Autospies: Acura TL Convertible Conversion

Newport Convertible engineering is first US coach builder which designed, engineered and distributed Limited Acura TL convertible.

NCE will Design & Engineer your Acura TL four door to open-top convrtible, NCE EDITION.

Newport Convertible Engineering is an original design manufacturer (ODM) which designs and manufactures convertible soft tops and hard tops for many attractive convertible vehicles in the world, for instance the open top variants of the Rolls Royce, Mercedes Benz, Ferrari, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Vovlvo, and many others.

NCE maintains a highly trained staff of designers, engineers and craftsmen dedicated to provide the discerning enthusiast with state of the art convertible designs. Today NCE is a full service supplier and assumes overall resposibility for all functional units of the roof system along with designing and producing ODM convertible tops.

NCE’s ODM convertible tops represents the highest standards of automotive design, quality and craftmanship. By creating unique convertibles of unmatch and detail.

NCE’s ODM roofs meet the highest demans; They defy the most adverse weather conditions, produce very little wind noise at top speed, look good open or closed and are easy to operate.

Newport Convertible Engineering with 30 years experience in design, engineering, prototyping and manufacturing of convertible vehicles, has grown to become a world leader in the automotive industry. With our extensive in-house capability, we can support for a wide variety of projects, ranging from Concept to complete convertible vehicle development and build.

Our team of experienced professionals is recognized for meeting aggressive timing objectives, and delivering the highest quality of service required for long-term Customer relationships.

Newport Convertible Engineering is world renowned as the leader in the industry of an original design manufacturer(ODM) of convertible vehicle. Newport Convertible Engineering dominates the industry in cost, timing and quality.

Our engineering team has the depth and diversity of experience needed to deliver large programs as well as smaller based projects.

Newport Convertible Engineering provides unmatched capability and experience in the build of Concept, Prototype, Exhibition Show and low-volume production programs on convertible vehicles.

Over the past 30 years we have acquired a deep understanding and capability in the integration and build of complete convertible vehicle roof systems. We have a rich history of providing design, engineering and build services to many OEM Authorized Dealers in the automotive.

Pictures Source;
http://www.autospies.com/news/AWESOME-or-AWFUL-Quite-Possibly-One-Of-The-MOST-Interesting-Builds-But-WHY-76856/
Article Source;
http://newportconvertible.com/acura-tl-convertible/

Video – Watch the Honda Crider in action

Recently, Honda Crider was launched in the growing Chinese market to bridge the gap between the Civic and Accord. The car is set to satisfy the potential upper middle class segment in China. Here is a promotional video of the mid-size sedan.

From the outside, chrome-laden grill complements the glittering headlights, which altogether gives Crider a very interesting gleeful face. The bold lines on the hood further construct the flashy aura of the car. The side profile of Crider carries elegant design theme with nice dual-tone alloy wheels and curvaceous C-pillar. The rear end gets a thick chrome rail and big taillights that would bode well with the Chinese customers.

Interiors are typical Honda-ish in fashion with quality materials and decent fit and finish. The dashboard carries cues from both the Civic and Accord to make it interesting as well as functional.

Elegant Accord touches like glossy plastics and brushed aluminium combines beautifully with the funky Civic steering wheel and gear selector knob. Metallic trim and big information display gives Crider a modernistic verve.

The Crider is propelled by a 1.8-litre petrol engine that uses Honda’s world famous i-VTEC to give a decent 137bhp and 172Nm of torque. Overall, the Crider measures 4,650mm long, 1,750mm wide and 1,505mm tall with a wheelbase that spans 2,650mm.

Produced by Guangqi-Honda JV, Crider starts at 114,800Yuan (approx. INR 11.31 lakhs) and will lock horns with likes of Citroen C4L, VW Sagitar and the upcoming Hyundai Mistra. It looks like the Crider, with Honda’s rock-solid reliability and performance traits, has got all the bases covered.


Source;
http://indianautosblog.com/2013/06/honda-crider-promo-video-84473

Production Ready 2014 Honda FIT/JAZZ Press Promo Leaked?

by Shrawan Raja of www.indianautosblog.com

The third generation model Honda Jazz (sold as the Honda Fit in some countries) will bow in the Japanese market in the final quarter of this calender year. From early 2014, it will set off on its world tour to pick up the chase from where the current model retires.

Thanks to these scans of leaked press shots, your patience may not be put to the test until the year end. While we can’t vouch for the authenticity of these leaks, we expect the incoming model to look quite similar to the one seen here. In fact it is reported that these images come straight from Honda’s press desk.

At the tape, the 2014 Honda Jazz is 3,960mm long, about 60mm longer than the current car. The wheelbase is 8cm longer to stretch an already spacious cabin. The boot volume would enlarge to 400 liters. With every passing attempt, Honda has set the bar higher in interior packaging efficiency. Honda’s “Magic Seats” technology that diversifies seating combinations (in 180 ways to be exact) is not going to miss out either.

Under the hood, for Indian and European markets, Honda’s recently launched Earth Dreams diesel engine comes into play. For Europe the 1.6-liter i-DTEC will fill the engine bay while for India, the well-localized 1.5-liter variation would come in as the trump card.

The car will get 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter engines in other markets. The former, used on the Brio and Amaze, should complete the engine range here. According to another media report, Honda engineers have designed a three cylinder petrol engine that can take the redesigned Jazz 35.4 kilometers for one liter of fuel. The availability of this engine maybe restricted to certain parts of the world.

Sub-4m, 1.5L diesel, 400 liter boot, better than ever before fuel efficiency and the pride of owning a Honda..is Maruti sensing the start of a headache?

Source;
http://indianautosblog.com/2013/06/2014-honda-jazz-84489

2014 Honda Odyssey Arrives at Dealers July 2 Delivering More Value to Customers with Refreshed Styling, Enhanced Safety and Additional Standard Features

06/25/2013 - TORRANCE, Calif.

