Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Honda's Next Sportscar?
Stumbled across this in a recent S2000 fan site forum, interesting, they say that they found it in Road & Track; "According to R&T, this will be a 3.5 liter V6 based on the JDM Accord. The speculation is that the car will have 200 - 250 bhp and will sell in the $25,000 to $30,000 range. They say the car will hit dealers next year!" hmmm, wouldn't be too excited about seeing this car next year.... Source; http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/850960-s2000-replacement/
VW, Honda and Hyundai could enter F1 in 2013
Jean-Francois Caubet, CEO of Renault Sport F1, says more manufacturers could appear when turbo engines are reintroduced Chief Executive Officer of Renault Sport F1 has revealed that a further three car manufacturers could enter Formula One in 2013 when engine rules changes come into effect. Jean-Francois Caubet revealed that Volkswagen, Honda and Hyndai could start competing for motorsport’s biggest prize in the not so distant future. F1 ENGINES Caubet revealed that "Volkswagen, Honda, and Hyundai" would be interested in joining the sport once 1.6 litre 4 cylinder turbocharged engines replace the current 2.4 litre V8s. The move, initiated by President and CEO of Formula One Management and Formula One Administration Bernie Ecclestone, is aimed at increasing fuel efficiency by up to 50 percent while keep total power output at around 750bhp. Increasingly it seems, several car manufacturers have expressed renewed interest in the sport after a new generation of fuel restricted 'green' engines will make their debut in 2013. Currently, Renault Sport F1 supplies engines to Renault, Team Lotus, and Red Bull - who won the inaugural race of the 2011 Formula One season at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia, under the expert guidance of its RB7 car by reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel. Source; http://www.manufacturingdigital.com/tags/honda/vw-honda-and-hyundai-could-enter-f1-2013
HondaJet Flies at 489 MPH
It's been not such a long while since Japanese manufacturer Honda presented its newest attempt the take over the corporate skies above, and the Japanese announced today that they have already completed the speed tests of Honda's newest creation. After being cleared for flight for the first time by the FAA last December, the model was put through all its paces this week, the most important of which being the speed. According to the data supplied by Honda, the jet managed to top at a speed of 489 mph, with the number being achieved at 30,000 ft above sea level. "We are extremely pleased with the strong performance of the FAA-conforming HondaJet early in the flight test program," said Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft CEO. "Our flight tests indicate the aircraft is handling and performing as expected, with excellent control harmony and stability.” The exact details of the soon to be new jet in the sky are still kept under wraps but, as it usually happens in this segment of the aviation industry, is not necessarily the power that counts the most, but comfort. And by the looks of it, Honda cut no corners there. “The HondaJet's unique over-the-wing engine mount configuration and natural laminar-flow leading edge and fuselage nose designs significantly reduce drag and greatly contribute to such outstanding performance. In addition, the HondaJet's HF120 engines are exhibiting carefree handling of thrust and are supporting top-level performance and efficiency," added Fujino. The model will enter the market in 2012. Until then, Honda is increasing the efforts to bring the Greensboro production facility in shape to accommodate the new model. Source; http://www.autoevolution.com/news/hondajet-flies-at-489-mph-33498.html
Honda to cut output at U.S., Canadian auto plants
DETROIT (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co (7267.T: Quote) will cut production at its U.S. and Canadian automotive plants starting Wednesday due to disruptions in the supply of auto parts after the Japanese earthquake more than two weeks ago. The temporary changes to the production schedule will vary plant by plant based on the availability of certain parts, Honda spokesman Jeffrey Smith said. He declined to detail the changes in production at individual plants. The automaker operates plants in Canada and three states in the United States. Honda relies on North American suppliers for more than 80 percent of the parts it uses to build vehicles in North America. Honda has suspended production at its two plants in Japan until at least April 3. Smith said most of the company's Japan-based parts suppliers have resumed production or are ready to start. "This is a very fluid situation," Smith said. He added: "We are working with a few suppliers who have yet to resume production to reestablish operations and at the same time, we are evaluating additional sources for some parts." The March 11 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in northern Japan have left the global auto industry struggling to manage a ripple effect across its production and supply base. Earlier Tuesday, Toyota Motor Corp (TM.N: Quote)(7203.T: Quote) told its dealers to curtail orders of certain replacement parts to ensure an adequate supply. Source; http://ca.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idCATRE72S74M20110329
Monday, March 28, 2011
Honda S2000 'pimped' by Active Design
What a killer rendition.... 
Source; http://active-design.deviantart.com/art/Honda-S2000-94050763
Source; http://active-design.deviantart.com/art/Honda-S2000-94050763
Remembering the curio classics: the 1989 Honda NSX
What a car.... 
By Ben Whitworth 28 March 2011 12:15 I spotted the NSX heading London-bound up the A3 early on Saturday morning, on the way to attend my best mate’s stag do. It was pristine, its cherry red paintwork and unscarred five-spoke silver alloys glinting in the sunlight. Low, sleek and barrelling along at a very decent pace, it looked utterly gorgeous. I was instantly struck at just how fresh and modern it looked. For a car launched in 1989, the Honda NSX is still contemporary, clean and head-turningly handsome, pop-up headlamps and all. Honda NSX: still contemporary today Even today, the elements to the car’s development sound fantastic. The perfect distillation of its engineering prowess, it was developed as Honda basked in F1 success. Its mid-engined cab-forward styling was inspired by an F16 fighter jet. Ayrton Senna, Satoru Nakajima and Bobby Rahal honed its dynamics. It was the world’s first car to go into production with a all-aluminium monocoque chassis complete with a sophisticated extruded aluminium bodywork. The NSX's wailing 2977cc V6 V-TEC engine was fitted with titanium conrods – another world first – and it revved to 8000rpm. The suspension was fashioned entirely from forged aluminium. It had telepathic electric power steering. It was hand assembled by a hand-picked crew of just 200 engineers. It weighed just 1350kg. And, of course, the Honda NSX was a gem to drive. The NSX – a supercar ahead of the game The Honda was defined by its brilliant chassis balance and superb agility, qualities that showed its contemporary rivals like Ferrari 328 GTB and Porsche 911 the dynamic back door. Visibility was panoramic, the spacious cabin was an ergonomic delight and reliability was exceptional. But despite this deep-seated talent, the NSX never really took off. It was, perversely, not seen as exotic enough for a blue-blooded supercar. It was criticised as being mundane simply because it was easy to see out of, didn’t break down, didn’t try and spit you into the nearest ditch at every opportunity and had a straightforward cabin design. Our loss, really. I gave the driver a thumbs up as he peeled off the carriageway and he grinned, dropped a cog and nailed it up the exit ramp. The lucky bugger. I spent the rest of my trip up to London trying to figure out where on earth I could find the £40k for a low-mileage 1997 3.2-litre with a six-speed manual. Source (with better pics); http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Community/Car-Magazines-Blogs/Ben-Whitworth/Remembering-the-curio-classics-the-1989-Honda-NSX/
By Ben Whitworth 28 March 2011 12:15 I spotted the NSX heading London-bound up the A3 early on Saturday morning, on the way to attend my best mate’s stag do. It was pristine, its cherry red paintwork and unscarred five-spoke silver alloys glinting in the sunlight. Low, sleek and barrelling along at a very decent pace, it looked utterly gorgeous. I was instantly struck at just how fresh and modern it looked. For a car launched in 1989, the Honda NSX is still contemporary, clean and head-turningly handsome, pop-up headlamps and all. Honda NSX: still contemporary today Even today, the elements to the car’s development sound fantastic. The perfect distillation of its engineering prowess, it was developed as Honda basked in F1 success. Its mid-engined cab-forward styling was inspired by an F16 fighter jet. Ayrton Senna, Satoru Nakajima and Bobby Rahal honed its dynamics. It was the world’s first car to go into production with a all-aluminium monocoque chassis complete with a sophisticated extruded aluminium bodywork. The NSX's wailing 2977cc V6 V-TEC engine was fitted with titanium conrods – another world first – and it revved to 8000rpm. The suspension was fashioned entirely from forged aluminium. It had telepathic electric power steering. It was hand assembled by a hand-picked crew of just 200 engineers. It weighed just 1350kg. And, of course, the Honda NSX was a gem to drive. The NSX – a supercar ahead of the game The Honda was defined by its brilliant chassis balance and superb agility, qualities that showed its contemporary rivals like Ferrari 328 GTB and Porsche 911 the dynamic back door. Visibility was panoramic, the spacious cabin was an ergonomic delight and reliability was exceptional. But despite this deep-seated talent, the NSX never really took off. It was, perversely, not seen as exotic enough for a blue-blooded supercar. It was criticised as being mundane simply because it was easy to see out of, didn’t break down, didn’t try and spit you into the nearest ditch at every opportunity and had a straightforward cabin design. Our loss, really. I gave the driver a thumbs up as he peeled off the carriageway and he grinned, dropped a cog and nailed it up the exit ramp. The lucky bugger. I spent the rest of my trip up to London trying to figure out where on earth I could find the £40k for a low-mileage 1997 3.2-litre with a six-speed manual. Source (with better pics); http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Community/Car-Magazines-Blogs/Ben-Whitworth/Remembering-the-curio-classics-the-1989-Honda-NSX/
Honda UK: Honda Planning Small Diesel Car
More diesel news, but not for us in North America.... 
