Thursday, November 26, 2009

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Honda OSM Concept


Honda OSM (for Open Study Model), the two-seater joins the confirmed-for-production CR-Z sports hybrid and FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell car on the Honda stand at the show.

The concept for the project was 'Clean and Dynamic' - and this direction was followed for both the exterior and interior design, ensuring a joined-up, consistent 'language' between the two. One example of this can be seen at the rear of the car, where the body actually extends into the cabin between the seats.


The exterior design is a balance of smooth, rounded curves and sharp lines to provide definition in key areas. The headlights are cleverly integrated into the front end, stretching from the nose to the top of the wheel arches to look more like a part of the original body.

Honda NSX


The Honda NSX (Acura NSX in North America and Hong Kong) is a sports car produced by the Japanese automaker Honda. It has a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, an all-aluminium body and chassis, a V6 engine (the C32B) that produces 216 kW (290 bhp) and 304 N·m (224 ft·lbf) of torque. NSX stands for "New Sports eXperimental".

Honda FRV


The Honda FR-V (Honda Edix in Japan) is a 6-seater compact MPV introduced by Honda in 2004. Alongside the Fiat Multipla, it is currently the only compact minivan with a 3+3 seating configuration available on the European market.

The FR-V is available with two gasoline and one diesel-powered engine.
  • 1.7 i VTEC - 125 hp at 6300 rpm and 154 Nm 4800 rpm
  • 2.0 i-VTEC - 150 hp at 6500 rpm and 192 Nm at 4000 rpm
  • 2.2 i-CTDi (diesel) - 140 hp at 4000 rpm and 340 Nm at 2000 rpm

Honda Accord Coupe


Honda Accord moves the world of mainstream transportation in a refined, dynamic and sophisticated direction with an expanded range of innovative technologies designed for more power, greater efficiency and enhanced safety across the entire lineup of sedans and coupes.

Completely redesigned for 2008 with increased dimensions for a more spacious interior, the sedan styling theme expresses a powerful presence with sharp and strong character lines. The coupe is further individualized with an aggressive stance and unique proportions that create a muscular, sporty demeanor.

An available 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 268-horsepower - the most ever for any Accord - while introducing a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology and achieving a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) rating. The VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, resulting in an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/29 miles per gallon (Accord Sedan V-6).

Honda/Acura MDX


The Acura MDX (Honda MDX in Japan and Australia) is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. It is built by Honda of Canada Manufacturing Ltd. in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. It was introduced in late 2000 as a 2001 model, replacing the slow-selling SLX, based on the Isuzu Trooper. In 2003, the MDX went on sale in Japan. It competes with the Lexus RX, Infiniti FX35, BMW X3, Hummer H3 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The 2007 introduction of the Acura RDX moved the MDX from the entry-level to the top-line SUV, changing its competitors to the Lexus GX, BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Land Rover LR3 and Infiniti FX45.

Derived from Honda's Global mid-size platform which underpins cars like the Honda Accord, Acura TL, Acura TSX and Honda Odyssey, it is powered by a J35A3 3.5 L SOHC 24 valve V6 with VTEC. This 3471 cc (3.5 in x 3.6 in) engine produces 265 hp (198 kW) and 253 ft.lbf (343 Nm). Curb weight is 4451 lb (2019 kg), with a 106.3 in (2.7 m) wheelbase and 8 in (203 mm) of ground clearance. The cargo floor can flip up to provide two additional seats. The vehicle is designed to hold 7 passengers. The vehicle features an automatic four wheel drive system that engages only when wheel slippage is detected. The system runs as front wheel drive during normal operation.

The navigation system and DVD entertainment system options were mutually exclusive in the 2002 model. Both could be ordered at the same time since the 2003 model. The navigation option comes with a rear view video camera since the 2003 model. Since 2005 the navigation system featured information from Zagat about restaurants and other points of interest. The 2003 model was rated as Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. EPA estimates 23 mpg (10.23 L/100km) highway and 17 mpg (13.84 L/100km) city.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Honda CR-Z Concept



 'CR-Z' stands for 'Compact Renaissance Zero'-an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals.
 