The 2014 Honda Odyssey minivan arrives at Honda dealerships nationwide on July 2, refreshed with a host of powertrain, styling, interior, feature and safety upgrades, all designed to meet the needs of today's family. Key changes to the 2014 Odyssey minivan include the addition of a standard 6-speed automatic transmission on all trims resulting in class-leading fuel-economy ratings, enhanced safety equipment, cleaner front and rear exterior styling, plus revised instrumentation and electronic controls.

For the first time all 2014 Odyssey models will include standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity, a 4-way power passenger seat, Expanded View Driver's Mirror, Pandora® interface and an SMS text messaging function. New available features include the Honda exclusive LaneWatch™ blind spot display, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Additionally, Odyssey Touring Elite models will now come standard with the much-anticipated HondaVAC™, the world's first in-vehicle vacuum cleaner, which allows customers the ability to quickly and easily clean-up dirt and debris from every corner of the minivan.

The 2014 Honda Odyssey will have a starting MSRP¹ of $28,825. This represents only a $150 increase in base price for a thoroughly revised Odyssey equipped with additional standard features for increased convenience.

With the addition of a standard 6-speed automatic transmission paired to the 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), the Odyssey further solidifies its place as the fuel economy leader in the minivan segment with all 2014 models offering EPA fuel economy ratings of 19/28 mpg¹ city/highway (model-year 2013 EPA ratings were 18/27 mpg on all models except Touring and Touring Elite).

Further enhancing occupant safety, the 2014 Odyssey receives the next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The reinforced frontal structure improves frontal crash energy management through a wider range of offset and oblique collision modes. With the revised structure, the 2014 Odyssey is anticipated to earn the highest rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in the stringent new IIHS small overlap frontal collision test. The Odyssey is expected to be the first minivan to earn a TSP+ from IIHS.

For 2014, the Odyssey continues with its successful model grade strategy: five different available trim levels include the well-equipped base LX model, EX, the leather-trimmed EX-L, the feature-packed Touring, and the line-topping Odyssey Touring Elite. A DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES) and Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition³ are available on EX-L models and above.

New exterior colors for 2014 are Modern Steel Metallic and Obsidian Blue Pearl. Interior colors include Beige, Gray and Truffle for the new high-quality fabric that features a refined and dynamic new weave pattern on LX and EX models, while the EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite feature leather upholstery. A full range of genuine Honda accessories is also available.

New Features by Trim Level:
Odyssey LX:

• 6-speed automatic transmission
• 4-way power front passenger seat
• Expanded View Driver's Mirror
• One-touch turn signals
• Next-generation Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
• Bluetooth® streaming audio
• Pandora® interface
• Short Message Service (SMS) text function

Odyssey EX adds:

• LaneWatch™ blind spot display
• Push button start with keyless access system
• HondaLink™ featuring Aha™ compatibility
• Wiper-linked headlights

Odyssey EX-L and EX-L RES add:

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Odyssey EX-L Navi and Touring add:

• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera

Odyssey Touring Elite adds:

• HondaVAC™ integrated vacuum system
• HD Radio™
• Neural 5.1 Surround™ audio

Advancing the Odyssey
In redesigning the Odyssey for 2014, Honda's goal was to reinforce and expand upon the vehicle's already great features, including the exceptional value for money that already defines the Odyssey for its target buyers: Gen X and Gen Y families. Odyssey aims to surprise and delight by adding upgrades and amenities, making it once again the top pick among individual buyers.

Powertrain
The 2014 Odyssey features a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6 engine producing 248 hp at 5,700 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Honda's i-VTEC® enhances power delivery while Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) helps maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

With the 2014 model, Honda has targeted best-in-class fuel economy ratings for all trim levels. As a result, the transmission has been upgraded to a 6-speed automatic across the model range, replacing the 5-speed automatic previously found on the LX, EX and EX-L. EPA fuel economy ratings are now 19/28 mpg¹ city/highway for all trim levels, up 1 mpg in both city and highway for the LX, EX and EX-L trims. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions certification⁴ remains an impressive ULEV-2.

Body
Refined and youthful, sporty and advanced, the Odyssey's refreshed styling adds new premium elements for 2014. Highlights include new black-trimmed headlights, new available fog lights, a new muscular hood, and black-surround grille for an upscale appearance. New body-color matched side mirrors and additional bright chrome trim add to the premium appearance. New rear styling and LED taillights with clear lenses and eye-catching perimeter "light pipes" add to the polished look.

Weight savings come from the use of aluminum for the hood, front fenders and front suspension lower control arms. The LX model features 17-inch steel wheels with premium covers, while EX and EX-L models utilize 17-inch premium aluminum alloy wheels. Touring and Touring Elite models feature 18-inch premium sport aluminum alloy wheels.

The 2014 Odyssey EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite models have a wiper-linked headlight system that automatically turns on the headlights when the front wipers are activated. In addition, new standard one-touch turn signals improve convenience for the driver when making routine lane changes. With this system, one flick of the turn-signal lever provides three blinks of the turn signals - ideal for changing lanes. Pressing the lever past the "click point" provides continuous blinking.

A new keyless entry system with push button start on EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite allows the driver to approach the vehicle, open the door and start the engine - all without touching a key. The system only requires the driver have possession of the key fob. The system also simplifies opening the sliding side doors and tailgate - locking all doors when leaving the vehicle requires only touching the lock button on any door handle.

Interior
Redesigned instrumentation, new trim and fabric, and upgraded electronic features and functionality make the 2014 Odyssey interior ideal for families. Design changes include upgraded meter illumination and interior lighting, chrome-trimmed instrument dials and door handles, a new available 7-inch touch-screen, and a repositioned DVD player for the available Rear Entertainment System. Updated styling and a change from blue to white halo lighting make the instrumentation easier to read. Similar changes make the climate control easier to operate.

All 2014 Odyssey models and trim levels get an Expanded View Driver's Mirror. The driver's side mirror provides a 19-percent increase in visible area, offering an enhanced view of objects that might otherwise be hidden in the vehicle's blind spot. Included on Odyssey EX, EX-L and Touring models, the Honda LaneWatch™ blind spot display provides an expanded rear view of the passenger side roadway. The system uses a camera mounted on the bottom of the passenger door mirror, which when activated by the right turn signal or the signal-stalk LaneWatch™ button, displays a live, 80-degree view of the passenger-side roadway, compared to 18- to 22-degrees typical of a standard door mirror.

