Monday, December 31, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Talking with Honda’s CEO About F1, Sports Cars, Stability Assist vs. Stability Control
While visiting Honda R&D headquarters in Japan’s Tochigi prefecture to test-drive the new Acura RLX’s drivetrain systems, we sat down with Honda CEO Takanobu Ito.
Covering everything from Honda’s return to Formula 1 to the new
infotainment systems, Ito-san took advantage of our short time together
by sharing many of his intentions for Honda in the future.
With F1 excitement increasing in the U.S., it didn’t take long for Ito to explain the automaker’s plans for the sport:
“We have not decided anything yet. However, we consider it’s very crucial for Honda to take on the challenge of participating in different sports. Unfortunately after the financial crisis we have decided to exit Formula 1.”
Hearing disappointed sighs from the audience, Ito responded:
“We have been putting more effort into other motorsports. For Honda to enhance brand image and brand perception, as well as to motivate our own associates and also to fulfill expectations of our customers and society, we believe that two key words important to us are motorsports and challenges.”
Manufacturers are under constant pressure to make cars safer. When asked how Honda manages to do this while also achieving an enjoyable driving experience, Ito shared a personal anecdote:
“Before assuming the position of CEO at Honda I worked in R&D and I witnessed the development of Vehicle Stability Assist technology. At one time there had been a discussion about if the different names of the same system need to be standardized or unified so customers don’t avoid the different names. Toyota insisted that at the end of the name the system should be called something ‘Control.’ I on the other hand believed [that] until the last minute the driver, or human being, should be responsible for delivering the vehicle.
Ito continued:
“In that context I believe that we should respect the driver’s intentions and will. That’s why I advocated the term ‘Assist’ rather than ‘Control.’ Honda’s direction is the driver should be responsible for having fun and driving safely. Under certain scenarios safety and fun sometime conflict with one another, however we would like to respect the driver’s will as much as possible. Our principal philosophy is the car should not control the driver; the driver should enjoy actually driving.”
After listening to a question about declining sales among younger buyers in automotive markets worldwide, Ito explained what might be the cause:
“I think there are two factors behind what’s been happening. The first and most important thing is for young people to buy cars they need to find automobiles in general interesting and they must be motivated that they want to buy it or they want to drive it. I believe, though I can’t speak on behalf of my entire industry, we have become a little bit complacent in our efforts to really build a real fun and exciting car that is attractive to those people.”
When pushed if Honda has any specific plans to cure this complacency and take the market back, Ito commented that the company should aim to provide cars that are affordable and have a low cost of ownership, with increased fuel efficiency and attractive styling.
Having been an integral part of the original NSX’s development, Ito also commented on whether he hopes to reintroduce sports cars to Honda’s lineup. The new NSX will be a flagship, but what about more affordable fun cars?
“To be honest with you I’m willing to do it. First of all the main thing is we are successful in developing the direct injection engine and that is done on the Accord. We are working hard so that we can apply this direct injection technology to other engines soon so we are able to improve performance as well as efficiency, and this is the first step.”
Some of us at Motor Trend have been anxious for an upgrade to Honda’s usable but sometimes outdated center-stack infotainment systems. Who better to ask when we can expect an upgrade:
“Starting with the RLX, we will be putting in the most innovative information center onboard. We’ve also started putting something into Accord as well. Either way this is something we are accelerating our efforts in. In Japan we live off of a very advanced initiative, so what we are trying to do is give each and every car a communication function and then based on that information we have a system where from the head office we can offer comprehensive user services. Right now efforts are underway to provide a similar service in the U.S.”
Source;
http://wot.motortrend.com/talking-with-hondas-ceo-about-f1-sports-cars-stability-assist-vs-stability-control-307681.html#axzz2GJcSvK5B
With F1 excitement increasing in the U.S., it didn’t take long for Ito to explain the automaker’s plans for the sport:
“We have not decided anything yet. However, we consider it’s very crucial for Honda to take on the challenge of participating in different sports. Unfortunately after the financial crisis we have decided to exit Formula 1.”
Hearing disappointed sighs from the audience, Ito responded:
“We have been putting more effort into other motorsports. For Honda to enhance brand image and brand perception, as well as to motivate our own associates and also to fulfill expectations of our customers and society, we believe that two key words important to us are motorsports and challenges.”
Manufacturers are under constant pressure to make cars safer. When asked how Honda manages to do this while also achieving an enjoyable driving experience, Ito shared a personal anecdote:
“Before assuming the position of CEO at Honda I worked in R&D and I witnessed the development of Vehicle Stability Assist technology. At one time there had been a discussion about if the different names of the same system need to be standardized or unified so customers don’t avoid the different names. Toyota insisted that at the end of the name the system should be called something ‘Control.’ I on the other hand believed [that] until the last minute the driver, or human being, should be responsible for delivering the vehicle.
