Redesign takes 2016 Honda Pilot to IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list

ARLINGTON, Va. — The redesigned Honda Pilot, a midsize SUV, has aced the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's small overlap front test. With an available front crash prevention system earning a superior rating, it qualifies for the 2015 Top Safety Pick+ award.

The 2016 model's good small overlap performance is a dramatic change from the earlier generation Pilot, which rated poor.

In the test of the latest model, the driver space held up well, with maximum intrusion of 4 inches at the parking brake pedal. The dummy's movement was well-controlled, with the front and side curtain airbags working well together to keep the dummy in place and protect the head from contact with intruding structure and outside objects. Measures taken from the dummy showed a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

In contrast, when the 2014 Pilot was tested, the driver space was seriously compromised. The parking brake pedal moved nearly 17 inches inward, and the door hinge pillar moved in about 14 inches. The dummy's head barely contacted the front airbag before sliding off to the left, as the steering column moved to the right and toward the driver. The side curtain airbag didn't extend far enough forward to protect the head.

Like the old version, the new Pilot has good ratings in the Institute's four other crashworthiness evaluations — moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints. When equipped with front crash prevention, the redesigned SUV qualifies for Top Safety Pick+.

Vehicles must earn a good or acceptable small overlap rating and good ratings in the four other tests to qualify for Top Safety Pick. The plus sign is awarded to vehicles that also have an available front crash prevention system earning an advanced or superior rating.

The Pilot's optional system is rated superior. The autobrake prevented a collision in the Institute's 12 mph track test and cut the vehicle's speed in half in the 25 mph test. The system also includes a forward collision warning feature that meets criteria set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source;
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/redesign-takes-2016-honda-pilot-to-iihs-top-safety-pick-list

Honda offers facelift of slow-selling CR-Z sports hybrid

by Hans Greimel of www.autonews.com

TOKYO -- Honda Motor Co. hopes a facelift will give a sales lift to one of its weakest entries: the CR-Z sporty hybrid.

A revamped version will go on sale in Japan in October and is expected to hit U.S. showrooms sometime the following month.

The update gets a more sculpted front fascia with a wing-like lip that cups the grille and flares around enlarged fog lights.

Similarly dynamic flourishes adorn the rear, while the back tires are pushed out to give it a more planted, solid stance.

Inside, designers swapped the lever-style parking brake between the front seats for an electric one. That enabled them to add a diver’s armrest. Engineers also bumped up the size of the disc brakes to 15 inches, from 14 inches, and rolled out new, more open wheel designs to better show off the new hardware.

Chief engineer Terukazu Torikai said the upgrade shows Honda’s commitment to the low-volume CR-Z, which is Honda’s slowest seller after the Insight hybrid and Ridgeline pickup, both of which were discontinued for the 2015 model year.

Fun and green

The CR-Z is a signature Honda car because it embodies the company’s mission to engineer fun-to-drive environmentally friendly cars, Torikai said at its unveiling today in Tokyo.

“It basically has no competitors, it the only sports hybrid,” Torikai said. He said it has small but fanatical following.

Critics say the CR-Z is a compromise car: Not sporty enough for a sports car, nor green enough for a hybrid.

U.S. sales of the CR-Z dropped 34 percent to 1,562 vehicles through July. The CR-Z was outsold both by the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle and the Chevrolet Volt range-extender hybrid.

Torikai said he hopes the facelift will keep the nameplate’s annual U.S. sales into the range of 3,000 to 5,000 vehicles.

Honda sold 3,562 CR-Zs in the U.S. last year.

No LEDs

One Japan-market upgrade the U.S. overhaul won’t get is a new set of all-LED headlamps. U.S. product planners passed on the LEDs in order to keep costs down, Torikai said.

The wider rear stance, newly sculpted nose and armrest should be enough to stoke interest in the minor model change, he said.

Other additions include a touch-panel audio screen and active noise cancellation technology to reduce road noise.

But that doesn’t mean Honda always wants a quiet cabin. The new sound system also has an engine amplifier that pumps in revving sounds for extra exhilaration when you punch the gas. Honda hopes that will deliver more pulse-quickening rides, despite the fact the drivetrain remains unchanged, with around 130 hp.

The CR-Z is manufactured at Honda’s Suzuka factory in Japan.

Despite persistent speculation that Honda may one day offer a non-hybrid version of the CR-Z equipped with a more powerful gasoline engine, Torikai said keeping it hybrid is key.

Of a souped-up all-gasoline variant like the old school CR-X, Torikai said: “There are no plans for that whatsoever.”  (talk about missing the mark)

Source;
http://www.autonews.com/article/20150827/OEM04/150829908/honda-offers-facelift-of-slow-selling-cr-z-sports-hybrid

Remco Meulendijk Turns the 2016 Acura NSX into a Roadster

Great Photoshop!

An open top version of the Acura NSX. It is more a targa then a real convertible, but this will keep the R&D costs lower and strength of the body will be kept, while extra strengthening and weight has to be added when choosing for a real convertible top.

Source;
http://rmcardesign.com/2015/08/acura-honda-nsx-roadster/

2016 Honda Civic Sedan Debuting September 16 (US)

2016 Honda Civic Sedan Rendering based on the patent drawings.

by David Undercoffler of www.autonews.com

The wait is almost over for Honda’s redesigned 2016 Civic sedan.

The company confirmed Tuesday that the 10th generation of its venerable compact car would debut on Sept. 16 in simultaneous events in both Detroit and Los Angeles.

But not everything will be disclosed that day.

