Car and Driver has a 360 degrees View of the Next Generation Mustang

In a nation obsessed with the right now, few things have held up over the past 50 years as well as the Ford ­Mustang. The first pony car debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and instantly became a tent pole of Americana. Before the model officially turns 50 on April 17, 2014, Ford will celebrate its lasting ­contribution to the postwar-boom culture with a brand-new, much anticipated Mustang. 

But the times, they are a changin’ (yep, a song also released in 1964). Ford’s American icon continues to gain offshore admirers. The Blue Oval plans to sell the next Mustang globally, and to appease overseas buyers, the car will need to be lighter and more efficient. But that’s not to say that traditional fans will be disappointed. 

Bodywork

While the new Mustang will keep the somewhat hefty proportions of its predecessor, exterior dimensions will shrink ever so slightly. It will also cease to have stand-alone styling within Ford’s lineup. A number of design cues will evoke the familial design language pioneered by the Fusion, and the Mustang’s new front end clearly has been influenced by the brand’s Evos concept from the 2011 Frankfurt show. 

The car’s headlight motif joins the rest of the Ford family, but the upright grille remains Mustang-esque. It makes subtle use of the brand’s current Aston Martin-via-Dearborn mouth while still maintaining an appearance that’s unflinchingly pony car. The design proc­ess has taken longer than the folks at Ford would’ve hoped, we’re told, after the initial proposal was rejected for not being Mustang enough. We imagine that it was a little too Euro-soft, a little too much like the Evos.

In the final shape, a pair of large vents resides on the front of the hood, creating the appearance of flared mustang nostrils that hint at the power lurking beneath. The rear window features a sort of widow’s peak extending from the roof, à la the SRT Viper, and the side windows feature a more ­cohesive shape—as opposed to the quarter-windows separated by fat B-pillars on the current car—with an upward kink that resembles the new Corvette’s treatment. 

Interior

Retro is not completely dead in the new cockpit, either. Two large, tubular gauges will continue to sit in front of the driver as they do today, and circular air vents will reside atop the center stack, flanked by a rectangular duct at each end. The upper portion of the dashboard will be canted forward and have dual cowls, another cue from the Mustang museum. 

The center stack will offer either traditional stereo and HVAC controls or the MyFord Touch do-everything touch screen, available for the first time in a Mustang. After taking a drubbing in customer-satisfaction surveys, Ford is emphasizing the evolution of the MyFord Touch interface. The next-gen system debuts in the Mustang, offering redundant buttons and switchgear for those who prefer to handle real controls instead of virtual ones. The changeable ambient lighting continues, but it will spread beyond the dials, cup holders, and speakers to other points within the cabin, something also found in European luxury cars like the new S-class.

2015 Ford Mustang spy photos

Carry-Over Powertrains

At launch, the Mustang will be available with the same engine options offered by the current Mustang: a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6 and the “Coyote” 5.0-liter V-8, each with the same power ratings as the Mustangs on showroom floors today (305 and 420 horsepower, respectively). Transmissions, too, will carry over at the outset, with shoppers given a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. That will change in the two to three years after launch, when the 10-speed auto being jointly developed with GM will replace the six-speed slushbox. 

However, the Mustang’s 2015 model year will be a long one—as was 1965—and thus, Ford will offer powertrain upgrades in the months after its launch. Updates to the V-6 will be minimal, but we understand that the GT-badged “five-oh” will jump to 500 horsepower. 

Turbo-Four Cafe Special

Sometime after the new Mustang reaches dealer lots, we will begin to see interesting underhood options. With European and federal fuel-economy standards in mind, Ford will introduce the first turbo­charged four-cylinder Mustang since the 1986 SVO model. And the engine will be the same size, 2.3 liters, as that car’s four-banger. It’ll generate 310 horsepower with direct injection, and it will be marketed as an uplevel alternative to the base six. Its premium should be justified not only by its expected mileage gain but also by its high, flat torque curve.