Ito continued:
“In that context I believe that we should respect the driver’s intentions and will. That’s why I advocated the term ‘Assist’ rather than ‘Control.’ Honda’s direction is the driver should be responsible for having fun and driving safely. Under certain scenarios safety and fun sometime conflict with one another, however we would like to respect the driver’s will as much as possible. Our principal philosophy is the car should not control the driver; the driver should enjoy actually driving.”
After listening to a question about declining sales among younger buyers in automotive markets worldwide, Ito explained what might be the cause:
“I think there are two factors behind what’s been happening. The first and most important thing is for young people to buy cars they need to find automobiles in general interesting and they must be motivated that they want to buy it or they want to drive it. I believe, though I can’t speak on behalf of my entire industry, we have become a little bit complacent in our efforts to really build a real fun and exciting car that is attractive to those people.”
When pushed if Honda has any specific plans to cure this complacency and take the market back, Ito commented that the company should aim to provide cars that are affordable and have a low cost of ownership, with increased fuel efficiency and attractive styling.
Having been an integral part of the original NSX’s development, Ito also commented on whether he hopes to reintroduce sports cars to Honda’s lineup. The new NSX will be a flagship, but what about more affordable fun cars?
“To be honest with you I’m willing to do it. First of all the main thing is we are successful in developing the direct injection engine and that is done on the Accord. We are working hard so that we can apply this direct injection technology to other engines soon so we are able to improve performance as well as efficiency, and this is the first step.”
Some of us at Motor Trend have been anxious for an upgrade to Honda’s usable but sometimes outdated center-stack infotainment systems. Who better to ask when we can expect an upgrade:
“Starting with the RLX, we will be putting in the most innovative information center onboard. We’ve also started putting something into Accord as well. Either way this is something we are accelerating our efforts in. In Japan we live off of a very advanced initiative, so what we are trying to do is give each and every car a communication function and then based on that information we have a system where from the head office we can offer comprehensive user services. Right now efforts are underway to provide a similar service in the U.S.”
Source;
http://wot.motortrend.com/talking-with-hondas-ceo-about-f1-sports-cars-stability-assist-vs-stability-control-307681.html#axzz2GJcSvK5B
Carscoop!: Ford Faces Federal Class-Action Lawsuit Over C-MAX and Fusion Hybrids MPG Numbers
The publication contested the 47 mpg city/highway/combined figure and said that the two Ford hybrids had the “distinction” of recording the greatest difference between the EPA-approved mpg and the ones it achieved during its own tests.
The McCuneWright law firm filed a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District South court in the Eastern District of California Richard Pitkin of Roseville, California, on December 7.
Pitkin wants Ford to reimburse both him and other owners the purchase price and rescind sales of both vehicles in California.
“We are aware of the matter but cannot discuss pending litigation”, a Ford spokesman told Autonews today. After the CR review, the Blue Oval responded that hybrids are sensitive to driving styles, while the EPA is reviewing the tests’ findings.
By Andrew Tsaousis
Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/12/ford-faces-federal-class-action-lawsuit.html
Toyota to spend 1.1 billion USD to settle lawsuits related to unintended acceleration
They will also install new braking override systems in some cars and reimburse owners that were affected financially by these issues. In a statement released by the plaintiffs' lawyers it is mentioned up to 16 million cars are covered in this statement. All components related to unintended acceleration will receive 3- to 10-year warranties. It is estimated that 3.25 million cars are eligible for the brake-override systems.
The NHTSA has given Toyota a 60 million USD fine because they didn't inform U.S. safety regulators in a timely manner about this problem. The Japanese company blamed in many cases the drivers or misuse or misplacement of floor mats.
Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/112122752039/toyota-to-spend-11-billion-usd-to-settle-lawsuits-related
Porsche 918 Spyder Leaked in Patent Application
Wow....
According to leaked photos, Porsche has applied for a patent on the 918 Spyder in China, revealing the first visuals of the production model.
If these patent images indeed reveal the production model 918 Spyder, then the German automaker hasn’t changed too much from the concept version that’s been spotted lapping the ‘Ring. The 918 Spyder seen here features door handles, mirrors, turn signals, seat belts and a slightly redesigned front bumper with different air intakes.
If these patent images indeed reveal the production model 918 Spyder, then the German automaker hasn’t changed too much from the concept version that’s been spotted lapping the ‘Ring. The 918 Spyder seen here features door handles, mirrors, turn signals, seat belts and a slightly redesigned front bumper with different air intakes.
The production 918 Spyder is expected to
debut next fall and will be priced near $1,000,000. Featuring 795 hp and
495 lb-ft of torque thanks to a 4.6-liter V8 mated to a powerful
electric motor, the Porsche 918 Spyder will be the first real hybrid
super car.