There will be no details released on the retooled Civic's horsepower or torque from the 1.5-liter turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder engine, no fuel economy figures for that optional turbo mill or the base four-cylinder, and no pricing info.

Fans of the upcoming coupe, hatchback, Si and Type R models (with the expected 2.0-liter turbo four) will have to stay patient, too, as details on those models aren’t expected for many months.

September’s debut will just be a look at the production sedan’s interior and exterior. Details about the powertrain will be revealed in October ahead of its on-sale date later this fall.

Spy photos shot in July show camouflaged Civic models with a variety of higher-end features undergoing hot-weather testing. The goodies included LED exterior lights, heated front and rear leather seats, Honda’s LaneWatch and Honda Sensing safety features.

The 2016 Civic will also likely have a touchscreen infotainment system that is likely compatible with both Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto systems, given that the refreshed 2016 Accord offers the same setup.

Source;
http://www.autonews.com/article/20150825/OEM04/150829927

Spy Shots: Facelifted Honda CR-Z leaks in China

Spy Shots showing the facelifted Honda CR-Z completely naked in white, seen here on factory photos that somehow leaked in China. The facelifted Honda CR-Z will be launched in 2016, holding the fort until the all-new Honda CR-Z arrives in 2018. The facelift includes: new headlights, new bumpers, new side spoilers, new alloys, a new rear bumper, and an updated interior.

The present 2015 Honda CR-Z. The last facelift dates back to 2015 so it is time indeed for a refresh.

The updated interior shows: chromed door handles, a new gear knob for the manual gearbox, an electronic parking brake, a new screen for the infotainment system, an armrest in the place of the manual handbrake of the 2015 CR-Z, and some unclear changes on the left-side stalk.

The Honda CR-Z is marketed in China as an import, and it has therefore no right to any green-car subsidies, and it is thus expensive and thus very unsuccessful. There is only one trim level available, selling for an idiotic 288.800 yuan or 45.120 USD.

Source;
http://www.carnewschina.com/2015/08/24/spy-shots-facelifted-honda-cr-z-leaks-in-china/

Honda BR-V Prototype Revealed in Indonesia Auto Show (not for North America)

By Car Dekho of www.newindianexpress.com

Honda has unveiled the new BR-V compact SUV/Crossover at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2015. The company released couple of sketches back in the month of June. The car is based on the Brio platform which the company utilized in various other products too such as Brio hatch, Honda Amaze compact sedan and Honda Mobilio MPV. At the show, company stated that the car will be first introduced in Indonesia in the early 2016 and then subsequently to other countries. Booking for the vehicle has been started in Indonesia, but the deliveries will be scheduled for early 2016.

In India, the car is expected to be revealed at the 2016 Auto Expo to be held in the month of February next year. The car will get the sticker price of about INR 10.80- 12.40 lac. With the launch in India, the car will be pitted against Nissan Terrano, Renault Duster, and Hyundai Creta.

Looking at the outer profile, the all-new SUV BR-V gets the sporty exteriors. On the front, the car features the radiator grille with the chrome design and the company’s insignia placed at the center of the grille. The headlamp clusters are sleek with the chrome inserts that gives the vehicle elegant looks. The bumper on the front is body colored and the huge air intake sections are there for better cooling. At the end of the front bumper, there is a silver faux skid plate for that needed bulky appearance.

On the rear profile, the car gets small antenna on the roof, while the LED taillamp sections are connected with the thin strip. From side, the BR-V looks similar to the various other MPV models. The roof line goes towards the rear making the car look more modernized while the turn indicators are also there as the added feature for the safety. The car rides on the new 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels that provide the car with the attractive looks and the ground clearance of more than 200 mm. Dimensionally, the car has the length of 4200 mm, a width of 1700 mm, height of 1600 mm and the wheelbase of about 2500 mm.

Coming to the interiors, the new BR-V gets the sound ergonomic design, the cabin is quite spacious and have the enough space for the seven occupants with the 3rd-row seating arrangement. The cabin design looks similar as seen in the Honda Jazz and Honda City. The seats inside the car are covered with the premium upholstery while the third-row seats can be folded in 50:50 for allowing more storage area for the passengers. The steering wheel is multi-functional with the company’s logo embedded at the center, the design of the dashboard too is good and is combined with number of comfort features. For better safety, car is incorporated with various safety aspects they are Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and the Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist (HAS), Dual and Front SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist and Front 3-point Load Limiters with Pretensioner ELR seat belt and the ISOFIX.

Under the bonnet, the new BR-V is powered by the 1.5 litres i-VTEC motor that has the maximum churning output of 120 PS at 6600 rpm and the peak torque of 145 Nm at 4600 rpm. This engine is coupled to the six-speed manual transmission gearbox along with the CVT automatic technology. The car can go from 0-100 kmph mark in mere 12-17 seconds with the top speed of about 170 kmph to 190 kmph.

For the entertainment, the car will get the audio video touchscreen unit besides this the car will also get the advanced infotainment system with the navigation system, other features includes the USB port and the AUX-In option. Like various other Honda vehicles, this might also get the Bluetooth connectivity. The new BR-V is available in six color patterns they are Modern Silver Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Passion Red Pearl, Taffeta White, Crystel Black Pearl and Misty Green Pearl.

Mr. Tomoki Uchida, President Director, PT Honda Prospect Motor said that Honda BR-V is mainly produced to fulfill the needs of the Indonesian customers, they believe that Honda BR-V will be greatly welcomed by the buyers in Indonesia and will surely become the attraction in this year, Motor Show.

