Saturday, January 15, 2011

Next-generation Honda Civic may be delayed



00109civicopr Next generation Honda Civic may be delayed
Typically, most automakers stick to a relatively strict five-year product cycle for their highest-selling, most important products. The Honda Civic, for example, debuted in September of 2005, so realistically, a new model should be just around the corner, right? Not exactly.
In an interview with AutoWeek, American Honda executive vice president John Mendel said that changing market conditions and tougher fuel economy and emissions regulations have strongly affected the development of the next-generation Civic, meaning that the new model won’t come until sometime in 2011.AW also reports that the Civic’s redesign has been altered along the way – the new model was supposed to be larger than the current model, but now it has been redesigned to be closer in size to the current one (pictured above).
What’s more, with hot new products like the 2012 Ford Focus on deck, Honda will certainly have to up the ante on the Civic’s level of equipment, style and refinement. The Civic is still one of the world’s best-selling cars: about one million are moved each year. And with the U.S. accounting for approximately one-third of those sales, Honda would be wise to ensure that the next-generation Civic will be attractive enough to keep it in the top tier of high-selling vehicles in the States.

00109civicopr 150x150 Next generation Honda Civic may be delayed002 09civic 150x150 Next generation Honda Civic may be delayed001 09civic 150x150 Next generation Honda Civic may be delayed

003 09civic 150x150 Next generation Honda Civic may be delayed005 09civic 150x150 Next generation Honda Civic may be delayed004 09civic 150x150 Next generation Honda Civic may be delayed

006 09civic 150x150 Next generation Honda Civic may be delayed00109civicopr1 150x150 Next generation Honda Civic may be delayed012 09civic 150x150 Next generation Honda Civic may be delayed


Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups



0122011 honda odyssey debut opt Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups
When Honda pulled the wraps off of its Odyssey Concept at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, we knew it was just a few small tweaks away from being production-ready. Well, four months later, the official details and images have been released, and while the 2011 Odyssey doesn’t go a long way in offering fantastic new innovations for the minivan segment, it packages the whole thing together in what might be the best-looking minivan we have yet to see.
The 2011 Odyssey is lower and wider than the outgoing model, and features what Honda is calling a “lightning bolt” beltline, a feature that was present on the concept van that we saw in Chicago. We aren’t sure if we’re in love with that quirky design element, but one thing’s for sure, you won’t see the origami fold and stepped greenhouse on any other minivan in the shopping mall parking lot. Other new features for the 2011 model year include available HID headlamps up front, new 18-inch alloy wheels, larger 12.6-inch ventilated front disc brakes, revised side mirrors and a power tailgate. Honda has yet to release full performance specs, but we do know that there’s a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 under the hood, and early estimates state that the top-trim Odyssey Touring Elite should achieve 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg(!) on the highway.
Inside, Honda has made the most of the Odyssey’s extra width, offering an additional inch of shoulder room in the front row. What’s most interesting, though, are the three second-row seat configurations, including an all-new wide mode which allows the two side captains chairs to be pulled away from the center seat, meaning three child car seats can fit all across one row. Again, the Odyssey hasn’t really done anything innovative with its interior packaging, but new features like a chilled cool box in the front center console, HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) input, 16.2-inch widescreen entertainment system, 15 upholders and a trash bag holder (yep!) will make the cabin more attractive to consumers who need one heck of an all-around family hauler.
We’ll have more details on the Odyssey’s underpinnings in the future, but for now, hit the jump to not only read Honda’s press release, but to see videos of the new Odyssey in action. A full gallery of high-res images is yours for the clicking below.

0012011 honda odyssey debut  150x150 Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups0122011 honda odyssey debut opt 150x150 Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups0002011 honda odyssey debut  150x150 Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups

0042011 honda odyssey debut  150x150 Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups0022011 honda odyssey debut  150x150 Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups0032011 honda odyssey debut  150x150 Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups

0052011 honda odyssey debut  150x150 Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups0122011 honda odyssey debut opt1 150x150 Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups0062011 honda odyssey debut  150x150 Officially Official: 2011 Honda Odyssey prepares to rock your sippy cups





Honda’s fix for prematurely dying Civic hybrid batteries hurting fuel economy, performance?