Source;
MotorTrend: Hot Or Not? Honda Shows S2000 Modulo Climax Concept At Tokyo Auto Salon
Most of Honda’s show cars for this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon are fairly typical – a gussied-up Kei car here, a tricked-out N-ONE there, and so one. One, however, stands out from the crowd of decked-out microcars, and for good reason: it’s an S2000.
Meet the new S2000 Modulo Climax. We’re not exactly sure how Honda arrived at that particular name (and we’re not sure we want to know), but Honda has used the Modulo name on several ranges of body kits and exterior dress-up accessories – and this particular S2000 sports both.
Undoubtedly, the new front clip is the biggest change from a stock S2000 roadster. The new nose is longer than before, giving way to a hexagonal grille opening that’s bisected by a large chrome crossbar, which sweeps into the corners of the fascia. A new tonneau cover provides enclosed fairings for the rollbar hoops, while a pair of canard-like winglets are placed on the corners of the rear decklid. The rear bumper fascia is revised to incorporate two large air outlets, while the diffuser is whittled away to make room for two large exhaust tips. Modulo also appears to have contributed a set of chromed 10-spoke alloy wheels, although Honda makes no mention of their size or construction.
Interior amendments aren’t quite as extensive as those applied to the S2000’s exterior. The stock seats are replaced by new leather-clad, Modulo-branded bucket seats, which boast inserts and contrast stitching color keyed to the car’s exterior paint. The shift boot and steering wheel are privy to similar stitching, as are the floor mats, which appear to be made from a woven, mesh-like material that resembles carbon fiber.
What can we make of this? Some Honda faithful are proclaiming the S2000 Modulo Climax as the second coming of the S2000 – or, for that matter, a good hint at what the company’s forthcoming sports roadster will look like. An interesting theory, perhaps, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Although the S2000 Modulo Climax is but a concept at this point in time, Honda says the car simply previews a new range of accessories it has in store for its discontinued roadster.
Is it unusual for an automaker to offer these sorts of parts three years after a vehicle was dropped from the lineup? Perhaps, but it’s not unprecedented – in fact, Modulo recently offered a range of add-ons for the Beat and NSX, which ended production in 1996 and 2005, respectively.
But what say you? Does Honda’s new range of Modulo parts only improve upon the S2000’s looks, or do they make it look a little like a Daihatsu Storia? Send your thoughts in the comments section below.
Source;
http://wot.motortrend.com/hot-or-not-honda-shows-s2000-modulo-climax-concept-at-tokyo-auto-salon-308927.html#axzz2GJcSvK5B
Acura has been secretly developing Mid-Engine – AWD baby NSX
I've known this for awhile....
Secrets out! Motor Trend
recently reported that Acura has been developing a smaller more agile
NSX along with the regular NSX for quite some time now. No, it’s not
an S2000 successor, but a Mid-Engine, AWD car that is set to blow the
doors off it’s competition, and one that could actually save the NSX
project all together.
When Acura first started developing this car, it had a major “Maybe” factor. At first it was just a few R&D ideas thrown together. But soon Acura came to the realization that this project could actually work.
We don’t have any concrete information on this car as of yet, but the “Baby NSX” is likely to be powered by a Turbo-Charged, Direct injection engine. Developing the big NSX wasn’t all a waste though, as Acura will be using many of the technologies from that project and directly fuse it to the it’s baby brother. Think of it as a smaller Hybrid of two NSX’s. This will also help recoup some of the costs involved in the years spent R&D’s the bigger car.
Expect to see the smaller NSX on dealer lots by 2017 with a price range between $50,000 & $60,000. Not bad!
Source;
http://www.sidewaysat11.com/acura-has-been-secretly-developing-mid-engine-awd-baby-nsx/
When Acura first started developing this car, it had a major “Maybe” factor. At first it was just a few R&D ideas thrown together. But soon Acura came to the realization that this project could actually work.
We don’t have any concrete information on this car as of yet, but the “Baby NSX” is likely to be powered by a Turbo-Charged, Direct injection engine. Developing the big NSX wasn’t all a waste though, as Acura will be using many of the technologies from that project and directly fuse it to the it’s baby brother. Think of it as a smaller Hybrid of two NSX’s. This will also help recoup some of the costs involved in the years spent R&D’s the bigger car.
Expect to see the smaller NSX on dealer lots by 2017 with a price range between $50,000 & $60,000. Not bad!
Source;
http://www.sidewaysat11.com/acura-has-been-secretly-developing-mid-engine-awd-baby-nsx/
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2013 to all from The Honda Portal!
The First Shift: Honda Accord, Suzuki Kizashi top latest crash test results
Just two of 16 family sedans rated “good” in IIHS crash test, European Car of the Year shortlist announced and GM/Peugeot-Citroen to develop small cars together.