The key words for the Honda CR-Z's interior design are 'Hi-tech and Sporty'. The goal was to create an all-new sporty interior that fuses the liberating feel of airy spaciousness with an advanced interface that brings out the fun of the drive. Mesh material on a simple framework construction is used throughout the interior to convey a light, sophisticated image without being oppressive. In the cockpit, the meter unit conveys the image of advanced technology ensconced in a piece of glass artwork, offering the functionality of immediate recognition while enhancing the driving experience with a futuristic and exhilarating feeling.

This design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle's environmental footprint.

Designed to be 'Futuristic and Dynamic', the Honda CR-Z combines powerful performance in a compact form with a futuristic image. For its frontal view, an over-sized grill with a high-performance look is offset by openings on each side that lighten the overall feel. In the rear, tube-shaped rear combination lamps ensure better rearward visibility. Design details emphasizing the Honda CR-Z's advanced image include door mirrors that provide high visibility in a stylish form, LED headlights patterned after luminous bodies to convey a sharp impression, and jauntyfin-shaped.




Honda Ridgeline


Honda Ridgeline takes on a bolder look and feel with new exterior and interior styling along with a more powerful engine. A trailer hitch becomes standard on every model, and newly-introduced premium features include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a rearview backup camera on Honda Ridgeline RTL models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System. The Honda Ridgeline continues to be the only pickup truck available with a spacious In-Bed Trunk™ that provides hidden, dry and secure storage capable of swallowing luggage, tool boxes and coolers.

Front and rear styling updates combine to create a more-chiseled overall appearance with revisions to the grille, bumpers, and headlight and taillight color combinations. Inside, styling updates include revised three-dimensional-style meters, a new steering wheel design, and enhanced controls, buttons and displays for the air conditioning, audio, cruise control and headlights. New technology-friendly features include the addition of a 115-volt power outlet on the Honda Ridgeline RTL, MP3/auxiliary input jack on the Honda Ridgeline RTS and RTL, and all audio systems become MP3/WMA compatible. New safety features include active front seat head restraints and daytime running lights. Capable of accommodating 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood between the wheel wells, the composite cargo bed, gains two cargo tie-down points (eight total).

 

Honda Accord Crosstour


Honda Accord Crosstour's styling and body construction evolved from the sophisticated foundation of the Accord Sedan. Architecturally similar to the distinctive shape of the Accord, key differences can be found throughout the entire body. No exterior panels are shared with any other Accord. The most noticeable differences include the overall height of the body from the floor to the roof and the obvious design differences in the rear of the vehicle to accommodate the sloped roofline and the tailgate.

The heightened body dimensions combined with increased ground clearance result in a commanding view of the road and a comfortable hip point for ease of entering and exiting the vehicle. Structural technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. Extensive application of high-strength steel (46 percent) contributes to high levels of torsional and static rigidity, reduced weight, and enhanced safety potential. Aerodynamic performance is increased through strategic use of under-body covers and strakes.

Honda Pilot


Honda Pilot,an elite group of sport utility vehicles that helped elevate the "crossover" segment in the last decade by introducing a combination of smooth ride comfort, accommodating interior packaging and overall efficiency that traditional SUVs lacked. The Pilot's unit body construction and fully independent suspension helped transform the SUV segment by enhancing ride quality, earning top crash safety ratings, creating more interior space and increasing fuel efficiency. The original Pilot provided a recipe for success with features eventually imitated by the competition like a standard third row seat, decision-free four-wheel drive and an easy-to-configure interior.


