Honda to Compete with the Smart Car?

Say it aint so Vince! This is a market that I want NO part of, though I must say it sure looks a heck of a lot better than the SMART car....
Source;
http://www.burlappcars.com/2009/05/honda-to-compete-with-smart.html

2010 Honda CRV Spyshot?

The one on the left is the spyshot of a pretty un-camo'd CRV, with slight changes (as Honda usually does to a vehicle once it hits its 3rd year run), the one on the right is of the 2007-2009.
A forum user named "Puttz" at the Temple of VTEC took a picture of a manufacturer-plated CR-V in Dublin, Ohio near Honda's Marysville plant. In addition to a set of wheels that Puttz said were reminiscent of those on an RDX sketch, the grille is bigger and wearing a lot more chrome work. On the left is the spy shot, on the right is the 2009 CR-V. As another forum user noted, the 2-piece center section is somewhat of a return to the previous generation CR-V.

Beyond that, the bumper gets reshaped with a different profile leading into the lower front fascia, and the fog light housings look to be more integrated. If this is the 2010 CR-V, it appears Honda is only making minor changes to its popular cute-ute.

Source (via temple of vtec);
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/30/spy-shots-2010-honda-cr-v-spotted/

72% say that the Honda Element is getting Stale

Well the results are in, and it appears that the majority of the readers think that the Honda Element is getting stale. I for one would be excited to see a 2nd generation Honda Element, especially with the clones coming out (Nissan Cube, HHR, Scion....).

Schwarzenegger gives shout out to Honda, just like Obama's nod to Ford

I never thought I'd see the day that Arnold drove a Honda.... Strange times indeed!
On opposite coasts, two of the nation's best known political figures have been lauding their cars.
First, President Obama told Ford CEO Alan Mulally and a large gathering in the White House last week how much he misses the Ford he left behind in Chicago. It's still waiting for him, he said. “By the way, I just want to mention, I think I still have my Ford parked in Chicago. It’s a Ford hybrid. It runs great. You guys should take a look,” he was quoted by TheNew York Times as having said. Mulally "broke into a wide grin and pumped his fist enthusiastically."

Then yesterday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who happened to have been in the Rose Garden that day, gave his own shout out to Honda at an event in Los Angeles to promote hydrogen-powered vehicles. He praised a Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell car that has been given to his family to try out."I just got the Clarity," he said. "We're all fighting over who is driving it." He said his daughter seemed most enthusastic about it.

A Honda spokesman, Kurt Antonius, said the car was loaned to the governor for a few days, but had since been returned.

That's Schwarzenegger in the photo at top at the event in front of the Clarity. The woman to his left is Clarity driver Q’orianka Kilcher, who starred as Pocahontas in the 2005 film The New World. She has become an advocate for fuel-cell cars.

Honda's CEO wasn't around for Schwarzenegger's nod, but it was pretty clear he would have pumped his fist as well.

Here's another well known celebrity that drives a Honda FCX Clarity.
Back in the day....

Source;
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/openroad/post/2009/05/67349725/1

Introducing....2010 Honda Accord Wagon, Spyshots

Wow, those temple of vtec people have been busy....
VWVortex Member Michael J Balisky was vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park when he spotted this posse of Crosstours getting their test on. I guess this sighting lends a lot of credence to the October 26, 2009 onsale date rumors that were just posted. Mr Balisky does not list an e-mail address in his profile so we were unable to contact him. Here is a lnk to the thread at VWVortex: name the car (spy pics)

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=834186

TOV: Honda confirms crossover is coming this fall, also confirms it's NOT ZDX-based

Straight from Temple of Vtec;
With all the rumors that have been flying around lately, there has been some confusion surrounding the "CrossTour". I now have some information that I can share, and it came directly from Honda PR.

First of all, Honda has confirmed with us that a new "Crossover" vehicle will be going on sale this fall. The delay that was rumored earlier is false. That said, Honda has not confirmed nor even acknowledged that the name will be "Crosstour". They are simply referring to it as the 2010 Honda “Crossover Vehicle”. I asked whether or not this would be based upon the same platform as the ZDX, and surprisingly they confirmed what we had heard earlier, and that is that it will NOT be based on the ZDX. Beyond that we were told that no further official information would be released until later this year, so we were unable to confirm anything regarding the powetrain, seating layout. While you're here, why don't you vote in the poll we just crafted: 2010 CrossTour Spy Shot Styling Poll

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=834301

Honda S2000 successor independently rendered

Late yesterday, we showed you the handiwork of 3D rendering guru Lars Martensson (a.k.a. 'GRID'), who had applied his skills to a future vision of a new Subaru WRX STI. Today, we bring you the skilled Swede's take on what a next-generation Honda S2000 roadster might look like.While this concept has no basis in reality (and rumors of an S200 successor have thus far amounted to nothing), as with the Subie, we find a lot of merit in what we see.

Source;

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/grid-iron-honda-s2000-successor-independently-rendered/

2010 Honda Accord Wagon (Passport?!?)

Here is some info that I found on the upcoming Honda Accord Wagon.
Pictured below is the Euro Accord Wagon....
Powertrains for the 2010 Honda Passport will naturally come from Accord sedan­s and should also parallel Venza choices. That likely means a base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine retune­d for around 190 horsepower, and a 3.5-liter V6 with Honda's gas-saving VCM cylinder-deactivation system and maybe 275 horses. A 5-speed automatic should be the only transmission. Buyers will have the usual choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, though 4-cylinder model­s may be denied AWD for performance and fuel-economy reasons.

­Not surprisingly, the 2010 Honda Passport will borrow many other features from its sedan sire. That should mean standard ABS, an­ antiskid system with traction control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Options should likewise run to leather upholstery, sunroof, a navigation system with rearview camera, and premium audio with wireless phone hookup and music-player plug-in. Rear DVD entertainment will almost certainly be available, and a power liftgate may be, too. Wheels may well be smaller than the Venza's 19- and 20-inchers, which Consumer Guide deems too large for best ride comfort. We'd look for standard 18s and available 19s only.

­The­ Venza and now the 2010 Honda Passport mark another step in the evolution of SUVs from tall-body pseudo-trucks to something more like good old-fashioned station wagons that can be equipped with AWD. Tiny Subaru has prospered with Outback and Forester wagons that follow this exact formula. Now the big boys are joining in, so the trend should pick up speed, and that's fine with us. After all, not every driver needs to sit as high as an elephant's eye.