Source;
http://www.newindianexpress.com/auto/Honda-BR-V-Prototype-Revealed-in-Indonesia-Auto-Show/2015/08/24/article2990927.ece

Honda Ignition Commercial

Ignition, our new out-of-this-world film, is inspired by Honda's daring spirit.

The film pays homage to one of the boldest expressions of human curiosity and engineering endeavor: space flight.

No other company has the heritage of engineering across as many categories: cars, motorbikes, robotics, aviation and racing.

Dare to do the things others only dream of. Discover the stories of Honda daring at www.honda.co.uk.

2016 Accord Raises its Game with Dynamic Styling, Chassis and Body Upgrades, Available Honda Sensing™, plus Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™

Aug 18, 2015

• Sporty and sophisticated new styling with expanded use of LED lighting
• New 7-inch Display Audio offered with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• First application of 19-inch wheels on Accord
• Newly available 60/40-split and folding rear seat, heated rear seats, rain-sensing wipers, and parking sensors
• New line-topping Touring trim for Accord Coupe

The always popular, benchmark-setting Honda Accord, retail car buyers' most popular choice in 2013 and again in 2014¹, receives a major mid-model cycle refresh for the 2016 model year. With dynamic new styling, a revised and upgraded body and chassis, and Honda's first-ever application of available Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, the 2016 Accord Sedan goes on sale tomorrow with the Accord Coupe following on August 26. The Accord also benefits from the addition of Honda Sensing™, among the most comprehensive suites of safety and driver-assistive technologies ever offered in the midsize car class, along with a host of available new features and technologies, including HD Radio, heated rear seats, front and rear parking sensors and more. For model year 2016 the Accord Coupe also gets a new top-of-the-line Touring trim, while the Sedan in Sport trim and Touring versions of the Sedan and Coupe get the first-ever application of 19-inch alloy wheels on Accord.

Representing a high value proposition, the 2016 Accord has a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)² unchanged from the 2015 model for the Sedan LX and Coupe LX-S. The MSRP for the 2016 Accord Sedan LX with 6-speed manual transmission (6-MT) remains at $22,105 and $22,905 for the Sedan LX with continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Accord Coupe LX-S is also unchanged at $23,775 for the 6-MT and $24,625 for the CVT.

"The best is getting better with the launch of the redesigned 2016 Accord," said Jeff Conrad, Senior Vice President of the Honda Division. "With more customer-relevant technology, an even more refined and sporty ride and top-class fuel economy and safety ratings, the 2016 redesign keeps Accord at the top of its class."

Accord has been named 29 times to Car and Driver magazine's coveted "10Best" list, more than any other automobile, and Accord is the top selling car in America to under-35-year-old car buyers⁴. The 2016 Accord, with its next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and available Honda Sensing™ technology, received the highest available crash safety ratings from the U.S. government – a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA – and targets a similar top rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the (IIHS (when equipped with available CMBS).

2016 Accord Sedan models equipped with a 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine and CVT get a 1-mpg bump in their highway EPA fuel economy ratings, to 37 mpg, due in part to the application of a lighter weight and re-sculpted all-aluminum hood, along with new aerodynamic elements and friction-reducing features.

2016 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe Pricing and Fuel Economy Ratings

Accord Sedan Trim	Engine/ Transmission	MSRP2	EPA Ratings3 (city/highway/combined)
Accord LX	4-cyl/6MT	$22,105	23/34/27
	4-cyl/CVT	$22,905	27/37/31
Accord LX with Honda Sensing	4-cyl/CVT	$23,905	27/37/31
Accord Sport	4-cyl/6MT	$24,165	23/34/27
	4-cyl/CVT	$24,965	26/35/30
Accord Sport with Honda Sensing	4-cyl/CVT	$25,965	26/35/30
Accord EX	4-cyl/6MT	$25,480	23/34/27
	4-cyl/CVT	$26,280	27/37/31
Accord EX with Honda Sensing	4-cyl/CVT	$27,280	27/37/31
Accord EX-L	4-cyl/CVT	$28,570	27/37/31
Accord EX-L Navi with Honda Sensing	4-cyl/CVT	$30,570	27/37/31
Accord EX-L	V-6/6AT	$30,645	21/34/26
Accord EX-L Navi with Honda Sensing	V-6/6AT	$32,645	21/34/26
Accord Touring	V-6/6AT	$34,580	21/34/26

Accord Coupe Trim	Engine/ Transmission	MSRP2	EPA Ratings3 (city/highway/combined)
Accord LX-S	4-cyl/6MT	$23,775	23/34/27
	4-cyl/CVT	$24,625	26/35/30
Accord LX-S with Honda Sensing	4-cyl/CVT	$25,625	26/35/30
Accord EX	4-cyl/6MT	$25,900	23/34/27
	4-cyl/CVT	$26,750	26/35/30
Accord EX with Honda Sensing	4-cyl/CVT	$27,750	26/35/30
Accord EX-L	4-cyl/CVT	$28,745	26/35/30
Accord EX-L Navi with Honda Sensing	4-cyl/CVT	$30,745	26/35/30
Accord EX-L	V-6/6MT	$30,925	18/28/22
	V-6/6AT	$30,925	21/32/25
Accord EX-L Navi with Honda Sensing	V-6/6AT	$32,925	21/32/25
Accord Touring	V-6/6AT	$34,125	21/32/25

Exterior and Interior Design
Both the 2016 Accord Sedan and Coupe get a major facelift with sportier, more sophisticated styling, front and back. In front is a more sharply creased and intricately structured bumper fascia with outside edges that tuck into large side intakes containing new LED fog lights. On the Accord Sedan, a new aluminum hood with sharper character lines meets up with a brighter, more expressive front grille. In the rear, the Accord Sedan gets restyled LED taillights and a similarly aggressive rear bumper fascia redesign.