Honda and Suzuki family sedans impress IIHS testers
The U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently rated 16 family sedans based on a new type of crash, and only the 2013 Honda Accord and Suzuki Kizashi were awarded the top “good” rating. The new test, dubbed “small overlap”, crashes the front corner of a car into a barrier at 40 mph (64.4 km/h). Only the Toyota Camry and Prius V scored the lowest “poor” rating. For both Toyotas, , the test crash caused “significant intrusion into the occupant compartment”. Keep in mind, the independent IIHS’s tests are separate from U.S. federal crash procedures.
Source;
http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/12/21/the-first-shift-honda-accord-suzuki-kizashi-top-latest-crash-test-results/
Monday, December 17, 2012
Tapscape: 3 iPhone, iPad Apps for Honda Car Owners
Calling all Honda owners: There are plenty of apps for you.
Keep up on all the latest Honda news, find out the buzz on the newest models and even learn how to repair your favorite Civic or CRV. Here are some of our favorite Honda apps.
Honda Tuner
This dedicated magazine is written by and for Honda owners and enthusiasts. Each issues is packed with the world’s best Honda news from the U.K (where it’s published) and around the world.
In each issue, you’ll learn about new products, news, motor sport and Honda events.
Subscriptions are pretty similar to print magazines — about $20 for the year.
The Honda Automobiles App for iPad
Want to see what your future Honda CRV looks like in all 12 different colors? For instant access to features, specs, colors and videos and commercials, the official Honda auto app is a must-download.
The reviews, however, aren’t the best. Many say things like, “Very slow starting and doesn’t work,” but there are also many reviewers who are praising the app.
Honda Accessories
Buying your Honda is only half the battle. Accessorizing it is the fun part.
The Honda Accessories app lets you customize your Honda vehicle. “View the full list of available automotive accessories design,d engineered and rigorously tested for Honda vehicles.”
If you want to learn a thing or two, the app also includes some videos on why genuine Honda accessories are the best choice for your Honda.
Guest Post Author: Jason Lancaster is a contributor for http://www.hondapartsonline.net
Source;
http://www.tapscape.com/3-iphone-ipad-apps-for-honda-car-owners/
Keep up on all the latest Honda news, find out the buzz on the newest models and even learn how to repair your favorite Civic or CRV. Here are some of our favorite Honda apps.
Honda Tuner
This dedicated magazine is written by and for Honda owners and enthusiasts. Each issues is packed with the world’s best Honda news from the U.K (where it’s published) and around the world.
In each issue, you’ll learn about new products, news, motor sport and Honda events.
Subscriptions are pretty similar to print magazines — about $20 for the year.
The Honda Automobiles App for iPad
Want to see what your future Honda CRV looks like in all 12 different colors? For instant access to features, specs, colors and videos and commercials, the official Honda auto app is a must-download.
The reviews, however, aren’t the best. Many say things like, “Very slow starting and doesn’t work,” but there are also many reviewers who are praising the app.
Honda Accessories
Buying your Honda is only half the battle. Accessorizing it is the fun part.
The Honda Accessories app lets you customize your Honda vehicle. “View the full list of available automotive accessories design,d engineered and rigorously tested for Honda vehicles.”
If you want to learn a thing or two, the app also includes some videos on why genuine Honda accessories are the best choice for your Honda.
Guest Post Author: Jason Lancaster is a contributor for http://www.hondapartsonline.net
Source;
http://www.tapscape.com/3-iphone-ipad-apps-for-honda-car-owners/
Honda Rebound Aided as Consumer Reports Recommends Accord
By -
Dec 18, 2012
Among 4-cylinder engine sedans, the new Accord that went on sale in September tops Hyundai Motor Co. (005380)’s Sonata and Toyota Motor Corp. (7203)’s Camry, the Yonkers, New York-based magazine said in a statement today. That version and the V-6 engine Accord both earned the recommended status that eluded the 2012 Civic.
“Honda missed the mark with other redesigned models in recent years, but it nailed this one,” Jake Fisher, director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, said in the statement. The mix of interior room, high fuel economy, ride and handling, features and price underpin Accord’s appeal, the magazine said.
The upbeat assessment of Honda’s top-selling vehicle by the magazine that calls itself the world’s largest independent product-testing organization coincides with a rebound for the carmaker in its biggest market. Along with the unfavorable Civic review, 2011’s natural disasters in Asia slowed Honda production for months and led to a 6.8 percent U.S. sales decline last year. Through November, the Tokyo-based company’s sales rebounded 24 percent.
Honda in November released its modified 2013 Civic, with a restyled interior, new front hood and grille, new rear taillights, quieter cabin, and strengthened front-end to boost crash safety to address the 2012 car’s shortcomings.
The new version of the best-selling U.S. small car is a “major improvement,” Fisher said in an interview at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month, without elaborating prior to the magazine’s review.