Eco-conscious Car Finance buyers will no doubt by happy to hear that HONDA has confirmed the company's plans to launch a car with a smaller diesel engine to place it in a better position to compete with European car manufacturers. David Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda UK, told Fleet News in an interview that the company plans to introduce the new engine about a year after the launch of the next-generation Civic model. The possibility also exists that it will be available in some Honda Jazz and Honda Accord models. Honda initially started offering cars with diesel engines in 2004 when they launched an Accord powered by a diesel engine. Subsequently, they also introduced a diesel-powered Civic and a CR-V. The original 2.2 litre 140 i-CTDi engine was used in the CR-V up to 2007 when it was replaced with the new i-DTEC engine delivering 150 bhp. The diesel Accord also switched to this engine in 2008. Honda's competitors were, however, able to attract more business because they offered a wider range of diesel engines. The smaller diesels offered by many European manufacturers allowed them to offer cheaper models aimed at the car finance market, while Honda could only compete in the upper end of the market. The new diesel-powered Honda Civic will apparently have CO2 emission figures of less than 110g/km. Given the popularity of upper-medium cars such as the 1.6-litre CITROEN C5, PEUGEOT 508, FORD Mondeo and Volswagen Passat among car finance fleet owners, it is highly likely that Honda will eventually also bring out an Accord fitted with the new engine. Source; http://www.creditplus.co.uk/used-car-and-finance-news/HONDA/Honda-Planning-Small-Diesel-Car/998699564/
Eco-conscious Car Finance buyers will no doubt by happy to hear that HONDA has confirmed the company's plans to launch a car with a smaller diesel engine to place it in a better position to compete with European car manufacturers. David Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda UK, told Fleet News in an interview that the company plans to introduce the new engine about a year after the launch of the next-generation Civic model. The possibility also exists that it will be available in some Honda Jazz and Honda Accord models. Honda initially started offering cars with diesel engines in 2004 when they launched an Accord powered by a diesel engine. Subsequently, they also introduced a diesel-powered Civic and a CR-V. The original 2.2 litre 140 i-CTDi engine was used in the CR-V up to 2007 when it was replaced with the new i-DTEC engine delivering 150 bhp. The diesel Accord also switched to this engine in 2008. Honda's competitors were, however, able to attract more business because they offered a wider range of diesel engines. The smaller diesels offered by many European manufacturers allowed them to offer cheaper models aimed at the car finance market, while Honda could only compete in the upper end of the market. The new diesel-powered Honda Civic will apparently have CO2 emission figures of less than 110g/km. Given the popularity of upper-medium cars such as the 1.6-litre CITROEN C5, PEUGEOT 508, FORD Mondeo and Volswagen Passat among car finance fleet owners, it is highly likely that Honda will eventually also bring out an Accord fitted with the new engine. Source; http://www.creditplus.co.uk/used-car-and-finance-news/HONDA/Honda-Planning-Small-Diesel-Car/998699564/
Honda Suspends Dealer Orders on Japan-Built Cars
After Mazda announced last week that it would halt orders on U.S. deliveries of all Japan-made cars, Honda has now decided to follow a similar action. Informing dealers that they can no longer order Japan-build cars, retailers will be forced to move only what is on their lot until the Japanese supply chain can be mended.
Vehicles affected by the order include hybrid models like the CR-Z, Insight and Civic Hybrid, as well as some CR-V models (many of which are also build in North America). The Acura luxury division has also been affected, with the TSX and RL also made in Japan.
With current dealer inventories, this shouldn’t pose a product shortage unless the delay is lengthy.
Other Japanese automakers, including Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota, have yet to announce any such supply chain issues.
Source;
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Ford VS Nissan Commercial
So, here's the commercial that Ford has become so offended over, lighten up....
The geniuses at Nissan Brazil's ad department dreamed up this ad for the Tiida (aka Versa) showing Ford engineers rapping with bikini-clad models about how much cheddar they make off the overpriced Focus. Ford's response? A lawsuit.
Nevermind that this may be the most eye-catching ad for the Focus ever; it's the rump-shaking rap lyrics that has Ford execs spitting out their caipirinhas, according to Reuters:
"All the luxury that I got, I got it with your money," the rappers boast, showing off their gold rings and chains. "Don't weep because you're paying extra money — your money was well spent, look what I do with it."
When the ad first appeared in February, Ford got a court order to take it off the air. It's now filed a suit against Nissan in Brazil, accusing the company of unfair competition and "improper brand use." Apparently slapping around the competition with hilarious ads isn't something Brazilian automakers have done in the past. Based on what lengths impoverished Brazilians will go to own a car, maybe Nissan has a point.
Source;
http://ca.jalopnik.com/5785705/the-awesome+sexy+hilarious-nissan-ad-that-fords-suing-over
The geniuses at Nissan Brazil's ad department dreamed up this ad for the Tiida (aka Versa) showing Ford engineers rapping with bikini-clad models about how much cheddar they make off the overpriced Focus. Ford's response? A lawsuit.
Nevermind that this may be the most eye-catching ad for the Focus ever; it's the rump-shaking rap lyrics that has Ford execs spitting out their caipirinhas, according to Reuters:
"All the luxury that I got, I got it with your money," the rappers boast, showing off their gold rings and chains. "Don't weep because you're paying extra money — your money was well spent, look what I do with it."
When the ad first appeared in February, Ford got a court order to take it off the air. It's now filed a suit against Nissan in Brazil, accusing the company of unfair competition and "improper brand use." Apparently slapping around the competition with hilarious ads isn't something Brazilian automakers have done in the past. Based on what lengths impoverished Brazilians will go to own a car, maybe Nissan has a point.
Source;
http://ca.jalopnik.com/5785705/the-awesome+sexy+hilarious-nissan-ad-that-fords-suing-over
Comparing Gallon to Gallon: An Attempt to put Gas Prices into Perspective
Sure, no one likes to pay four dollars a gallon at the pump, especially when there’s a thirty-plus-mile commute to look forward to everyday, but as Mom always said, it could be a lot worse; just think of how much trouble we’d be in if we had to fill the tank with Starbucks’ lattes or (gasp) nail polish.
Source;
Thursday, March 24, 2011
2012 Honda Civic update: Bits N' Pieces
-All models will have Bluetooth except the base DX.-New feature; Motion Adaptive Steering: It’s a new driving stability technology which initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction during cornering and in slippery road conditions.
-New Smart Audio Interface; sorry, I'll have to see the car to know what this does.
-High Tensile Steel is up to 55% now, from 45% in the 2011, this means the car should be even safer.
-The 2dr will be shorter than the 4dr.
-Improved aerodynamics for noise reduction.
-Auto headlights will be on certain trims.
-More plates on the under carriage of the vehicle cutting the coefficient drag down to .315 from .318.
