D-pillar does look a bit heavy in this application, so perhaps a more forward sloping rear window in the manner of some of Audi's Avant wagons would give the car a sleeker look. Share your thoughts in the comments below.Source:http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/25/rendered-speculation-reader-penned-acura-tl-sportwagon/Andrew...

Read more »

Honda Accord Receives New Styling and Increased Fuel Economy for 2011

EPA fuel economy goes up to 23/34 city/highway mpg (+2/+3) on some models; more features and a new Accord SE Sedan model to debut06/24/2010 - TORRANCE, Calif. -Set to go on sale in mid-August, the 2011 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe receive significant updates including improved fuel economy, enhanced exterior and interior styling and the addition of a new leather-equipped Special Edition (SE) trim level. Available as either a sedan or a coupe in 4-cylinder and V-6 variations, the Accord offers a unique balance of style, performance, efficiency and value specific to each individual model."For 2011, the Accord evolves again with sharpened styling inside and out, fuel economy gains and a broader application of popular features," said Erik Berkman,...

Read more »

Honda’s Ito Defends Efficiency Lead as Hyundai Gains

By Makiko Kitamura and Alan OhnsmanJune 23 (Bloomberg) -- Takanobu Ito became a star at Honda Motor Co. with his work on the NSX sports car, the company’s most powerful model. Now, as chief executive officer, he’s focusing on fuel efficiency as Ford Motor Co. and Hyundai Motor Co. threaten Honda’s leading position in North America.While Honda’s fleet is rated the most fuel-efficient in the U.S., Ford’s Fiesta subcompact gets up to 33 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving, compared with 31 mpg for Honda’s rival Fit hatchback. Hyundai’s Sonata sedan tops Honda’s top- selling Accord in economy and horsepower, and its revamped Elantra compact promises to use less fuel than Honda’s Civic.“Ford is coming back, and Hyundai is gaining market...

Read more »

Consumer Reports: Point/counterpoint: Fresh air in new sunroof trends

Interesting take on things....Point: More and more automakers are installing large glass roof panels that can’t be opened. If I have a big sunroof letting light in, it makes me want fresh air, too. I’m a big moonroof fan, and initially liked the idea of these larger open roofs.But after living with several, I’ve found they’re usually too noisy to open on the highway and only really useful on back roads. Plus, if you don’t use the sunshade, they add a lot of heat in the cabin on sunny days, making the air conditioner work harder. Some of these panels-like on the Lincoln MKT and the Volkswagen Passat CC--don’t even open at all. I’d prefer automakers go back to offering smaller, normal, quiet moonroofs.–Eric Evarts Counterpoint: I don’t like moonroofs....

Read more »

The Cars.com Top 10 American-Made Cars

Cars.com's American-Made Index rates vehicles built and bought in the U.S. Factors include sales, where the car's parts come from and whether the car is assembled in the U.S. We disqualify models with a domestic parts content rating below 75 percent, models built exclusively outside the U.S. or models soon to be discontinued without a U.S.-built successor.In today's global economy, there's no easy way to determine just how American a car is. Many cars built in the U.S., for example, are assembled using parts that come from elsewhere. Some cars assembled in the U.S. from strictly American-made parts don't sell well, meaning fewer Americans are employed to build them. Cars.com's American-Made Index recognizes cars that are built here, have a...

Read more »

Toyota’s Top Test Driver Naruse Killed in Car Crash in Germany

June 24 (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp.’s chief test driver, Hiromu Naruse, was killed in a car accident yesterday in Germany, the world’s largest automaker said.Naruse, 67, died following the accident near a test track, the New York Times reported yesterday, citing the German newspaper Rhein-Zeitung. A Bayerische Motoren Werke AG vehicle driven by another test driver was involved in the accident, the cause of which is still unclear, according to the report.“We are surprised by the sudden sad news,” Mieko Iwasaki, a Tokyo-based spokeswoman for Toyota, said by phone today. “We express our heartfelt sympathy to people who were in the accident.” Iwasaki declined to comment on the details of the accident pending an investigation.Naruse joined...