Consumer Reports’ review of the new Accord appears today on ConsumerReports.org and in the January issue of the magazine to be published Dec. 27. Honda’s U.S. unit is based in Torrance, California.
Source;
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-18/honda-rebound-aided-as-consumer-reports-recommends-accord.html
Family sedans review: Redesigned Honda Accord excels, Subaru Legacy loses ground
Family sedans review: Redesigned Honda Accord excels, Subaru Legacy loses ground
Dec 18, 2012 12:00 AM
Honda Accord
The all-new Honda Accord looks very much like last year's model (what?!?!? Are these guys even looking at the same car?!?) , but the sedan demonstrated a real improvement in our tests. Although Honda has slipped with other models it redesigned in recent years, it nailed this one. The new Accord is roomy, nice to drive, well equipped, and very fuel efficient.
Inside, you are treated to one of the best driving positions available, comfortable seats, and terrific visibility. All Accords have a standard backup camera--rare among family sedans. Uplevel models include advanced safety features seldom found in this category, including forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems, and Honda's new LaneWatch blind-spot camera system.
Honda has also kept the Accord's pricing competitive. Our $23,270 four-cylinder LX and $30,860 V6 EX-L cost the same as or less than many other similarly equipped family sedans.
Subaru Legacy
With a mild update, the Subaru Legacy dropped a couple points in its overall test score, falling a bit short in refinement and performance.
For 2013, Subaru tweaked the steering and suspension, which helped make emergency handling more secure and predictable. But the changes also robbed the car's ride of its plushness; it's still good, but no longer great. We feel the same about the recently tested Outback.
Fuel economy from the redesigned 173-hp, 2.5-liter "flat-four" engine is impressive for an AWD car. Still, most competing four-cylinder sedans are quicker. The Legacy's real Achilles' heel is its continuously variable transmission. It's well behaved during casual driving, but it tends to exacerbate engine noise when you're accelerating or merging on the highway, and its performance is a bit rough around the edges.
Chevrolet Malibu
Our latest Malibu, tested with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, outscores the mild-hybrid Malibu Eco by a fair bit. The Malibu shines with a plush, comfortable ride and a very quiet cabin. It also has simple controls, decent fuel economy, and secure handling. However, the rear seat remains relatively tight, with less space for legs and knees than in most other family sedans.
Even though it is priced below the previously tested Eco, this Malibu is also no great value, costing notably more than higher-rated competitors. Sales incentives seem inevitable.
Bottom line:
The family sedan segment has been significantly freshened this year, with many cars being updated or redesigned. (Consumer Reports' test of the redesigned Ford Fusion comes next month.) Consequently, consumers shopping this segment have many tempting choices to pick from. But it definitely pays to dig in and do the research to see which best suits your needs and budget.
Source;
http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/12/family-sedans-review-redesigned-honda-accord-excels-subaru-legacy-loses-ground.html
Funniest Football Touchdown I have ever seen....
Oh, this is so off any type of automotive topic, however I couldn't not pass this along. Just finished watching TSN (Canada's version of ESPN) where they had the top 10 worst sports celebrations when I saw this, just about fell out of my couch laughing. Hope you get a kick out it too!
Lexus LFA – 500th unit ends production run
The 500th unit was a white LFA, which was completed on December 14 at the Motomachi plant in Japan; it’ll be delivered to the owner after testing. The Motomachi plant builds LFAs at a rate of one per day, with 170 workers involved in the project.
There’s no doubt TMC/Lexus have learned a lot in the process of designing and building this car. We look forward to some of its technologies trickling down to its other models.
Driving (or even being in the passenger seat is fine!) a Lexus LFA and listening to that 4.8 litre V10 howling up to the redline repeatedly is still something on my bucket list… haven’t yet figured out how to achieve that!
Source;
http://paultan.org/2012/12/17/lexus-lfa-500th-unit-ends-production-run/
Carscoop!: 2014 Corvette C7 Shows its Nose on GM Service Manual
The drawings show the front end of the new 2014 Corvette, which features more prominent and larger headlamps than the current model along with a distinct hood scoop(s) and the front fender air outlet.
The other image included in the manual outlines the C7's front suspension and braking system.
A quick look at the file's header shows some additional clickable (?) options such as "Corvette VIN Y Accessory Installation Manual", "Accessories" and "Performance Accessories", which may or may not have included more details on the C7.
Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/12/2014-corvette-c7-shows-its-nose-on-gm.html
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Carscoop!: New Acura App Lets You Put Some Color to NSX Pre-Production Concept
Yes, we're talking about the Acura NSX pre-production concept and if you haven't figured it out already, we're going to be "seeing" a lot more of the Japanese brand's hybrid sports car since it won't be ready for sale before 2014.
That's a long time to wait, so Acura has to find more ways to keep our interest levels high.
