Autosport: Celebrating 25 years of Honda's Type R badge

GTI, STi, AMG, Renault Sport and RS - each comes with its own reputation for high-performance machinery. In 1992 Honda gave birth to Type R, a badge that has come to rank among the most notorious.

by Tyler Heatley of www.autosport.com

Here is everything you need to know about Type R.

The first Type R

The Honda NSX had already established itself as something of a Ferrari slayer in its first three years of life, but Honda wanted to boost performance further, and labeled this very special 1992 model the NSX Type R. The R was for 'racing'.
Produced in limited numbers for Japan, the original Type R was a hardcore supercar. Extensive weight reduction saved 120kg by ditching the electric windows, air conditioning, stereo and all of the sound deadening.
A follow-up NSX-R was produced in 2002 with more extensive aerodynamic bodywork, as the first-generation car came to the end of its life.

A VTEC heart

Many Type R fans will proclaim the virtues of VTEC. Standing for Variable Valve and Lift Electronic Control, the innovative system changes the profile of the engine to boost performance.
The result is a notable kick as the car's full potential is released.

The red H

Every Honda Type R model wears a red H instead of the standard Honda logo in homage to the very first Honda Formula 1 car.
The RA272 led the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix from start to finish and delivered Honda its first F1 victory.
Many Type Rs are also finished in the same iconic 'Championship White' as the racing car.

Type R on track

The NSX went on to compete in various Japanese GT racing series, but it is in touring car championships where the sub-brand has made a name for itself.
The Integra and Civic Type R models have secured four British Touring Car Championships between them and a fifth is looking likely this year.
Entries into the World Touring Car Championship have resulted in multiple race wins and fastest laps. Entry to the newly formed TCR series promises similar success.

It has returned to America

In 1997 Type R made its US debut under the Acura brand with the Integra Type R.
Built to meet FIA race homologation rules, 3,823 of them found a home in the States. Due to the engineering involved with each example and the low sales volume, Honda made a loss on every car sold.
Production of the Integra ended in 2001 and it was the last Type R officially available - until the new 2018 Honda Civic Type R arrived.

The latest Type R, based on the 10th generation Civic, is a 316bhp hot hatch. Now available stateside, the Type R is no longer America's forbidden fruit.
Taking on rivals such as the Ford Focus RS, Honda knew that this car had to be one of its best efforts.

25 years of Type R

Those of you who are good at maths might already have worked out that 2017 marks 25 years since the first Type R.
In that time we have seen unicorn supercars, potent saloons and many a hot hatch proudly join the Type R family. Over the past quarter of a century it has become a true enthusiasts' favourite.
Honda's legendary reliability (away from its current F1 programme!), teamed with class-leading performance, makes the badge a popular choice for those who take their cars to the track.

What's next?

A number of interviews with engineers have hinted that Honda is keen to grow the Type R brand further.
Hotter versions of the Civic Type R, potentially with all-wheel drive, are a possibility. The current generation will have a longer lifespan than its predecessors and Honda will need to continue competing with the very best.
The latest NSX hybrid supercar is also a prime candidate that would see the Type R treatment return to the model where it all began.
If the latest offering is anything to go by, Type R fans should be very excited for what is to come - but don't hold your breath for a Jazz Type R. Some things remain sacred.

Source;
https://www.autosport.com/m1/news/131903/celebrating-25-years-of-honda-type-r

Honda Odyssey is one of the safest cars in (North) America

2018 Honda minivan gets an excellent rating from IIHS and NHTSA

For families in search of a people mover, there is excellent news. The 2018 Honda Odyssey just received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and the Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

It is very rare for a car to receive such good ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS. The only downside is the fact that for the Top Safety Pick+ the Odyssey must be equipped with LED headlights and Honda Sensing. These safety features come as standard on the Odyssey EX and higher trim levels for the model year 2018.

In reality, this isn't an issue, as Honda states that 99% of the Odyssey models sold are EX trim or above. For the NHTSA tests, the Odyssey earned five-star ratings for both front and side impacts, with a four-star rating for rollovers.

Source;
https://drivemag.com/news/honda-odyssey-is-one-of-the-safest-cars-in-america

Top Gear: The new Honda NSX GT3 is carbontastic

Honda’s Frankfurt motor show stand was an all-you-can-dribble-over buffet of good things.

From its cutesy throwback Urban EV concept, to the Honda Civic Type R customer racing car that gave us a glimpse of a Type R touring car, we stood there for literary minutes agog at the thought of potential hot stuff on the horizon. Then we saw this carbontastic NSX GT3 car which reminded us of the potential for a hardcore NSX road car.

See, that sinister carbon-bodied brute above can be yours for £415,000. A steep price over a normal NSX, we admit. But this is a full-bore GT3 racing car, eligible for championships across North America, Europe (N24 and Blancpain), Asia, Japan (GT300), Australia and the Intercontinental GT championship.

It’s completed more than 50,000 miles of on track development over the last year, racked up a couple of race wins, and will be built alongside the production NSX, with the final GT3 stuff bolted up in Italy.