Read more »

Me too!: 2012 Hyundai Veloster expected to breach the 40 mpg barrier

I can't help but think that what Honda and Toyota took 50 years to achieve, Hyundai is trying to accomplish in a short amount of time, alot of this seems rushed, only time will tell. Their cars are sure looking nicer, I'll give them that, and only time will really tell if they are on the right track. Competition's healthy though.Hyundai’s upcoming small sports coupe will pierce the 40 miles-per-gallon barrier, according to Hyundai Motor America president John Krafcik.In an interview at Los Angeles, Krafcik told reporters that with this figure, its coupe will be able to beat the new 2011 Honda CR-Z, which, which despite having a hybrid powertrain, achieves only 36/39 city/highway when equipped with a CVT and 31/37 with a manual gearbox. The...

Read more »

Hyundai launches Verna Transform in India Priced at Rs 6.55 - 9.21 Lacas - Verna Transform Photos, Images

Hyundai launches Verna Transform in India Priced at Rs 6.55 - 9.21 Lacas - Verna Transform Photos, ImagesHyundai India launched the all new Verna Transform, on Wednesday, 23rd June, 2010 with dynamic features and a distinctive sporty styling. Verna Transform gets a fresh new bumper design, new headlamps and stylish new front body coloured grille with gives more aggressive look.New Hyundai Verna Transforms will compeet with Maruti-Suzuki SX4, Honda City, Fiat Linea and Ford Fiesta. The Verna Transform retains the powerful & popular powertrain of its predecessor. The petrol variants include – 1.6 VTVT & 1.6 SX VTVT – while the diesel variants include - 1.5 CRDi VGT, 1.5 SX CRDi VGT & 1.5 SX VGT (AT).New Hyundai Verna Transforms Prices...

Read more »

2011 CR-Z SI or electric versions not in Honda’s plans

Honda’s 2011 CR-Z model will start selling on August 24 in the US. Honda revealed that pricing is estimated to range from under $20,000. (US)Honda also said that it isn’t planning to produce an Si variant or an electric version of the CR-Z and that a federal tax credit will not be offered with the sporty hybrid coupe. In response to an e-mail query, Honda spokesman Chuck Schifsky said that the CR-Z will not qualify for an alt-fuel federal tax credit because each company is limited to only 60,000 hybrids and Honda hit this number “a long time ago.”Earlier this month, Honda confirmed during a press conference that a CR-Z Si will not be launched this summer. John Mendel, Honda’s US executive vice president of sales, was asked pointblank if there...

Read more »

Globe and Mail: 2010 Honda Accord: Accord a choice selection

Choosing a family sedan is a daunting task.There are way too many choices, including the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and the Volkswagen Jetta – to name just a few. So when it comes to narrowing down your choice, a good option is to turn to the best-sellers like the Honda Accord to find out what all the fuss is about.The 2010 Honda Accord sedan comes in a number of trims. The base LX model starts at $25,290. The most expensive model is the top-of-the-line EX-L V6 Navi sedan, which costs $37,390. My tester is in between – it's an EX-L Navi sedan with an inline-four-cylinder engine. It's $32,790 and offers a nice balance of luxury, practicality and affordability.The 2010 Accord is a...

Read more »

Honda Reveals New 2011 Odyssey

Honda revealed its fourth-generation Odyssey minivan Thursday in an online news conference from its research and development center in Ohio.The location for the conference was important because the new 2011 Odyssey, which will be released in the fall, is the first Honda van developed by a team of engineers in the United States. It will be built at the same plant in Alabama where the current Odyssey is assembled.The new minivan looks sleeker. It has a roofline that is 1.6 inches lower than the current model and a track (the distance between opposite wheels) that is 1.4 inches wider, also improving aerodynamics for better fuel economy and providing more interior width. Honda added almost an inch of extra shoulder room in the front row.The engine...