honda civic hybrid 1280 07 450x300 Hondas fix for prematurely dying Civic hybrid batteries hurting fuel economy, performance?
Until the past year or so, the Civic Hybrid had been by far the best selling gas-electric model introduced byHonda. However, the second-generation model introduced in 2006 has not been entirely problem-free. There have been several lawsuits against Honda claiming that the Civic doesn’t meet its advertised mileage claims. While those sort of claims are often dubious given their dependency on factors like driving style, climate and terrain, premature battery failures are not.
According to the Los Angeles Times, it appears that 2006-2008 Civic Hybrid models are suffering an abnormally high rate of battery failure at relatively low miles. The nickel-metal-hydride batteries are evidently prematurely losing their ability to hold a charge – particularly in hot weather areas like Arizona and when used in a lot of stop-and-go traffic. The Civic Hybrid has a dual compressor air-conditioning system with an engine driven primary compressor and a smaller electric compressor to keep the system going when the engine is shut during a stop. Using the air conditioning will cause the battery to go through more charge cycles, eventually wearing it down. Read on after the jump for more on why the battery might be failing and how Honda is attempting to address it.

Report: Honda Canada discontinuing Insight and Civic hybrid



stress ball money DS04AP6 450x300 Report: Honda Canada discontinuing Insight and Civic hybrid
It’s no secret that the revived 2010 Honda Insight has been a huge sales disappointment in North America. The once-robust sales of the Civic hybrid have also evaporated in the last two years. Apparently, things are far worse for Honda’s hybrids in Canada where higher fuel prices typically cause people to buy more efficient vehicles.
An unconfirmed report from a Canadian web site indicates that both the Civic hybrid and the Insight are being discontinued there. Checking the Canadian sales charts, the Civic as a whole is one of the top-selling cars in Canada with 31,604 units sold in 2010 through July.
While hybrid sales are not broken out by Honda Canada, we can do a little educated guessing. Since only 643 of those Civic sales were imports and the hybrids come from Japan, we can figure that those 643 were the hybrid models. Similarly, Canadians only bought 748 Insights in the same period. When it launched, Honda projected 10,000 annual sales in Canada. Evidently Canadians just aren’t taken with hybrids – even the mighty Prius has only found 2,272 Canadian buyers this year.
Honda hasn’t yet responded to a request for comment on the cancellation of these two models. Apparently, Honda Canada will still proceed with the launch of the CR-Z there, maybe leaving it as the company’s only hybrid. A tip of the hat to Mario!

Honda Li Nisn Everus sedan concept in Beijing


 

01 everus 630 1272041020 Beijing 2010: Honda Li Nisn Everus sedan concept
The Beijing Motor Show is well under way, and Honda is showing off a new concept slated for the Chinese market. Called the Li Nian Everus, the car is the fruit of a partnership between the Japanese automaker and its Chinese partner, Guangqi Honda Automobile. We don’t have too many details on the sedan other than the fact that at this point, it’s nothing more than a concept.
Judging by the renderings, we’re tempted to guess this thing has more than a little Civic DNA swimming around in its blood stream, though it looks like Honda raided the Acura design department for the car’s less-than-traditional nose and rear-end.
Speaking of the Civic, it would make some sense if Honda swapped a little sheet metal and called it a day. Honda’s compact is sold under the Dongfeng Honda banner, leaving Guangqi Honda Automobile without a comparable model. Our guess is that when the Everus comes to market, it will be slightly more upscale and boast more standard niceties than its sibling.
01 everus 630 12720410201 150x150 Beijing 2010: Honda Li Nisn Everus sedan concept01 everus 150x150 Beijing 2010: Honda Li Nisn Everus sedan concept01 everus 630 1272041020 150x150 Beijing 2010: Honda Li Nisn Everus sedan concept
04 everus 150x150 Beijing 2010: Honda Li Nisn Everus sedan concept03 everus 150x150 Beijing 2010: Honda Li Nisn Everus sedan concept02 everus 150x150 Beijing 2010: Honda Li Nisn Everus sedan concept