-2dr side mirrors fold now.
-The 2.4L Si engine will have a 198hp rating and uses high performance camshafts and intake.
-The Si has 31 more torque at a lower range; 170 @ 4300 versus 139 @ 6200 in the 2011, this translates to faster times; the 4th gear is 1sec faster and in 6th 2.4sec faster.
Source;
Honda Canada
2011 Honda Odyssey Achieves Historic Safety Milestone
Odyssey becomes the only minivan to earn top U.S. safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA under more-stringent testing guidelinesMARKHAM, ON, March 22 /CNW/ - The 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan achieved a historic safety milestone, becoming the first and only minivan to earn the highest possible U.S. safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under their respective more-stringent testing guidelines. No other minivan this year has received both a 2011 TOP SAFETY PICK award from IIHS and an "Overall Vehicle Score1" of five stars from NHTSA.
The Odyssey was recently named a 2011 TOP SAFETY PICK from IIHS, the U.S.-based institute's highest honour. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side and rear crashes, plus rollover performance based on ratings in IIHS tests, as well as having a standard electronic stability control system. The Odyssey earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the more rigorous roof-strength test.
In addition to earning the TOP SAFETY PICK designation, the Odyssey was one of the first vehicles to achieve NHTSA's best-possible "Overall Vehicle Score" of five stars. The newly introduced Overall Vehicle Score is part of the U.S. government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that is first being applied to 2011 models. The Odyssey achieved its top "Overall Vehicle Score" with five-star ratings for the frontal crash safety test and both side crash safety tests2 in all evaluated front and rear seating positions and scenarios. The Odyssey also received four stars for the rollover rating3.
All 2011 Odyssey vehicles utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; a driver's front side airbag; and a front passenger's side airbag with an occupant position detection system.
Overall, the Odyssey improves for the 2011 model year with greater interior functionality, a more distinctive style and higher fuel economy. Significant enhancements to the interior include a new 3-mode second-row seat design that is more comfortable for centre passengers (Odyssey EX and above). A more powerful and efficient 3.5-litre i-VTEC V-6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (standard on all models for 2011) and produces 248 hp while delivering a city/highway/combined fuel economy of 11.7/7.2/9.7 on the LX, EX and EX-L models and 10.9/7.1/9.2 mpg on Odyssey Touring models.
New technology available on certain models includes a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultrawide split-screen display and an auxiliary High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input, an "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with customizable wallpaper and much more.
The 2011 Odyssey is truly a North American-made vehicle - designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama using domestic and globally sourced parts.
# # #
Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs). Vehicles tested under this program cannot be compared to model-year 2010 and earlier vehicles. Ratings can only be compared with similar ratings on model year 2011 and later vehicles if rated under the new program.
Includes a new, additional test mode for side-pole impact.
Vehicle tested includes electronic stability control as standard equipment, branded as Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) on Honda and Acura vehicles.
Source;
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2011/22/c5464.html
Japan's version of the 2012 Honda Civic sedan
Very slight difference between the North American version and the Japanese version....
Source;
http://jp-cardesigncorner.blogspot.com/2011/03/photos-of-new-jdm-honda-civic.html
Source;http://jp-cardesigncorner.blogspot.com/2011/03/photos-of-new-jdm-honda-civic.html
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
MotorTrend: First Look: Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck
Nice looking concept, wonder if this is going to have anything really new (in bed trunk or something like), Chevy is sure committed to that Malibu front end....
Ahead of its public debut at the Bangkok Auto Show, General Motors has taken the wraps off of the preview version of its next-generation midsize pickup, which has been (not so) imaginatively dubbed the Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck.
Why Thailand? As it so happens, the southeast Asian country is the number one market for midsize trucks in the world and about 43% of the new cars sold there are trucks.
Technical details on the Show Truck are few. GM has said that under the hood is a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine and that it's equipped with all-wheel drive, which helps to lend it a taller stance. GM currently uses a 2.8-liter diesel inline-four in the Brazilian-market Chevrolet S-10, where it makes roughly 138 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. It's likely that the Colorado Show Truck is employing a version of this mill.
The extended-cab truck sports the same dual-port grille that's become a signature of Chevrolet's design. In this case, it looks much like that of the Malibu midsize sedan. The truck rides on 20-inch aluminum wheels fitted with off-road tires and its exterior features details such as LED turn-signals in the rear-view mirrors, Pepperdust Metallic paint with aluminum details in the fascias, projector-style headlamps with LED accents, and LED taillamps. GM vice president of global design Ed Welburn says that "its broad-shoulders proportions are derived from nearly a century of Chevrolet truck heritage."
Much time and money was reportedly spent on the interior. It features a dual-cockpit instrument panel that flows into the doors that's highlighted by motorcycle-inspired, three-dimensional gauges in the instrument panel. Other interior details include contrasting trim, chrome accents, and soft-touch materials. There are copious storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a covered center console and dual glovebox. The truck is also equipped with dual-zone climate control and a seven-inch LCD display in the center stack.
As for whether the truck will replace the existing U.S.-market Colorado/Canyon, GM continues to remain silent. However, a GM official we spoke with said that the automaker has no plans to abandon the midsize truck market and that a new version of the truck is on the way. We're betting it will come out looking much like the show truck, with different engine options and a steering wheel on left side, of course.
Whatever it ends up being, it will surely built somewhere in the NAFTA area to avoid the so-called "Chicken Tax" that makes importing trucks from countries like Thailand unprofitable. GM says details for the production model will come later in the year, so stay tuned.
Source (with more pix!);
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/trucks/1103_chevrolet_colorado_show_truck_look/index.html
Ahead of its public debut at the Bangkok Auto Show, General Motors has taken the wraps off of the preview version of its next-generation midsize pickup, which has been (not so) imaginatively dubbed the Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck.Why Thailand? As it so happens, the southeast Asian country is the number one market for midsize trucks in the world and about 43% of the new cars sold there are trucks.
Technical details on the Show Truck are few. GM has said that under the hood is a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine and that it's equipped with all-wheel drive, which helps to lend it a taller stance. GM currently uses a 2.8-liter diesel inline-four in the Brazilian-market Chevrolet S-10, where it makes roughly 138 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. It's likely that the Colorado Show Truck is employing a version of this mill.
The extended-cab truck sports the same dual-port grille that's become a signature of Chevrolet's design. In this case, it looks much like that of the Malibu midsize sedan. The truck rides on 20-inch aluminum wheels fitted with off-road tires and its exterior features details such as LED turn-signals in the rear-view mirrors, Pepperdust Metallic paint with aluminum details in the fascias, projector-style headlamps with LED accents, and LED taillamps. GM vice president of global design Ed Welburn says that "its broad-shoulders proportions are derived from nearly a century of Chevrolet truck heritage."
Much time and money was reportedly spent on the interior. It features a dual-cockpit instrument panel that flows into the doors that's highlighted by motorcycle-inspired, three-dimensional gauges in the instrument panel. Other interior details include contrasting trim, chrome accents, and soft-touch materials. There are copious storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a covered center console and dual glovebox. The truck is also equipped with dual-zone climate control and a seven-inch LCD display in the center stack.
As for whether the truck will replace the existing U.S.-market Colorado/Canyon, GM continues to remain silent. However, a GM official we spoke with said that the automaker has no plans to abandon the midsize truck market and that a new version of the truck is on the way. We're betting it will come out looking much like the show truck, with different engine options and a steering wheel on left side, of course.
Whatever it ends up being, it will surely built somewhere in the NAFTA area to avoid the so-called "Chicken Tax" that makes importing trucks from countries like Thailand unprofitable. GM says details for the production model will come later in the year, so stay tuned.
Source (with more pix!);
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/trucks/1103_chevrolet_colorado_show_truck_look/index.html
Honda puts Honda FIT Shuttle intro on hold
Not for the North American market....
The devastating earthquake and its aftermath in Japan have forced Honda to postpone the market launch of its new Fit Shuttle. The introduction of the car in Japan was scheduled to take place this month. Honda said it has not yet decided on a new release date and that the company will follow up with an announcement with more details soon.