Read more »

First Look: Honda's CR-Z Hybrid Is a Blast to Drive. No Really

Hybrids are many things. Efficient, yes. Practical? Sure. Attractive? Hmm, well, maybe. Sporty? You're kidding, right? No one in their right mind would call hybrids sporty.Until now.Honda delivers much-needed excitement to eco-friendly driving with the CR-Z, an attractive, affordable hybrid that's a genuine hoot to drive. It isn't, contrary to the buzz, the second coming of the venerable CRX and you aren't going to see it tearing up any tracks, but the CR-Z is, dare we say it, sporty.The thing is, the CR-Z doesn't feel like a hybrid. There's no lag when the 10-kilowatt electric motor hands off to the 1.5-liter engine. The responsive antilock brakes lack the mushiness found in other hybrids, and the continuously variable transmission is smooth.There's...

Read more »

2011 Honda Ridgeline Changes for Canada

The 2011 Honda Ridgeline will be the same as the 2010 with the exception of colour changes, no word on those yet, stay tuned....*UPDATE* Here they are.... From Concept to RidgelineHonda's approach to building a truck was to start with a clean slate and create a unique and integrated overall package with distinct advantages that make it a comfortable people hauler, a confident cargo transporter and a practical everyday driver. Traditional truck buyers have had to forego a secure and integrated trunk, athletic driving performance, fuel economy and some passenger comfort in exchange for utility that often exceeds their needs. The Ridgeline addresses those trade-offs and either eliminates or minimizes the choices that must be made between everyday...

Read more »

Report: There will be no 2011 Honda CR-Z Si or electric-version

During a press conference held earlier this month for the 2011 Honda CR-Z, the Japanese automaker confirmed that there will be no Si version or an electric-version of the company’s new sporty hybrid hatch.When asked whether Honda would be interested in doing a high-performance version of the CR-Z with an Si badge on it, Honda’s U.S. executive vice president of sales, John Mendel, said that there is “nothing official.” As for as an electric-version or electric-car segment as a whole Mendel said “I don’t think that there’s plans to make this vehicle a pure electric. I wouldn’t say that we believe that the pure EV or BEV will flop in the U.S. It depends upon the application. If you talk about longer charging times and limited range, it speaks...

Read more »

Honda to Fuse S2000 and Beat Into One

Small, Rear-Drive, Mid-Engine Roadster on the Drawing Board The Honda S2000 was recently killed and the Honda Beat 660cc minicar of 1991 all but forgotten, but in a strange comeback story, they both may live again -- fused into the one car. We have just caught word from a source close to Honda that the company is busy at work 'molding' the two together in a radical new project that is taking shape inside the halls of Tochigi's R&D Centre just north of Tokyo. Dropped onto a modified Fit (Jazz) platform, the new roadster will apparently employ a rear mid-engined layout. An illustration of what the new car could become is depicted. It's an intriguing new sports car plan from a company that doesn't really have much left in that genre short...

Read more »

2011 Honda Odyssey Video Press Conference Remarks by Art St. Cyr, Chief Engineer and Steven Frey, Principal Engineer Honda R&D Americas, Inc.

06/17/2010 -Art St. CyrHi, I'm Art St. Cyr, Chief Engineer of the 2011 Honda Odyssey.I'm here with a member of my development team at Honda's R&D Center in Ohio to tell you about the all-new Odyssey coming to Honda showrooms this Fall.This fourth generation Odyssey is the first one developed by a team of Honda engineers in the U.S. and it will be built exclusively at a Honda plant in Alabama.But that's only one reason we call this vehicle an "American Odyssey." The majority of my team of engineers are also longtime Odyssey customers. Many of us have owned three or more Odyssey's in our lives.And we used this intimate knowledge and experience with the product to create an all-new vehicle focused on the needs of American customers within...

Read more »