Ford is also considering offering the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 found in the Taurus SHO. Tuned to churn out 400 horsepower (up from the 365 it makes in the SHO), this engine could potentially replace the 3.7-liter V-6 and serve as a natural steppingstone between the turbo four and the Coyote. The EcoBoost V-6 is unlikely to appear in the Mustang’s engine bay before the 2017 model year. 

A Stable Full of Wild Horses

Ford has many plans for ultra-high-performance Mustangs. The first will be a successor to the Shelby-branded GT500, and the company will continue to offer Ford’s “Trinity” supercharged 5.8-liter V-8 making 662 horses. Past the new-gen Shelby GT500, Ford has additional powertrain options for two more hi-po nameplates. 

The first is a twin-turbocharged V-8, code-named “Voodoo,” which displaces between 5.0 and 5.5 liters and, most intriguingly, has a “flat-plane” or 180-degree crankshaft, as Ferrari has used in its V-8s since 1973. This configuration, also found in the late Lotus Esprit V-8, is akin to connecting two four-cylinder banks to a common crankshaft. Flat cranks theoretically improve power, throttle response, and the soundtrack at the expense of greater vibration. This EcoBoost V-8 will produce between 550 and 600 horses. It will power a Shelby GT350–branded model that eventually will take over from the GT500, as Ford is desperate to discontinue that car’s costly and thirsty Trinity. 

The last high-performance Mustang will be a successor to the Boss 302. What will power it is still not finalized. If all goes according to plan, Ford would like to use a naturally aspirated version of the Voodoo engine. However, initial testing has not yielded the desired results in Dearborn, and it’s possible that a hotted-up version of the 5.0 Coyote could be used—as was the case in the previous Boss. 

Chassis

The introduction of an independent rear suspension, not seen in Mustangdom outside of the 1999–2004 SVT Cobra, will improve handling, ride comfort, and packaging. This should address some key Mustang criticisms and lend it credibility when taking on its European contemporaries in markets where the pony-car genre isn’t sustained by nostalgia and cheap fuel, as it is here. A new platform—code-named “S550”—will underpin this new Mustang, and through that architecture, Ford is expecting to shed some 200 pounds from the current car’s roughly 3500-pound curb weight.

Source (with a ton of other pics);
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2015-ford-mustang-leaked-360-view-and-full-details-news

JDM Honda Odyssey – fifth-gen launched in Japan

The fifth-gen JDM-spec Honda Odyssey has launched in Japan – the MPV features sliding rear doors for the first time, and has a higher ceiling, lower floor and more interior room than the previous model thanks to a new ultra-low-floor platform. As before, there are two models: the regular Odyssey (above) and the Odyssey Absolute.

The Odyssey Absolute is differentiated from the regular Odyssey by a more aggressive-looking front apron with mesh in the intakes and fog lamp housings, additional chrome trim and a subtly-different rear apron.

Both get a 2.4 litre DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder ‘Earth Dreams’ engine with idle stop and a CVT, but the Absolute adds direct injection to the motor, a seven-speed mode to the gearbox and shift paddles.

So the regular Odyssey has 175 PS and 225 Nm of torque at its disposal while the direct-injected Absolute has 190 PS and 237 Nm of torque. Claimed fuel consumption ranges from 11.6 to 14.0 km per litre on the JC08 cycle.

The fifth-gen Honda Odyssey is 4,830 mm long and 1,800 mm wide (+20 mm for the Absolute). Height is around the 1,700 mm mark, wheelbase is 2,900 mm and weight ranges from 1,700 to 1,830 kg.

The regular Odyssey comes in B, G and G EX trims, and the Absolute in base and EX trims. All variants can be had with either front- or four-wheel drive. All four-wheel drive variants are eight-seaters; the front-wheel drive variants can have either seven or eight seats depending on trim. 215/60 R16, 215/55 R17 and 225/45 R18 wheels are available.

There are also ‘special needs’ versions that feature a fully-electric rotating and elevating seat either beside the driver or in the second row.

Some variants come with “premium cradle seats” in the second row – recline the backrest and the seat base rises, adding comfort. They also include footrests and articulated backrests. The third-row bench is divided into three – each passenger can select their own reclining angle.