We haven't heard of any special innovations for the 2010 Honda Passport, but Honda is known for why-didn't-they-think-of-that-before features, so don't be surprised to see one or two such here. Sources do say the available AWD should have much in common with the Pilot's VTM-4 system, which lacks low-range gearing but allows locking-in a 50/50 power split for getting through, say, deep snow or rutted muddy dirt roads. But if it's a rock-hopper you want, look elsewhere. Like the Venza, this car won't have the necessary ground clearance or heavy-duty underpinnings, though chassis skid plates might be available.

Source;
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2010-honda-passport1.htm

2009 Honda Odyssey Comparison Chart

I stumbled upon a great chart over at the www.Odyclub.com by one of their members that compares the 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring to the following vehicles;

-2009 Toyota Sienna Limited FWD
-2009 Nissan Quest 3.5L SE
-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
-2009 VW Routan SEL Premium
-2009 Hyundai Entourage Limited

It compares pretty much everything, very comprehensive.

Anyway, here's the link;
http://www.urvi.net/2005odyfan/2009_6_Way_Van_Comparison.html

Forbes: In Pictures: The Cars You'll Drive in 2014

6. Honda CR-Z
Highlights: The 140-horsepower sporty hybrid concept will include the motor and battery platform currently used in the Honda Insight. Honda execs say it will be fun to drive, efficient and affordable.

Why we care: The two-seater is designed to remind drivers of the CRX, Honda's popular front-wheel drive sports car from the 1980s. The company has confirmed it will bring CR-Z (shorthand for "Compact Renaissance Zero") to dealer floors in the next few years.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.

Here is the link to the Source and the rest of the cars, it's a pretty cool read;
http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/20/future-car-models-lifestyle-vehicles-future-car.html

Honda is suppliers' favorite, study shows

BY JEWEL GOPWANIFREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

A study evaluating the relationships between auto suppliers and six major automakers shows that Honda Motor Co. has the best rapport with its parts makers, and that Ford Motor Co. has made strides to improve its relationship with suppliers.

In its eighth annual study, Birmingham-based consulting firm Planning Perspectives Inc. surveyed 231 suppliers between February and April, asking them questions such as how much they trust their customers and how often customers make last-minute changes.

"It really comes down to individuals believing that having good relations is worthwhile," said John Henke, chief executive officer of Planning Perspectives.

The survey comes as automakers and suppliers suffer from low cash reserves as a result of falling auto sales -- a consequence of a national recession that has slashed revenue across the industry.

While Honda took the top spot from Toyota Motor Co., scores for the two declined.
Ford managed to take fourth place in the study -- behind Nissan Motor Co.

Chrysler LLC was last for the second year in a row.

Ford's scores show meaningful progress in communicating with suppliers and helping them improve quality.

The higher scores come as Ford continues to cut its supply base from more than 3,000 in late 2005 to its goal of having 750 key suppliers. The company is trying to concentrate its purchases among fewer suppliers so those parts makers have enough business to be profitable.

"The business is about profitable growth for all," said Tony Brown, Ford's purchasing chief, in an interview last week. "In the end, we need to be the customer of choice for our suppliers. They need to have a healthy business in order for it to work for them."

Source;
http://www.freep.com/article/20090525/BUSINESS01/905250431

Honda releases driving simulator kit to teach safe, green driving

Driving simulators can vary from arcade-like video games to serious training aids for racing drivers, but so far few if any have put the emphasis on safe, green driving. Honda is hoping to change that with its latest release, however - a simulator dubbed 'Honda Safety Navi'.

The system comes with software plus a steering wheel and pedal kit to enable controls that mimic real-world conditions. But instead of setting the hottest lap at Monza, drivers will be learning the rules of the road, how to drive safely in inclement weather or at night, and how to get the best fuel efficiency out of a car.

Two modes are available: 'Eco-Drive', which teaches the best practices of green driving, and 'SD Coacher' which helps drivers learn safe and defensive driving skills.Initially, the software will only available in Japan, and Honda hasn't yet announced any plans to bring it to the U.S., but the company says it is pricing it to be widely available.

That leaves the door open, at least, for eventual U.S. release.

Honda's interpretation of 'affordable' is up for debate, however. The software alone is priced at ¥200,000 (about $2,100) before taxes, while the software and hardware combo (includes wheel and pedals) goes for ¥283,809 (about $2,993).

On the other hand, the software isn't intended for home use, but for commercial fleets, car dealers and government agencies to be able to help improve their drivers' car handling skills and knowledge without logging actual vehicle miles. So in comparison to actual in-car training, the system is a relative bargain.It is already rolling out in Japan this week.

Honda hopes to sell up to 200 units per year.

Source;
http://www.motorauthority.com/honda-releases-driving-simulator-kit-to-teach-safe-green-driving.html

Honda FF-S2000 Rendering

To accompany the previous article (http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2009/05/honda-may-introduce-2-new-hybrid-sports.html) here is a pic of what they may be proposing the next gen S2000 hybrid.

Source;
http://www.autospies.com/news/Honda-Planning-Two-New-Hybrid-Sports-Cars-44291/

Washington Post: U.S. to Steer GM Toward Bankruptcy

Just a update on what's going on in GM land, this is a few days old but still relavant....
Filing Expected as Chrysler Set to Emerge.

By David Cho, Peter Whoriskey and Kendra MarrWashington Post Staff WritersFriday, May 22, 2009

The Obama administration is preparing to send General Motors into bankruptcy as early as the end of next week under a plan that would give the automaker tens of billions of dollars more in public financing as the company seeks to shrink and reemerge as a global competitor, sources familiar with the discussions said.

The move comes as the administration prepares to lift the nation's other faltering car company, Chrysler, from bankruptcy protection as soon as next week, industry sources said.

The shifts into and out of bankruptcy are landmarks in the Obama administration's attempt to broker a historic restructuring of the American auto industry in the space of months.

The legal tactic is viewed by some as the best means of reviving the companies. But the speed of the government-led transformation has triggered complaints that the rights of investors and dealers are being trampled. Meanwhile, fears that a bankruptcy could lead to cascading business failures are spreading throughout GM's vast chain of suppliers.

Under the GM draft bankruptcy plan, the company would receive just short of $30 billion in additional federal loans, a source said.

The figure is a starting point in negotiations between the government and the company, the source said, and could change. A cash injection that large would boost the U.S. investment in GM to nearly $45 billion. The timing of the filing is also fluid, and could happen the first week of June.
The government previously indicated that it planned to take at least 50 percent of the restructured company, and likely would take the right to name members to its board of directors, as it has at Chrysler, where the government will control four of nine seats.