Its latest attempt concerns a Facebook application called "My Dream NSX app" that allows you to play around with hundreds if not thousands color combinations.
If you come up with something interesting, head towards the comments section and attach the downloadable file/image.
Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/12/new-acura-app-lets-you-put-some-color.html
How Honda Turned a Car Into A Mixing Deck
 |
| This picture really gives the FIT Twist scale. Nice to know it's not too small. |
By: Rae Ann Fera
I’ve got two turntables and a Honda Fit.
With each new model year carmakers roll out vehicles with slicker
designs, better fuel economy, and higher-tech features, all in an effort
to entice consumers to choose their particular configuration of steel,
gears, and rubber. But for some it takes more than the promise of sweet
speakers and killer fuel injection to connect with a car. They’d prefer
to see it transformed into full-fledged mixing deck.Honda did just that with its Drivemixer project to launch the Fit Twist to the Brazilian market. By hacking the vehicle, all of its features and functions were turned into musical outputs that were then "played" by N.A.S.A (also of Squeak E. Clean, aka Sam Spiegel, and Brazilian DJ Zegon, aka Ze Gonzales).
Needing to connect with young, urban consumers, agency F/Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi focused on current cultural shifts within the country when creating the Honda Drivemixer.
“Through market research, we came to understand that Brazil’s new generation of consumers is more independent, both economically and socially, more educated and thus, more willing to make his/her own purchase decisions that’ll reflect their own unique personality. For a patriarchal society, this is nothing short of a small, quiet revolution,” says account planning director Dorian Dack. “To credibly position the product as a car that reflects this new generation and what it stands for, we knew we had to be authentic and credible in both our message and delivery. We knew we couldn’t just piggyback any sort of cultural fad and call it ours… we had to go out and risk doing something genuinely surprising, something bold. We went out on a limb. We came up with a fresh idea that expresses both what the car and its consumer stands for.”
Agency creatives Isabelle de Vooght, Isaac Serruya and Roberta Harada say that once boldness was they key element, they started thinking "how cool would it be if the car was…?" “That’s when we decided to give it a twist: We wanted to turn it into a fully functioning operable DJ mixer."
They started meeting with musicians, tech experts, sound designers, and producers, and a specific microcontroller board was developed in order to transform the car’s signals into MIDI notes, meaning most of its features gained musical functions.
Sam Speigel and Zegon were brought in to compose an original track that would be performed on the car. “The track was composed with the car in mind, but we made the music first and figured out how to control it after,” says Spiegel. “Using Ableton Live we got into the wiring and computer chips of the car. We used the on/off switches in there to turn them into MIDI switches. Then rewiring that using Ableton Live with the sampler playback we were able to turn those into triggers for our sounds. It was amazing.”
The final musical element was also the biggest: a giant turntable that triggers a sound when the car drives. “We wanted two… but that was too crazy,” says Spiegel, I mean… who wouldn’t want a giant turntable that your car can turn?
With the car wired up and set atop the largest turntable you’ve ever seen, Spiegel and Zegon had the tricky task of actually performing the track they’d composed. The colorful sticky notes served that as indicators make the process look complicated but Spiegel says it wasn’t. “We had to learn how to play the car [as an instrument] but elements were split up so well that it was easier to play than it looked.”
Keeping true to the remixing concept, Honda released the track, “Overdrive,” to the 10 best Brazilian music and entertainment blogs, inviting them to submit a remix of the track. The remixes were the compiled into a widget so the audience could vote on their favorite one. The winner, music blog My Cool, was awarded professional DJ equipment. Check the winning remix here:
Source;
http://www.fastcocreate.com/1682094/how-honda-turned-a-car-into-a-mixing-deck#1
2015 Acura NSX to cost more than a Nissan GT-R
To be produced in Marysville, Ohio
A Honda spokesman has released some details about the upcoming NSX sports car.Chris Martin said that Honda will not reveal pricing info about the upcoming NSX in the near future, but he did say that it will be more expensive than the 2013 Nissan GT-R which in the United States starts from 97,820 USD. He added that "it's going to be a technological marvel."
The Honda/Acura NSX is scheduled to reach production phase for the 2015 model year and it will be manufactured in Marysville, Ohio. It will be an important car for the brand since it's going to be the first hand-built, specialty sports car that Honda has ever made outside Japan. The NSX is expected to get a hybrid powertrain and a mid-engine layout with an all-wheel drive system.
Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/112121451698/2015-acura-nsx-to-cost-more-than-a-nissan-gt-r
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Acura to Debut the All-New 2014 MDX Prototype at the 2013 North American International Auto Show
12/12/2012
-
LOS ANGELES, Calif.