Interior height is a generous 1,325 mm in the front-wheel drive variants and Honda says the second and third rows have about the same level of head clearance.

The aforementioned ultra-low-floor platform encompasses a flat and slender fuel tank and a flat rear floor. The rear door steps are only 300 mm from the ground, making entry and exit easy.

The previous Odyssey’s front and rear double wishbones have been replaced by MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam out back, which supposedly saves weight. Additionally, there’s enhanced rigidity, a drive-by-wire throttle and an increased steering angle that facilitates a 5.4-metre turning circle.

Driving aids offered on higher-spec variants include a multi-view camera, automatic parking (Honda Smart Parking Assist System), blind spot monitoring, Collision Mitigating Brake System and City-Brake Active System. See the US-market 2014 Honda Odyssey here.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2013/10/31/honda-odyssey-japan/

Honda CR-V diesel arriving January (Not for North America)

Honda has confirmed the addition of a second diesel engine to its Australian line-up, with a new CR-V model joining the diesel Civic Hatch that landed in April.

Unlike the 88kW/300Nm 1.6 litre Civic, the new diesel CR-V will get Honda's larger 2.2 litre engine, producing 110kW and 350Nm of torque.

The new model will be offered in four-wheel-drive form, matched to either a six-speed manual or five-speed auto transmission. Hill Descent Control will also feature as standard.

In manual form, Honda promises a 5.8 l/100km fuel consumption figure.

Honda Australia's current CR-V range features both two- and four-wheel-drive options, but all are powered by 2.0 and 2.4 litre petrol engines only.

The 2.0 litre engine produces 114kW and 190Nm, returning 7.8 l/100km with the manual transmission.

In 2.4 litre form, available only with an auto transmission, power grows to 140kW and 222Nm. Fuel use is listed at 8.7 l/100km.

“This fourth-generation model has been a strong, consistent performer since it was first launched in December 2012 and we expect to see a boost in sales with a diesel option,” Honda Australia Director Stephen Collins said.
“This year, we’ve sold just shy of 10,000 units, making the CR-V second only to the much-loved Civic range.”

Pricing for the CR-V range currently kicks off at $27,490 plus on-roads for the 2WD manual, rounding out at $42,290 plus on-roads for the range-topping VTi-L 4WD automatic.

The new Honda CR-V diesel is due to arrive in local showrooms in January, with pricing available closer to launch.

Source;
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/57591/honda-to-add-diesel-option-to-cr-v-range-in-first-quarter-2014

2014 Honda Civic Coupe will be officially presented during the 2013 SEMA Motor Show

The brand new Honda Civic Coupe will be officially presented to the public next week, during the 2013 SEMA Motor Show, in a premiere.

The announcement has been officially made by the Japanese based automaker, which has the plan to put the model on sale right after the Las Vegas automotive event. According to the car manufacturer, the brand new Honda Civic Coupe will be sold as a 2014 model year and it will be based on the sedan, getting some improved finishes around the dashboard, soft-touch materials, higher quality seat fabric and probably more standard features as well.

The engine lineup in the new 2014 Honda Civic Coupe will be made out of the 1.8 liter four-cylinder unit, which is producing a total output of 140 HP, offered on the base model, along with the 2.4 liter four-cylinder, in the Si, producing 201 HP. The five-speed manual transmission will come in standard but a five-speed automatic will be offered as an option. Additional details on the new 2014 Honda Civic Coupe are limited for the moment and will be announced next week, during the 2013 SEMA Motor Show, in Las Vegas, where the model will make its public debut.

Source;
http://www.inautonews.com/honda-announcing-civic-coupe-for-sema#.UnEPkScUaEo

Honda City's fourth-generation variant to be unveiled next month

In a recent development, it is learnt that the Japanese car maker, Honda is planning to unveil its fourth generation City model in the Indian auto market. Showcasing of the new-generation model is slated for November, 2013. As reported, the upcoming model shall be bigger in length and width than the current generation model, which will make it more spacious and comfortable. It will bear a fresh new design and shall be equipped with premium features in order to topple Hyundai Verna from its perch.

