A lifted and rugged Honda Civic? A retro racer S660? Honda sure is
planning to showcase a lot of quirky customized vehicles at the upcoming
2019 Tokyo Auto Salon.
To be specific, Honda Access has announced that they will be
exhibiting five new unique vehicles during the customized auto show in
January. All of them being modified version of vehicles currently
offered by Honda in Japan.
For the time being, Honda has only released teaser photos of these
vehicles with not much details on each model. That said, do expect full
details on each unit to be released once the vehicles makes their global
debut during the Tokyo Auto Salon.
Out of the five, one of the vehicles which stood out the most is the
Civic Versatilist. Based on the press release, it is essentially a Civic
Hatchback that has been lifted and given a more rugged look.
Translating the text, it says that the modification and kit adds SUV
likeness to the Civic but still retaining a more stylish sedan look.
Meanwhile, the Modulo Neo Classical Racer builds on the already
retro-looking Honda S660 Neo Classic introduced earlier this year. It is
said to combine the Neo Classic's sporty aspect along with Modulo's
fine tuning. Modulo's modification adds wider fenders, a new set of
wheels and a more aggressive looking front end akin to racers of the
past.
Continuing their line up of cute looking vehicles, Honda Access will
also be debuting the Well Concept (based on a StepWGN) and the Trip Van
(based on an N-Van +Style Fun Turbo). The former is said to represent a
family car of the future, which will also act like a family member.
Meanwhile, the Trip Van is said to take inspiration from surfing and
other hobbies.
Rounding up Honda Access display is the Fit Elegant Color Collection.
Known locally as the Jazz, it is fitted with a Modulo kit but features
unique paint combinations which ladies will find cute and attractive.
All five models are set to debut at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon which opens on January 11 at the Makuhari Messe in Japan.
When it comes to the relatively new domain of
electric mobility and the technologies that surround it, question marks
are common, uncertainty the only certainty. And one of the big unknowns
concerns the type of battery that will be used in electric cars of the
future. Enter Honda and its possible solution to longstanding problems
to do with range, cost, safety and environmental impact.
A team of scientists at Honda Research,
working in collaboration with the California Institute of Technology and
NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab, have completed development of a new type of
battery using room-temperature fluoride-ion technology. Up until now,
these types of batteries could only be used when at a temperature of 300
F (or 149 Celsius) or above.
What are the advantages of using a
fluoride-ion as opposed to a lithium-ion battery, you ask? There are two
main benefits, according to Dr. Christopher Brooks, the head of Honda
Research.
"Fluoride-ion batteries offer a promising
new battery chemistry with up to ten times more energy density than
currently available Lithium batteries. Unlike Li-ion batteries, FIBs do
not pose a safety risk due to overheating, and obtaining the source
materials for FIBs creates considerably less environmental impact than
the extraction process for lithium and cobalt."
- Dr. Christopher Brooks, Honda Research
The potential safety and environmental benefits make the technology worth exploring.
Much
works needs to be done before the new battery can be put to widespread
use, of course, but Honda says that fluoride-ion batteries could well be
the future of electric-car battery systems, not to mention any other
products that require batteries.
Passport provides a unique blend of on- and off-road prowess with exceptional occupant and cargo hauling capability
280-horsepower V6 and available sophisticated all-wheel drive system give Passport robust towing and off-road capabilities
Standard Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive tech on all trims
Multiple accessory options to personalize Passport ownership
The all-new 2019 Honda Passport 5-passenger V6-powered SUV made its
world debut today. Going on sale early next year, Passport provides a
unique combination of on-road driving refinement and off-road adventure
capability along with best-in-class interior space.
The all-new Honda Passport will slot between the compact CR-V and
three-row Pilot in Honda's award-winning SUV lineup. The model's
reinforced unibody frame, powerful direct-injected i-VTEC® V6
engine, fully independent suspension and nimble steering make it an
ideal choice for driving long distances or around town. In addition, the
robust off-road capability offered by the available Honda i-VTM4™
torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and its four-mode Intelligent Traction
Management system means Passport can tackle the kind of tough terrain
normally reserved for less refined body-on-frame or off-road focused
SUVs.