Honda Four-Door Civic Si



CivicSisedan1 Honda Four Door Civic Si
The new Honda Civic Si model was anounced on Chicago Auto Show. A concept on the Chicago stage but promised for production in the fall, the Civic Si Sedan will share the current Si Coupe’s 197-hp four and six-speed manual transmission, along with its limited-slip differential. New 18-inch wheels jazz up the sedan, and four-piston Brembo brakes increase stopping capability. Honda says 2007 will be the first time that two Si models will be available at the same time in the Honda lineup.
CivicSisedan2 Honda Four Door Civic Si

    Honda Element



    hondaelement 2007 Honda Element
    Honda has unveiled 2007 Element model. The Honda Element SC was previewed in concept form at the New York Auto Show. The 2007 Honda Element LX and EX go on sale today with prices starting at $18,900. The Element SC goes on sale September 28th and will start at $22,695. All models have a new 166-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, Drive-by-Wire(TM) throttle control system, new interior color schemes, standard painted exterior body panels (EX only), Maintenance Minder system, black urethane flooring, new gauge designs and more.

    Honda CR-V



    2007HondaCRV 2007 Honda CR V
    Take a look at the first press-issue images of the 2007 Honda CR-V. Pics are poor, but they provide a good look at the new Honda’s SUV. The car on the shots will be the European version of the new CR-V. The American edition is expected to have a slightly different nose.

    Honda FCX sedan



    honda FCX Honda FCX sedan
    This is a FCX, a five-passenger luxury sedan, that Honda unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. An updated FCX version will be equipping with third-generation fuel-cell system and will introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
    Early Honda announced plans to put a sedan version of the FCX concept into production within the next three years. The third-generation fuel cell moves the Honda closer to a production system.

    Honda Civic Si


    2007hondacivicsi 2007 Honda Civic Si
    The 2007 Honda Civic Si sedan will unveiled at the 2006 SEMA trade show in October 2006. The new Civic sedan was shown as concept in February at the Chicago Auto Show. Pricing is expected around $20,000. The hot Civic will equipped a 197-horsepower, 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC engine with an 8,000 rpm redline and 6-speed manual transmission.
    2007hondacivicsi2 2007 Honda Civic Si

    Honda Civic Type R


    2007hondacivictyper 2007 Honda Civic Type R
    Honda Motor has unveiled the 2007 Civic Type R, a hot version of the Euro Civic hatchback. The new Type R will be powered by the naturally-aspirated, high-revving 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC enginel. VTEC variable valve timing and VTC variable inlet camshaft technology continue to underpin the engine structure. “Hot Hatch” now takes place at a lower 5,200rpm, and continues all the way to 8,000rpm. Max output is now 201 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, compared to 200 horsepower at 7,400 rpm. Acceleration to 62 mph takes 6.6 seconds.
    Pricing has yet to be announced for the Type-R. 2007 Honda Civic Type R will go on sale next March in the UK.

    2007hondacivictyper2 2007 Honda Civic Type R

    2007hondacivictyper3 2007 Honda Civic Type R

    Honda Civic Mugen Si Sedan



    2007hondacivicmugensis 2007 Honda Civic Mugen Si Sedan
    Honda revealed a Civic Mugen Si Sedan prepared by Honda tuner Mugen at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. The new prototype equipped with a high performance suspension, forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body styling and a sport exhaust system. 2007 Honda Civic Mugen Si Sedan planned for production in a limited quantity of 500 units a year and will be available at U.S. dealers starting in spring 2007 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than $30,000.
    The track tuned suspension, tested at the Twin Ring Motegi racing circuit in Japan, lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches with aggressive spring and damper tuning for enhanced handling performance while still maintaining ride comfort. Compared to the stock Civic Si Sedan, front and rear damping force (both bump and rebound) was increased between 8- and 24-percent (the rate varies depending on condition). Lightweight 16.7-pound 18?7.5-inch forged aluminum wheels (27 percent lighter than the stock 17?7 alloy wheel) and high-grip BFGoodrich g-Force KDW 215/40ZR18 summer tires help to further improve handling.

    Honda Accord Coupe



    hondacoupe 2008 Honda Accord Coupe
    The 2008 Honda Accord Coupe was spied on public roads. wizard8873 from howardforums.com wrote:
    i was on my way back to my office from lunch when two white cars passed the intersection. didnt recognize them at first and after looking at them a little bit, i realized they were the new accord. taken with my camera phone.

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