Happy Halloween from the Honda Portal

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SEMA: HPP Comes up with its own Trans-Am Camaro kit

Nice!The last time we heard from Heide Performance Products (HPP), the Michigan-based tuner showcased a Daytona conversion for Dodge's Challenger. Keeping with the vintage theme, HPP is now ready to show its next pony car conversion - a Camaro-based Trans-Am kit - at this year's SEMA show in Vegas.As with all the other Firebird body kits out there (Lingenfelter's, ASC's, etc), HPP's version does its best to bring back the good-ol' days of the screaming chicken. The results, as with any "we're selling you memories" conversion, vary.Regarding the proposition of selling this conversion (for anything other than the collectability factor), I don't see a point. Pontiac is D-E-A-D, it's not coming back, and that means anyone's "new" Trans-Am will...

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Honda, Hyundai issue anti-used-parts memos, junkyards object

The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) issued a formal complaint letter with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against two car manufacturers, Hyundai Motor America and American Honda. Both companies released statements that warn against the use of recycled auto parts, and indicate that their use will void vehicle warranties issued by the companies. ARA said those statements and their threatened warranty refusals could be violations of the Magnuson-Moss Act.Use of these recycled parts, a $22-billion industry, has been widely accepted for decades and there is a long track record of their successful use, ARA said. Recycled parts are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. They are fully functional and are in many cases identical to the...

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The World's Fatest Car Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport launched in India at Just Rs. 16 Crore

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport - the world's fastest fully street-legal production car, finally launched in India by Exclusive Motors Private Limited in New Delhi, and you can own this beauty at just Rs. 16 Crores, yes you heard it right.The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport is convertible and is very powerful with 1001 bhp pumping out of its 16 cylinder, quad-turbocharged engine, can reach the top speed of 407 km/h and speed of 360 km/h with the roof off.The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport will be limited to maximum 150 units, with the first 40 of these have gone exclusively to registered Bugatti custome...

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Honda Insight Gets Tweaked Stop-Start System, Revised MPG Numbers

All this is confirmed for the UK markets, not sure why it wouldn't come here in North America....Honda has made some improvements to the stop-start system on their Insight hybrid car, allowing drivers to keep the engine off for up to 3 times as long as previous years.Insights before 2011 could keep the engine stopped for up to 30 seconds, but new improvements for this coming model year allow for the engine to be stopped for as long as 90 seconds. The initial figure was based on a “worst case scenario” of extreme humidity, a car full of passengers and poor weather, but Honda has now revised the rating.The 90 second engine-off feature will help improve mileage in town by a noticeable amount.Unfortunately, we’re not sure just how significant the...

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CarScoop: Sneak Preview: Fortune Motorsports' SEMA-Bound Honda CR-Z

It's time for the tuning aficionados over at Fortune Motorsports to give us our first look at their customized Honda CR-Z that will be officially revealed at next week's SEMA Show. Even though this here picture is a computer generated rendering, the tuner claims its "almost 100% accurate" to what we'll see displayed on the floors of the Las Vegas Convention Center.The build incorporates a bodykit with front and rear spoilers, side skirts and race-like mirrors, as well as a carbon fiber hood and larger alloy wheels shod in low profile tires. The photo also reveals a lowered suspension and a pair of body-hugging bucket seats from Zeal.Still no word if the tuner has fiddled around with the CR-Z's gasoline-electric hybrid system.Image credits:...

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L.A. auto show: Honda to reveal electric concept

Honda will unveil an electric-vehicle concept on Nov. 17 at the Los Angeles auto show. It will be accompanied by a new platform that shows off Honda's latest plug-in developments.Honda Motor Co. Ltd. president and CEO Takanobu Ito will be at the press conference, marking the first time the company's global CEO has made a product reveal in Los Angeles.The show is expected to feature about 20 global reveals, organizers said on Wednesday.Source;http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101027/LOSANGELES/101029...

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Consumer Reports: Honda, Toyota vehicles most trouble-free

Sorry about the small pic, it's as big as I could find....DETROIT — The most problem-free cars and trucks are made by Honda and Toyota, but U.S. automakers Ford and General Motors are closing the gap in quality, according to an annual survey by Consumer Reports magazine.Ford and GM continue to narrow the disparity that once separated Asia-based automakers from their Detroit rivals. Large overhauls of American car companies in the last few years have resulted in fewer brands and better vehicles from Detroit.For the third year in a row, Toyota's Scion had the fewest problems of any brand in the survey. It was followed by Porsche, Acura, Honda, and Nissan's Infiniti luxury brand. The Toyota brand ranked sixth, down from third last year. It was...