The second generation of the Honda Pilot seeks to improve on the popular Honda SUV formula by adding more SUV-rugged aesthetics, more on-road refinement and enhancing interior functionality. Designed around the concept of an "intelligent adventure vehicle" with the practical needs of a family in mind, the eight-passenger Pilot provides bolder SUV styling, more clever and more accommodating interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Honda FCX Clarity


The elegant form of the Honda FCX Clarity sets it apart from everything else on the road and complements the rational, environmental reasons for driving a fuel cell eletric vehicle. The sharp, dark chrome trim that runs from bumper to headlight draws the eyes toward the front wings, creating a powerful, dynamic look and a cool, clean, futuristic feel. The side mirrors add to the Honda FCX Clarity's free-flowing cabin. Mounted on slender arms that blend with the door moulding, they emphasise the elegant lines of the side windows, with the moulding embracing the mirror housing. The exterior door handles have a spare, clean look that accentuates the slender lines of the body. Robust rear wings reinforce the compact cabin for a bold, sculpted look. The rear glass and contoured design of the rear combination lamps emphasise the vehicle's wide, confident stance.

The most distinctive feature of the new one-motion design is found at the rear of the Honda FCX Clarity. To take advantage of the high-deck design and enhance rear visibility, the car is fitted with an extra window with visibility control-a feature carefully designed to protect privacy. The rear of the car is set high to ensure good luggage volume, and windows are positioned in the upper boot lid and in the barrier behind the rear seat to allow the driver to see into the boot.
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Honda Jazz


The Honda Fit promises to further its leadership in the subcompact segment with top-of-class feature content, including an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™; improved interior functionality, including one-motion dive-down rear seats; enhanced sporty demeanor through improved suspension, steering and body rigidity; and high levels of standard safety equipment, including Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.

"Critics and customers alike have voted the Honda Fit among the best small vehicles on the road," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "This new Fit raises the bar even further, taking what was already great about the Fit, making it even better and throwing in a healthy dose of refinement."

Dimensionally compact on the outside, the interior provides surprisingly large passenger and class-leading cargo space to maximize comfort and utility. At the foundation is an improved rear Magic Seat®, now featuring one-motion dive-down functionality, which allows the rear seat to fold flat with the front seats in the rearmost slide position and without removing the rear head restraints. The seats offer multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations (tall object mode, long object mode and utility mode) in addition to the standard five-passenger mode. Additionally, a new hidden storage bin under the driver's side rear seat provides a place to store small items.
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Honda S2000


The Honda S2000 Ultimate Edition retains its highly acclaimed 2.0 litre 9000 rpm VTEC engine and combines it with a Grand Prix White body and graphite coloured alloy wheels. The shade of the paint evokes the colour first used on Honda's 1964 F1 car and many sporting models since. The exterior colour combination with the dark metal alloy wheels and unique black S2000 badging gives a fresh look to the timeless shape of the roadster body.

The white exterior will be matched with a red leather interior and complimented by unique red colouring for stitching on the gear lever gaiter. Ultimate Editions will be marked out by their unique numbered plaques on the kickplates, denoting their position in the series.

The 2-seater sports car may now be almost 10-years old, but its 240PS 2-litre is still one of the highest output per litre and highest revving engines ever made. In recognition of its incredible power output, the Honda S2000's engine has won the International Engine of the Year category for 1.8 to 2.2 litre engines five times in its lifetime.
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Honda Odyssey


Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the sales in Japan of the all-new Honda Odyssey starting October 17th, 2008. The fully remodeled Odyssey features a low-floor and low center-of-gravity package that enables a low profile roofline and performance beyond ordinary minivans together with a spacious cabin. The new Honda Odyssey is also equipped with advanced safety technologies, including the new Multi-view Camera.

Designed around the concept of emotive quality that will move all who experience it, the new fourth generation Honda Odyssey provides an advanced fusion of the human/machine interface, a liberated feeling for all occupants, and a distinctive presence. So, the all-new Odyssey was developed with the goal of generating strong feelings in every circumstance: riding in it, driving it, and looking at it.