The new Fit Shuttle is approximately 510mm longer than the hatchback, which is also known as the Jazz in Europe and other international markets. In Japan, it will be offered with a similar engine lineup to the hatchback model including a conventional 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a hybrid variant featuring a 1.3-liter gasoline unit and a 10 KW electric motor.
Suggested retail prices in Japan will start from 1.61 million Yen (about US$13,900) for the gasoline engine only model and from 1.81 million Yen (US$15,800) for the hybrid variant.
The devastating earthquake and its aftermath in Japan have forced Honda to postpone the market launch of its new Fit Shuttle. The introduction of the car in Japan was scheduled to take place this month. Honda said it has not yet decided on a new release date and that the company will follow up with an announcement with more details soon.The new Fit Shuttle is approximately 510mm longer than the hatchback, which is also known as the Jazz in Europe and other international markets. In Japan, it will be offered with a similar engine lineup to the hatchback model including a conventional 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a hybrid variant featuring a 1.3-liter gasoline unit and a 10 KW electric motor.
Suggested retail prices in Japan will start from 1.61 million Yen (about US$13,900) for the gasoline engine only model and from 1.81 million Yen (US$15,800) for the hybrid variant.
Source;
Honda Odyssey, Safest Minivan for 2011
As a testimony to the way in which Honda's new Odyssey minivan has been designed, two of America's most renowned safety organizations, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have both given the model their highest scores in the crash test conducted this year. The achievement, in the case of other models not surprising, comes to establish the Odyssey as the first and single minivan to have achieved top scores from both organizations this year.
Both of the organizations crash tested the Odyssey in the beginning of the year, but only now the Japanese car maker can safely say that their vehicle is the best in its class as far as the safety of the occupants go. The new Odyssey, launched last year, is Honda's take on a segment that, because of the competition, is growing harder and harder to control. Several important players fight for a piece of the market that stands for a whole lot more in the US than in Europe.
Honda's Odyssey, seen by the manufacturer who produces it as one of the most successful minivans it has ever made, is trying to build on the all-American appeal by being designed and engineered in the US and assembled at the Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) plant, using mostly domestic parts.
For the new model year, Honda has tweaked the model a bit, adding little extras like a more powerful 3.5l i-VTEC V6 engine (248 hp), a new 3-mode second-row seat design or a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultrawide split-screen display.
Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/honda-odyssey-safest-minivan-for-2011-33127.html
Report: Japan will affect all automakers
Alisa Priddle / The Detroit News
Every major automaker will be affected by the disaster in Japan by mid-to-late April, according to a report released today by automotive forecasters IHS Global Insight of Northville.
"It is not a matter of if, but when," said Michael Robinet, director of Automotive Forecast, in an analysis of the impact on the auto industry of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in northern Japan. The damage halted domestic vehicle production and affected the supply chain, which is causing disruptions at plants around the world that rely on Japanese-sourced parts.
The IHS analysis concluded that light vehicle output in Japan is expected to be impacted by about 335,000 vehicles by Friday and that figure could be in the 450,000 range by the end of March. That is based on a loss of about 37,000 cars and trucks a day if all Japanese assembly plants are affected.
Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. are gingerly resuming production of components for overseas plants and hope to restart vehicle assembly plans in Japan later this week.
Some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles offered by Japanese automakers are only built in Japan. As supplies diminish of vehicles such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, average transaction prices for some models are starting to creep up and incentives are likely to evaporate, said Aaron Bragman, IHS automotive analyst, in a separate report also released today.
TrueCar.com says prices of Japanese models in the U.S. are rising already, with the Prius up $169 per vehicle, on average, in the past week in response to the supply crunch, Bragman notes.
"If the supply of imported Japanese fuel-efficient vehicles cannot be restored quickly, an opportunity may arise for well-placed competitors to start stealing U.S. market share from Japanese automakers," Bragman said.
Among the well-situated is Ford Motor Co., which has made fuel-efficiency a priority and has a number of new models that get 40 miles per gallon. General Motors Co. also has new small vehicles as well as the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. Hyundai Motor Co. also has a lineup of strong contenders.
"The initial estimates are that this could be a protracted shutdown of the Japanese industry," Bragman said. In addition to issues with vehicle production and parts supply, there are rolling blackouts because of damage to the electric power grid and a nuclear disaster in addition to other infrastructure damage as well as port and shipping issues and the loss of workers.
Robinet said it could take seven weeks of full production, with overtime, at a facility to make up for one week of lost production.
But competitors will only be able to fill any voids created by a shortage of Japanese models if they have the parts to keep their own assembly lines running as well.
So far, lost volume outside Japan is only about 10,000 vehicles, according to Robinet. That includes General Motors Co.'s truck plant in Shreveport, La., which suspended work because of parts shortages.
The Japanese-made components most affected include semi-conductors, integrated circuits, sensors and LCD displays, but IHS said shortages also may be felt in resins and synthetic rubber in the next few weeks. And the quake zone is home to powertrain parts such as gears and clutch components. Specialty materials such as silicon and certain types of glass and metals could also run short, Robinet forecasts.
Source;
http://www.detnews.com/article/20110321/AUTO01/103210409/1020/Report--Japan-will-affect-all-automakers
Monday, March 21, 2011
Honda CRV Hotwheels style
I've seen a lot of body kits on Civic's, Fit's, Accords, Preludes, even Ridgelines, this is my first really pimped out body kit for a CRV that I've seen....
Source;
http://www.blazingtype-r.com/2009/02/custom-bodykit-for-crv-2007.html
Source;http://www.blazingtype-r.com/2009/02/custom-bodykit-for-crv-2007.html
Consumer Reports: Mythbuster: Can cars imported from Japan be radioactive?
As Japan struggles to emerge from the recent earthquake and subsequent tsunami, and faces further potential disaster from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power complex, the auto industry is wrestling with how to cope with the enormous logistic challenges these tragedies have created. Japanese automakers and their suppliers have suspended production, and it may be months before things are fully back up to speed. As the world waits to see what happens next, from when rebuilding the ravaged nation can begin to how its recovery could impact markets, some consumers have pondered, are there risks from cars imported from Japan being radioactive?In a word, no.
The vast majority of factories are located well outside the evacuation range surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi complex. Automakers report they are taking precautions to ensure their factories, components, and staff are protected. Likewise, they will ensure that vehicles meet safe levels for radiation before distributing.
"Toyota will take any necessary steps to ensure the cars we deliver to customers are safe in every way," said Javier Moreno of Toyota Communications. He stated that the majority of Toyota Motor Corporation's operations in Japan are located about 240 miles southwest of the nuclear power plant and no unusual radiation activity has been detected.
We spoke with several companies, all of which have been working to protect their workers and consumers, while rebuilding their businesses. The sentiments expressed by the automakers were similar, though clearly some were harder hit than others.
"We are evaluating the situation very carefully, of course, safety is our number one concern," said Jeffrey Smith of Honda Corporate affairs. He added that the nearest port to the impacted area that Honda uses is about 125 miles away. Honda had 17 employees injured in the Tochigi area during the earthquake, plus an associate killed at an R&D facility.
Beyond the safety measures in place in Japan, consumers are further protected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an agency focused on preventing terrorists and weapons from entering the United States. Among its tools, the CBP uses sensitive, large-scale Radiation Portal Monitors (RPM) to scan all maritime cargo and mail arriving from Japan. In addition, agents use a wide range of technologies, including radiation isotope identifiers, to scan people, vehicles, and cargo containers. The radiation isotope identifiers are hand-held devices that can detect gamma and neutron emissions from radioactive sources, including nuclear, medical, and industrial isotopes. With hundreds of such devices in the field, any car or other product carrying an unsafe level of radioactivity would be discovered and halted at the more than 140 Border Patrol stations and more than 150 ports of entry.
As one would expect, the CBP tells us that they are monitoring developments in Japan carefully and specifically assessing the potential for radiological contamination associated with the ongoing impact of the earthquake and tsunami to Japan's nuclear facilities.