Honda City's fourth-generation variant to be unveiled next month

 

Also to mention, the new City model will be available in diesel engine option as it was highly needed for the car maker. The company has been riding on the success of its entry level compact sedan, Amaze with over 35000 units being sold till now. With the diesel model of City, Honda is targeting the mid-size segment where it has lost most of the market share to its rivals. Reports have surfaced that the launch of new generation City is a part of Honda's new strategy to gain a considerable market share. It must be noted that Honda is still faring well in the Indian car market as it registered a 69 per cent growth with 59617 units during April to September time period. The upcoming model of Honda is expected to be offered in six to eight variants that would comprise petrol and diesel engine options, along with manual and automatic transmission choices.

Earlier, its was told the new mid-size sedan of Honda would be based on the platform of Jazz and shall have more running creases to make it appealing for price sensitive Indian buyers. On exteriors, the clear wrap around headlights will be provided with projector lamps to give an attractive appearance to the car, along with revamped integrated LED tail lights at rear. According to sources, the City model shall be price significantly higher as compared to the incumbent model in order to bridge the differential between mid-size and executive sedan category. The company would be hoping for a turnaround in the mid-size sedan segment as it has earlier discontinued its Civic model. However, the auto maker has not revealed any information regarding the next-generation City, but it is expected to arrive in global markets before the end of next year.

According to industry experts, once Honda introduces the new model of City, it would take the respective segment by storm as the brand value of the company is immense in the Indian car market. Also, the design philosophy followed by Honda while bringing out new-generation models is quite good. With its petrol model, the City model had ruled the mid-size segment ever since its inception but due to the unavailability of diesel engine, it has bore the brunt. Now with new model of City with diesel engine, the car can become a force to reckon with, as Honda has previously showcased its mettle in the past of overturning things with the recent example being of Amaze.

Source;

http://www.cartrade.com/car-bike-news/honda-city-s-fourth-generation-variant-to-be-unveiled-next-month-122143.html

Video – Honda Mobilio presentation film released

The video brings to light a few details that we were unable to show in our previous posts. The ground clearance for example, which is supposed to be best-in-class at 185mm, can be seen in this video.

Inside, the middle row seat will have a 60:40 (split) arrangement and the seats themselves slide back and forth apart from reclining. That being said, we would love to see Honda offer captains chairs, at least as an optional feature.

This video also shows the roof mounted secondary air con unit which is positioned just before the second row. On the 4,390mm long Mobilio, this is more of a necessity rather than a feature, especially in a place like India which gets very hot and humid during summers.

The Mobilio seems to sport a capacious boot even with all three rows in place. However, luggage capacity can be further expanded by folding and tumbling the third row.

Since it is based on the Brio platform, the Mobilio carries over its door trim, steering wheel, dashboard and center console.

In India, we expect to see the Mobilio launch next year and apart from the City’s 1.5-liter petrol engine, Honda would offer its EarthDreams 1.5-liter diesel engine on it as well.

Source;
http://indianautosblog.com/2013/10/honda-mobilio-video-102013

Honda NSX aims for '458 excitement at 911 price'

by Jim Holder

 

One of the hardest challenges facing the Honda NSX development team is communicating the car’s capabilities, says development chief Ted Klaus.

“The NSX has never been about a set of figures on a piece of paper,” he said. “As with the original, the eventual power figure won’t grab headlines, for instance, but the qualities that you can’t write down, such as driver involvement and pleasure, are the ones that will matter.

"As engineers, we like numbers, but I’m acutely aware that if we build this car against a set of criteria that has been written down, we will lose our sense of focus.”

The Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911, Audi R8, Ferrari 458 and McLaren 12C are among the competitors being used as benchmarks by Klaus. “We’re looking for the excitement of the 458 at the price of the 911, and we think the hybrid technology can help us achieve that,” he said.