It ditches the hybrid setup used on the road car – so no three electric motors and associated stuff – and instead uses the 500bhp, 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 driving the rear wheels only. It features a six-speed sequential ‘box, carbon clutch, adjustable dampers, Brembo brakes, and weighs in at a featherweight 1,240kg. A far cry from the road car’s 1,725kg.

So, a proper racer that looks the nuts, for a cool €465,000. End of story.

Source;
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/frankfurt-motor-show/new-honda-nsx-gt3-carbontastic

Toyota, Honda collaborate with Shell to install Calif. hydrogen refueling stations

Interesting....

The project will bring the number of Shell-operated hydrogen stations in California to nine.

by Jackie Charniga of www.autonews.com

Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. are collaborating with Shell Oil Co. to install seven hydrogen refueling stations in Northern California.

The California Energy Commission awarded a grant of more than $16 million to Shell subsidiary Equilon Enterprises for the project. The hydrogen refueling stations will be installed in "strategic locations" within seven Shell-branded stores; three in San Francisco, and one in Berkeley, Sacramento, Citrus Heights and Walnut Creek.

"Toyota and Shell have a long-standing relationship in support of hydrogen infrastructure development, dating back to the 2009 opening of Shell's only dedicated hydrogen refueling station at our facility in Torrance, California," Craig Scott, advanced technology vehicle senior manager at Toyota Motor North America, said in a statement.

Honda and Toyota have pledged financial support to the project, though Shell will own and operate the completed stations, according to a Toyota spokeswoman. Any California fuel cell vehicles, such as the Toyota Mirai, Honda Clarity or Hyundai Tucson, will be able to use the stations.

"With companies like Shell supporting hydrogen refueling infrastructure, the motoring public and the investment communities will take note that hydrogen is going to be a major part of the future of clean, low carbon mobility," Steve Center, vice president of connected and environmental business development for American Honda, said in a statement.

The project will bring the number of Shell-operated hydrogen stations in the state to nine.

Source;
http://www.autonews.com/article/20170913/OEM05/170919866/toyota-honda-collaborate-with-shell-to-install-calif.-hydrogen

Car & Driver: 2018 Honda CR-V preview

Overall Rating:

Honda’s CR-V is a triple threat: it packs a host of high-tech equipment, impressive fuel economy, and copious cargo space. As if that’s not enough, the CR-V also boasts contemporary styling and engaging driving dynamics. It’s powered by a base 184-hp inline-four or a more responsive 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four. A standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) pairs with front- or all-wheel drive. The CR-V’s roster of talents earned it a spot on our inaugural 10Best Trucks and SUVs list. While the compact-crossover league is loaded with home-run hitters, the CR-V has the stats to be named MVP.

Highs

Excellent interior environment, exceedingly fuel efficient, elite cargo space.

Lows

Frustrating infotainment, not the fastest in its class. That’s about it.

Verdict

Bad grades are nonexistent for the compact-crossover valedictorian.

What’s New for 2018?

While a hybrid version is on the horizon, the 2018 CR-V is unchanged until further notice.

What Was New for 2017?

Completely redesigned and reengineered, the all-new CR-V received more style, more space, and more technology. For the first time, Honda offered it with a turbocharged engine. Further advancements included available adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, and a driver-attention monitor, among others. Inside, the CR-V became roomier and featured upgraded materials such as a soft-touch dashboard and exquisitely stitched seats. Infotainment additions included a much-needed dedicated volume knob, available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and optional dual rear-seat USB ports. Combined with sleeker and sharper exterior styling, the CR-V was highly improved for 2017.

Trims and Options We Chose for 2017

The EX model is an excellent choice, as it offers upgraded tech and creature comforts. For $2750 more than the base LX, it adds heated side mirrors, automatic high-beams, remote start, smart entry and push-button start, a power sunroof, and more. Other standard features include: • 7.0-inch touchscreen HondaLink infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Heated front seats with 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Honda Sensing safety- and driver-assistance equipment We think front-wheel drive is sufficient for most, but those living with harsh winters or who simply must have all-wheel drive can add it for $1300. The top-level Touring trim may be the ultimate CR-V, yet for roughly $6000 less, the EX is one heckuva deal. We didn’t even stop in the options aisle on our way to the checkout, as our well-equipped CR-V EX totaled $27,735.

For an in-depth look, follow this link;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-honda-cr-v-in-depth-model-review

Does this patent rendering hint at a new Honda S2000?

Interesting, would be nice, if true, how about a nice hardtop 'Prelude' Edition....we can dream....

by Wesley Wren of www.autoweek.com

The Honda S2000 is closing in on its 20th birthday and the 10th anniversary of its death. While Honda does make some small roadsters for the Japanese market, there's no Mazda MX-5 Miata competition stateside. However, if these patent drawings are any hint, it looks like Honda is scheming up another open-air sports car.

If you look at the gallery above, you'll see that the styling is more dramatic than that of the familiar Honda S2000 -- and might be a sign that this Honda could, in fact, be slotted underneath the Acura NSX in Acura’s lineup. That’d make sense, judging by the likely mid-engine layout of this patent drawing. Last year, Honda patents for a similarly styled fixed-top coupe dubbed “ZSX” popped up, which could be another sign that this roadster will get Acura badges if it hits production.