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Honda Short Film on Sunday Nov 07, 2010

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct 26, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- As part of the "DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE" Documentary Series, Honda will debut its seventh short-film documentary, "Into the Unknown," at http://dreams.honda.com on Sunday, Nov. 7. That evening, a 90-second trailer for the new short-film documentary will air during the premiere of National Geographic Channel's "Great Migrations," an epic miniseries event that takes viewers around the world on the arduous journeys millions of animals undertake to ensure the survival of their species. Today Honda's more than 599,000 Facebook fans, as well as its YouTube channel viewers, will get a sneak peek of "Into the Unknown." "Honda's 'Power of Dreams' marketing spotlights human stories of perseverance, including...

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Inside Line: 2012 Honda Fit Hybrid First Drive

No immediate plans for this coming to North America....The Honda Hybrid We've Been Waiting forBy Peter Nunn, ContributorThere's little doubt that Honda has a mixed record with hybrids. The original Civic Hybrid was well received, but its successor never achieved Prius-like mpg, while more recent entries like the Insight and CR-Z have garnered complaints for their dynamics and styling alike. However, with the launch of the new 2012 Honda Fit Hybrid in Japan, Honda may have at last found the right formula for green car success.We get our turn behind the wheel of Honda's new eco warrior on the streets of Tokyo, but this car would make a lot of sense in the U.S., too. Cheaper and nicer to drive than the Insight — with all the space and practicality...

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Japanese car maker steps up efforts to reduce carbon footprint

There are more ways than just making enviro cars to be environmentally friendly....By Abigail L. HoPhilippine Daily InquirerMANILA, Philippines—Recognizing that vehicles are big contributors to pollution, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. is stepping up efforts to reduce its own carbon footprint by implementing various environment-saving measures in its Sta. Rosa, Laguna manufacturing facility.In a speech during the celebration of the company's 20th anniversary, Honda Philippines president and general manager Hiroshi Shimizu said that from 2006, the car manufacturer had slashed carbon emissions from its production activities by as much as 20 percent.This was achieved through the implementation of energy demand side management activities, as well...

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Honda’s Asimo Celebrates 10th Bipedal Anniversary

It’ll be ten years on the 31st of October since the day Honda Motor Company’s bipedal Asimo first successfully walked on his own two legs, and Honda plans to celebrate that special day with several events: Honda are creating a large collage and are soliciting submissions of photographs of people with Asimo or other Honda products, or drawings of Asimo; the Honda Welcome Plaza in Aoyama, Tokyo will have a five-day “Asimo Special Week” with demonstrations, conferences with the design team, and handshake events (like booksigning events in bookstores, except with robotic handshakes); and Honda will release an app called “Run with ASIMO” for smartphones (no details on which platform or platforms) which will let users ‘grow’ their own Asimos (by...

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Cult Motorsport's Custom Challenger SRT8 Looks Evil

Wow.... just when I thought the Challenger couldn't get any better looking....This Dodge Challenger built for Cult Energy drinks is set to debut in November at SEMA. Built with a one-off, hand-fabricated widebody kit, some Mopar forum fan-boys claim power output's in the 1000 horsepower range.Source;http://jalopnik.com/5671734/cult-motorsports-custom-challenger-srt8-looks-evilSource for pic's, check it out, way more photo's; [Not Bland Photograp...

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Honda India: 2011 Honda Brio City Car on Track

Japanese automaker Honda is rumored to plan the launch of a new entry-level hatchback in India next year. This follows the release of a concept car codenamed CV2 that appeared at the New Delhi Auto Show in early 2010.The new small car that is set to conquer the Indian market is Brio, which means “funny small car.” This vehicle is likely to enter production next year for the Chinese, Indian, and Thailand markets.Honda Brio will reportedly be smaller than the Honda Jazz.The small car is expected to be powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine that currently propels the Jazz, a 5-speed manual and an automatic CVT transmission option. A de-tuned version of this unit is set for providing higher fuel economy and decrease production costs.Also, the Brio...

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Statement by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Regarding Brake Master Cylinder Seal Recall: Selected 2005 to 2007 Acura RL and 2005 to early 2007 Honda

From what I understand, Honda used the same supplier as Toyota on this latest round of recalls....American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced a voluntary safety recall of 471,820 model year 2005 to 2007 Acura RL and model year 2005 to early 2007 Honda Odyssey vehicles to replace a seal in the brake master cylinder.Honda made this decision to prevent the unlikely failure of a seal in the brake master cylinder. It is possible for the seal to fail if the Honda Genuine DOT 3 brake fluid installed at the factory is replaced with certain aftermarket brake fluids with reduced lubrication properties, followed by a manual brake bleed with full and rapid stroke of the brake pedal. This could cause the seal to become twisted within its retention groove....

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2011 Honda Element Provides Rugged Versatility Inside and Out

I've heard from a pretty reliable source that Honda is seriously considering taking the Element off the market, which would mean no redesign....The 2011 Honda Element SUV stands ready for adventure with its wide-opening side cargo doors, a wipe-down utility floor and a multitude of seating configurations that range from lounge mode to maximum cargo mode.The purposeful interior offers a low load-in floor with flat surfaces along with a tall interior ideal for hauling many types of gear. The interior provides seating for four people along with a cargo area that quickly adapts to large items with its flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side, or can be removed altogether (64-plus seating arrangements). Cargo space measures an...