The United Auto Workers retiree health fund is set to own as much as 39 percent of the restructured GM, in exchange for giving up its claim to at least $10 billion that the company owes it. Yesterday, the union announced that it reached an agreement with GM that will reduce the company's labor costs.

Still unknown is what part the Canadian government might play in the ongoing GM restructuring.

GM operates several plants north of the border. The Canadians agreed to invest about $3.5 billion in the Chrysler restructuring and control one of the nine board seats.

In the GM negotiations, the Canadians are poised to make a similar investment, but they are seeking assurances that the share of GM production in their country will remain the same.

"China isn't putting up the money, and Mexico isn't putting up the money," said Tony Clement, Canada's Minister of Industry. "But if we're putting up the money, just as the Americans are, then we have the right to protect our production capacity."

Clement added that the Canadian Auto Workers union would have to make more concessions before the government agrees to get involved in the GM rescue.

"We've basically been joined at the hip with U.S. Treasury on our approach with both Chrysler and GM," he said. "We have officials down here in Washington all the time. We basically review the information together. We devise strategy together and execute strategy together."

Both Chrysler and GM have been saddled with too much in debt and labor costs to compete against rivals from Japan and Korea, industry analysts say.

To alleviate the financial burdens, the Obama administration has engaged for months in negotiations with the union, dealers and creditors in hopes of reducing automaker costs without having to resort to bankruptcy court.

But last month, the administration concluded that the only way to free Chrysler of its debt was to file for Chapter 11, and it is now nearing a similar decision with GM.

The chief obstacle to an out-of-court settlement for GM remains: There has been no agreement between the company and the investors who hold $27 billion worth of GM bonds.

Under orders from the Obama administration, GM has offered to give the bondholders a 10 percent equity stake in the restructured company in exchange for giving up their bonds.
So far, however, the investors have resisted that proposal and if no accord is reached by June 1, GM will follow Chrysler into bankruptcy.

The speed with which the Chrysler bankruptcy has proceeded has given the administration more confidence that the best path for GM may be a similar trip, where the claims of disgruntled creditors and dealers can be more easily resolved.

In the Chrysler proceedings, the court has yet to stand in the way of plans to create a new company led by Italian carmaker Fiat. Chrysler's existing assets would be sold to the new company and the new entity could be up and running as soon as next week.

That's because Chrysler is asking U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Arthur Gonzalez to waive the customary 10-day waiting period before the order approving the sale becomes effective. The hearing on the sale is scheduled for next Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Gonzalez has already granted a similar request to expedite proceedings. Time and again in court, Chrysler executives and attorneys have argued -- and the court has agreed -- that Chrysler's core assets are "wasting" and that an immediate sale must take place to preserve value.

"Subject to the closing conditions, a new Chrysler could emerge as soon as the ink is dry on the judge's order," said Scott Van Meter, managing director of LECG, a consulting firm.

The administration is taking steps to prepare. It is drafting the paperwork for a $4.7 billion loan to sustain Chrysler after it emerges from bankruptcy. On Wednesday, the automaker announced that C. Robert Kidder, former chairman of Borden Chemical and of Duracell International will become the company's new chairman. He will succeed Robert L. Nardelli.

Chrysler still could encounter some delays. The company faces a new legal challenge from pension funds representing Indiana teachers and police officers as well as a state construction fund. The investors, who contend that the automaker's sale violates their rights as senior secured lenders to Chrysler, are seeking to move the bankruptcy proceedings to federal district court, which has authority over the bankruptcy court.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled in district court Tuesday.

There are also challenges outside court. Chrysler has moved to close 789 dealerships on June 9. But Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.) has introduced legislation that would withhold federal funding if the automaker does not give dealers an extra 60 days to close down operations and sell remaining inventory. Her amendment has won the backing of a number of other senators.

Judiciary Committee chairman Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) said he hopes to meet with White House officials today to discuss changing Chrysler's bankruptcy plan and GM's future.

Conyers did not outline what he wanted, but a nine-person panel he assembled for a hearing yesterday offered a hint. Liberal consumer advocate Ralph Nader, a conservative Heritage Foundation analyst and minority auto dealers all criticized the automakers' restructuring.
Conyers and other committee members attacked the administration for abusing bankruptcy laws, unfairly eliminating dealerships and jeopardizing consumer safety.

"GM now stands for Government Motors," said Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.). "While the UAW is cashing in, it's the dealers, creditors and American taxpayers who are being forced to cash out."

Source;

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/21/AR2009052104467.html?hpid=topnews

AT and T slowly begins rollout of CruiseCast in-car satellite TV service

Well, I saw this coming, surprised it took so long though....
AT&T's entrance into the satellite radio/video market (dubbed AT&T CruiseCast) has soft-launched at select retail outlets, representing a delay from the company's original plans for a full launch in March, according to a report from TWICE.

Still despite the delay, the company is targeting a hard-launch date in early June, although no actual date has been set, said company president Winston Guillory.

The service will provide 22 channels of live TV service and 20 channels of radio service direct to equipped vehicles via its satellite service. Orbitcast had a live demonstation of AT&T CruiseCast earlier this year - see the writeup and photos here.

AT&T is currently working with "small groups" of car audio specialists, expediters and distributors to sign up a few dozen customers to test its distribution, merchandising and promotional network, said Guillory.

Approximately 373 outlets have signed up to carry the product, according to TWICE, although many are not participating in the soft launch. Some retailers are taking an aggressive stance on the new offering, while others appear more cautious.

"We think it's a great technology - we wanted to take a position," said Al & Ed's Autosound product manager John Haynes. The retailer reportedly ordered 50 units about two weeks ago.

Crutchfield is taking preorders on its Web site, while others such as Car Toys and Abt Electronics are looking into selling the product. Gary Yacoubian, president and COO of MyerEmco, said AT&T CruiseCast "will create a ton of buzz," and the chain will be investigating it over the next few weeks.

Still, considering the current economic climate, the AT&T CruiseCast service is likely priced too high out of the range for most consumers. The AT&T CruiseCast device itself will retail at a suggested price of $1,299 and will come with a subscription price of $28 a month. Professional installation is required, and no free trials are planned at launch.

"I am still collecting data, but preliminary feedback is that both the price of this unit along with the monthly cost of the limited programming will limit the number of potential customers that will be willing or able to justify this product in these very difficult financial times," Audio Express purchasing director Grant Phillips to TWICE.

Currently, the announced content partners for the service are MTV and NBC networks which includes programming such as MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, The N and Noggin. The 20 audio channels are provided by MusicChoice, Orbitcast has learned.

This is hardly competition to Sirius XM Radio (yet).