There are many valid concerns surrounding the crisis in Japan, including the human toll, cultural impact, and market forces, but radioactive consumer goods is not one of them.
Learn what you can do to aid Japan (via CNN), and donate to the American Red Cross.
—Jim Travers and Jeff Bartlett
Source;
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/03/mythbuster-can-cars-imported-from-japan-be-radioactive.html
1965 Shelby Cobra 427 vs 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia in a $400,000 ¼ Mile Race Bet; Can You Guess Who Wins?
A no-nonsense, classic American muscle car from the 1960s going head to head with a high-tech, thoroughbred Italian supercar in the ultimate quarter mile race. What more could you ask to make this battle more interesting? Well, how about a $400,000 wager?
Hype....
Results....
Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/03/1965-shelby-cobra-427-vs-ferrari-458.html
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Autocar.UK: Hot CR-Z will be a hybrid
Honda R&D chief Tomohiko Kawanabe has confirmed that the firm is working on a high-performance CR-Z hybrid.In an exclusive interview with Autocar, Kawanabe admitted that development work on the more powerful two-door has started, and that — contrary to earlier reports — it will keep its IMA hybrid system.
“It’s true: we are working on a more powerful CR-Z,” he said. “Our problem with the car as it stands is that it looks very good, but it doesn’t have the performance some customers expect.”
Autocar’s sources suggest that Honda might turn to a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine for the new CR-Z, but Kawanabe refused to confirm this.
"The decision on the engine hasn’t been made,” he said. “Turbocharging is an option, but a high-compression petrol engine would work better in tandem with a hybrid assist system.”
See pics of the Honda CR-Z Hybrid R concept
It is highly likely that the faster CR-Z will use Honda’s next-generation IMA system, which will appear first in the US-market Civic Hybrid next year.
Featuring lithium ion batteries, the new IMA will be capable of producing twice as much power as Honda’s nickel-metal hydride system, without requiring a larger battery.
A more sophisticated coupling should also allow it to fully disengage from the engine during brake energy regeneration (something the current IMA system can’t do), allowing it to recapture more kinetic energy to recycle as electric power.
The problem for the CR-Z’s performance will be Honda’s efficiency targets. “It will not be acceptable for the new car to be less fuel efficient than the current one,” Kawanabe said. “The CR-Z must deliver low CO2 emissions, as well as be fun to drive.”
That being the case, a combined petrol-electric power increase to 160bhp is likely, delivered without compromising fuel efficiency thanks to that more powerful hybrid system.
Matt Saunders
Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/255962/
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Rendered Speculation: 2013 BMW 3-Series
Nice rendering, very natural progression of the car....Source;
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=496207
Man Smashes Lamborghini Supercar
Ah, to have that kind of money....
The man reportedly bought that ride in February. After several arguments with the auto company about engine problems and maintenance issues, he smashed the nearly half-million dollar super car in protest outside his construction materials business.
Huge crowds gathered around and took pictures and videos as the man's employees decided to jump in and smash as well.
Source;
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/international/chinese-man-smashes-lamborghini-with-sledgehammer-20110317-mr
Chinese Man Smashes Lamborghini with Sledgehammer: MyFoxDETROIT.com
(WJBK) - In China, a man fed up with a Lamborghini Gallardo he bought second-hand smashed it to smithereens with a sledgehammer, The Daily Mail reports.The man reportedly bought that ride in February. After several arguments with the auto company about engine problems and maintenance issues, he smashed the nearly half-million dollar super car in protest outside his construction materials business.
Huge crowds gathered around and took pictures and videos as the man's employees decided to jump in and smash as well.
Source;
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/international/chinese-man-smashes-lamborghini-with-sledgehammer-20110317-mr
Carscoop: Euro Mugen building custom High Performance CR-Z Hybrid
One of the biggest problems most see with Honda’s CR-Z hybrid sport hatch is the lack of a performance version. That may change soon enough as Mugen’s European division is readying a “highly-tuned” version of the CR-Z that it claims will deliver “Type R-like” performance. The faster and more powerful CR-Z Mugen prototype is being developed as a joint project between Honda UK and Mugen Euro, and it will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July.“This will be one quick hybrid,” said Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda UK. “With more torque, more power and MUGEN’s experience of working with Honda cars, we’re expecting great things. It promises to show how hybrid cars can be even more exciting to drive.”
Honda said that the CR-Z MUGEN prototype will feature modifications to both the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and the Honda IMA system to boost power and torque, adding that these changes may also result in greater mpg and lower CO2 emissions during some conditions. Final power, torque and fuel economy figures are not yet known.
Other performance upgrades will include bespoke brakes and a tuned suspension while Mugen will also make use of lightweight components such as a carbon fibre bonnet and forged alloys to lower the overall mass.
Furthermore, Mugen will treat the CR-Z with a new body kit that includes new front and rear bumpers as well as a rear wing and diffuser to improve aerodynamics.
“We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z,” says Hiro Toyoda of MUGEN Euro. “It is already a fun car to drive, with an excellent chassis, but we thought that with more power and enhanced torque delivery it could be even more exciting. However, as with all MUGEN projects, we have stayed true to the Honda design and philosophy, and the electric motor is still a vital ingredient to boost performance and economy.”
Even though at this stage, the CR-Z MUGEN is being crafted as a one-off prototype with no plans for a production version, we’ll remind you that’s what Honda said when it introduced the 240HP Civic Type R Mugen in 2009 which ended up in a limited production for Europe.
Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/03/mugen-euro-building-high-performance.html
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Spy Shots: 2011 Honda Brio
Not for us here is North America....
Built with a 1.2L, 3-cylinder 900cc engine, Honda Brio looks a lot like Maruti Suzuki Alto, and Chevrolet's Beat. Honda was caught testing the stability of Brio in Thailand earlier this week. Honda test drivers were driving the car at high speeds of 120 kmph in order to check stability.
Honda Brio measures 3.6 m in length, 1.68 m in width and 1.475 m in height. It has a slightly elevated rear window line, but is void of VTEC - Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Control technology. Honda plans to launch Brio equipped with VTEC feature in 2012. Reports also suggest Honda would launch a sedan variant of Brio later.
Honda is expected to give Indians a sneak peak into Brio on 17th March, but Indian buyers will have to wait till September in order to get their hands on the new small car from Honda.
Built with a 1.2L, 3-cylinder 900cc engine, Honda Brio looks a lot like Maruti Suzuki Alto, and Chevrolet's Beat. Honda was caught testing the stability of Brio in Thailand earlier this week. Honda test drivers were driving the car at high speeds of 120 kmph in order to check stability.Honda Brio measures 3.6 m in length, 1.68 m in width and 1.475 m in height. It has a slightly elevated rear window line, but is void of VTEC - Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Control technology. Honda plans to launch Brio equipped with VTEC feature in 2012. Reports also suggest Honda would launch a sedan variant of Brio later.
Honda is expected to give Indians a sneak peak into Brio on 17th March, but Indian buyers will have to wait till September in order to get their hands on the new small car from Honda.
Above is what the vehicle looks like without camo....
Source;
Honda reveals earthquake aid plans
Honda's relief efforts to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami disaster announcedAfter suffering damage to some factories including a collapsed wall at its R&D facility in Tochigi where one employee was killed Honda has revealed that many of its plants in Japan will remain closed all this week.
As well as leading to the death of a 43 year old male employee, the damage at Tochigi is reported to have caused injuries to 30 other Honda workers. Now Honda has revealed its plans to cope with the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.
The firm's full release is below:
TOKYO, Japan, March 14, 2011 - Honda would like to express its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of The 2011 Off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake in northeastern Japan and our sincere hopes for the earliest possible relief and recovery of the affected areas.
-As of March 14, all production activities are suspended at the following Honda plants: Sayama Plant at Saitama Factory (Sayama, Saitama), Ogawa Plant (Ogawa-machi, Hiki-gun Saitama), Tochigi Factory (Moka, Tochigi), Hamamatsu Factory (Hamamatsu, Shizuoka) and Suzuka Factory (Suzuka, Mie).
-From March 15 through 20, Honda will suspend all production activities at its plants listed above as well as at Kumamoto Factory (Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto).