A rearview camera is standard on all Odyssey models. Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L models feature a single-angle "Normal View" display, while EX-L Navi, Touring and Touring Elite models have a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with wide, normal and top-down views - all with improved optical quality. All rearview camera systems feature guidelines.

HondaVAC™
The Odyssey Touring Elite features the first minivan in-vehicle vacuum cleaner system, HondaVac™ which is designed to help families keep the minivan interior neat and clean. Engineered for dry use, the HondaVAC™ operates on the vehicle's 12-volt electrical system, and its performance easily surpasses that of a handheld rechargeable vacuums.

Integrated in the rear cargo area of the vehicle, the HondaVAC™ includes an extendable hose that can reach every corner of the vehicle. Two separate head attachments expand versatility, while a removable debris canister and replaceable filter bag makes maintaining the vacuum easy. To protect the vehicle battery's state of charge, the HondaVAC™ runs up to eight minutes with the ignition turned to the Accessory setting - or continuously if the engine is running.

Audio & Entertainment
Odyssey EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite models have new intuitive touch panel controls that reduce button clutter on the center stack. An upper 8-inch display and a lower 7-inch display provide a simpler overall interface improving usability.

When paired to a compatible cellular phone, Aha™ and Pandora® interfaces are available on EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite models. XM® Radio is included in EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite models, a HDD audio system comes on the EX-L Navi, Touring and Touring Elite models, and a rear DVD player is standard in EX-L RES, Touring and Touring Elite models. The Touring Elite also features HD Radio and new Neural 5.1 Surround™ audio.

Audio system output is 240 watts for Odyssey LX, 270 watts for EX, EX-L and EX-L RES, and 246 watts for EX-L Navi and Touring. The premium audio system in the Odyssey Touring Elite has 650 watts. All audio systems have seven speakers except for the Touring Elite, which features 12 speakers.

Simplified pairing and enhanced functionality with smart phones improve the Odyssey's telematics for 2014. HandFreeLink® is included on all models, and Bluetooth® audio streaming, SMS and email functions are available with compatible smartphones. Additional features include a phonebook, call history, speed dial and contact picture. Odyssey EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite include HondaLink™ featuring Aha™ which offers content from hundreds of channels through a tethered compatible smartphone.

The Rear Entertainment System (RES) on the EX-L RES, Touring and Touring Elite models features upgraded control layout and screen quality. This system features improved placement of the DVD player and more intuitive operation for the rear audio controls. Screen resolution is VGA on EX-L RES and Touring models, and the Touring Elite's upgraded ultra-widescreen offers four times higher resolution.

Safety
With the application of the next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, significant structural changes to the unit-body were made, including more extensive use of high-strength steel in the A-, B- and C-pillars, roof rails, floor rails, front body area, and front subframe. As a result, the front door opening is now stronger, with less chance of deformation in a frontal collision.

The previous Odyssey achieved a top Good rating in IIHS Front Crash, Side Crash, Rear Crash and Roof Crush tests. For 2014, the Odyssey is targeted to add a GOOD rating in the IIHS's rigorous new Small Overlap Barrier Test and be among the first minivans to receive the highest IIHS rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+.

Newly available on the Odyssey, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) help the driver indentify potential collision situations. Using the Odyssey's front camera module, FCW warns of a possible collision with a vehicle detected in front, while LDW notifies the driver of departures from detected lanes⁵. The two systems are packaged together on Odyssey EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite models, and provide visual and audible warnings.

North American Development and Manufacturing
The Odyssey represents Honda's robust product development capabilities in North America with its design, engineering and assembly all taking place in the U.S., using domestically and globally sourced parts. Designed in Los Angeles and engineered at Honda R&D America's in Ohio, the Odyssey is manufactured⁶ by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, Inc. Currently, 95 percent of all Hondas sold in the U.S., are built in North America.

2014 Honda Odyssey Pricing and EPA Data
Model	Transmission	MSRP2	EPA Rated City/Hwy/Combined MPG1
Odyssey LX	6-Speed Automatic	$28,825	19/28/22
Odyssey EX	6-Speed Automatic	$32,125	19/28/22
Odyssey EX-L	6-Speed Automatic	$35,625	19/28/22
Odyssey EX-L w/ RES	6-Speed Automatic	$37,225	19/28/22
Odyssey EX-L w/ Navi	6-Speed Automatic	$37,625	19/28/22
Odyssey Touring	6-Speed Automatic	$41,880	19/28/22
Odyssey EX-L Touring Elite	6-Speed Automatic	$44,450	19/28/22

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): http://www.hondanews.com/
For consumers:  http://automobiles.honda.com/odyssey/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda/
On Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Honda
¹ Based on 2014 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
² Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) excluding tax, license, registration, $830 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
³ Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.
⁴ ULEV-2 (Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle) models as certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
⁵ FCW cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. System operation affected by high interior heat. FCW does not include a braking function. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions. LDW only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.
⁶ The Odyssey is built using domestically and globally sourced parts.
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd is under license; Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries; Pandora, the Pandora logo and other Pandora marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pandora Media, Inc. or its subsidiaries worldwide.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/2014-honda-odyssey-arrives-at-dealers-july-2-delivering-more-value-to-customers-with-refreshed-styling-enhanced-safety-and-additional-standard-features

MagX Rendering of Next Honda FIT/Jazz

Here's another speculative rendition of what the next Honda FIT/Jazz may look like, this one from Mag-X.

Source;
http://www.jp-cardesigncorner.blogspot.ca/2013/06/scoop-new-honda-fit-jazz.html

Next Gen Mazda 3 Production Version (Diesel in North America?!?)

Diesel engine could reach U.S. market

Mazda has announced a sedan version of the recently unveiled 2014 Mazda3 will be launched.