The AT&T CruiseCast service is less of a threat to "traditional" satellite radio right now - rather it's more of an alternative to the KVH DirecTV system, which is billed at nearly $3,000 and features a much larger antenna.

Still, more competition is looming on the horizon.

Audiovox is planning on offering its FLO TV service provided by MediaFLO, at a target price of $599 - $699 (installed) through car dealers in late September or early October (read Orbitcast's coverage of the press event here). And don't forget ICO mim, the in-vehicle satellite service which could reach the market next year by suppliers including Kenwood.

But it's still too early to say whether in-vehicle live TV entertainment will ever grow out of a niche market. Right now Sirius Backseat TV is arguably the most reasonably priced live in-vehicle video service at $6.99/month, though it's a limited 3 channel offering. Backseat TV is also the first to market with live video installed at the OEM level, giving a slight leg up on the competition - but being first to market doesn't always mean being the market leader. It's still an extremely nascent market, and the jury's out on the long-term success.

So here's a question - if the price of in-vehicle video went down, would you consider it? Or is watching live TV in your car something you think you would never need? Sound off in the comments below.

Source (via autoblog);
http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/att-cruisecast-soft-launches.html

Honda may introduce 2 new hybrid sports cars in the near future

Above is the upcoming CRZ hybrid....

Here is a joint venture (chinese company) prototype of something that could pass as a S2000 replacement....

Following the introduction of the second generation Insight, Honda has recommitted itself to developing hybrid drive vehicles. We now have the Civic and Insight in North America and Japan will soon have a Fit hybrid as well. Honda has also confirmed that a production version of the CR-Z concept will arrive within the next year as a hybrid coupe. It's being reported that the production CR-Z may have a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine with direct injection. If true, that would be Honda's first direct injected production engine.

A second new sporty hybrid could be a successor to the soon to be discontinued S2000 roadster. If Japan's Best Car magazine is to be believed, the car they refer to as FF-S2000 will be powered by Honda's 3.5-liter V6. it will apparently also use Honda's all wheel drive system. The FF-S2000 may even use a flywheel based KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) like those developed for Formula 1 to provide a further performance boost. It's not known if KERS would be used in addition to or in lieu of Honda's IMA hybrid system. Unfortunately, we have no confirmation of any of this at this point.

Source;

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/24/honda-may-introduce-2-new-hybrid-sports-cars-in-the-near-future/

Temple of Vtec uncovers a of Acura RDX Rendering and a MDX update

"We received two renderings from an anonymous tipster this morning, each depicting the updates to the MDX and RDX for the 2010 model year. We showed these illustrations to some of our sources who are close to Honda, and while they were unable to comment on the illustrations, they confirmed that both vehicles would be receiving their mid-cycle updates for the 2010 model year, and both are due in showrooms later this year."

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=832858

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=832857

General Motors to Close Roughly Half of its Canadian Dealerships

R.I.P. Birchwood Pontiac Buick GMC. Wow, I never thought I'd see this day. I used to be a lot jockey and my dad had spent 25+yrs there. Sad day. My thoughts are with all of the families affected by this.
Following last Friday's announcement on the closure of 1,100 dealerships across the U.S. by fall 2010, General Motors is now telling approximately 42 percent of its Canadian dealers that they will lose their franchises next year. The U.S. automaker said that it has already started to notify some dealers sales and service agreements would not be renewed following expiry in October 2010. GM claimed in a prepared statement that the company's goal is to "accomplish this reduction in an orderly, cost-effective and customer-friendly way."

"Due to the unique aspects of our Canadian dealer network, we have focused our network rationalization efforts on key urban markets in an effort to achieve a viable network configuration all across Canada," GM said.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/05/general-motors-to-close-roughly-half-of.html

TOV: Honda 4 Door Coupe?!?

Within the last week or so, there have been rumors concerning a new "4-door coupe" that Honda is said to be working on. Auto Motor und Sport (a German publication) asserted that this vehicle would be a new top level version of the European Accord (also known as the Acura TSX in North America). Auto Motor und Sport claims that the 4-door coupe will feature short front and rear overhangs as well as a coupe-like high beltline. AMuS further contends that base versions of this vehicle will likely be front-wheel-drive and use largely carryover (2.4L ~200hp 4-cylinder) powertrains. They also suggest that a Type-S version featuring a 260hp turbocharged 2.3L 4-cylinder, DSG double clutch transmission, and SH-AWD will be in the offering as well.

Now comes another story, this time from a Japanese outlet. Daniel Garcia Rodgriguez just returned from a quick visit to Japan and while he was there he picked up the latest issue of Holiday Auto magazine and scanned in these images. If you're not familar with the magazine, Holiday Auto is one of Japan's "car scoop" magazines. I'm not real clear on their track record on past scoop stories, but apparently they too have heard of this supposed 4-door coupe, and they have a slightly different take on what it will be. Here is what Daniel was able to decipher from the Japanese text:

"Jeff, I got something for you in Japan. Sorry for not having time to work out the text, but from what I understood very quickly, there is not much real information. Here is what I think I got of what seems Honda's answer to the "4door coupe" incipient market according to Hollyday-Auto (June 2009 issue):

- expect it for 2010 (calendar year).

- should sit in between the TL and TSX in terms of size (see the figures on the table).

- should get similar powertrain-transmission combo as the ZDX.

- styling wise, think about a dropped-off ZDX. Cheers, Daniel

Commentary: With several outlets jumping in on this rumor, it seems that there could be something to it, but if this vehicle is going to be based on the existing FF platform, I'd have to assume that these drawings are probably not very accurate. It's a great look, but for it to be pulled off properly, the front overhang needs to be shorter than just about anything Honda currently sells. This would make a fantastic vehicle to build upon Honda's on-again/off-again FR platform, but don't get your hopes up. Scanning the text of the article, I noticed a few English letters that caught my eye, particularly 'FR' and 'V8' along with 'SH-AWD'. Daniel assured me that the text of the Holiday Auto article makes mention of those things as items that Honda was working on, and the article makes it clear that Honda decided not to use that platform for this vehicle and instead to make it happen with existing technology. Ah, here we go again...

Source;

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=832493

2009 Honda FIT Video Review

New Transformers 2 Revenge of the Fallen Trailer

This movie looks like it's going to be great!

Australia's Honda Odyssey Review

Here's a review on a vehicle that we'll probably never see here, this is a Australian Odyssey (also sold in Japan), basically it is what the Odyssey would have been had it stayed a small, 4cyl van like the 1995-1998 North American model.
Honda's latest Odyssey is an instant love-it or hate-it proposition. Either you see the swoopy cabin styling as funkily Starship Enterprise - or as irredeemably naff.