-From March 14 through 20, Honda will suspend regular operations at all Honda facilities in the Tochigi area, where damage was more serious, (including Tochigi Factory, Honda R&D Co., Ltd.
-Automobile R&D Center (Tochigi) , Honda Engineering Co., Ltd., etc.), and focus on the recovery of each operation. Honda associates will not come to work during this time.
-300 million yen toward the relief and recovery effort.
-A total of 1,000 generators (gasoline-powered and home-use gas canister-powered), along with 5,000 gas canisters. Honda also will dispatch its staff to explain how to use the donated generators.
Honda decided the following regarding its recruiting activities so that victims of the earthquake can focus on recovery.
Prospective associates, who are scheduled to join the company in April, can choose to delay their first day of work by up to two months if they or their families are affected by the earthquake.
For those who have applied for next year's recruiting process starting in April of this year (associates who would join the company in April 2012) from the affected areas (six prefectures in Tohoku areas and Ibaraki prefecture), Honda will ensure that the testing/interviewing of those applicants will be conducted in June or later. More details will be posted on the recruiting section of the Honda website in April.
Source;
Japan’s carmakers halt domestic operations
By John Reed, Motor Industry Correspondent
Published: March 14 2011 13:00 Last updated: March 14 2011 13:00
Japan’s four biggest carmakers have said they are suspending production at their domestic plants through to at least Wednesday to cope with the after-effects of Friday’s earthquake and tsunami.
Honda, Japan’s second-largest carmaker, said on Monday that it was halting domestic production for a week and that damage to its suppliers’ plants might disrupt its UK production.
The announcement was an early sign of the disaster’s potential knock-on effect on the global supply chain in one of the world’s largest industries. Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors also extended shutdowns of their plants in order to assess and deal with damage from the quake.
Honda on Monday said that it had shut down its plants to check safety, power supply and infrastructure issues, along with the state of its local suppliers.
Honda said that it had 113 suppliers around the area in north-east Japan where the main tremors from the earthquake were felt. The carmaker said that it had been in touch with 44 of them, but was still trying to contact the remaining 69.
A UK spokesman for Honda said there were “potential supply issues” at its car plant in Swindon, England, where it makes its CR-V sport utility vehicle, its Jazz small car, and its Civic mid-size model.
“There will be a knock-on effect for car production in the UK, but we don’t yet know what it is,” he said.
Honda said that it had established emergency co-ordination centres in Swindon and at its plant in Tochigi in Japan in order to liaise on business issues concerning its supply of components and the well-being of its employees.
Toyota, Japan’s and the global car industry’s biggest producer, on Monday said that a shutdown already planned for Monday at all of its Japanese plants – including those of its Hino and Daihatsu subsidiaries – would be extended through to Wednesday.
The company makes some of its most popular models – including the bulk of its Prius hybrid model and Lexus luxury marque’s cars – in Japan.
Toyota said that the current three-day halt to production would not immediately affect its overseas operations. “The current production stop is for three days”, said a Toyota spokesman based in Brussels. “As such this doesn’t have an impact outside Japan, but we need to assess further.”
Nissan, Japan’s third-largest carmaker, said that it would halt operations at its Oppama, Kyushu, Shatai, and Yokahama plants south of Tokyo until Wednesday and at its Tochigi and Iwaki plants north of Tokyo until Friday.
The company also said that it would do its utmost to support “restoration activities” in Japan, including by conserving electricity usage in all of its activities.
Mitsubishi said that it was suspending plant operations on Monday and Tuesday to check safety at its suppliers. The producer’s main production hubs are located in Japan’s Aichi, Gifu, and Okayama prefectures, and were not affected by the earthquake.
However, it said that some of its suppliers had reported damage.
Japan’s car industry is one of the world’s largest. North-eastern Japan has become a major car-production centre in recent years, with Toyota, Honda, Nissan and operating plants there.
Most global carmakers, including Japan’s, produce and source parts for most of their cars in the regions where they build them.
However, Japan’s producers in particular are known for producing some of their models destined for export locally in order to preserve jobs and expertise at home in the face of declining domestic demand for cars.
Source;
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8d5f631e-4e2a-11e0-a9fa-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Ga6cJOuQ
IIHS awards Top Safety Pick to 2011 Honda Odyssey, GM Lambda CUVs
Honda minivan and 3 large GM SUV models earn 2011 Top Safety Pick awardAfter earning the top rating of good for roof strength, the Honda Odyssey minivan, and 3 large GM SUVs (GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, and Buick Enclave) become the latest 2011 Top Safety Pick winners. The Odyssey is the second minivan to earn Top Safety Pick since the Institute tightened the criteria to include good performance for roof strength in rollover crashes (the other is the Toyota Sienna). These vehicles earlier earned good ratings for front, side, and rear crash protection.
In the latest tests, the roof of the Odyssey withstood a force more than 5 times the minivan's weight. The Acadia's roof withstood a force equal to 4 times weight. By comparison, the current federal standard is 1.5 times weight. Top Safety Pick only applies to Acadia, Traverse, and Enclave models manufactured after January 2011, because GM made running changes to improve roof strength for these models.
In addition to good crash test ratings in all 4 Institute tests, award winners must have electronic stability control (ESC), an important crash-avoidance feature.
Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/12/iihs-awards-top-safety-pick-to-2011-honda-odyssey-gm-lambda-cuv/#continued
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Canada to lose out on short-term trade while Japan recovers
TORONTO - Canada will feel the economic impact of the powerful earthquake and huge tsunami that swept away everything in its destructive path in Japan, but the effects should be short lived, experts say.They suggest Canada stands to lose out on short-term trade as Japan focuses on recovering from the 8.9-magnitude tremor Friday — the most powerful earthquake in the area in nearly 1,200 years.
Japan imported about $9.2 billion of Canadian goods last year, including wheat, lumber, coal and minerals used in manufacturing.
But with several Japanese factories shut down following the disaster, including those of automakers Toyota and Honda, the focus will be on recovery rather than producing cars or other goods like electronics, predicts Tim Richardson.
Richardson, former head of the now-defunct Canada-Japan Trade Council and now a professor at the University of Toronto, said Japanese business executives "will be told in emails from head office to be very concerned about expenditures."
"The Japanese companies will not be producing their manufactured products that require the constant imports," he said.
The fallout from the 8.9-magnitude quake and the seven-metre-tall wave that swept over parts of Japan, will also likely affect Canadian banks, software and telecommunications companies that work with the exporters, he said.
But Richardson said Canada has a good reputation in the lumber and construction industries and exports will bounce back as Japan rebuilds.
Sherry Cooper, chief economist at BMO Financial Group, said the disaster an ocean away might draw more foreign investment into Canada, reducing the impact of the lower trade figures.
"Canada will continue to be seen as a safe haven. We are truly an oasis of calm in a world that is battered by both natural disasters and financial disasters. On a relative basis we continue to be performing very well," she said.
She added that Japan buys a fair amount of Canadian products, but the number is small compared to the U.S., where Canada sells 80 per cent of its exports.
"It's certainly meaningful but it's not going to push our economy into recession," she said, adding that the Japanese disaster in addition to the political turmoil in the Middle East, and rising food and oil prices will ultimately hit Canadian wallets.
"But as we see these developments continue...we can't help but be impacted. Consumers are feeling the pinch."
Both Cooper and Richardson cautioned that the extent of the economic impact in Canada won't be clear for days because the quake happened on a Friday evening and it is not yet clear how much damage has been sustained by Japanese infrastructure.
The northern city of Sendai, which was close to the epicentre of the earthquake, is a major transportation hub for the country.
Source;
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b6218378&page=2
2012 Honda Civic Updated Information
Honda makes a more civil Civic
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Honda decided to remake the Civic with further environmental awareness – not because of the current social climate but because that’s what Civic has stood for since its introduction in 1972.
Honda is promising the all-new 2012 Civic will better address the diverse needs of the compact car buyer when it launches in spring 2011, including a renewed commitment to fuel economy.