The car will be launched in 2015.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/honda-nsx-aims-458-excitement-911-price

Ad of the Day: Real or Illusion? Honda CR-V Spot Keeps You Guessing

by David Gianatasio of www.adweek.com

Hey, advertisers … stop blowing my mind!

Honda follows Ray-Ban's impressively trippy optical-illusion video with this 60-second European TV spot from mcgarrybowen in London. The spot, called "An Impossible Made Possible," shows the CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC Diesel traversing a surreal landscape of complex and cool visual effects. At one point, we get an Ames room type illusion where a woman blows on her coffee, apparently setting a toy Honda CR-V 1.6 atop a table in motion. It turns out the SUV is really a full-size model parked a few yards behind her … but the weird eye-candy in the scene doesn't end there.

Describing the spot in detail would give too much away. It's a pretty wild ride, packed with imagery that rewards repeat viewing. I especially like how each illusion is ultimately shattered, letting the audience in on the trickery at hand.

The exceedingly stylized clip, directed by Chris Palmer of Gorgeous, succeeds as a pure content play, and the main advertising element, a somewhat clunky voiceover that talks about "less fuel in for more miles out," seem almost intrusive. Still, the point that things aren't always as they appear—a rule this campaign applies to various qualities of the Honda CR-V 1.6, such as gas mileage—is made in exceptionally eye-opening fashion.

Some commenters have noted similarities to Audi's 7-year-old "Illusions" commercial. They should keep in mind that advertising, like all creative endeavors, often borrows from and reworks what's come before, building on inspiration to create new vision. Yes, the commercials are somewhat alike. Even so, with the Honda spot, you don't get the feeling that you've seen it all before.

CREDITS
Client: Honda
Agency: mcgarrybowen London
Executive Creative Directors: Paul Jordan, Angus MacAdam
Copywriter: Richard Holmes
Art Director: Remco Graham
Planner: Max Kennedy
Agency Producer: Richard Firminger
Production Company: Gorgeous
Director: Chris Palmer
Editor: Paul Watts
Postproduction: The Mill
Colorist: Seamus O'Kane
VFX: Tom Sparks
Audio Post: Parv Thind
Audio Post: Wave
Media Agency: Starcom

Source;

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/ad-day-real-or-illusion-honda-cr-v-spot-keeps-you-guessing-153307?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=AWK_AdBrand&utm_campaign=Adweek%20Newsletter%20Template%20-%20Advertising%20%26%20Branding%20-%

Honda N-WGN & N-WGN Custom announced for Tokyo

Honda has announced plans to introduce the N-WGN and N-WGN Custom at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The company didn't have much to say about the models but they are high-height hatchbacks that promise to be safe and comfortable.

The standard model has a boxy design that incorporates an upright front fascia, flared wheel arches and a distinctive greenhouse. The Custom, on the other hand, has an aerodynamic body kit with modified bumpers, revised side skirts and a tailgate-mounted spoiler. The model also gains a revised grille and bespoke headlights.

The cabin is relatively sparse but features a three-spoke steering wheel, silver accents and a simplistic instrument cluster. The Custom goes one step further with metallic trim, piano black accents and upgraded instrumentation.

The N-WGN will be unveiled on November 20th, so stay tuned for full details.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/113102364930/honda-n-wgn--n-wgn-custom-announced-for-tokyo

Honda crossover based on the Jazz is Tokyo-bound

The Honda S660 Concept we showed earlier won’t be making its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show alone, as Honda has also confirmed the attendance of a new Jazz-based crossover there. As Honda puts it, it will be a full production model of the Urban SUV Concept (pictured here) shown earlier this year.

Other than the confirmation, no official specifics have been released. Earlier though, Honda described the concept as a “global model combining a sporty and dynamic SUV profile with a spacious, functional interior.” Petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains have been suggested.

To be built on the latest third-generation Jazz/Fit, the new Honda crossover will embrace the fast-growing on-road-biased mini-SUV brigade that currently includes the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Chevrolet Trax, Ford EcoSport and Peugeot 2008.

We already know that the last two, built on the Fiesta and 208 compact hatchbacks respectively, will arrive on our shores soon. Fancy a baby CR-V, anyone?