Naff, and too focused on everyone but the driver. But we're getting ahead of ourselves.
This fourth-generation follows the same long, lean, low-slung format that allows Honda to pitch it as a super-wagon rather than a traditional MPV. It's broad, too, and that combination of wide track and low height imparts a pleasing on-road stability. Mind you, the handling's still comfort-oriented. It's compliant enough, but there's moderate roll and brisk drivers may as well relax, for Odyssey doesn't encourage a keen approach to the wheel - or to the throttle for that matter.
My hilly, semi-rural commute netted a 11.8l/100km thirst. That's well above the claimed 9.3 and almost double the 6.7 Honda alleges for an Auckland to Taupo run in this $56,000 top-spec L.

Remember that run is virtually all motorway, so not a realistic comparison with daily driving.
Presumably despite a 13 per cent boost in power the 2.4-litre four and this transmission - both filched from the lighter Accord Euro - are working hard to punt this 1665kg car around.

Otherwise the Odyssey's practical format works rather well. The engine proved keen enough for a car like this, although the auto was slow to change on demanding uphills. But then it isn't a sports car, it's a family hauler.

Hence the ride, which is comfortably plush and impressively compliant, albeit rolling more than I'd like through bends, which corrupts the handling a tad if you're pressing on.
My advice would be to take it easy and relish the ride.

Enjoy the way you can tuck so many kids back there, too.

The spacious third row is easy to access via the tip-fold-slide second row, or folds under the boot floor at the touch of a button.

The centre pew is a wide armrest or narrow seat, but kids should have few complaints; there are even cubbies for each row, and the back of the car gets its own air-con zone.

Up front there are two spacious pews with adequate side support, and a less-useful-than-it-looks central storage tray that folds away so you can easily reach the kids behind you.

Our top-spec test car had heated leather seats and an electrically operated sun roof, too.

Odyssey feels spacious, it feels a little special - but the ergonomics aren't good. The temperature controls are a minor stretch but worse, it initially arrived without steering wheel-mounted controls for the radio, which was a hefty reach away.

HONDA ODYSSEY L
We like
Useful seats-boot arrangement; safe, almost car-like handling.

We don't like
Poor driver ergonomics; odd wiper pattern distracts.

Powertrain2.4-litre dohc i-VTEC, 133kW at 6500rpm, 218Nm at 4300rpm.
Performance0-100km/h not available, 9.2l/100km 91 octane.
SafetyVehicle stability assist, ABS brakes, six airbags.
What it's got17-inch alloys, climate control air, leather seats, sun roof, parking sensors front and rear, six-disc CD.
Vital stats4810mm long, boot volume 245/708/1056 litres, 65-litre tank.

Source;
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10572820

Road Test: 2009 Honda CR-V EX

When the compact sport-utility vehicle (a.k.a. cute-ute) craze began, Honda and its compact CR-V was one of the first players to market. Back in 1997, it was an ungainly looking box that arrived with an anemic 128-horsepower engine, four-speed automatic transmission and the bare basics in terms of standard equipment. Since those early days, the CR-V has evolved into a comfortable crossover that is offered with as many or as few amenities as any potential owner might want or need.

Swing the CR-V's door open and there's a mechanical theme to the interior - the door pulls look like oversized con rods and there's some brushed metal-like trim on the doors, dash fascia and centre stack. The EX tester also came with most of the modern conveniences, everything from the usual power toys and air conditioning to a power sunroof and a 160-watt AM/FM/six-disc CD audio system. Mind you, if you want to plug in your iPod, it will cost $340 for the i-Linc accessory, not a bright idea when most other manufacturers offer it - along with Bluetooth - as standard equipment.

The CR-V driver's lot in life is hunky-dory. The manual seat height and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustments make it a snap to establish a comfortable driving position. The large side mirrors then eliminate the usual blind spots, which give the CR-V better than average sightlines. The combination makes piloting a CR-V through today's cramped urban environment a painless venture.

One of the most significant improvements in the new CR-V - and there are plenty of noteworthy upgrades - is the fact that the cargo door (which was hinged on the wrong side of the vehicle on the last- generation version) has been replaced by a proper liftgate that comes with a much needed washer and wiper. That might not seem like much, but not having to negotiate that dumb door whenever loading or unloading the vehicle curbside makes a big difference. The unspoken benefit is that when the liftgate is open it provides some welcome shelter from the elements.

The rest of the back end has been equally thought through. There's plenty of space - 35.7 cubic feet with the 60/40-split/folding rear seats upright and 72.9 cu. ft. with them flat - a flat floor, tie-downs to secure cargo and a handy privacy cover-cum-tray. The latter is a privacy cover when put in one position, and it allows two-tier storage when put in another. The CR-V would greatly benefit from an independently opening back glass and a fold-forward front passenger seat.

The CR-V comes with an invigorated 2.4-litre four- cylinder engine. Using Honda's i-VTEC system, it puts 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque at the driver's disposal. When fired through the five-speed automatic transmission, there's more than enough power to deliver a decent turn of speed. The CR-V clips off 100 kilometres an hour in 10.3 seconds and turns the 80-to-120-km/h passing move in 8.7 seconds. The transmission certainly helps matters as it keeps the free-revving engine in its sweet spot where it is happy to dish out its all. The fact the shifts are impeccable is a bonus.

From here, power reaches the road through Honda's optional Real Time four-wheel-drive system ($2,000), the one item in the CR-V that would benefit from an upgrade. While it is reasonably proficient at divvying up the power and sending it to where it can best be put to use, the initial wheelspin needed to initiate the transfer of power means the electronic traction/stability control system steps in too often.

Ride and handling in the CR-V is about as good as it gets in its segment. The amount of body roll is limited to a few degrees and, as soon as the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspensions take a set, the CR-V rides out a fast on-ramp with little drama. Likewise, the feel and feedback afforded by the steering is very good. At slow speeds, its light effort makes it easy to get into a tight spot, while at speed it delivers the right sort of feel and feedback.

The same applies to the anti-lock brakes. In the past, Honda's system has tended to dive in way too early. Now, the system only steps to the fore when needed. The system also provides short 41.8-metre stops from 100 km/h. The oversized P225/65R17 tires and the grip they deliver rounds out a decent package.

If capacity, comfort and utility are the prime drivers behind a potential purchase, the CR-V EX nicely fits the bill. There is a ton of usable space, plenty of comfort and most of the right toys. It also handles well, has plenty of pep and delivers surprisingly good fuel economy - my test average for the week averaged 10.2 litres per 100 km.