Even if this does get the Acura badge, it wouldn't eliminate hope of a new Honda S2000. The Acura platform could trickle down into a less-luxe package and that could revive the rev-happy roadster. With budget sports cars like the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 and Mazda MX-5 Miata roadsters drawing enthusiasts onto lots, we hope it makes sense for Honda to bring a budget-friendly sports roadster back to market.

Source:

 http://autoweek.com/article/rumormill/could-be-new-honda-s2000#ixzz4sTZDmUC9

2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Achieves Class-Leading All-Electric Range

Sep 11, 2017 - TORRANCE, Calif.

• Honda’s all-new, spacious, five-passenger, low-emissions vehicle earned an EPA range rating of 47 all-electric miles

Honda announced the 2018 Clarity Plug-in Hybrid earned the highest all-electric range rating among all midsize plug-in hybrids with its EPA range rating of 47 miles on a full charge¹. Launching at dealerships nationwide later this year, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid also received an EPA fuel economy rating of 110 combined MPGe¹, among the top of its class, and a gasoline only 44/40/42 MPG rating (city/highway/combined)¹.

"We think the combination of a class-leading 47 miles of all-electric driving range rating and a large, luxurious 5-pasenger package will give us an advantage in the plug-in hybrid game," said Ray Mikiciuk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co. "The Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid represents the dawn of a new era, setting the path to a new generation of Honda products that will bring electrified technology into the mainstream."

For longer trips, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid can utilize its hyper-efficient 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine to generate electricity and, under certain conditions, to act as a direct power source, resulting in an overall EPA driving range rating of 340 miles¹.

The vehicle's electromotive power comes from a 181-horsepower electric motor producing 232 lb.-ft. of torque and drawing power from both the gasoline engine and a 17-kilowatt hour (kWh) battery pack with a recharge time of just 2.5 hours at 240 volts. The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid features three selectable modes – Normal, Econ and Sport – allowing drivers to customize their experience, maximizing efficiency or driving performance. A fourth mode – HV mode – is provided to maintain the battery's state of charge and can be selected in conjunction with Normal, Econ and Sport driving modes.

Expected to be the volume sales leader in the Clarity series lineup, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will be offered in two premium-contented trims, standard and Touring.

Honda Clarity Series
The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is part of Honda’s Clarity series, which includes the Clarity Fuel Cell, launched in December 2016, and the Clarity Electric, launched in August 2017. Clarity is a vehicle series offering customers an array of electrified powertrain choices in one sophisticated, spacious and comprehensively equipped five-passenger sedan, outfitted with premium, environmentally responsible materials.

Offering Honda's "fun-to-drive" DNA, each Clarity variant provides a smooth, quiet and highly refined driving experience, aided by the seamless character of electric drive torque and acceleration. The Clarity series also features advanced technologies, including Display Audio with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ integration, and the full suite of Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technologies.

The Clarity series is at the leading edge of the Honda Electrification Initiative, which includes the previously announced intention to have two-thirds of Honda's global automobile sales come from electrified vehicles by 2030.  This initiative includes a new dedicated hybrid car launching next year, an all-new Accord Hybrid, the Clarity series, and the expanded application of Honda's two-motor hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains to multiple car and light truck models in the future.

^{1. Based on 2018 model-year EPA ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPG/MPGe and range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, lithium-ion battery pack age/condition and other factors.}

Honda’s picture-perfect Urban EV concept car aims for 2019 production

by Darrell Etherington of www.techcrunch.com

This new concept from Honda, the Urban EV, looks like something most automakers would show off as a distant vision of what cars might look like in five or ten years’ time. Honda, however, says it’s targeting a launch of the vehicle in European markets by 2019 – just two years from now.

The EV Concept has a look seemingly inspired by hatchbacks from the 70s or 80s, including some of Honda’s own early Civic models. The car is far from retro in other regards, however, including the displays front and back of the vehicle which show charging percentage and rates, as well as brand badging and other information, like greetings, “advice for other drivers on the roads” and more.


Honda’s EV Concept also has an expansive touchscreen display which spans nearly the entire interior dashboard, offering a view Honda describes as “panoramic.” The screen even extends into the doors, and those display feeds from the car’s two wing mirror cameras for checking the space around the vehicle.

It’s a compact in terms of exterior dimensions, and a two-door, but there are four seats within, both bench style. The vehicle is designed for maximum interior spaces given its small stature, however.

Onboard intelligence is provided via Honda’s Automated Network Assistant, which is designed to learn about a driver over time and then adapt that information in order to help provide info like routing recommendations or other tips intended to be customized to a driver’s personal preferences.

This is a very cool car, and one that I’d love to see offered beyond European borders. Honda’s also basing it on an entirely new, electric-specific platform, which is intended to help guide their EV strategy going forward.

Source;
https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/12/hondas-picture-perfect-urban-ev-concept-car-aims-for-2019-production/