Source;
http://paultan.org/2013/10/23/honda-crossover-based-jazz-tokyo-bound/

Andretti Autosport Switches Over to Honda Powered Machines

Andretti Autosport and Honda Racing Announce Multi-Year IndyCar Alliance

10/19/2013 - FONTANA, Calif.

IndyCar champions Andretti Autosport® announced today that the team led by racing legend Michael Andretti will return to IndyCar Series competition in 2014 with Honda-powered machines as part of a multi-year agreement.

"We look forward to working with Honda again; for us, it's like being back home. I have no doubt that together we will see great success," said Michael Andretti, the team's Chairman, President and CEO.

The Indianapolis-based team has competed as part of Team Chevy for the last two seasons, winning the championship in 2012 with Ryan Hunter-Reay. Prior to the return of the IndyCar manufacture competition in 2011, Andretti captured three series championships with Honda (2004, 2005, 2007), as well as two Indianapolis 500 victories (2005, 2007). Since its inception in 2003, Andretti Autosport has captured 48 IndyCar Series victories – 39 of those under Honda power.

"We're extremely happy to welcome Michael Andretti and his Andretti Autosport organization back into the Honda Racing family," said Art St. Cyr, President, Honda Performance Development. "As many of you will remember, the Andretti organization played a major role in Honda's success during the previous era of manufacturer competition in Indy car racing, and we're looking forward to adding more victories and championships to an already impressive total."

Honda has been a fixture in North American open-wheel racing since 1994 and has played an active role in the growth of Indy car racing – as both a Manufacturers' Championship competitor and single engine supplier – since joining the series in 2003.

The company scored its first of nine consecutive Indianapolis 500 victories in 2004. Honda won Manufacturers' Championships in 2004 and 2005, and captured the drivers' championships with Andretti drivers Tony Kanaan (2004) and Wheldon (2005).

Honda became engine supplier to the entire IZOD IndyCar Series in 2006, and supplied racing engines to the full, 33-car Indianapolis 500 field each year from 2006-2011. For a record six-consecutive years, the '500' ran without a single engine failure, and the 2010 Indianapolis 500 marked Honda's 100th race win as a manufacturer and engine supplier in IZOD IndyCar Series competition.

# # #

About Andretti Autosport
Based in Indianapolis and led by racing legend Michael Andretti, Andretti Autosport fields multiple entries in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Andretti Autosport also campaigns multiple cars in Firestone Indy Lights, the Pro Mazda Championship and in the USF2000 Championship. In July 2013 the team announced intent to compete in the FIA Formula E Championship starting in 2014. The company boasts four IZOD IndyCar Series championships (2004, 2005, 2007 and 2012), two Firestone Indy Lights titles (2008 and 2009), one USF2000 championship (2010) and has won the Indianapolis 500 twice (2005 and 2007). For more information, please visit www.AndrettiAutosport.com.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/22/andretti-autosport-honda-power-indycar/

American Honda settles class-action suit over oil-burning claim

DETROIT -- American Honda Motor Co. has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit over claims that it manufactured 1,593,755 defective vehicles that excessively burn oil and require frequent spark plug replacements.

The settlement concerns all U.S. purchasers and lessees of 2008-12 Accord, 2008-13 Odyssey, 2009-13 Pilot, 2010-11 Accord Crosstour and 2012 Crosstour vehicles equipped with six-cylinder engines that have variable cylinder management. Accord vehicles with four-cylinder engines are excluded from the settlement.

The original suit -- filed in March 2012 by plaintiffs Alex Soto and Vince Eagen -- claimed the vehicles contained a "systematic design defect that enables oil to enter into the engine's combustion chamber." The alleged defect led to "premature spark plug degradation and engine malfunction," court documents said.

The plaintiffs claimed Honda hid the problem from consumers. Honda denied the allegation, despite receiving hundreds of online complaints on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site, and about 130 on carcomplaints.com concerning the 2008 Accord alone.