The Specs:
Type of vehicle: Four-wheel-drive compact SUV
Engine: 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder
Power: 166 hp @ 5,800 rpm; 161 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires: P265/65R17
Price: base/as tested: $27,790/$32,690
Destination charge $1,560
Transport Canada :fuel economy L/100 km: 10.7 city, 7.8 hwy.
Standard features: Manual air conditioning with filtration, power locks,

windows and heated mirrors, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, cloth upholstery, manual driver's seat height adjustment, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power sunroof, rear washer/wiper, trip computer, outside temperature and average fuel consumption readouts, privacy glass, retractable centre tray table, under-seat storage bin, remote entry, engine immobilizer and anti-theft alarm, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control system.

Source;
http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=1596278

Prius vs. Insight: A clash of corporate cultures

TOKYO--Few cars better embody the wide divergence in the corporate cultures of Toyota and Honda than these two hybrids.

In one corner is the Honda Insight--a case study in utilitarian expedience. It's powered by a simplified four-banger with an electric motor adding just enough oomph to cut down on trips to the pump. It sports a plasticy, no-frills interior and poaches parts from sister models.
In the other corner is the redesigned Toyota Prius--a paragon of engineering excellence. It pushes the envelope with an ingenious planetary gear transmission, outstanding fuel economy and snazzy options such as solar panels. The car that made hybrids famous carries a first-class sticker price to match.

For better and worse, the redesigned Prius and Insight exude the distinct corporate identities that gave them birth. The result is as much a battle of the automakers' business philosophies as a two-car rivalry.

Faultless Toyota Motors reached new technological heights but drifted into cost creep, a risky trend in a recession. Penny-pinching Honda Motors did a lot with a little, churning out a low-budget hybrid that can't match its rival's specifications.

Pricing policies
The redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius goes on sale in the United States in late May with a base price of $22,750, including freight. The price of the top-trim Prius will be $28,020. Later this year, a stripped-down base model will be offered for $21,750.

The Insight, by contrast, starts at $20,470 and climbs to $23,000, fully loaded. Toyota's aggressive pricing of the third-generation Prius may pressure margins again. Says Takaki Nakanishi, an auto industry analyst at JPMorgan: "It will be difficult to make a profit at the lower grades."

Honda and Toyota share a reverence for the principles of kaizen--or continuous improvement--and just-in-time manufacturing. But their subtle differences are best summed in Honda's pragmatism versus Toyota's perfectionism.

Pragmatism versus perfectionism
"Honda always has to prioritize what they can and can't do because they just don't have the resources of Toyota," says Tatsuo Yoshida, an auto analyst with UBS Securities in Tokyo. "If they tried to follow Toyota on development, it would be like committing suicide."
Take mileage. Honda was satisfied with a respectable EPA rating of 40 mpg city/43 highway for the Insight. But the Prius reached for and attained an eye-popping 51/48.

Honda got there by simplifying an existing 1.3-liter engine to two modes of variable valve timing, instead of three. It chose a one-clutch drivetrain instead of a two-clutch version. That reduced the efficiency of regenerative braking but was cheaper.

The lowest trim-level Insight lacks such staples as cruise control and stability control.
In aerodynamics, the Insight has a 0.28 drag coefficient. Good, but not even as good as the Honda Civic's. Yasunari Seki, the chief engineer, was ordered to poach body structure from the Honda Fit compact, a move that limited aerodynamic improvements and also resulted in ho-hum styling. In fact, attention to styling is such an afterthought at Honda that the company doesn't have a companywide design chief.

The pursuit of expedience is echoed in Honda's aversion to full-sized trucks and V-8 Acura offerings. Honda can't be all things to all people so it compromises with the car-based Honda Ridgeline and a V-6 Acura. They may not be best-in-class, but they leverage Honda's strengths.
"We believe it fits with the culture of our company, where we want to build environmentally friendly cars that get good gas mileage," says Dick Colliver, who retired recently as executive vice president of sales at American Honda Motors "You don't have to have a V-8 engine to be Tier 1."

High-tech luxury
Meanwhile, Akihiko Otsuka, Toyota's chief engineer, was striving to make his Prius the world's greenest car. The solution was cutting-edge.

Otsuka used a bigger engine to get better mileage at high speeds. He eliminated drive belts for the air conditioning compressor and water pump, making them electric. He devised an exhaust-heat recapture system to help keep the engine operating at optimal efficiency.

Otsuka also improved drag to 0.25, from 0.26. The new Prius was the world's slickest production car until Mercedes unveiled its new E-class coupe at 0.24.

The Prius brims with luxury features, most famously the gimmicky solar panels whose sole task is to run a ventilation system to cool the cabin when the car is parked in the sun.

Toyota's approach mirrors the whole-hog ambition that thrust it into the full-sized pickup segment with the Toyota Tundra and into premium sedans with the Lexus lineup.

"It's part of Toyota culture to always improve on what it's already done," says Chris Richter, of CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets. "It wants to position itself as higher end."

Honda re-engineered the Insight's hybrid system to cost 40 percent less than the previous-generation hybrid drivetrain, used in the current Civic Hybrid. Toyota was able to shave 35 percent off the costs of the current generation. But Otsuka missed the internal target of halving the cost.

(Source: Automotive News)

GM registers brankruptcy domains

With the emergence of two domain names GM has registered recently (gmrestructuring.com and gm-restructuring.com), it is becoming clearer that the carmaker is moving toward a filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection before this month ends.

Although the sites are still empty, they are similar to the sites that Chrysler utilized to provide information since it filed Chapter 11 itself. If GM cannot restructure its bond debt, strengthen agreements with union workers and demonstrate that it can be viable before the government set deadline in June 1, then it will have to resort to a filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It has been noted that chryslerrestructuring.com offers free access to particular court documents and other details of the proceedings. There is also a report that says the domain name gmfiat.com has also been registered last week in Italy. If there are any agreements between these two carmakers, it will be limited to the European operation of GM’s Opel and Vauxhall.

Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/gm-registers-brankruptcy-domains/

The Nation's Best Car Company Is Not in Detroit

It’s a little bewildering that taxpayers have been forced to shuffle billions of dollars into Chrysler and General Motors (GM: 1.14*, +0.00, +0.00%) when there are profitable, innovative and successful car companies out there — ones that don’t simply make better investments but also better cars.

With a market capitalization of $50 billion dollars, roughly 50 times the size of GM, I believe the best car maker — and car stock — is undoubtedly Honda (HMC: 29.11*, +0.57, +1.99%), whose Accord was the top-selling U.S. vehicle in April.