All Accord models feature restyled alloy wheels, while Accord Sedans in Sport and above grades get upsized wheels and tires. The Touring sedan also gets a new side-sill garnish and rear deck spoiler. Accord Coupe models also benefit from a more stylish and aggressive front and rear fascia and new grille design. The new styling is complemented by the expanded application of LED daytime running lights (Sport and above trims), LED taillights (all models) and LED fog lights (Sport and above).

The Accord also gets a revised exterior color palette, including a new Kona Coffee Metallic for the sedan (all trims) and Deep Blue Opal Metallic for the Coupe (all trims).

The 2016 Accord cabin also features new fabric and color schemes, depending on model and trim, including a new gloss black interior trim for the Accord Sedan LX and Sport and Coupe LX-S; new seat fabric and leather seat bolsters, and a carbon fiber-style instrumental panel garnish for the sedan in Sport trim; a new tri-coat seat fabric for the EX sedan; and new wood grain-style instrument panel garnish for the sedan in EX and above trims.

Body and Chassis Upgrades
The 2016 Accord's sportier design is matched by its improved dynamic performance. Accord body rigidity is increased through the application of multiple body stiffeners, a sturdier rear bulkhead and a thicker front shock tower bar and is complimented by the application of new high-performance shock absorbers for all models, as well as a retuned electric power steering system. The aforementioned, all-aluminum hood on Accord Sedan not only provides updated character, but also improves both efficiency and dynamic performance.

Within the sedan lineup, the popular Accord Sport trim receives upgraded performance credentials courtesy of larger front brakes, upsized 19-inch wheels and tires and retuned Active Sound Control; while the line-topping Accord Touring (sedan and coupe) also benefits from the same larger front brakes and 19-inch wheels and tires, and for the first time is fitted with Amplitude Reactive Dampers and hydraulic subframe bushings that provide for a more supple ride. The Accord Coupe EX and Coupe EX-L also get 18-inch (+1 inch) wheels. This combination of new body and chassis features and engineering changes is designed to give each Accord model a more clearly defined and distinctive dynamic feeling within the lineup.

The Accord also gets new Straight Driving Assist technology that utilizes the Motion Adaptive Steering system to help reduce the driver's workload when driving on a crowned or canted road surface by providing an automatic counter-steering force.

Honda Sensing
All 2016 Accords can also now be equipped with Honda Sensing™, among the most comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies in the class. Honda Sensing™ includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control, and is available as a standalone option on all trims with the exception of Touring, where Honda Sensing™ is included as standard equipment.

Also, all 2016 Accords feature a standard Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and Expanded View Driver's Mirror and, for the first time on Touring trim models, new auto high-beam headlights that enhance nighttime visibility and driving convenience by defaulting to the high-beam setting and automatically switching to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is detected.

Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The Accord audio and digital experience is also significantly upgraded with the available application of a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface featuring one of the first volume production applications of both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus available HondaLink Assist (e911) and HD Radio. The intuitive and easy-to-use capacitive touchscreen lets users swipe, tap and pinch – just like on a tablet or smartphone – to control the vehicle's audio system, display settings and other advanced features.

Accord Sedan and Coupe EX and above models incorporate Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, offering a multitude of new functions and features, including smartphone-linked navigation, audio streaming, voice-controlled SMS text messaging and more. The new larger 7-inch touchscreen is paired with an upper 7.7-inch high-resolution Intelligent Multi-information Display (i-MID) screen with steering wheel-mounted controls. The i-MID can display audio settings, turn-by-turn directions, time and trip information, LaneWatch and Rearview Camera displays, incoming calls, SMS text messages, and parking sensor alerts.

Upgraded Features
The Accord value proposition is also bolstered by new standard and available features: Accord EX and above trims (Sedan and Coupe) with automatic transmission get remote engine start, 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen and HD radio. SiriusXM satellite radio and Homelink remote, previously on EX-L and Touring, are now standard on EX and above trims. Sport and above trims in the sedan lineup also get a new 60/40 split and folding rear seat, previously a one-piece folding design. The Accord Coupe EX adds a 10-way power driver's seat (previously 4-way with manual height adjustment), while the Coupe EX-L adds a two-position driver's seat memory function. The Accord Sedan in Touring trim gets heated rear seats, front and rear parking sensors and new rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Advanced Powertrains
The Accord Sedan and Coupe are offered with two advanced Honda engines: a direct-injected (DI) 2.4-liter inline i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder and a 3.5-liter VTEC™ V-6 that is the most powerful engine offered in a Honda sedan to date. Available transmissions include a sporty and fuel-efficient CVT for the 4-cylinder engines, unique 6-speed manuals for the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines, and a 6-speed automatic for V-6 models.

About Honda
Honda offers a complete lineup of Honda cars, trucks and service through a network of more than 1,000 Honda dealerships within the United States. Eight Honda auto plants in North America, including four in the U.S., have the capacity to produce 1.92 million automobiles each year⁴. In 2014, more than 97 percent of the Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were produced in North America.

<sup>1  Based on IHS Automotive U.S. new vehicle retail registrations for CY2013 and 2014 among all car models
2 MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) excluding tax, license, registration, $820 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
3 Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
4 Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/releases/2016-accord-raises-its-game-with-dynamic-styling-chassis-and-body-upgrades-available-honda-sensing-plus-apple-carplay-and-android-auto</sup>

New trims and features detailed in latest Honda NSX appearance

by Anthony Ingram and Sam Sheehan of www.evo.co.uk

Honda’s NSX is yet to hit the streets, but the new Honda supercar mixes futuristic lines with an advanced hybrid powertrain. Touted as a Porsche 911, Audi R8 and Mercedes-AMG GT rival, the new Honda packs more power and more presence than the iconic performance car from which it takes its name.
Read on to learn all the key details and features of the new car.