A component of that is aerodynamics, with the new Civic sedan’s snout bearing more than a passing resemblance to both the Insight five-door hatchback Insight hybrid and the FCX Clarity fuel-cell sedan. The coupe’s nose is pointier, with a smaller grille.
It will again be available in coupe and sedan bodystyles, both in various trim levels, and with a hybrid sedan still in the mix.
“The Civic is the only model in the industry that can deliver on all fronts – fuel economy, sporty performance, smart packaging, alternative fuel and long-term value,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of sales for Honda Canada Inc. “For the ninth-generation Civic, we are emphasizing improved fuel economy across the board, from the hybrid sedan to the sporty Si models.”
The Civic Hybrid sedan will come with aerodynamic components for improved efficiency as well as Honda’s ECO Assist technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback to promote more efficient individual driving styles. It will be available on coupe and sedan models, as well – the first such application in gasoline only models.
Its impact is considerable, with the 2012 Honda Civic sedan, for example, carrying an estimated fuel economy rating of 7.2 L/100km in the city and 5.0 on the highway (a 12% improvement on the current model).
A two percent improvement in fuel economy is also being touted for the Civic Si coupe and sedan, despite the models’ 2.4 litre four-cylinder engines (linked to new six-speed automatics?!? I do believe that they mean manual transmission) that make an anticipated 200 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque (a 22% increase).
The regular Civics get motivation from 140 hp 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines, with a choice of five-speed manuals or five-speed automatics, while the Hybrid uses a 110-hp 1.5-litre “four” with a continuously variable transmission. All engines use i-VTEC, Honda’s variable valve timing and lift system) for improved power and economy.
The interior is an evolution of the current Civic’s two-tiered design, with the centre stack angled toward the driver to create a plane cockpit feeling. The steering wheel is also evolved from the current meaty tri-spoke design.
More details and final pricing for the new 2012 Civic will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date. Civic coupes and sedans will be built at Honda’s plant in Alliston, Ont.
Summary:
Year/Make/Model
2012 Honda Civic
Trim level
Exp. DX; SE; EL; Si
Price range
not yet set
Options
leather upholstery; automatic transmission; sunroof
EnerGuide fuel economy ratings
Est. 7.2 city; 5.0 hwy (sedan)
Competitors
Chevrolet Cruze; Fiat 500; Ford Focus; Hyundai Elantra; Kia Forte; Mazda3; Mitsubishi Lancer; Nissan Sentra; Toyota Corolla; Volkswagen Jetta
Source;
http://www.autonet.ca/autos/search/newmodels/2011/02/25/17408176-autonet.html
NewCa.com: 2011 Autoshow: Canadian Premieres - Honda
Found this interesting, thought I'd pass it along....
Honda Accord HFP Coupe "Limited Edition" Black only coming to Canada
I'm a little slow on this news, but it's good news none the less, 200 to be produced only in Canada!
MARKHAM, ON (February 17, 2011) – Honda Canada revealed the first member of its newHonda Factory Performance (HFP) line-up at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show inToronto. The Canadian-exclusive, “Limited-Series Black” 2011 Honda Accord HFP Coupe is an aggressive expression of Honda’s commitment to developing new levels of styling and performance potential of its vehicles.
“The new Accord HFP Coupe is designed for the Accord buyer who wants an even sportier look and an enhanced driving experience in addition to the quality and reliability Honda has always delivered,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. “We wanted to provide an example of how easy it is to create a more sporty ride when your foundation is a Honda– and we’re confident that we have hit the mark with this car.” The enhanced exterior styling comes from a wider and lower appearance, achieved through a 25-mm (1”) suspension drop, 19-inch wheels and skirt kit that includes front, rear and side skirts. In addition, a more responsive sport suspension designed to provide a more exhilarating driving experience with improved tire grip from special Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires. Add that to the Accord’s 271-horsepower V6 engine and the result is a car meant to turn heads just long enough to see the new 2011 Honda Accord HFP Coupe go from the rear-view mirror to the horizon ahead.
The 2011 Limited-Series Black Honda Accord HFP Coupe will be priced at $37,890 and will be available at select Honda dealerships this spring in limited numbers, with only 200 being produced.
Two transmissions will be available – 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual, with Black as the only exterior colour.
MARKHAM, ON (February 17, 2011) – Honda Canada revealed the first member of its newHonda Factory Performance (HFP) line-up at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show inToronto. The Canadian-exclusive, “Limited-Series Black” 2011 Honda Accord HFP Coupe is an aggressive expression of Honda’s commitment to developing new levels of styling and performance potential of its vehicles.“The new Accord HFP Coupe is designed for the Accord buyer who wants an even sportier look and an enhanced driving experience in addition to the quality and reliability Honda has always delivered,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. “We wanted to provide an example of how easy it is to create a more sporty ride when your foundation is a Honda– and we’re confident that we have hit the mark with this car.” The enhanced exterior styling comes from a wider and lower appearance, achieved through a 25-mm (1”) suspension drop, 19-inch wheels and skirt kit that includes front, rear and side skirts. In addition, a more responsive sport suspension designed to provide a more exhilarating driving experience with improved tire grip from special Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires. Add that to the Accord’s 271-horsepower V6 engine and the result is a car meant to turn heads just long enough to see the new 2011 Honda Accord HFP Coupe go from the rear-view mirror to the horizon ahead.
The 2011 Limited-Series Black Honda Accord HFP Coupe will be priced at $37,890 and will be available at select Honda dealerships this spring in limited numbers, with only 200 being produced.
Two transmissions will be available – 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual, with Black as the only exterior colour.
Source;
Honda Canada
Honda Insight Facelift?
Makes sense to me, they gotta do something....
"Back in December, it was reported that the facelifted Honda Insight will be launched in 2011 (earlier post), while a completely new model is expected to be introduced in February 2013 (earlier post). Mag-X has now published this photo showing the facelifted Insight, which shows also the name "Insight Prestige". "
"Back in December, it was reported that the facelifted Honda Insight will be launched in 2011 (earlier post), while a completely new model is expected to be introduced in February 2013 (earlier post). Mag-X has now published this photo showing the facelifted Insight, which shows also the name "Insight Prestige". "Source;
http://jp-cardesigncorner.blogspot.com/2011/03/facelifted-honda-insight-coming-in-june.html
Friday, March 11, 2011
Sony, Toyota Among Japanese Companies Closing Factories After Earthquake
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families affected by this Tsunami.
Companies including Sony Corp. (6758) and Toyota Motor Corp. (7203) halted output at plants after an 8.9- magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, damaging production facilities and causing power outages.
Source;
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-11/toyota-other-japanese-companies-assessing-damage-from-miyagi-earthquake.html
Companies including Sony Corp. (6758) and Toyota Motor Corp. (7203) halted output at plants after an 8.9- magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, damaging production facilities and causing power outages.
Sony halted and evacuated six factories in northeastern Japan, said Yasuhiro Okada, a spokesman at the Tokyo-based company. He said the company was assessing the impact of power outages and damage to its facilities in the region, which make Blu-ray discs, magnetic heads and batteries.
The quake, Japan’s strongest in at least a century, struck at 2:46 p.m. local time 130 kilometers (81 miles) off the coast of Sendai, north of Tokyo, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The tremor caused a tsunami as high as 10 meters (33 feet) that inundated northern towns and caused buildings to shake violently as far away as Tokyo. At least 26 people were killed by the wave and many were missing, state broadcaster NHK Television said.
Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, and its affiliates closed three factories, said Shiori Hashimoto, a spokeswoman in Tokyo. The Toyota City-based carmaker began production at a new plant in Miyagi this year that makes Yaris compact cars and has capacity to make 120,000 vehicles a year.
Honda, Nissan
Honda Motor Co. closed two factories, said Hajime Kaneko, a spokesman for the Tokyo-based carmaker. A 42-year-old male employee was crushed to death by a collapsing wall at a research and development center in Tochigi prefecture and about 30 other employees were injured, Kaneko said.