"The all-new 2019 Honda Passport provides the on-road comfort and
nimble handling buyers will appreciate on their daily commute with the
robust off-road and all-weather capability that make for a great weekend
adventure vehicle," said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and general manager, Honda Division. "We
saw an opportunity to deliver something that Honda is uniquely capable
of making and the new Passport is in a great position to capture buyers
looking for a more personal, powerful and capable Honda SUV."
Designed and developed exclusively by Honda's North America R&D
teams in Torrance, California, and Raymond, Ohio, the Passport and its
V6 engine will be manufactured at the company's Lincoln, Alabama plant.
Additional key product highlights include:
Standard 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter, direct-injected V6 engine with i-VTEC® valvetrain mated to latest-generation 9-speed automatic transmission
Available Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4™)
torque-vectoring all-wheel drive enhances on- and off-road performance
Intelligent Traction Management system with available Snow, Sand and
Mud modes help optimize performance for varying surface conditions
Standard Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technology
Standard 20-inch alloy wheels and tires on all trims
Best-in-class underfloor cargo storage
Wide range of Honda accessories for active lifestyles, including Adventure and Urban accessory packages
The all-new 2019 Honda Passport's rugged exterior design and stance
is highlighted by standard 20-inch wheels, a matte-black grille,
floating roof design, aggressive wheel arches, increased ride height and
a tailgate design that emphasizes width.
Inside, Passport offers best-in-class passenger space (115.9 cu.-ft.)
and total interior volume (157.1 cu.-ft.) for carrying family, friends
and weekend adventure gear. Passport features a large (best-in-class 2.5
cu.-ft.) segmented underfloor cargo compartment for carrying dirty gear
or keeping valuables out of sight.
Passport will be offered in four trims: the well-appointed Sport,
upgraded EX-L, high-tech Touring, and the fully equipped Elite. All
models except the line-topping Elite can be configured with 2- or
all-wheel drive – all Elite trims come standard with all-wheel drive.
All trims will feature 20-inch alloy wheels and tires, the Honda
Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technology, LED
headlights, fog lights, taillights and DRLs, Smart Start and Smart Entry
and three-zone automatic climate control. EX-L and higher trims utilize
Honda's latest Display Audio interface with an 8-inch touchscreen, a
physical volume knob and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration.
Additional exterior upgrades, depending on trim, include a power
tailgate with available hands-free operation, a one-touch tilt/slide
moonroof and heated auto-dimming and power folding side mirrors. Furthermore, the blind spot information system, rear cross traffic
monitor, and front and rear parking sensors are available driver
assistive technologies. Available premium features include second-row
sunshades, wireless phone charging, embedded Honda Satellite-Linked
Navigation System, 4G LTE in-vehicle Wi-Fi, premium audio, and
HondaLink® cloud-based services, including remote unlocking, concierge
services, stolen vehicle tracking and more.
Powertrain
All 2019 Honda Passport trims are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine
that makes 280 peak horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net),
placing Passport in the top of its class for standard horsepower in a
segment where some competitors offer less powerful 4-cylinder engines as
standard equipment. The Honda i-VTEC® V6 is mated to the
latest-generation of Honda's 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT) that
is among the most advanced in the class, offering smooth and responsive
power delivery.
At the heart of the robust all-weather and off-road driving
capabilities is Honda's available i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive system. Unlike
most competing systems, i-VTM4™ uses active torque vectoring to send up
to 70 percent of engine torque to the rear axle and 100 percent of that
torque to either the left or right rear wheels. This capability gives
Passport excellent handling in all conditions, such as rain-slicked or
snowy roads or sandy trails, while also contributing to more responsive
performance by overdriving the outside rear wheel in turns. In addition,
the Intelligent Traction Management (ITM) is standard on both the
front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive Passport. In all-wheel drive
applications, the four-mode ITM systems works in conjunction with
i-VTM4™, allowing drivers to customize powertrain performance for
different weather and terrain, including sand, snow and mud. In
front-wheel drive models, the system has two modes for normal and snow
conditions.
Tested in the world's harshest environments, including the sands of
Dubai, muddy country roads of Russia, and snowbound trails in Minnesota,
the combination of i-VTM4™ and Intelligent Traction Management make
Passport more capable off road than many unibody SUVs, giving drivers
the confidence to tackle not just wet or rainy conditions, but a variety
of harsh off-road terrains.