Features and options

The Honda NSX has made its latest appearance at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, showing off some of the features and options that will be offered to buyers.
While presented at The Quail as an Acura – Honda’s luxury brand that also sold Honda’s previous NSX in the United States – the features should be a good indication of the equipment available to buyers in all markets.
As a built-to-order vehicle, customers will be able to personalise their NSX to a higher degree than any Honda before, with exterior and interior packages, different wheel options and interior technology packages.
Three cars appeared at The Quail – one the Valencia Red Pearl model previously exhibited at various shows, with a Nouvelle Blue Pearl car and Berlina Black example joining it.
The blue car features a Carbon Exterior Package, with carbonfibre front spoiler, side sills, rear diffuser and exhaust finisher. It also has carbonfibre front, side and rear engine covers, a carbon roof and NSX Exclusive interwoven alloy wheels.
Inside, it features Orchid-coloured trim with further carbonfibre additions in the form of a Carbon Sports Package – including the instrument binnacle cover and steering wheel trim, while the pedals and footrest and aluminium. The seats are leather and Alcantara, while the headlining is also Alcantara.
The black car also features the carbonfibre interior and exterior packs, the carbon roof and carbon engine cover. Wheels on the black car are ‘Signature Y-spoke’ alloy wheels, and both cars have an infotainment package including a 9-speaker audio system, navigation, satellite radio and parking sensors.

Engine

Little more than the name links the NSX with its historical predecessor, because the new NSX (built in Honda's plant in Marysville, Ohio from 2016) features a complex hybrid powertrain.
At a basic level, this is made up of two independent electric motors that drive the front axle, and a single electric motor that’s linked directly to the crankshaft of a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V6. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a nine-speed DCT gearbox.
The V6 displaces 3.5 litres and features both direct and port injection. The cylinder banks are 75 degrees apart, and the block is dry-sumped - beneficial for both packaging (as the engine can be mounted lower) and reducing oil starvation in high-speed cornering. Honda says the low V6 contributes to the lowest centre of gravity in its class.

Chassis and body

The car sits low on 19- and 20-inch multispoke alloys, and features Honda’s new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-wheel drive tech. This comprises an integrated dynamic system which cycles through four modes: Quiet (presumably full-electric), Sport, Sport + and Track modes. There's also variable-ratio steering to enhance responses.
Connecting all this together is what Honda calls its Multi-Material Body. The NSX's monocoque is an aluminium-intensive spaceframe with high-strength steel components. New 'ablation casting' techniques mean certain areas, where strength is key, are stronger than ever - the technique reduces the brittle nature of traditional castings. This, like the car's construction in general, is done in-house at Honda's Marysville plant.

Aerodynamics

No sports car is released these days without spending considerable time in the wind tunnel, and the NSX is no exception.
Honda calls its approach 'Total Airflow Management', incorporating aerodynamic drag and downforce, cooling, and the styling effects that result. Heat management is a large factor - the V6 and hybrid system require ten air-cooled heat exchangers and the engine alone uses three radiators: one centre unit tilted forward 25 degrees for maximum efficiency, and two side units. As a turbocharged unit, two intercoolers are also employed.
In terms of aerodynamic efficiency, the NSX uses active components and more traditional elements like a rear diffuser. The aero tweaks also take into account the amount of air being inhaled and exhaled by the powertrain.

Brakes

Carbon ceramic brakes provide the stopping power and a rear diffuser cleans up airflow under the car.

Performance data

Performance remains unconfirmed, but taking into account its rivals, a sub-4sec 0-62mph time and top speed approaching 200mph are likely - Honda has previously said it's aiming for Ferrari 458 Italia levels of performance. With hybrid grunt and forced induction, the torque window should be wide and peak power somewhere close to 600bhp.

Pricing

Prices will remain unconfirmed until closer to production, which commences in 2016, but a fraction shy of £90,000 seems likely.

Source;
http://www.evo.co.uk/honda/nsx/14948/new-trims-and-features-detailed-in-latest-honda-nsx-appearance/page/0/1

2016 Honda Odyssey Poised to Clean Up and Entertain with HondaVAC™ and Rear Seat Entertainment Now Applied to New Special Edition Model

High-value Special Edition includes premium features such as Rear Entertainment System, SiriusXM® Radio and HondaVAC™ to offer families even more choice of Honda's award-winning minivan

Aug 3, 2015 - TORRANCE, Calif.

The 2016 Honda Odyssey goes on sale August 4 with a trim lineup expanded to eight models and a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)¹ of $29,275. Slotted between EX and EX-L trims, the MSRP for the new Special Edition (SE) is $33,375 With the acclaimed HondaVAC® and a comprehensive selection of premium features available lower in the trim lineup, along with class-leading EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19/28/22 mpg² city/highway/combined, the 2016 Odyssey is designed to comfortably and efficiently accommodate the lifestyles of American families.

The new Odyssey SE offers customers a high-value proposition, building on the well-equipped EX to enhance in-vehicle entertainment and convenience with several premium features found in higher trims:

• Rear Entertainment System (RES)
• 115V power outlet incorporated into RES control panel
• SiriusXM® Radio
• HondaVAC™ in-vehicle vacuum cleaner

"Our Odyssey customers have told us some of the features they value most and we have packaged these in the new Odyssey SE model to create a special value edition that we know American families are going to love," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of Honda Sales.