Acura announced today that it will unveil a prototype of the
next-generation MDX luxury sport utility vehicle during the press days
of the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), held in
Detroit over January 14-15. Utilizing "Aero Sculpture" design language
affecting both form and function, the 2014 MDX Prototype will feature
alluring proportions with smooth, arching body lines matched to an
efficient architecture.Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/acura-to-debut-the-all-new-2014-mdx-prototype-at-the-2013-north-american-international-auto-show
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Honda Develops "Honda Smart Ecological Paint," Highly-functional Painting Technology that Shortens Automobile Painting Process
Conventionally, eliminating the middle coating process would have restricted the paint colors that can be used; however, Honda overcame this challenge by developing a highly-functional material for the color base coat used in the final coating process. This material used for the color base coat makes it possible to use any exterior paint color, which is an automobile industry first for a 3-coat/2-bake process*.
Moreover, in addition to the Honda S.E. Paint, Honda also will introduce a wall-mounted paint robot system with a built-in quick load / quick wash paint tank. This will lead to a significant improvement in painting efficiency, reduction of the amount of paint materials and a 40% reduction in the number of processes compared to a conventional painting process. As a result, the amount of CO2 emitted during the painting process will be reduced by 40%.
Including this new painting technology, the Yorii Plant will employ a number of innovative technologies and begin production as a world-leading energy saving plant.
- *Honda's internal research
- Source;
- http://world.honda.com/news/2012/c121212Honda-Smart-Ecological-Paint/index.html
CarBUZZ.com: Japanese Tuning Icons Part 2: Honda Prelude
Bring back the Prelude....Bring back the Prelude....Bring back the Prelude....
The Prelude was an excellent sports car
from day one. It's too bad Honda couldn't find a permanent place for it
in the model lineup.
The Honda
Prelude was the car which put Honda on the performance map before the
tuning floodgates would even open. Its long hood gave it a look sort of
like a scaled-down muscle car, and the well-balanced car was enjoyable
to drive even in stock form. The Prelude was also quite an easy car to
modify, and as a model which had been intended as a performance car from
the outset, the aftermarket community gave it quite a bit of attention.
The Prelude
first debuted in 1978 as a 1979 model. In Japan it was available only
through Honda's "Verno" dealerships, a more youth-oriented sales
channel, similar to Toyota's North American Scion
brand of today. The car was based heavily on the Accord sedan, but with
pony car-esque styling to make it competitive with Toyota's
recently-introduced Celica. The 1.6-liter engine came from Accord and
produced 72 horsepower, earning it the nickname "Honda Quaalude" upon
its debut in the US from those expecting a car with this kind of styling
to produce more power.
Improvements to the
emissions control system would improve things in 1980, and then the
second generation of the car would debut in 1983 with more power. But it
was the third-gen Prelude, introduced in 1988 where the car would
really come into its own. The B20 engine was now considerably more
powerful, and in Si trim, the Prelude now had nearly double the
horsepower offered when it was introduced a decade before. Handling was
excellent as well, and when Road & Track did a slalom test of the
1988 Prelude Si, it beat every other car that year, including some
seriously exotic European models.
Though the third
generation might have been the point when Honda's work on the Prelude
really stepped up, it is the fourth generation which tuners really
became interested in. Introduced in 1991 in Japan and 1992 in North
America, the fourth-gen Prelude finally abandoned the B-series engine in
favor of either an F22, H22 or H23 engine. The VTEC H-series engines
are generally those favored by tuners for a number of reasons. The H22A1
produced 187 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque in stock trim, and
offered better low-end torque than was typical in Honda's high-revving
engines.
It was also soon
discovered that the engine could handle more boost in stock form than
was usually the case, and this was always good news. Significant gains
could be achieved by getting the head flowed and ported, and while the
head was off, it certainly didn't hurt to go ahead and put in a more
aggressive cam as well. With some upgrades to the fuel system, a
turbocharger could be added here as well, and with a strengthened and
balanced bottom end, a much larger turbocharger could be added. Of
course, this is still a front-wheel-drive car, and this more than the
engine will ultimately limit the amount of usable power that you can
squeeze out of the engine.
A fifth generation of the
Prelude debuted in 1997, with boxier styling more reminiscent of the
third-gen car. The H-series engine stayed, but now produced more power
in stock form, and the Type-S was now up to 217 horsepower. But by this
point the Prelude was being squeezed out of the lineup by the Civic Si
on one side, the Accord Coupe on the other and the Acura
RSX/Integra from above. It had become irrelevant and was killed off in
2001 after a massive drop off in sales. But the Prelude is one of those
cars which got better with each generation, and never had to suffer the
indignity of what happened to the poor Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Those looking for an old
Prelude for some tuning work should probably just buy the newest one
they can find. The fifth generation gives you the best starting point,
although if you're going to be taking the whole engine apart anyway, a
fourth-gen Prelude would probably work just as well. It should go
without saying that you won't get the kind of performance out of this
that you would from, say, a Toyota Supra. But the Prelude is also much
cheaper, both to buy initially and to tune. Throw in that unbelievably
good handling and you've got one of the best budget tuner cars around.