The new generation of the Mazda3 was unveiled yesterday and the Japanese marque told AutoBlog that a sedan version will be available, without giving a specific launch date. For Japan, Mazda is also preparing a hybrid sedan variant of the new "3", while United States could receive the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine if the diesel-powered Mazda6 will be a success.

There are no details at the moment regarding a Mazdaspeed3 version, but previous rumors have indicated such a model will be launched after the regular variant.

Sales of the 2014 Mazda3 will commence this September in United States and will be followed shortly by other markets.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/113062759354/2014-mazda3-sedan-confirmed

Honda Reveals Dragon-Inspired Crider Sedan

Back in April, during the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, Honda unveiled the Concept C, a sedan developed to fight the Chinese-market Volkswagen Sagitar. That's an older Bora that Fred Flintsone would drive to the quarry.

Now, the Japanese automaker took the wraps off the production model, which will be sold under the Crider name. Slotted between the Civic and the Accord, the Crider is actually a niche sedan through which Honda is trying to gain some success on the ever-growing Chinese market. In fact, the Crider is actually the company’s first vehicle developed in China for the Chinese market.

Moving on the vehicle’s styling, Honda claims the Crider features “a dynamic exterior design inspired by an image of a dragon”. Right! Our say is that unless you can get a dragon tail as an option, the sedan sports a familiar Honda design which manages to offer a decent amount of modern-day attractiveness.

Powered by a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine rated at 139 HP and 172 Nm, which can be mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission, the Crider is said to offer “spacious and comfortable cabin space, plentiful equipment”. Estimated fuel efficiency is 6.7l/100km with the 5-speed automatic transmission and 6.5l/100km with the manual gearbox.

On sale as we speak, the Honda Crider can be acquired starting from CNY114,800 (about $18.700 at current exchange rates).

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/honda-reveals-dragon-inspired-crider-sedan-62049.html

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME: How Malaysians light up cigarette

You've got to be kidding me, what a dummy.

Paultan.org; Honda City E+ – the City VA gets a new name

by Anthony Lim of www.paultan.org

Remember that limited run variant called the Honda City VA from March? The Value Added, as it was called, was limited to just 300 units and featured a built-in GPS multimedia system, leather seats and window film as standard.

Well, the car is back, as a quick check on Honda Malaysia’s website reveals. It’s now known as the City E+, and aside from the moniker change, it’s very much the same car.

The black leather upholstery with grey stitching and embossed ‘City’ logos on the front seats, an integrated 7-inch touchscreen DVD player/navigation system with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth hands-free telephony, rear view camera and solar/security window tint film as found on the VA is all here, so only the suffix badging has changed.

Actually, the only change – aside from the variant name – is with the price, in this case by RM300. The City VA was priced at RM93,480 on-the-road with insurance, and moving on to the City E+ takes it to RM93,780, also OTR, a RM2,800 jump over the City E version. There’s mention elsewhere that like its predecessor, the E+ is also a limited 300-unit run.

The downloadable brochure adds that for RM500, a five-piece accessories package can be had, the items consisting of a ducktail spoiler, special carpet mats, door visors, scuff plate and a trunk tray, if such things catch your fancy.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2013/06/25/honda-city-e-the-city-va-gets-a-new-name/

Temple of Vtec: 2015 Acura TLX Spyshots????

Date: June 24, 2013 21:31
 Submitted by:  JeffX
 Source: Ben Cheah for Brenda Priddy & Company
 Credibility Rating: Not Specified

Ben Cheah was cruising through Death Valley over the weekend and spotted some BMW i8s being tested. Intrigued, he followed them into a parking lot and found a group of Honda and Acura(?) test mules along with a new 2014 MDX. One of them appears to be some sort of Accord V6 variant, but this heavily camo'd one could be an early mule for the 2015 Acura TLX.

A huge thanks goes out to Ben Cheah for sharing these photos with the TOV. 

 

Source (a alot more photo's);

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1153709

Honda Civic Sedan Gets Mugen Treatment

Honda is one of the few brands left out there which knows how to leave soft-touch plastics out of the package and offer fun on a relatively tight budget. Continuing their long collaboration, the automaker and their in-house tuner Mugen have put together a new body kit for the ninth-generation Civic sedan.

Looking like a distinctly Japanese tuning project, the body kit starts off with a two-piece front spoiler, continuing with big side skirts and a rear bumper that protrudes lower to the ground. There's also the obligatory huge rear wing added to the boot lid for extra style and presence.

Mugen has also designed a new grille with their logo on it and offer multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels. If you'd like your car to sound like that Type R which you've always dreamed of, Mugen can also sell you a sports exhaust for the 1.8-liter engine.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/honda-civic-sedan-gets-mugen-treatment-61892.html

Trans Am Depot 2014 GTO teased [video]

Trans Am Depot has released a teaser clip for its upcoming 2014 GTO.

Wearing a Carousel Red paint scheme, the car you are looking at is based on Trans Am Depot's 6t9 Goat and recreates the looks of the 1969 Pontiac GTO. It will utilize the Chevrolet Camaro platform, meaning a rear-wheel drive layout with a V8 engine and two doors. The same recipe was used by Trans Am Depot for the 2013 Hurst Edition Trans Am.

They haven't gone into any details so we don't know what's actually hiding under the bonnet of the 2014 GTO. Chances are the Camaro's V8 has gone through some changes for an increased output. We will know when the full commercial will be released in the near future.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/113062559242/trans-am-depot-2014-gto-teased-video

Carscoops!: Honda Accord Hybrid gets the Mugen Treatment

Note: This is the plug in Hybrid, the North American non-plug in Hybrid will look closer to the normal Accord....

 

The new Honda Accord Hybrid won't go on sale in the States (and Canada) until October, but it's already available in Japan where the carmaker's official tuning arm Mugen has presented a selection of goods to customize the sedan's appearance and to some extent, improve handling.
 
For the outside, Mugen prepared a subtle aero-package comprising front and rear aprons that bolt on directly to the bumpers, along with side skirts and carbon-fiber grille trim and boot lid spoiler. 
 