Honda later issued a technical service bulletin notifying its technicians to check for the defect. The automaker did not issue a recall because a safety issue was not discovered.

The majority of complaints allege that Honda said it was normal for a powertrain to burn a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. The suit claimed Honda refused to cover warranties for the vehicles and, instead, instructed customers to check their oil every time they get gas.

Eagan claims that he had to add a quart of oil to his vehicle each month and had to replace his "prematurely fouled" spark plugs twice within 55,000 miles as a result of oil burning in the cylinders.

Soto said in court documents that he routinely noticed carbon buildup on his exhaust pipe -- a sign that oil, and not just gasoline, is burning in the powertrain.

Honda assured Soto that this, too, was normal, court documents show.

Dave Sullivan, an analyst at research firm AutoPacific, said that today's emission requirements do not permit engines to burn oil.

"It's too dirty," Sullivan said. "We're seeing cars go 10,000 miles now between oil changes. If there was a quart for every thousand miles you would need 10 quarts, and most cars don't have that many quarts in them."

Sullivan said when he changed the oil in his Mazda6 that he may have lost "a cup or two of oil between changes, but that was over 7,500 miles. I think that's a negligible amount. That being said, there's no excuse for a quart every thousand miles."

Sullivan said the last major episode that involved people complaining about oil burn was with the Mazda RX-8. "Instead of waiting for people to complain, [Mazda] was more proactive and … said 'even if you don't have a problem, you're going to have one so let's just fix it now.'"

Honda declined to comment until after the case is granted final approval.

The settlement was reached after U.S. District Judge Susan Illston declined the defendant's motion to force arbitration on the case in Oct. 2012. The judge found that Honda was a third-party non-signatory to a contract and therefore may not compel arbitration under the terms of the contract.

The preliminary settlement approval was given Oct. 9 by Illston in San Francisco. The final fairness hearing, which is the last step in a class action settlement, is set for March 21.

Under the conditions of the settlement, Honda agreed to extend the powertrain limited warranty for up to eight years after the original sale or lease of the vehicle. Honda also agreed not to oppose the counsel attorney fees as long as they do not exceed more than $800,000. Eagen is also asking the court to approve an incentive award of no more than $1,000 to compensate him for his time and effort on behalf of the settlement class, according to a copy of the class notice.

Details on the settlement notice, which is due to be sent out by the court Wednesday, can be found in the .pdf file attached to this story (below).

Class action notice

Approval order

Source;
http://www.autonews.com/article/20131022/OEM11/131029975/american-honda-settles-class-action-suit-over-oil-burning-defect#axzz2iYGR3fXW

Honda Previews New Convertible Sportscar Concept S660

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran of www.motorauthority.com  

Talk of successors to Honda sports car like the S2000 and CRX date back several years and has been encouraged by the occasional concept reveal by the Japanese automaker. However, in a speech last year addressing his company’s future plans, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito finally confirmed development of a new convertible sports car, which is to be launched on the Japanese market in late 2014.

Now, just a few weeks out from the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda has revealed a new concept that will be gracing its stands, previewing the upcoming sports car. The new concept is called the S660 and it's clearly been influenced by the styling of 2011’s EV-STER.

However, while the EV-STER featured an electric drivetrain, the S660 comes with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine displacing just 660 cubic centimeters. The tiny engine is mated to a CVT and drive is sent to the rear wheels. Peak output rates at just 64 horsepower. This may sound somewhat feeble, but the S660 is said to tip the scales at less than 2,000 pounds.

The interior also features a new type of design for Honda. Lightweight carbon fiber is used extensively and is joined by a number of digital displays.

If the eventual production version is offered in the U.S.--and that’s a big if, given Honda’s reluctance of late to launch any credible sports cars here--expect it to come with a more powerful engine and a retractable roof.

Also at the Tokyo Motor Show, press days for which commence November 20, Honda will show off its Acura NSX concept and a UNI-CUB personal mobility device. Follow our complete coverage of the event via our dedicated hub.

Source;
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1087883_honda-previews-new-convertible-sports-car-with-s660-concept