The Odyssey was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the Best Minivan for Families for its fifth straight year in 2015 and has earned the 2015 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy: Minivan award. Also ranked highest in the ALG Residual Value Awards in the Best Minivan (MPV) category for the fourth consecutive year, the 2016 Odyssey is being introduced following a very successful year of sales and accolades. View, build and price at 2016 Honda Odyssey at automobiles.honda.com/odyssey.

TRIM	MSRP1	EPA MPG Rating 2 (city/highway/combined)
Odyssey LX	$29,275	19/28/22
Odyssey EX	$32,425	19/28/22
Odyssey SE	$33,375	19/28/22
Odyssey EX-L	$35,925	19/28/22
Odyssey EX-L with RES	$37,525	19/28/22
Odyssey EX-L with Navi	$37,925	19/28/22
Odyssey Touring	$42,180	19/28/22
Odyssey Touring Elite	$44,750	19/28/22

Powertrain
The 2016 Odyssey is powered by 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. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission which together helped the Odyssey receive EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19/28/22 mpg² city/highway/combined and California Air Resources Board (CARB) ULEV-2 emissions certification³.

Body
Refined and youthful, sporty and advanced, the Odyssey's styling includes premium elements including black-trimmed headlights, available fog lights, a muscular hood, and black-surround grille for an upscale appearance. Body-color matched side mirrors and bright chrome trim add to the premium appearance. Rear styling and LED taillights with clear lenses and eye-catching perimeter "light pipes" add to the polished look.
Lightweight aluminum is used for the hood, front fenders and front suspension lower control arms. The LX model features 17-inch steel wheels with covers, while EX and EX-L models utilize 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Touring and Touring Elite models feature 18-inch premium sport aluminum alloy wheels.

The 2016 Odyssey EX, SE, 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, standard one-touch turn signals provide 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 keyless entry system with push button start – on EX, SE, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite trims – 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
The 2016 Odyssey's interior is ideal for families, with high-grade meter illumination and interior lighting, chrome-trimmed instrument dials and door handles, an available 7-inch touchscreen, and an ideally positioned DVD player for the available Rear Entertainment System. Sophisticated styling and white halo lighting make the instrumentation easier to read and the climate controls easy to operate.

All 2016 Odyssey models and trim levels include a rearview camera. Odyssey LX, EX, SE 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.

An Expanded View Driver's Mirror is also standard on all Odyssey models. 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, SE, EX-L and Touring models, the Honda LaneWatch™ 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. The Touring Elite features the Blind Spot Information (BSI) system that uses radar sensors located on both sides of the rear bumpers to continually monitor blind-spot areas to help determine whether a vehicle is in the driver's blind spot. The system provides a visual cue by lighting an indicator near the sideview mirrors, depending on which side of the Odyssey a vehicle is detected. The system also gives an audible warning and flashes the indicator to further alert the driver if the turn signal is activated on the side where a vehicle is being detected. To prevent false alarms while maneuvering at low speed, the BSI system is disabled below approximately 20 mph.

HondaVAC™
The Odyssey SE and Touring Elite feature the first minivan in-vehicle vacuum cleaner system, HondaVAC™, which is designed to help families keep the Odyssey's 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 interior 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 when the vehicle's ignition is in Accessory mode – or continuously if the engine is running.

Audio, Connectivity and Rear Entertainment
Odyssey EX, SE, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite models have 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 of multiple features at one time (i.e. phone and audio. navigation and audio, etc.).

When paired to a compatible cellular phone, Aha™ and Pandora® interfaces are available on EX, SE, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite models. SiriusXM® Radio is included in SE, 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 SE, 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 to seven speakers is 240 watts for Odyssey LX, 270 watts for EX, SE, EX-L and EX-L RES, and 246 watts for EX-L Navi and Touring. The premium audio system in the Odyssey Touring Elite boasts 650 watts of power and 12 speakers.

HandsFreeLink® 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, SE, 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 SE, EX-L RES, Touring and Touring Elite models features an intuitive control layout and high screen quality. This system features ideal placement of the DVD player and intuitive operation for the rear audio controls. Screen resolution is VGA on SE, EX-L RES and Touring models, and the Touring Elite's higher grade 16.2-inch WVGA ultra-widescreen offers increased resolution.

Safety and Driver Assistive Features
The Odyssey utilizes the next-generation of the Honda Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and makes extensive use of high-strength steel in the A-, B- and C-pillars, roof rails, floor rails, front body area, and front subframe. This results in a very strong front frame and door structure for increased protection in a frontal collision.

Advanced driver-assistive technologies available on the Odyssey include Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). 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 lanes⁴. 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 was designed and engineered by Honda R&D Americas in its Los Angeles design studio and Raymond, Ohio, new-model development center. The Odyssey is produced⁵ exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama.


For More Information
Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com/odyssey. To join the Odyssey community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/Honda/Odyssey. Additional media information including, pricing, features and high-resolution photography of the 2016 Honda Odyssey is available at hondanews.com/channels/odyssey.
¹ Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) excluding tax, license, registration, $880 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
² 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
³ ULEV-2 (Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle) models as certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
⁴ 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.
⁵ 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; SiriusXM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM 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/releases/2016-honda-odyssey-poised-to-clean-up-and-entertain-with-hondavac-and-rear-seat-entertainment-now-applied-to-new-special-edition-model

Spoiled son burns Ferrari so rich dad would buy him new one

Wow....just, wow....

by David Harding of www.nydailynews.com

The 20-year-old son of a Swiss millionaire set fire to his $245,000 Ferrari car just so he could get an upgrade.