Mugen's other offerings include a stiffer sports suspension that also lowers the car's right height, a new set of 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels in tires size 245/35R19, bolts and oil filler caps with the tuner's logo, and so-called "sport floor mats" – you'll have to ask Honda's partner what makes them "sport"…
 
Thanks to Leopaul D. for the tip!

Source;
http://www.carscoops.com/2013/06/new-honda-accord-hybrid-lightly-tuned.html

Honda Civic Tourer Type S planned

New Honda Civic estate promises class-leading load space and the prospect of a sporty Type S version

by Jim Holder of www.autocar.co.uk

A sporty version of the Honda Civic Tourer is under consideration and would most likely wear the Type S badge if it gets the go-ahead for production.

The Civic Tourer is set to be revealed in production form at this year’s Frankfurt motor show. It will go on sale in the first quarter of 2014.

Although the Tourer will be launched with the same powertrains as the Civic hatchback, Honda is said to be keen to exploit the buzz created by the forthcoming return of the Civic Type R hatch by creating a sports-orientated version of the Tourer.

If it gets the go-ahead, a Type S Tourer is likely to sit on stiffer, lower suspension than the standard car and get a Type R-inspired body kit and, potentially, wider tracks.

The Civic Tourer is the first Honda to have been fully developed in Europe since the Civic Aerodeck, having been engineered in Swindon. The production car will look very similar to the concept.

Although Honda has not announced the Tourer’s boot capacity, Adrian Killman, who has led the car’s development, said it would be “comfortably class-leading”. This is possible because of the fuel tank’s location under the driver’s seat and the beam axle rear suspension set-up. The boot floor is also likely to be flat.

What’s so significant about the Civic Tourer?
The Civic Tourer is remarkable both for being so strikingly styled yet large booted, and because it wasn’t even conceived of when the hatch on which it is based was launched. Designers had to use all of the established hard points, and it had to be built on the same production line in Swindon.

All the signs are there that these severe restrictions have sparked the kind of engineering ingenuity that used to be a Honda hallmark. If the production Civic Tourer drives as well as it looks, then the company revolution sparked by the firm’s resolute boss, Takanobu Ito, appears to be gathering momentum.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/frankfurt-motor-show/honda-civic-tourer-type-s-planned

Honda confirms Civic engine upgrade

by Hans Greimel of www.autonews.com

TOKYO -- Honda Motor Co.'s top executive for North America says Americans still favor small cars and good fuel economy, despite a recent boom in pickups that has fueled Detroit 3 market share gains.

To match that demand, Honda will deploy one of its Earth Dreams direct-injection gasoline engines in its Civic small car, confirmed Tetsuo Iwamura, executive vice president and regional director for the company's biggest market.

"Gasoline prices are stabilizing in the mid-$3-a-gallon range, and Detroit is selling quite a few pickups," Iwamura said. "Yet while the average person sees those numbers, their income hasn't risen that much. It's wrong to say Americans don't care about fuel economy. They care."

Honda, bringing out a redesigned Fit small car in Japan this fall, eventually will upgrade its Civic compact sedan with Earth Dreams technology to deliver better fuel economy, Iwamura said.

The Earth Dreams suite of technologies, unveiled in November 2011, encompasses four new gasoline engines with direct injection and double-overhead cams, a turbocharged diesel engine, three redesigned continuously variable transmissions and three new gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains. 

But an Earth Dreams engine has yet to be installed in the bread-and-butter Civic. That car was freshened in a rush for the 2013 model year after its 2012 redesign was panned. It faces steeper competition this year from an overhauled and sportier Toyota Corolla.

Iwamura said the Earth Dreams upgrade for the Civic would come when the car is re-engineered or redesigned, not when it gets just a freshening. 

He declined to say when it will come. But Iwamura said cars are re-engineered typically every two years or so. That could put an engine swap on schedule for the 2015 model year.

"We'll be doing it for the Civic. The Civic has to evolve," Iwamura said. "But we have to consider what timing works best."


Source;
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130624/OEM05/306249967/honda-confirms-civic-engine-upgrade#axzz2X8r8CsUT

Honda of Canada Mfg. wins J.D. Power award

Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) Plant 2 in Alliston, Ontario has been awarded the Bronze plant ranking for North/South America in the 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). Two HCM-built products also received top ranking in their respective segments. The Honda Civic, Canada’s best-selling vehicle for 15 years running, was awarded top marks for initial quality in the Compact Car category. For the second year in a row, the Honda CR-V was chosen tops in the Compact CUV category. Vehicle awards are based on customer surveys following their purchase, while plant awards are based on the least number of manufacturing-related defects or malfunctions per vehicle.

“These results are a validation of the dedication of our Associates,” said Betty Jones, Quality Division Manager for Honda of Canada Mfg. “Our Associates work exceptionally hard to produce the best possible quality for our customers, so it is encouraging to see those efforts reflected in this year’s results. We are particularly thrilled to see Civic win its category because the 2013 Civic has some significant changes from its predecessor.”

Ali Woodley, Quality Leader at Plant 2, noted that taking the customer viewpoint has been key to Plant 2’s success. “We have an unwavering focus on what the customer wants. We listen to our internal and external customers. We address issues quickly and constantly check satisfaction. Ensuring we have ‘zero defects’ is a strong plant focus. Associates are very proud of the quality of our product and want to ensure we continue to meet the number one target!”

Honda and Acura products placed in the top three in seven of the ten segments in which they competed. In addition to the first-place finishes by the Canadian-built Civic and CR-V, the Honda Ridgeline took top spot in the Midsize Pickup class and the Acura TL was best in class in the Compact Premium Car category.

Honda of Canada Mfg. began operations in 1986 at its Plant 1 site, opened its Plant 2 facility in 1998 and began engine production in the fall of 2008. HCM Plant 2 has the capability to produce the Honda Civic Sedan and the Honda CR-V sport utility vehicle. HCM Plant 1 produces both Honda Civic coupe and sedan. Of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in 2012, 70 per cent were produced at HCM.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.ca/en/news/release/Honda-of-Canada-Mfg-Wins-JD-Power-Award

Honda Appeals to Females With Costliest Acura Ad Campaign

By Keith Naughton - Jun 24, 2013

 

Honda Motor Co. (HMC) is targeting female drivers for its redesigned 2014 Acura MDX sport wagon with the luxury brand’s most expensive advertising campaign yet.