  • The exterior is designed around a concept of sensual dynamism, with richly contoured surfaces to express both dynamism and solidity for conveying elegance and power.
  • The front view features sharp graphics, with headlights flowing out from the chromed bumper center portion and a sculpted V-line extending up over the hood from the front grill to impart a sense of speed and power. The narrow headlights add an intrepid feel.
  • The side view features a fluid silhouette with a one-motion line from front nose to roof end. This combines with the strongly contoured surface in an expression of sleekness and power.
  • For the rear view, the cabin has been strongly tapered and the rear window rounded to impart a compact feel for the cabin. Horizontally oriented rear combination lights add a feeling of breadth.
  • The voluptuous body contours are further highlighted with a super platinum coating.
  • Six color variations are available, including two new colors.

To fulfill customer expectations for excellent fuel economy related to growing awareness of environmental issues, the all-new Honda Odyssey is equipped with a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engine and torque converter-equipped CVT, a combination that enables the vehicle to achieve both superior performance and class leading fuel economy of 13.2km/L. Moreover, the all-new Odyssey features DBW (drive-by-wire) control and an ECON mode which improves fuel economy by applying collaborative control of the CVT and air conditioner to reduce engine load.


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Honda Insight



Honda Insight defines a new stage in the evolution of hybrid technology, providing hybrid customers with a new level of affordability, fun-to-drive performance, and a U.S. EPA city/highway fuel-economy rating of 40/43 miles per gallon. The 2010 Honda Insight will be launched at Honda dealers throughout the United States in the beginning of April 2009 and will be priced below the Civic Hybrid.

"Honda hybrids have always offered great value, high fuel efficiency and a healthy dose of fun near the middle price range in the Honda lineup," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "With the introduction of the all-new Honda Insight, we're opening up Honda's fun-to-drive, versatile and fuel-efficient hybrid technology to an entirely new group of buyers that previously may not have considered a hybrid because of either image or cost."

Evoking the advanced and aerodynamic five-door sedan design first deployed on the revolutionary Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car, the new Honda Insight has a low center of gravity and a spacious five-passenger cabin, offering the kind of driving experience and roomy, versatile interior space that customers have come to expect from Honda.

All Insights are powered by an advanced 1.3-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy i-VTEC engine and CVT, along with a new generation of Honda's IMA hybrid system for exceptional fuel economy and fun-to-drive performance.

The Honda Insight's IMA system incorporates a 10-kilowatt (13 hp) electric motor and a compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) - recapturing and storing kinetic energy from vehicle braking and deceleration and supplying additional power for acceleration when needed. Packaging of the ultra-compact IMA battery and IPU in the vehicle's rear floor allows the enhanced utility of a 60/40 split and fold-down rear seat back.

The Insight's IMA system has the capability to operate exclusively on electric power in certain low- to mid-speed driving conditions. It also provides for cylinder deactivation within the gasoline engine during deceleration and for engine shutoff when the vehicle is stopped. With a 10.6-gallon fuel tank, the Honda Insight delivers an estimated maximum driving range in excess of 400 miles.

Standard safety features on all Insights include dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side curtain airbag system; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD); driver- and front-passenger active head restraints and a front body designed to mitigate pedestrian injuries. All new Insights also feature Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which provides improved crash compatibility between vehicles of different size and ride height, enhancing protection for Honda Insight occupants while reducing the potential for injury to occupants of the opposing vehicle in a frontal collision.

Additional standard features on all new Insights include 60/40 split and fold-down rear seatbacks; two-tier digital instrument panels; automatic climate control; power windows, mirrors and door locks; a tilting and telescoping steering wheel and a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 audio playback, an auxiliary audio input jack and Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC).