Passport is well equipped for towing, with 3,500-pound capacity on
front-wheel drive models and 5,000 pounds on all-wheel drive models when
both are equipped with the optional towing package. Passport is the
gateway to adventure being able to tow camping trailers, boats, or "toy"
haulers, over more rugged terrain. The standard multi-view rear-view
camera makes connecting to a trailer easier than ever with its
"overhead" option giving the driver a bird's eye view of the hitch and
trailer.
Exterior Design and Platform
Honda's most rugged light truck yet, Passport's expressive design
leaves no doubt of its adventure-seeking mission and is highlighted by
its higher ride height, standard 20-inch wheels, 245/50R all-weather
tires and sporty styling cues, including a matte black grille and
bumper, blackout headlights and black wheels. LED headlight accents,
gloss black trim, a "floating" C-pillar, and chrome exhaust finishers
hint at Passport's around-town sophistication. Trim-exclusive wheel
designs are available across the lineup, and Touring and Elite trims
offer upsized 265/45R20 tires as standard equipment.
Beyond good looks, Passport's design offers superior functionality as
well. Ground clearance is up 0.5 inches on front-wheel drive models and
1.1 inches on all-wheel drive models compared to Passport's three-row
sibling, Pilot, while its shorter overall length and shortened rear
overhang offer improved approach, departure and breakover angles,
suitable for more rugged terrain.
Passport's wider wheels and tires complement its athletic and sporty
stance and support both responsive around-town handling and increased
grip off-road. A ruggedly styled front end stands out on the road with
its scratch-resistant matte finish grill suited to the off-road
adventures Passport is designed for.
Passport is based on Honda's Global Light Truck platform and shares
much of its underlying structure with the three-row Pilot SUV and
Ridgeline pickup, including its highly rigid unibody construction. This
platform has a fully boxed floor that is sophisticated yet strong with a
four-wheel independent suspension, with MacPherson struts in front and a
multilink independent rear. The latest generation of Honda's
proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure,
provides outstanding frontal collision protection and collision
compatibility with larger and smaller vehicles.
Interior Design and Packaging
Passport's modern and sophisticated interior design offers ample
space for five people and provides class-leading passenger volume of
115.9 cu.-ft. and best-in-class total interior volume of 157.1 cu.-ft.
From Sport to Elite trims, Passport features high-quality interior
appointments including attractive and durable cloth on Sport or
perforated leather on EX-L, Touring and Elite trims, a blackout
headliner, and generous use of soft-touch surfaces on the dash and
doors.
Passport's interior also offers class-leading utility. Behind the
second row of seats is a cargo area generously sized for weekend camping
trips or excursions to the home improvement store, with 41.2 cu. ft. of
space, expandable to 77.9 cu. ft. with the second row folded flat,
which is more than enough to accommodate mountain bikes or a week's
worth of camping gear. From the cargo area, the second-row seatbacks
fold with the push of a button, and Passport's main cargo floor is
reversible between carpeted and easy-to-clean hard plastic surfaces.
Passport features class-leading underfloor storage, with 2.5 cu. ft. of
easily accessible compartmented storage, which can be accessorized with
removable washable bins, including a custom bin for storing the
available accessory trailer hitch receiver.
There's also plenty of space for small stuff. Passport offers
generous storage space for front seat passengers, including a huge
center console bin between the front seats with a rolling cover that
serves as a tray when closed. Additional storage is found in the doors
and ahead of the push-button gear selector.
Technology
Packed with available modern amenities such as an audio and
connectivity system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
and a digital driver's meter, Passport delivers all the modern
technology that today's SUV buyers demand.
Passport Sport trim comes standard with a 215-watt audio system with a
5-inch display monitor and 6 speakers, plus a subwoofer. Passport EX-L,
Touring and Elite trims feature Honda's 8-inch Display Audio
touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone
integration and manual power/volume knob. The Display Audio system uses
gestures common to smartphones and tablets, such as swipe, tap and
pinch, to control the vehicle's audio system, display settings and other
advanced features. Intuitive and easy to use, with a simplified menu
structure, it also offers customizable shortcuts for commonly used
features and customizable app locations. Passport Touring and Elite
trims come with a 590-watt 10-speaker premium audio system.