Using the slogan “Made for Mankind,” a female narrates the moody ads showing women hiking a mountain ridge, dancing and interacting with a robot. The commercial debuts during the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup Finals this month, while the full campaign starts July 7, Tokyo-based Honda said.

Honda is betting the ads will boost Acura sales that have fallen 25 percent in the U.S. from a peak of 209,610 in 2005. The luxury marque of Japan’s third-largest automaker is also promoting new RLX sedan and NSX sports car models priced at more than $100,000. With the new MDX, Acura said it’s trying to make an emotional appeal to female luxury-car buyers.

“Luxury is so focused on a very sort of stereotypical, 40-year-old wealthy male,” Gary Robinson, advertising manager for Honda’s Acura luxury line, said June 20 in Detroit at a briefing on the new MDX. “Going forward, certainly in our country, that is not going to be anybody’s majority anymore. So there’s this opportunity to talk to somebody different.”

Honda is hoping to imbue Acura with the same success it has found with its mainstream model line, which includes the Accord sedan, the second-best-selling car in the U.S. this year.

Going after female buyers for the MDX makes sense, said Michelle Krebs, an analyst at auto researcher Edmunds.com.

Moms Car
“Moms drive the MDX; it’s sort of a minivan that’s not a minivan,” said Krebs, who is based in Southfield, Michigan. “Why not appeal to the female audience? Not many automakers do that.”

Robinson said the MDX ad campaign is the costliest ever for Acura. He declined to reveal how much Honda is spending on it. He said it’s more than twice as much as Acura’s campaign last year to introduce the redesigned RDX model. And he said the cost of the MDX campaign is “not too far off” what Honda spends on its bread-and-butter Accord model.

“Our brand sort of struggles in terms of volume,” Robinson said of Acura. “This is our most important vehicle in a lot of ways and we can’t get it wrong.”

Honda set a goal for this year of topping its best-ever U.S. volume of 1.55 million Honda and Acura brand cars and light trucks, set in 2007. The company is counting on the third-generation MDX and new RLX flagship sedan to reach the target. Acura plans to sell 60,000 MDX models a year, Robinson said.

US Deliveries
Honda’s total U.S. deliveries gained 5.6 percent this year through May to 608,663. The company’s Honda brand rose 5.2 percent during that period, while its Acura brand increased 9.8 percent, according to researcher Autodata Corp.

Acura’s U.S. sales trail the luxury leaders, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)’s BMW, Daimler AG (DAI)’s Mercedes-Benz and Toyota Motor Corp. (7203)’s Lexus line.

“For Acura, the luxury market is so intensely competitive and they’ve fallen so far,” Krebs said. “Now they’re trying to shake things up.”

Source;
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2013-06-24/honda-appeals-to-females-with-costliest-acura-ad-campaign.html

Volvo Autonomous Self-Parking Car

Interesting....

Honda’s ‘China Dream’

 By Cong Mu

A model introduces the Jade concept car revealed by Guangqi Honda at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. Photo: CFP

In a bid to win back lost territories in the Chinese market, Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co announced plans on June 14 to introduce 12 new models to China by 2015.

With better technologies and more localized production, the new models belong to Honda's mid-term strategies for China. Announced last year, they included the launch of three hybrid passenger vehicle models, before the company revealed its Crider and Jade models at the Shanghai Auto Show in April.

"Starting from this year, Honda will accelerate the introduction of the most advanced technologies in environmental protection, safety, and comfort to China, while continuing with further localization of research and development (R&D), production and sourcing in the country," said Seiji Kuraishi, president of Honda Motor (China) Investment.

Honda's Chinese joint ventures, Wuhan-based Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co and Guangzhou-based Guangqi Honda Automobile Co, will roll out six new models respectively by the end of 2015, the company said.

Dongfeng Honda has scheduled the sale of Jade, a mid-range passenger car targeting the younger generation of consumers, to open to the Chinese market in September, and expects the vehicle to lead the JV market after its top-selling model in the country, Dongfeng Honda CR-V, said Chen Binbo, executive vice president of Dongfeng Honda.

Dongfeng Honda sold 69,399 units of CR-Vs in China during the first five months of the year, down 1 percent year-on-year, according to statistics from Honda Motor (China).

Overall, the Japanese automaker's JVs sold 255,540 units of passenger vehicles in China from January to May, dropping by 2.6 percent year-on-year.

"The Japanese carmakers' sales in China are mainly affected by the general political relations between China and Japan. If bilateral relations do not improve, sales won't grow any faster, no matter how many new models Honda plans to introduce to China," Zeng Zhiling, director of LMC Automotive Asia Pacific Forecasting in Shanghai, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

The dispute over Diaoyu Islands in the South China Sea has sparked large-scale anti-Japanese protests across China since September of last year, hurting sales of Japanese products in China.

US competitors, such as Ford Motor Co, meanwhile, have taken advantage of the situation to boost sales in China, Zeng noted.

At the end of last year, Ford announced plans to introduce 15 new models to China by 2015, with the release of eight new models in 2013 alone, reported news portal sohu.com.

Earth Dreams platform

Despite lackluster sales in China, the Japanese car company refuses to give up on its dreams.

Honda has also announced a new powertrain technology platform for China, and, not coincidentally, it named it the Earth Dreams Technology platform.

The new platform emphasizes both the pleasure of driving and environmental protection, offering five new direct-injection engines with capacities ranging from 1.5 liters to 3.5 liters, Honda said.

It also includes two new continuous variable transmission (CVT) systems that suit small and mid-sized cars as well as two sets of hybrid electric powertrains for small and medium vehicles respectively, it said.