The car was one of 15, including a Lamborghini, which the 20-year-old's rich father had bought for him, reported 20 Minutes newspaper.

The son had also been given a property portfolio worth around $30 million and received around up to $10,000 a month from his father.

Despite this, he still wanted a newer car after getting the Ferrari 458 Italia valued.

The 20-year-old says he was advised by a car dealer to commit insurance fraud. He hatched a plan with friends to set fire to his car, but to cover his tracks decided to do so over the border in southern Germany.

He paid three accomplices around $15,000 while he visited a massage parlor.

But his cunning plan was foiled after security cameras quickly pinpointed who had carried out the car arson.

The 20-year-old told the court his funds had run dry by the time of the incident and was not brave enough to tell his father he did not like the Ferrari.

He was sentenced to 22 months' probation and fined some $32,000

Source;
http://m.nydailynews.com/news/world/spoiled-son-burns-ferrari-rich-dad-buy-new-article-1.2319710

Plans Formulating for Acura NSX GT Car; Targeting 2017 Launch

by John Dagys of www.sportcar365.com

Race plans for the new Acura NSX continue to formulate, with a final decision on the GT platform for the mid-engined sports car set to be made in the coming weeks.

Speaking to Sportscar365, Honda Performance Development Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Eriksen said they’re evaluating the GT3 or GTE platform for the car, which is targeted to launch for the 2017 season.

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out,” Eriksen told Sportscar365. “It was one of the reasons I was at [Road America], to try and get a sense of what the options are and how well those options fit with American Honda’s plans of promoting the car.”

Eriksen said if they go the GT3 route, the NSX could serve as the replacement to the all-wheel-drive Acura TLX-GT, which is currently on the second of a two-year agreement to race in Pirelli World Challenge.

With PWC moving fully to FIA GT3 homologated cars for its GT class in 2016, Eriksen admitted a lot of work would be required to transform the TLX-GT to GT3 spec.

“We’re looking at our options and one of them is to go two-wheel drive,” he said. “It’s just how big of a tear up is it? You could disconnect your front-wheel drive but is that really going to make a good race car?

“That’s the question we’re looking at right now. We need it to be competitive because otherwise, why be there?”

Wherever the NSX races, it will unlikely be with its production hybrid system.

“I think the reality is that the series aren’t ready for that yet, and I’m not sure the teams are, either,” Eriksen said. “That adds a level of complication.

“We certainly raced hybrids before in Japan. The CRZ raced as a hybrid, the Super GTs have been outfitted as hybrids at times. We know what to do but it doesn’t seem like the other manufacturers are ready for that yet.

“Just like Audi can’t run their quattro, you have to run what the rules dictate you run, even though it may not suit your marketing as well as you’d like.”

It’s unclear whether California-based HPD would be charged with the build of the NSX or another entity, potentially in Europe.

Longtime Honda partner Jas Motorsport, which currently spearheads its World Touring Car Championship program, has been rumored as potentially being involved in the project in some capacity.

While HPD’s future involvement in the prototype ranks remains uncertain, Eriksen admitted the importance of securing a long-term presence in the U.S. sports car racing scene.

“Certainly America is likely to be the biggest market for the [NSX], so it makes sense to race it here,” he said.

“We’re still trying to understand what specific series suits us best. Based on the rules, we have to work backwards to see how much time we need to prepare.”

Eriksen has ruled out seeing the NSX compete next year, due to the time frame required to build and develop the car.

Source;
http://sportscar365.com/gt/plans-formulating-for-aura-nsx-gt-car/

2016 Honda Accord Coupe

V6 auto version has variable cylinder management

After introducing the 2016 Accord Sedan facelift a couple of weeks ago, Honda is back showing the mildly refreshed 2016 Accord Coupe. 

As expected, it gets just about the same array of exterior tweaks with a sharper front fascia, new LED fog lights (for Sport trim and above) along with Acura-like headlights which boast LED technology if you go for the Touring version. The taillights have also gone through a minor nip and tuck and there are new alloy wheel designs along with two unique body paints called Still Night Pearl and Deep Blue Opal Metallic while the seven other hues are shared with the sedan. 

Stepping inside the cabin, Honda is adding a glossy piano black trim for the Accord Coupe LX-S while all versions now have a new meter design. There's a fresh metal-style dashboard trim on the Accord Coupe EX (and above) along with standard rearview camera and a 7-inch Display Audio interface with support for Android Auto and CarPlay. 

In terms of engines, the 2016 Honda Accord Coupe can be had with an inline-four 2.4-liter producing 185 bhp at 6,400 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm teamed up to a CVT or a six-speed manual. The beefier V6 delivers 278 bhp at 6,200 rpm and 252 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm through either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic. When mated to the auto, the V6 comes with variable cylinder management which means that it can run on three cylinders when the additional power is not required as a move to reduce fuel consumption. 

The changes are skin deep as Honda's engineers have also worked on the chassis and have retuned the electric power steering while the Touring version has larger front brakes, 19-inch wheels, Amplitude Reactive Dampers and hydraulic subframe bushings to enable a smoother ride. 

Source;

http://www.worldcarfans.com/115081097642/2016-honda-accord-coupe-facelift-goes-official-with

GM, Honda cut cost of fuel cell stack

General Motors' Charlie Freese: Standard parts

Since General Motors and Honda teamed to develop hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles two years ago, the partners have slashed the size, weight and cost of the fuel cell stack, the chemical processor that combines hydrogen and oxygen to make electricity that powers the vehicle.

Charlie Freese, GM's head of global fuel cell engineering, spoke with Staff Reporter Richard Truett.