Passport's instrument cluster uses a 7-inch Thin Film Transistor
(TFT) screen with a wide range of information content. In addition to
displaying typical vehicle functions such as vehicle speed and RPM, the
full-color digital meter includes a Multi-Information Display (MID) with
customizable features, such as audio system information, a detailed
trip computer, phone information, and turn-by-turn route guidance on
Passport models equipped with navigation. Drivers navigate the new TFT
using steering wheel controls designed for intuitive operation, such as Bluetooth® phone buttons that are more easily distinguished by touch.
Touring and Elite trims of Passport provide 4G LTE in-vehicle Wi-Fi
TCU that can supporting up to seven devices and a free 90-day/3GB trial
period AT&T data plan. The TCU is key to Passport's support of
numerous HondaLink® cloud-based services. Using an app, owners can keep
track of maintenance and even book appointments, remember their
Passport's location and numerous other functions.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technology
The Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive
technologies is standard on all 2019 Passport trims. Honda Sensing®
helps provide greater awareness of driving conditions around the
vehicle, in some cases helps drivers maintain lane position and, under
certain conditions slowing or even stopping the vehicle if it detects a
potential front collision. Honda Sensing® includes Collision Mitigation
Braking System™ (CMBS™) featuring Forward Collison Warning (FCW), Road
Departure Mitigation (RDM) including Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane
Keeping Assistance System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The
new Passport was designed to provide a high level of active and passive
safety performance and targets an NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score
safety rating and an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK rating. All tested 2019 model-year Honda vehicles achieve an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score safety rating.
All Passport trims come equipped with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
with overhead "bird's eye" view, ideal for trailer hookups. Additional
available driver-assistive technologies include dynamic guidelines for
the rearview camera, blind spot Information system (EX-L, Touring and
Elite) with Rear Cross-Traffic Detection, and front and rear parking
sensors (Touring and Elite).
Accessories
A wide variety of Honda Genuine Accessories are designed for
Passport, including roof boxes of various sizes, a roof basket, and
roof-mounted bike, kayak and ski or snowboard racks. Inside, Passport
owners can weatherproof their cargo area with hard plastic covers for
the floor, sides, and seatbacks. The underfloor storage can be divided
with separate, removable and washable bins.
For those seeking a more sophisticated urban look, a variety of
cosmetic exterior items are available, such as a colored graphics
package, undercarriage welcome lights, and lighted door sills. From the
outset, Passport will be available with two accessory packages. The
Adventure Package adds running boards, a trailer hitch, fender flares
and more for outdoor weekend getaways. The Urban Package adds front and
rear underbody spoilers, unique 20-inch wheels, cargo storage bins and
roof rails and crossbars for a sophisticated in-town look.
2019 Honda Passport: Major Specifications
Powertrain
Engine Type
V-6
Displacement
3471cc
Horsepower (SAE Net)
280 @6 000 rpm
Torque (SAE Net)
262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Fuel Injection
Direct
Transmission
9-speed automatic (9AT)
All-Wheel Drive System (AWD Models)
Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VM4™) with Intelligent Traction Management with Normal, Sand, Snow and Mud modes
Cargo Volume (Behind 1st Row) SAE J1100 plus floor space between
seating rows and seats in their forward-most and upright position.
100.7 cu.-ft.