Based on existing models, the combination of its new 1.5-liter engine and rapid-response CVT for small cars can boost fuel efficiency by 10 percent and accelerate performance by 15 percent, said Honda.

The company said the new engines and CVTs will be first applied to the new Accord (its 9th generation in China), which is slated for release into the market by Guangqi Honda in September.

Honda also said that it plans to localize the R&D and production of its electric hybrid models in China in the next three years, and expects to locally source key components, such as batteries and electric motors.

"I don't believe it (that Honda will truly localize its R&D in China). It may move laboratories to China, but Honda will still have the Japanese controlling them … It's possible for Honda to localize production, but it is unlikely to see any transfer of technological knowledge to Chinese partners," said Zeng.

Honda Motor (China)'s public relations department said that the company was not yet ready to reveal the details of its localization plans for China, when contacted by the Global Times on Tuesday.

Later this month, Guangqi Honda will debut a new model, Crider, most of which has been designed and developed in China and with the Chinese customer in mind, said Honda Motor (China)'s Deputy General Manager Takahiro Hachigo, who was previously behind the development of the CR-V in China.

Meanwhile, Jade, developed in Japan and based on the low slung and spacious global model Concept S, was designed mainly for the Chinese mass market, according to Hachigo.

Luxury appeal

Apart from designing for the quickly-emerging Chinese middle-class, Honda has also been coveting the booming luxury vehicle sector in the world's largest car market, though, according to the US consulting firm McKinsey & Co, it is the Germans who control about 80 percent of the Chinese premium-auto market.

McKinsey said earlier this month that its recent study of both Chinese and German luxury car customers showed that "in China, advanced power trains are much more important for attracting high-end buyers than they are in Germany. Fuel efficiency also looms larger for affluent consumers hesitant to step up to premium cars."

"Price matters more in China, particularly for people interested in but less able to afford luxury cars, so there may well be a major market for lower-priced premium models," it noted.

Thus, Acura, the luxury car division of Honda, introduced two new premium models to the market at a Shenzhen car show on June 8.

The latest full-size sedan Acura RLX is a flagship model representing the design and technical trends of the future and has a price tag of 858,000 yuan ($139,938) per unit, said Chen Yue, vice director of Acura's China operation.

Meanwhile, Acura RDX-3.0L, directed at the aspiring affluent consumer, is a mid-range sports utility vehicle and is priced at 439,000 yuan per unit, said Chen.

Designed for China, and compared with its previous models, the RDX-3.0L has a smaller engine volume and a dropped price to increase its attractiveness, marking Acura's willingness to cater to Chinese consumers, it said.

Source;
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/790580.shtml#.UcRTrtimUUM

Bloomberg Business: Why Honda's Unloading Electric Cars for Cheap

By Angela Greiling Keane and Alan Ohnsman of www.businessweek.com

When Honda Motor (HMC) introduced its all-electric Fit EV in July 2012, it set a modest goal of delivering 1,100 of the lease-only cars in two years. Yet through May, the company had found just 176 takers for the plug-in. Consumers didn’t leap to pay $389 a month for a subcompact that can go only about 82 miles before it needs recharging, especially when the gas-powered version gets 30 miles a gallon and costs half as much. General Motors (GM), maker of the plug-in Chevy Volt hybrid, and Nissan Motor (7201), which makes the all-electric Leaf, have also seen sales fall short of their goals.

This is a problem for automakers under increasing pressure to push zero-emission vehicles on skeptical consumers. Nine states, including New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, have followed California’s lead in requiring that electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen-powered models make up 15 percent of new-car sales and leases by 2025. They’ve got a long way to go: About one-third of 1 percent of the 6.4 million new vehicles sold in the first five months of 2013 were zero-emission, says the National Automobile Dealers Association.

Under a complicated formula that varies by state, automakers earn “zero emission vehicle” credits for each electric vehicle they sell or lease, and they’re expected to rack up a certain number of credits each year. Not all green cars are equal: All-electric models such as the Fit EV are worth more credits than plug-in hybrid models with gasoline engines like the Volt. The number of credits the carmakers must earn rises each year, and the companies face fines for falling short. (They can buy credits from other companies, such as electric-only Tesla Motors (TSLA), that sell too few cars to be subject to regulation yet still earn credits which they are allowed to sell. Tesla made $85 million selling California and federal credits in the first quarter of 2013.)

The Fit EV, along with Ford Motor’s (F) all-electric Focus and Toyota Motor’s (TM) battery-powered RAV4, are known within the industry as “compliance cars,” limited-edition models manufactured to meet the zero-emission sales requirements. The Fit EV is on the market only in California and the other states with electric car quotas. “They are essentially forcing vehicles to be built and delivered to dealers who are forced to sell them,” says Bailey Wood, the dealer association’s legislative director.

This has left car companies struggling to find ways to make their electric offerings more attractive. One thing that’s working: leasing the cars at fire sale prices. With a two-year supply of Fit EVs sitting on dealer lots, Honda cut its 36-month lease rate in June by about one-third, to $259 a month, with no down payment and unlimited mileage. GM and Nissan are also offering steeply discounted leases on plug-ins. Demand for the Fit has surged; within weeks, Honda went from bemoaning a stockpile of cars to apologizing to customers put on a waiting list and promising that more Fit EVs are on the way.

The car’s newfound popularity will help Honda meet its quotas, but the low prices may not be sustainable. Rock-bottom leases likely mean little to no profit—Honda won’t say whether it’s losing money on the Fit—and condition buyers to expect the car to come cheap. Requiring minimum numbers of plug-in vehicle sales is “inherently a risky strategy,” says Edward Cohen, Honda’s vice president for government and industry affairs. The mandate “directs manufacturers to offer consumers technology options along a predetermined time frame and with specified numbers, notwithstanding whether the technology and market are ready.”

In March the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, whose members include GM and Toyota, and the Association of Global Automakers, which counts Honda among its members, filed a petition with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to block California’s sales targets. “The sales data tell the story of what consumers want,” says Alliance spokeswoman Gloria Bergquist. “The early adopters have purchased plug-in electric vehicles, but mainstream consumers have not followed.”