Source;
2014 Honda Accord Plug-In: Test Drive Review
Wow, this car looks wayyy better in black....
Not many people will have the chance to buy a 2014 Honda
Accord Plug-In when it goes on sale in California and New York next
year, but those that do will find a car that performs the way we were
promised gasoline-electric hybrids one day would.
Honda recently announced that pricing for the 2014 Accord Plug-In will start at $37,980 (plus $750 destination), a premium for the segment that includes the Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius plug-in. But the Accord is a leap forward for Honda, and in some ways, plug-in hybrids everywhere.
The 2014 Accord Plug-In is outfitted with the same features as the 2012 Accord Touring, the top-of-the-line Honda sedan, which means that an impressive array of comfort and safety features come standard. The Accord Plug-In feels like a warm and engaging luxury car that just happens to sometimes run on battery power, immediately making it an attractive alternative to the competition.
Inside, the Accord Plug-In sports very comfortable ten-way adjustable seats with adequate room for five. Technology is impressive but not overwhelming, with a large touch-screen interface and seven-speaker audio system tastefully worked into the interior. Soothing lights and sounds welcome you when the car starts, and high-quality glossy materials are pleasing to the eye.
Your experience from the outside may be a different story, however. We’ve discussed the, shall we say, unorthodox appearance of the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In before. In person, the gaping front grille is a little less ghastly, but is still a design that only its mother could love. In an effort to differentiate the plug-in from its Accord brothers, Honda probably went too far with creative freedom.
But that’s not why people will buy the car, anyway. The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In will achieve an estimated 115 MPGe with an all-electric range of 13 miles. The two-motor system is a first for Honda, and in a short drive around downtown Los Angeles, it came off as a refined and smooth powertrain befitting its price tag. Under electric power, the Accord Plug-In will pull mightily when you want it, and then subtly transitions into the gasoline engine as you gain speed. It’s a promising system that Honda should attempt to work into more vehicles, especially as the cost begins to decrease a bit.
Also very impressive is the standard LaneWatch system that shows a live video of your blind spot when attempting to switch lanes. Our own James Flammang wrote an explanation and review of the technology last week, here, and it adds a welcome level of technology and safety to the 2014 Accord Plug-In.
If you can get past its price and design, and consider yourself an early adopter of fuel-efficient technology, the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In is a promising newcomer that deserves your attention. Only if you live in New York or California, though.
Source;
http://www.automedia.com/Blog/post/2014-Honda-Accord-Plug-In-Test-Drive-Review.aspx
Honda recently announced that pricing for the 2014 Accord Plug-In will start at $37,980 (plus $750 destination), a premium for the segment that includes the Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius plug-in. But the Accord is a leap forward for Honda, and in some ways, plug-in hybrids everywhere.
The 2014 Accord Plug-In is outfitted with the same features as the 2012 Accord Touring, the top-of-the-line Honda sedan, which means that an impressive array of comfort and safety features come standard. The Accord Plug-In feels like a warm and engaging luxury car that just happens to sometimes run on battery power, immediately making it an attractive alternative to the competition.
Inside, the Accord Plug-In sports very comfortable ten-way adjustable seats with adequate room for five. Technology is impressive but not overwhelming, with a large touch-screen interface and seven-speaker audio system tastefully worked into the interior. Soothing lights and sounds welcome you when the car starts, and high-quality glossy materials are pleasing to the eye.
Your experience from the outside may be a different story, however. We’ve discussed the, shall we say, unorthodox appearance of the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In before. In person, the gaping front grille is a little less ghastly, but is still a design that only its mother could love. In an effort to differentiate the plug-in from its Accord brothers, Honda probably went too far with creative freedom.
But that’s not why people will buy the car, anyway. The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In will achieve an estimated 115 MPGe with an all-electric range of 13 miles. The two-motor system is a first for Honda, and in a short drive around downtown Los Angeles, it came off as a refined and smooth powertrain befitting its price tag. Under electric power, the Accord Plug-In will pull mightily when you want it, and then subtly transitions into the gasoline engine as you gain speed. It’s a promising system that Honda should attempt to work into more vehicles, especially as the cost begins to decrease a bit.
Also very impressive is the standard LaneWatch system that shows a live video of your blind spot when attempting to switch lanes. Our own James Flammang wrote an explanation and review of the technology last week, here, and it adds a welcome level of technology and safety to the 2014 Accord Plug-In.
If you can get past its price and design, and consider yourself an early adopter of fuel-efficient technology, the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In is a promising newcomer that deserves your attention. Only if you live in New York or California, though.
Source;
http://www.automedia.com/Blog/post/2014-Honda-Accord-Plug-In-Test-Drive-Review.aspx
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