Passenger Volume
115.9 (114.9 w/sunroof)
2019 Honda Passport: Major Features
SPORT (2WD / AWD)
20-Inch alloy wheels
245/50R20 Tire
Honda Sensing®
9-Speed Automatic Transmission
Auto Stop-Start
Headlight - LED Projector
LED Fog Lights
LED DRL
LED Taillights
Smart Start
Smart Entry
Remote Engine Start
8-Way Power Driver's Seat
Driver's Power Lumbar Support
Three-Zone Automatic Climate Control
215-watt Audio System with 6 Speakers, Plus a Subwoofer
2 USB ports
Cloth Seats
3-Way Backup Camera
Dual Exposed Exhaust finishers
Black Bumper Skid Garnish
Gloss Black Grille Surround
Matte Black Front & Rear Bumper Skid Garnish, Door Sash Garnish, Tailgate Garnish, Mirror Base
EX-L (2WD / AWD) adds or replaces Sport
Leather-Trimmed Seats
One-Touch Power Tilt and Slide Moonroof
Power Tailgate with Remote
Blind Spot Information
Cross-Traffic Alert
Heated Front Seats
4-Way Power Passenger Seat
Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror
Driver's Seat and Door Mirror Memory
Display Audio
CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
2nd Row Sun Shade
XM Satellite Radio
HomeLink®
Auto Up/Down Power Windows
Heated outside Mirrors
3 USB ports
HD Radio
Illuminated Sunvisors
3-Way Backup Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
Touring (2WD / AWD) adds or replaces EX-L
Navigation
4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
Front and Rear Parking Sensors
LED Inline Hi/Lo-Beam
Heated Rear Seats
Roof Rails
Power-Folding Outside Mirrors
Ambient Lighting
Power Tailgate with Remote and Hands-free Access
590-Watt Premium Audio System with 10 Speakers
Outside Mirrors with Integrated Turn Signals
AC Inverter (115V - 150W)
High Gloss Instrument Panel Trim
Acoustic Glass
265/45R20 Tires
Elite (AWD) adds or replaces Touring
Ventilated Front Seats
Auto-Dimming Side Mirrors
Heated Steering Wheel
Rain Sensing Front Wipers
Wireless Phone Charger
Gloss Black Front & Rear Bumper Skid Garnish, Door Sash Garnish, Tailgate Garnish, Mirror Base
# # #
About Honda Honda offers a full line of reliable,
fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety
technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The
Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Insight, Accord and Clarity
series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot
sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan.
Honda
has been producing automobiles in America for more than 36 years and
currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America.
In 2017, more than 90 percent of all Honda brand vehicles sold in the
U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced
parts. For More Information Additional media information including high-resolution photography and video of the Honda Insight is available at hondanews.com/honda-automobiles/channels/passport. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com/future-cars/passport. To join the Insight community on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/hondapassport.
Using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Requires purchase of data plan after trail period of three months or 3GB of data.
Imagining a future in which the roadster still exists.
Unfortunately, the idea for a successor of the Honda S2000 is now basically dead.
Through the voice of its senior manager for product planning in North
America, the Japanese manufacturer has already confirmed it won’t be
developing a new roadster to replace the legendary S2000. Thank you,
crossovers!
But, hey – that doesn’t mean we can’t imagine a perfect world, where
SUVs and crossovers just don’t exist and sports coupes and roadsters are
the only vehicles on the road, right? In this virtual world, the S2000
has a bright future and is receiving a brand new generation with modern
design and technologies.
Our exclusive rendering at the top is previewing a hypothetical new
S2000 and we are very excited by its looks. It’s a mix between the
traditional shape of the roadster and modern design cues seen in recent Honda
products. We especially admire the C-shaped light signature at the
front and the razor air intakes integrated into the rear wings.
In the United States, the original S2000 had a 2.2-liter
naturally-aspirated engine with an 8,000-rev redline, mated to a
six-speed manual gearbox and sending power to the rear wheels. With a
perfect 50/50 weight distribution, a lightweight construction, and
manually operated roof, it was one of the simplest and most fun-to-drive
vehicles on the market, and today’s technologies could make it even
better.
Just imagine a 2.0-liter turbocharged motor under the hood of the car
from the rendering with close to 300 horsepower (224 kilowatts) and a
traditional six-speed manual. Sure, a more advanced suspension or a
hybrid powertrain with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox could make such a
car a real beast on the track, but that’s not really the purpose of an
S2000, right?.
Anyway, dreams are for free, but in the real world a pure
resurrection of the S2000 seems completely impossible at the moment.
Instead, Honda will focus on its future electrified vehicles, but that’s
not necessarily bad news given how cool the Urban EV actually is.
First introduced in North America under the HR-V banner in 2016, has been available since 2013 (Japan), this vehicle is now due for it's mid-model refresh.
-Aside from the slight changes to the grill and LED Headlights (no more EX-L Navi?!? Touring now?), expect Apple Carplay and Android Auto to finally make their way to this model.
-Don't expect any powertrain changes, the 1.8L should be a mainstay at least until they decide on a full redesign.