Honda Insight EX models add alloy wheels, cruise control, 6-speaker audio system with USB audio interface, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, Honda Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition.
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Honda Legend


Honda has revealed the look of the re-styled Honda Legend to Europe. This revised model gives a new edge to the top of the range Honda and responds to customer feedback on the current model. The most noticeable change is to the exterior style of the Honda Legend, with new lights, bonnet, front wings, boot lid, bumpers and the adoption of standard 18" wheels.


Under the restyled bonnet is one of the most powerful V6 engines in this sector, giving the power of a V8 engine, while retaining the smoothness and fuel economy inherent to this layout.

The new engine has an additional 200cc that helps to give the new Honda Legend greater torque across the whole rev range. Complementing this increase in capacity the 3.7 litre V6 has VTEC added to the exhaust valves, joining the system already fitted on the inlet side. These realised a 20% increase in torque in the mid-range. The result is an enhancement to the feeling of power, as well as the improved acceleration.

Coupled to this revised engine, is an all-new 5-speed gearbox that helps the driver exploit and enjoy the revised power unit. The new box has switched to a straight gate and empowers the driver with additional control over gear selection with revised steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters and new gearbox software. The new transmission reacts faster to changes in driver input even in the normal automatic mode and so gives the driver access to power when it's most needed.

The combined effects of the improved transmission and increase in torque mean that the new Honda Legend can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than before. Fuel economy and CO2 have also improved over the previous model, despite the improved acceleration performance.

Central to the concept of the 2006 Honda Legend is the cabin refinement which reduces the stress of modern motoring. This theme has been taken a stage further with the new car by equipping it with a suite of NVH reducing technologies. The most advanced of these is the Active Noise Cancellation system (ANC), which cancels out low frequency noise by playing the opposite wave form through the Bose sound system. New to the flagship is a new form of sound deadening mat that has improved noise reducing properties and is lighter than conventional materials. An acoustic windscreen and improved bushing complete these improvements to the already very refined Honda flagship.


Safety is a cornerstone of the Honda Legend, and adds Active Head Restraints to its already impressive safety equipment. The new head restraints are similar in principle to the items found in the Honda Civic and Honda Accord models and compliment the reassuring ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure. Optional in some markets are the Adaptive Cruise Control and CMBS systems, which use millimetre wave radar to detect and help reduce the risk of collisions.

The chassis of the Honda Legend has also received some attention to further enhance the Honda Legend's rock solid, yet entertaining handling. Although the very advanced SH-AWD system remains unchanged the settings for the suspension have been altered to improve the ride and handling.

The already well equipped Honda Legend gets some more revisions to compliment the new model. Rear seat passengers can now enjoy the benefits of heated seats, while the Bose Audio system now has a USB socket, to enable the easy connection of an iPod.
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Honda CR-V



The Honda CR-V has consistently topped the SUV sales tables since launch in 2007, with its ample cabin and large, split-level boot offering useful practicality and its low centre of gravity giving the Honda CR-V 'car-like' handling characteristics.


For 2010, the Honda CR-V's popular looks have been refreshed to incorporate a distinctive new front bumper and grille, a revised rear bumper, and colour coded bumpers on EX grades. There are newly-designed 17-inch (SE) and 18-inch (ES and EX) alloy wheels and upgraded fabrics and plastics inside, giving the Honda CR-V interior an even more premium finish. A new audio console design has also been introduced, while improved sound deadening around the engine and cabin makes the Honda CR-V an even quieter and more relaxing car to drive.
The revised version of the Honda CR-V will continue to be built at Honda of the UK Manufacturing in Swindon, where British workers proudly produce the SUV for over 60 countries.

New i-DTEC and diesel auto transmission
Honda's 2.0-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, which debuted in the latest Honda Accord in 2008, will be available in the new CR-V. The diesel produces 150PS at 4000 rpm (up 10PS) and torque of 350Nm at 2000 rpm (up 10Nm). It can be paired with either manual transmission or the new 5-speed automatic gearbox that has been manufactured in-house by Honda.
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