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JDM Acura RL Receiving 6A and New Tire Noise Silencer Technology

The Acura RL is undergoing a mid-model refresh in Japan, where it is known as the Honda Legend.As far as we can tell from Honda's Japanese release (thanks, Google Translate), the Legend will soon be getting a six-speed automatic transmission. That transmission will pair to the 3.7-liter V-6 producing 300 horsepower in the U.S. version, with SH-AWD.The 2010 RL is rated 16/22 mpg city/highway. When the MDX -- with the same engine -- received the six-speed automatic, mileage improved by 1 mpg in the city and on the highway.The other news for the JDM Acura RL is new technology involving the 18-inch wheels you see in the photo of the silver Legend. Honda says the wheels reduce tire noise. We'd hesitate to explain the technology using the jumbled...

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Honda Design Concept: The Honda AIR

Honda AirThe Honda Air concept is a vision of the future of lightweight and alternative fuel performance vehicles; a coastal cruiser for the aggressive lifestyle. Inspired by the modern roller coaster as well as skydiving wing-suits, the Air is powered by a compressed air and pneumatic regulator system. It utilizes turbo vacuums and external air-flow to regenerate tank pressure for extended range and increased boost for an estimated 100 miles. The chassis doubles as the master tank and all components, including seating, are mounted to the central chassis/tank to eliminate redundant structure and reduce overall weight.Vegetable based polymer panels and fairings protect occupants, maintaining the solid Honda method; safety for everyone. The Air’s...

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The Auto Channel: 2011 Honda Odyssey Review

Honda Odyssey for 2011By Thom CannellSenior EditorDetroit Bureau The Auto ChannelWhy does Honda have the guts to develop an all-new minivan when GM and Ford have abandoned the market? Though sales have dropped, annual sales of half a million per year makes the minivan market larger than many and, one supposes, profitable. And why does Honda think it can outsmart perennial leader Chrysler? That is the story.Today’s minivan intenders and prospectors are the first kids who to grow up inside those early boxes on wheels. As infants, toddlers and adolescents they were car seated, booster seated, soccer-baseball-football-hockey trans-sported in minivans and very likely went to their proms aboard a minivan (not to mention the extreme likelihood their...

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RBM Camaro to muscle into SEMA 2010

I think I just drooled all over my keyboard.... this looks so hot....Graphic artist Jon Sibal designed this Camaro for RBM - one of 5 of his designs which will make it to the SEMA 2010Thanks to graphic artist Jon Sibal for his BMW M3 DTM rendering yesterday which gave us an idea of what BMW's return to that racing series may look like.Now, this 2010 Chevy Camaro for Raging Bull Marketing is a model that Sibal has designed himself. It is one of 5 from the automotive designer that will be making it to the 2010 SEMA show in Las Vegas next month.Martinez, California-based Raging Bull Marketing (RBM) was so impressed with Sibal's rendering of a Camaro XS that they commissioned him to design this special RBM 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.The new look features...

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Burlapp Find: 2012 Honda FIT Extended?!?

Huh?!? Not sure if this makes sense but here it is anywayz.... Source;http://www.burlappcars.com/2010/10/2012-honda-fit-extended.h...

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Euro 2012 Honda Civic Drawing

Nice find from Burlap....Source;http://www.burlappcars.com/2010/10/2012-euro-civic.h...

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2012 Toyota Yaris pics leaked

Looks like a big improvement over the current Yaris, hope they do something to that dash as well....Toyota is getting ready to present a new generation of its Japanese domestic market Vitz supermini, which we will come to know (with a few changes here and there) as the 2012 Yaris.For this reason, Toyota launched a mini site teasing the new car through some cropped images and text, which unfortunately, is in Japanese - any help with the translation would be appreciated. From what we understand, the new Vitz / Yaris will either be unveiled or is planned to go on sale in Japan, in December.Source;http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/10/toyota-launches-mini-site-for-2012.h...

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Honda Odyssey Commercial: The Van Beckons

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HondaJet Program Update Released at 2010 NBAA

- Ground function testing underway on first conforming flight test aircraft- Static stress testing in progress on second conforming aircraft- Third conforming flight test aircraft in production- Production cockpit and cabin releasedHonda Aircraft Company, Inc., today released at the annual National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention an update to its HondaJet advanced light jet program, including the announcement of ground testing underway on its first conforming flight test aircraft and static structural stress testing in progress on its second conforming aircraft. Also announced was the commencement of assembly of its third conforming flight test aircraft.With the installation of electrical, hydraulic, mechanical and environmental...

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