Yet electric car advocates say the temporarily low prices will ultimately lead to greater sales as buyers give the cars a try, get over their doubts, and become converts. “Both a market push and market pull are needed, and they need to be in sync,” says Roland Hwang of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “We need both a long-term, stable signal for automakers to produce electric cars and a robust, growing consumer market.”

The bottom line: Under pressure from states to increase sales of unpopular electric cars, Honda, GM, and Nissan are slashing prices.

Source;

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-06-20/why-hondas-unloading-electric-cars-for-cheap

Honda Expands Accord Lineup this Fall with 2014 Accord Hybrid Featuring Class-Leading MPG Ratings and Exclusive Styling

06/19/2013 - TORRANCE, Calif.

• Class-leading 49 mpg EPA city fuel economy rating¹ anticipated
• Accord Hybrid shares Accord Sedan's sophisticated design highlighted with exclusive hybrid styling accents
• Honda's first hybrid to be assembled² in Marysville, Ohio
• Accord Hybrid to go on-sale nationwide in October 2013

The first official photos of the U.S. version of the all-new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid set to hit dealerships nationwide this October are now available on the Honda consumer site. The Accord Hybrid features the same sophisticated styling found on the Accord Sedan plus unique hybrid badging and blue-accented grille and light lenses, LED daytime running lights, a unique wheel design and a decklid spoiler.

The 2014 Accord Hybrid will use Honda's new two-motor hybrid powertrain, much of which is shared with the Accord Plug-In that went on sale in January. The two-motor SPORT HYBRID Intelligent Multi Mode Drive powertrain in the Accord Hybrid allows the vehicle to move through three different driving modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive – to optimize fuel efficiency.

In 'EV Drive', the Accord Hybrid uses the lithium-ion battery to run in electric-only mode at lower speeds and in medium to high speed cruising, 'Engine Drive' sends the engine power directly to the front wheels. In 'Hybrid Drive,' the powerful 124-kilowatt (kW) electric motor and the all-new 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine blend together for powerful acceleration while allowing for efficient driving in  stop-and-go traffic situations. The Accord Hybrid is anticipated to obtain a class-leading mid-size sedan EPA fuel economy¹ rating of 49/45/47 mpg (city/highway/combined).

Inside, the Accord Hybrid's well-appointed and intuitive layout provides the driver with instant fuel economy and energy flow information for efficient driving performance. Along with innovative new features such as Honda's LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, an industry-first that debuted on the Accord last fall, other available features on the 2014 Accord Hybrid include Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), an 8-inch color i-MID display, perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces, cloud-based HondaLink™ featuring Aha™ compatibility, seven-speaker audio system with Bluetooth® streaming audio, Pandora® interface and XM® Radio, and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines.

The 2014 Accord Hybrid features the same next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure as the 2013 Accord, along with Honda's new SmartVent™ front-side airbags. Like the 2013 Accord, the 2014 Accord Hybrid is expected to earn top safety ratings including an NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid will be the first Honda hybrid vehicle assembled in Ohio and the second built in the U.S. The Accord Hybrid joins the diverse Accord lineup, which includes the four-cylinder and V-6 powered Accord Sedan, sporty Accord Coupe and the advanced Accord Plug-In, which has the highest EPA MPGe rating of any mid-size hybrid sedan in America at 115 MPGe.

Here is Honda Canada's Press Release;

• One of the Class-leading Fuel Economy (city and combined) 4.0/4.1L/100Km anticipated
• Accord Hybrid shares Accord Sedan's sophisticated design highlighted with exclusive hybrid styling accents
• Honda's first hybrid to be assembled in Marysville, Ohio
• Accord Hybrid to go on-sale nationwide in October 2013

MARKHAM, ON, June 20, 2013 /CNW/ - The first official photos of the Canadian version of the all-new 2014 Accord Hybrid set to hit dealerships nationwide this October are now available on Hondanews.ca . The Accord Hybrid features the same sophisticated styling found on the Accord Sedan, plus upscale detailing with unique hybrid badging and blue-accented grille and light lenses, LED lighting, a unique wheel design and a decklid spoiler. The Accord Hybrid joins an award-winning family, including the Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe. 

The 2014 Accord Hybrid will use Honda's new two-motor hybrid powertrain along with two-motor SPORT HYBRID Intelligent Multi Mode Drive powertrain.  This will enable the Accord Hybrid to move through three different driving modes, EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive to optimize efficiency and fuel economy.

In 'EV Drive', the Accord Hybrid uses the lithium-ion battery to run in electric-only mode at lower speeds and in medium to high speed cruising, "Engine Drive" sends the engine power directly to the front wheels. In "Hybrid Drive' the  powerful 124-kilowatt (kW) electric motor and the all-new 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine blend together for powerful acceleration while allowing for efficient driving in  stop and go traffic situations. The Accord Hybrid is anticipated to deliver fuel economy¹ of 4.0/4.2/4.1 (City/Hwy/Combined) L/100Km. 

The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid will be the first Honda hybrid vehicle assembled in Ohio and the second built in North America. The Accord Hybrid joins the diverse Accord lineup, which includes the four-cylinder and V-6 powered Accord Sedan and sporty Accord Coupe.

Inside, the Accord Hybrid's intuitive layout provides the driver with instant fuel economy and energy flow information for optimal driving performance. Along with innovative new features such Honda's LaneWatch^™ blind-spot monitoring system, an industry-first which debuted on the Accord last fall, other available features on the 2014 Accord Hybrid include Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), an 8-inch colour i-MID display, perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces, cloud-based HondaLink^™ featuring Aha^™, 360-watt seven-speaker audio system with Bluetooth^® streaming audio, XM^® Radio, and a multi-angle rear-view camera with guidelines.

The 2014 Accord Hybrid features the same next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure as the 2013 Accord, along with Honda's new SmartVent^™ front-side airbags. Like the 2013 Accord, the 2014 Accord Hybrid is expected to earn similar top safety ratings including an NCAP 5-Star safety ratings and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).