Q: Does the fuel cell stack continue to shrink?
A: Absolutely. It shrinks in active area [the part of the cell that produces electricity]. And it shrinks in the height of the stack, the number of cells and how much current we can put through it. All the stuff that makes it work also shrinks: the compressors, injectors and all the manifolding. There is a lot of opportunity there.

How's the progress on the fuel cell stack?
It's coming down very, very quickly in terms of precious metal loading. The workhorse fuel cell stacks have 29 grams of platinum. The next-gen stack is down in the 10 gram range. The next generation is running in our laboratory now. Weight is down by almost one half. Size is also down by almost one half. And cost has come down in orders of magnitude.

Why did GM and Honda partner?
A fuel cell has got some parts that you just have to standardize and get the volume up. Doing that alone in a low-volume environment will always be a tough scenario.

Will the product share components?
The idea is we have a single part number between both companies. So we can get the scale and reduce the cost of development.

Source;
http://www.autonews.com/article/20150810/OEM01/308109956?template=printart

Car and Driver: 2016 Honda Accord

• Aug 2015
• By STEVE SILER
• Multiple Photographers

First Drive Review 

 

The refreshed 2016 Honda Accord has big shoes to fill—its own. After all, the Accord has landed on our 10Best Cars list 29 times, and it has remained one of America’s favorite family shuttles in terms of annual sales. Even as the market migrates to crossovers, the Accord remains hugely important to Honda. So for 2016, Honda has added some new ingredients (covered in detail here) to its winning recipe. And we just got our first taste of the new dish.

The spate of improvements goes beyond the typical fascia revisions and new lights, although those are present and give the 2016 model a spiffier look. Also included in the makeover are revisions to the base four-cylinder’s CVT, structural reinforcements, and suspension changes that are supposed to sharpen the handling.

We split our time between the model enthusiasts will like most, the Accord Sport with the six-speed manual, and another that's more popular among mainstream buyers, the Accord EX-L, now with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

One for Enthusiasts

Happily, the Accord Sport remains a dynamic delight—we loved the 2013 Accord Sport we had for a 40,000-mile long-term test—especially with the sublime manual transmission, which gets a new ball-type shift knob and still boasts slick action and a near-perfect clutch. The Sport and Touring models ride on sexy, new five-spoke 19-inch wheels wrapped by 235/40R-19 tires, which combine with chassis changes made across the 2016 Accord sedan range (high-performance dampers, the aforementioned bracing, and tweaks to the electric steering) to make it feel even more visceral than its predecessor. The 189-hp 2.4-liter four-banger also sounds great—partially on account of active sound amplification—as it revs to its 6800-rpm redline.

A low-profile decklid spoiler, dual exhaust tips, and side-sill extensions help the Sport model look the part, too, especially in the newly available San Marino Red that can’t be had on other models. Inside, carbon-fiber­­-esque trim adds a dose of intensity to the squared-off interior architecture without looking cheesy or cheap, although many of the cabin’s lower interior panels unfortunately remain hard, shiny plastic.

One for Most Everyone Else

The EX-L model we tested came equipped with a 185-hp version of the same 2.4-liter four that pipes up (via the sound enhancement) when the gas pedal is depressed with any intensity. Want to know what else happens when you step on it? It actually moves—yes, even with the CVT, which was reworked to deliver power in a more linear fashion. The CVT even has a responsive “Sport” mode, although it lacks manual ratio selection. Sport mode summons passing power with less hesitation and it finds the engine’s rpm sweet spot with more authority, all the while actuating pseudo shifts that do a pretty convincing impression of a conventional automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the ride is luxury-car supple with the EX-L's 17-inch wheels, although a good measure of steering sharpness goes away as part of the deal—especially at high speeds, where we noticed a fair bit of play just off-center. Overall, however, the Accord feels as solid and quiet as ever.

The EX-L also receives minor interior changes, and Honda is very proud to have entered this millennium by adding 60/40-split folding rear seats (on Sport models and higher). A bigger change, however, involves the integrationof Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the button-less, knob-less, screen-based Display Audio system, which incidentally still doesn’t win many friends here, with its fingerprint-collecting screen that washes out completely when the sun hits it at certain angles.

The only functionality of the system we sampled was Apple CarPlay; so far we can conclude that if you’ve made friends with Siri and speak with simple verbiage and clear diction that Apple devices can easily understand—and are content being able to use only a small number of apps (music, maps, text dictation) compatible with CarPlay—you’ll probably get along fine with the system. You also had better be comfortable having your text messages read aloud for the whole car to hear if you want to receive any while the car is in motion.

But CarPlay has minor annoyances, too. For example, when a passenger used the paired phone to activate the trusty Waze app for navigation rather than use the iPhone’s embedded Apple Maps app (which is still less than reliable in Los Angeles), the Music app retaliated by hijacking the audio system and limiting audio choices to the selection of music on the phone. Alternatively, you can skip CarPlay and use a second USB port under the armrest that allows for charging, and the phone can always be connected through Bluetooth—you know, old-school style. As soon as one of our Android-toting editors gets behind the wheel, we’ll be able to deliver an evaluation of Android Auto, but our admittedly limited exposure on this day says that CarPlay is a work in progress.

We have yet to drive a 2016 Accord sedan with the optional 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6, although we wouldn’t be going too far out on a limb to surmise that the 2016 model’s refinements will render it generally as sweet as the four-pots, except with about 50 percent more horsepower and lower fuel economy. Consider the Accord’s shoes as nicely filled as ever.

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-honda-accord-sedan-first-drive-review