Before the flag wavers start griping about the importance of “buying American,” consider that Honda was the first Japanese firm to build cars in the U.S. starting 50 years ago. The impact has been overwhelmingly positive: According to a study from the Center for Automotive Research, more than 367,000 private sector jobs and $17 billion in annual wages are generated thanks to Honda’s U.S. operations.

Nobody makes a fuss about buying televisions made in Korea or coats sewn in Mexico. And if you lament the decline of the big three domestic auto makers, remember that, like Wal-Mart, it's American consumers who’ve made Honda a success in America. The automotive space is extremely competitive. Honda’s success is based on the company’s brand, high-quality production and diversity of products, precisely why there’s a good chance one of them is sitting in your driveway right now. Of course, Honda’s business is bigger than cars. The company also makes motorcycles, engines, robots…and even airplanes.

That’s why the president’s recent suggestion that, “If you are considering buying a car, I hope it will be an American car,” misses the wholly-beneficial reality of free trade. Honda’s success in selling cars in America has enriched the Honda Corporation but also the consumers who’ve bought them, employees who’ve made them and shareholders who’ve invested in them. Unlike a bailout or subsidy, trade is not a zero-sum game.

Last year, the company broadcast an inspiring, first-of-a-kind three minute advertisement on British television that showed a skydiving team forming the letters “H-O-N-D-A” live as they plummeted over Spain.

Just months later, Chrysler was reduced to taking out stark, black, full-page ads in major newspapers thanking America for its “investment” (read: involuntary bailout) in the company, which, as we pointed out last week, is essentially already gone.

An innovative and outstanding company, Honda’s soaring success should be commended. And for a long-term investor looking a few years out, I consider the stock an unequivocal “buy.”

Source;
http://www.smartmoney.com/Investing/Stocks/The-Nations-Best-Car-Company-Its-not-in-Detroit/

Toyota could have hydrogen fuel-cell car on the road by 2014

Hmmm, Honda might just be on to something with this Hydrogen business....
Honda's FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle has grabbed lots of headlines, as has BMW's combustion-powered Hydrogen7 and Mazda's rotary RE line of vehicles, including the RX-8. But Toyota is working on a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle too, and it could be on the streets by 2014.

Well, the streets of California at least. The company had previously released plans to have a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle on the road by 2015, but that schedule has been bumped up a year to meet the incentives within California's Zero Emissions Vehicle mandate.

“So much of what happens is directly related to the California ZEV mandates — they’re followed by at least 14 states, and they affect nearly half of the cars on the market in the United States. Phase IV of the mandates covers model years 2015 through 2017, so that means we could begin complying in late 2014," John Hanson, a Toyota spokesperson, told the New York Times.

California's ZEV scheme has previously influenced Toyota and other carmakers, including General Motors, to introduce zero-emissions vehicles, including the RAV-4 EV and the much-discussed EV-1.

This time around, the monetary benefits to California's program are such that it's now a valid business case for Toyota to build the hydrogen fuel-cell car.

Source;
http://www.motorauthority.com/toyota-could-have-hydrogen-fuel-cell-car-on-the-road-by-2014.html

Honda's 'Choir' Commercial

This is one of my favorite Honda Ads....

Honda Pilot Troll Commercial

Here's a older Honda Ad with some troll.

'Banned' Honda Commercial

Well, can't say that I've ever seen this before....

2009 Honda Ridgeline EX-L Navi: Car-like pickup is ready for a road trip

Here's a nice article on the Ridgeline....
Trucks exist that can tow a fifty-foot boat while hauling an ATV, seating five people and leaving enough room behind for a few cases of pop and some fishing gear.

The Honda Ridgeline isn't one of them-- but for the day-to-day tasks many pickup owners face, it offers enormous flexibility, convenience and comfort.

Don't expect it to haul around skids of roofing shingles or crawl down any mountains, and you'll likely find it an ideal tool for both the daily grind and weekend family adventures. For 2009, Honda has updated their pickup with a few visual tweaks and a slight gain in horsepower, too.
It offers towing and payload ratings around 5,000 lbs. and 1,400 lbs. respectively, and there's more than enough interior room for a 4-adult road trip. Cubbies, compartments and cupholders are at reach everywhere, and a massive re-configurable centre console adapts to hold just about anything.

There's even a divided storage area built into the dashboard itself, and no less than 3 power outlets fall within reach of front-seat passengers. Ridgeline's cabin could out shine a top-of-the-line closet organizer any day of the week.

Priced at $43,490, the loaded tester included a sunroof, upgraded stereo, Bluetooth, navigation, a backup camera, and chill-busting heated leather seats.

Topped off with an auxiliary audio input and automatic climate control, no complaints arose from the level of equipment provided for the price.

Honda's engineers have worked to ensure maximum flexibility, comfort and fuel efficiency for Ridgeline drivers, and an extended highway road trip put their efforts to the test.

First, the rear seats flip up and out of the way to reveal a large and almost flat load floor.

Switching between 3 passengers people and, say, 1 passenger and a bookshelf takes just seconds. Plenty of room is available, though one occupant noted that rear seats were a touch too stiff and flat for napping on the go.

In back, Ridgeline's bed has a generous trunk beneath it that will readily swallow a couple of pack-sacks or some luggage. It's lockable, drainable and weather-proof, too.

The tailgate is even hinged at both the bottom and the side, allowing it to open flat or to the left depending on the task at hand. The word 'clever' comes up often here.

A relatively short wheelbase means Ridgeline isn't the smoothest-riding truck on the market, though it rolls without the heavy, jiggly sensation bigger pickups exhibit on rough roads. There's an easygoing and very car-like ride at work here, albeit a sometimes-stiff one.

Wind and road noise levels at speed are within limits, highway mileage cruising at around 115 km/h averaged between 11 and 12L / 100km. City mileage can jump to over 14L / 100km, partially at the hands of an aggressively-tuned five-speed automatic that's reluctant to shift up.

Ridgeline's 3.5 liter V6 delivers a strong intake note, operates with a great deal of smoothness, and delivers adequate thrust in nearly any situation. Listen closely, and you'll even hear the VTEC system engaging at about 4,200 RPM when the engine is pushed.

The V6 is the only engine option available-- so if 250 ponies aren't enough for your driveway, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Honda's Variable Torque Management (VTM) 4x4 system splits engine power between the axles automatically, running as a front-wheel drive until wheelspin kicks the rear axle into play. Traction is plentiful, automatic and seamless in any normal situation, though a 'lock' function can preemptively engage all four wheels when the going gets extra tough.

Getting sucked into some slop? Just feed in some more throttle to get the tires spinning themselves clear. With the snappy engine, intelligent traction and a good set of tires, Ridgeline is happy to play ball off of the beaten path as required.

Of course, it's built off of a unibody platform, like a car. This enables the appreciable comfort levels, but at the expense of a genuinely rugged and beefy 'big truck' feel off the beaten path. The Ridgeline is plenty capable, but it can feel a bit too much like a car when the terrain beneath deteriorates.

It's a matter of priorities after all, and most Ridgeline owners probably aren't looking at much serious off-road duty anyhow.

Ultimately, this isn't a Dodge Ram Hemi when it comes to horsepower or a Ford F150 where towing is concerned. However, if you value efficiency and versatility and you've got a pickup in your sights, the Ridgeline's got you in its sights, too.

Source;
http://www.canadaeast.com/wheels/article/666417

Fuel cells finally staged to power the future, thanks to Honda's FCXClarity.

The fuel cell has long been viewed as pie-in-the-sky engineering - something to dream about, but having little chance of ever changing the world's dependence on fossil-based fuels. In the past couple of years, however, things have started to change. Big time.

In the past, most fuel cells had a life cycle of around 1,500 hours (or approximately three years of normal use) before there is a noticeable decrease (15 per cent) in performance. The latest fuel cells address this shortcoming while accomplishing so much more.

For example, Kia's Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) program took a big step forward with the debut of the Borrego FCEV at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show. When compared to the 108 horsepower, fuel cell-powered Sportage I drove in 2007, the Borrego boasts a 44 per cent boost in power. The fuel cell and its 450-volt supercapacitor storage system is capable of putting 154 horsepower to the pavement while delivering a best-in-class system efficiency of 62 per cent. The upshot is a top speed of 160 km/h, a zero- to 100- km/h time of 12.8 seconds and a driving range of 680 kilometres from its 202-litre hydrogen tank.

As in life, it is usually the smallest of things that make the biggest difference - and it's usually a eureka moment that leads to the breakthrough. This is particularly true of the Honda FCX Clarity. In the FCX's case, the eureka moment came when Yozo Kami, executive chief engineer of the FCX, literally turned the fuel cell stack on its head.

In 1999, Honda's fuel cell was large (it needed 4.7 cubic feet to house it), weighed 202 kilograms and had an output of just 60 kilowatts. While the output had risen to 86 kW and the weight had dropped to 96 kg by 2003, size still represented a significant challenge - enough that it necessitated the use of a SUV-like vehicle to accommodate it. The FCX's V Flow (for vertical flow) fuel cell, introduced in 2007, is housed in a box about the size of a standard aircraft roll-on suitcase (1.9 cu. ft.), weighs just 67 kg and produces 100 kW of real-world power - a massive 50 per cent increase in the power-to-volume ratio.

The V Flow's other breakthrough seems so simple in hindsight. Conventional fuel cell stacks lie horizontally in the vehicle, which consumes valuable space. The V Flow stack stands vertically between the FCX's front seats. Reorienting the stack not only reduced its space requirement, it eliminated a major drawback: When the fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen (to produce electricity), it also produces water that needs to be drained. During the winter months, any water left within the fuel cell at shut down freezes which renders the fuel cell useless. The V Flow uses gravity to rid the cell of the water. This twist also allows the fuel cell to be started at -30 C, meaning it's capable of working just about anywhere in the world, including northern Canada.

To take the original FXC from concept to reality, Kami also needed a smaller electric drive motor and smaller battery pack. No problem. The FCX Clarity's coaxial electric motor is 162 millimetres narrower than its predecessor and by adopting a new 288-volt lithium-ion battery pack, the mass and space requirements dropped by 40 and 43 per cent, respectively. The latter means the battery is now small enough to fit under the rear seat. All of this work delivered a fuel cell powertrain that's a whopping 180 kg lighter and 40 per cent smaller than Honda's previous unit.

The electric motor delivers 134 horsepower and 189 pound-feet of torque anywhere from one to 3,056 rpm. The result is a ton of low-end grunt (enough to set off the traction control system if one nails the accelerator) and a sustained pull through the mid-range. It also delivers a top speed of 160 km/ hour and a real-world driving range of 440 km, both of which are a match for a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle.

After driving the FCX Clarity it became only too obvious to me that the fuel cell has finally come of age. The proof came in April at New York Auto Show. The FCX Clarity was named the 2009 World Green Car - it beat 22 contenders from 25 countries to take the prestigious crown.

Celebrities are also buying into the whole zero-emission thing. On Aug. 5, 2008, Jamie Lee Curtis became the second person to take delivery of an FCX Clarity. Curtis is one of approximately 200 customers who will lease the vehicle in the United States and Japan, the vast majority of vehicles being based in Southern California where there is some semblance of a refuelling infrastructure.
The globalization of the fuel cell system and hydrogen's potential to become the next fuel source is growing as more people start to recognize the need to develop realistic zero-emission vehicles. Europe and Japan will likely be the first to embrace fuel cells. In North America, it is going to take some serious political will to begin the shift away from today's gas-guzzling frenzy and towards tomorrow's hydrogen-driven world.

automotive@sympatico.ca

Source;
http://www.canada.com/Fuel+cells+finally+staged+power+future+thanks+Honda+FCXClarity/1590751/story.html

CanadianDriver sets Honda Insight trip record

Montreal, Quebec - Honda’s cross-country “Insight Into Canada” tour, where journalists drive two dozen separate legs over the course of a month in a 2010 Honda Insight, has entered the last third of the journey. CanadianDriver.com’s Senior Editor Paul Williams has set a record of 3.8 L/100 km from Ottawa to Montreal.

The Insight, the first one registered in Canada, began its journey on April 21, departing from the Trans-Canada Highway Mile Marker Zero in Victoria. The journalists report on the trip and on environmental initiatives through a “narrative” by the car, at InsightIntoCanada.

The trip is scheduled to end on May 22 at the Trans-Canada Highway Mile Marker Zero in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Williams achieved his 3.8 L/100 km (74 mpg Imp) with a full tank of fuel. Transport Canada’s fuel economy ratings for the vehicle are 4.5 L/100 km on the highway, and 4.8 L/100 km in the city. ”I drove at or near the speed limit, but looked for every opportunity to cruise with power from the electric battery only and the gasoline engine off,” Williams said. “The car’s Eco Assist system was very helpful in optimizing fuel economy.”

The Insight went on sale on April 22, with a starting price of $23,900.


Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/05/12/canadiandriver-sets-honda-insight-trip-record.htm