Nissan Motor Co. closed four factories including car plants in Tochigi and Kanagawa and engine factories in Kanagawa and Fukushima, Mitsuru Yonekawa, a spokesman for the Yokohama-based company, said by phone. Two workers suffered minor injuries, he said.
A refinery on fire outside Tokyo exploded, while nuclear power stations were shut down. Narita airport, Tokyo’s main international gateway, was closed and bullet-train services suspended. More than 4 million homes were without power, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said.
Toyota shares traded in Frankfurt fell as much as 3.8 percent, the biggest intraday decline since Jan. 21, to 30.45 euros as of 10:15 a.m. local time. Honda dropped as much as 4.5 percent and Sony slid as much as 2.5 percent in the German city.
Fuji Heavy
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru cars, closed five factories, said Kenta Matsumoto, a spokesman for the Tokyo-based company.
Toyota Boshoku Corp. (3116), a Toyota Motor supplier, reported damage at a plant in Miyagi. Roads were also cracked near its factory, said Misako Nagata, a spokeswoman for the parts maker. Denso Corp. (6902), Japan’s biggest auto-parts maker, said a plant under construction south of Miyagi was damaged. All of its workers were safe, said Goro Kanemasu, a spokesman for the company.
Sapporo Holdings Ltd. (2501), Japan’s fourth-biggest beermaker, suspended operations at factories in Sendai and Chiba due to power outages and damage, Katsuhito Ogawa, a spokesman for the Tokyo-based company, said by e-mail.
Oriental Land Co., the operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, will close the amusement park tomorrow to inspect facilities, the company said in a statement today. It hasn’t yet decided whether to open the resort on March 13. No injuries were reported at the resort, the company said.
Panasonic, Canon
Panasonic Corp. (6752) said several employees at its three factories in Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures sustained minor injuries. The Osaka-based company is still assessing the damage to facilities, Yuichi Takatoku, a Tokyo-based spokesman for the company, said by phone.
Canon Inc. (7751), the world’s biggest camera maker, didn’t suffer damage to plants that would halt output, said Hirotomo Fujimori, a spokesman in Tokyo, where the company is based.
The quake was followed by a 7.1-magnitude aftershock at 4:25 p.m., the U.S. Geological Service said.
Boats smashed into walls as the tsunami struck, inundating buildings with black water full of debris across stretches of coast north of Tokyo, NHK images showed. One large building was lifted off its foundations and dragged into the ocean.
Farmland was flooded with burning debris in some areas as the tidal surge swept inland. Large boats were left stranded after the water surged back to sea.
Airport Flooded
The airport in Sendai, a city of 1 million people 310 kilometers north of Tokyo, was flooded by the tsunami, according to NHK footage.
Japan Airlines Corp. diverted 22 flights to other airports, the company said in a faxed statement. In total, 27 flights have been impacted by the quake, affecting 5,290 people, the statement said.
East Japan Railway Co. (9020), the nation’s largest train operator, suspended operations of trains in the Tokyo area along with its bullet-train operations, according to its website. Tokyo Metro Co., the capital’s largest subway operator, said on its website it stopped trains, forcing commuters to line up for taxis.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan ordered the army to aid rescue efforts after the quake, which struck 373 kilometers northeast of Tokyo.
The following is a summary of what companies have said regarding damage from the earthquake: Company Status
Sony Corp. Production halted at six plants
Toyota Motor Corp. Three group factories halted
Canon Inc. No damage affecting production reported
Nippon Telegraph & Restricted calls to some areas
Telephone Corp. including Tokyo
Nissan Motor Co. Halted production at four plants; two
injuries
Honda Motor Co. Halted two plants; one employee killed;
about 30 injured
Toyota Boshoku Corp. Damage at plant in Miyagi
Seiko Epson Corp. Gathering information
Panasonic Corp. Assessing damage, several workers with
minor injuries
Oriental Land Co. Will close Tokyo Disney Resort tomorrow
for inspections
Denso Corp. Damage to plant under construction in
Fukushima
Asahi Breweries Ltd. Assessing damage
Kirin Holdings Co. No major damage reported
Sapporo Holdings Ltd. Damage at Sendai and Chiba plants
Sharp Corp. Assessing damage
East Japan Railway Co. Halted train services in Tokyo area
Tokyo Metro Co. Halted train services
Tokyo Electron Ltd. No immediate reports of damage
NTT DoCoMo Inc. Mobile-phone service disruptions
Softbank Corp. Mobile-phone service disruptions
Fuji Heavy Industries Five plants halted
Ltd.
The quake, Japan’s strongest in at least a century, struck at 2:46 p.m. local time 130 kilometers (81 miles) off the coast of Sendai, north of Tokyo, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The tremor caused a tsunami as high as 10 meters (33 feet) that inundated northern towns and caused buildings to shake violently as far away as Tokyo. At least 26 people were killed by the wave and many were missing, state broadcaster NHK Television said.
Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, and its affiliates closed three factories, said Shiori Hashimoto, a spokeswoman in Tokyo. The Toyota City-based carmaker began production at a new plant in Miyagi this year that makes Yaris compact cars and has capacity to make 120,000 vehicles a year.
Honda, Nissan
Honda Motor Co. closed two factories, said Hajime Kaneko, a spokesman for the Tokyo-based carmaker. A 42-year-old male employee was crushed to death by a collapsing wall at a research and development center in Tochigi prefecture and about 30 other employees were injured, Kaneko said.
Nissan Motor Co. closed four factories including car plants in Tochigi and Kanagawa and engine factories in Kanagawa and Fukushima, Mitsuru Yonekawa, a spokesman for the Yokohama-based company, said by phone. Two workers suffered minor injuries, he said.
A refinery on fire outside Tokyo exploded, while nuclear power stations were shut down. Narita airport, Tokyo’s main international gateway, was closed and bullet-train services suspended. More than 4 million homes were without power, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said.
Toyota shares traded in Frankfurt fell as much as 3.8 percent, the biggest intraday decline since Jan. 21, to 30.45 euros as of 10:15 a.m. local time. Honda dropped as much as 4.5 percent and Sony slid as much as 2.5 percent in the German city.
Fuji Heavy
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru cars, closed five factories, said Kenta Matsumoto, a spokesman for the Tokyo-based company.
Toyota Boshoku Corp. (3116), a Toyota Motor supplier, reported damage at a plant in Miyagi. Roads were also cracked near its factory, said Misako Nagata, a spokeswoman for the parts maker. Denso Corp. (6902), Japan’s biggest auto-parts maker, said a plant under construction south of Miyagi was damaged. All of its workers were safe, said Goro Kanemasu, a spokesman for the company.
Sapporo Holdings Ltd. (2501), Japan’s fourth-biggest beermaker, suspended operations at factories in Sendai and Chiba due to power outages and damage, Katsuhito Ogawa, a spokesman for the Tokyo-based company, said by e-mail.
Oriental Land Co., the operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, will close the amusement park tomorrow to inspect facilities, the company said in a statement today. It hasn’t yet decided whether to open the resort on March 13. No injuries were reported at the resort, the company said.
Panasonic, Canon
Panasonic Corp. (6752) said several employees at its three factories in Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures sustained minor injuries. The Osaka-based company is still assessing the damage to facilities, Yuichi Takatoku, a Tokyo-based spokesman for the company, said by phone.
Canon Inc. (7751), the world’s biggest camera maker, didn’t suffer damage to plants that would halt output, said Hirotomo Fujimori, a spokesman in Tokyo, where the company is based.
The quake was followed by a 7.1-magnitude aftershock at 4:25 p.m., the U.S. Geological Service said.
Boats smashed into walls as the tsunami struck, inundating buildings with black water full of debris across stretches of coast north of Tokyo, NHK images showed. One large building was lifted off its foundations and dragged into the ocean.
Farmland was flooded with burning debris in some areas as the tidal surge swept inland. Large boats were left stranded after the water surged back to sea.
Airport Flooded
The airport in Sendai, a city of 1 million people 310 kilometers north of Tokyo, was flooded by the tsunami, according to NHK footage.
Japan Airlines Corp. diverted 22 flights to other airports, the company said in a faxed statement. In total, 27 flights have been impacted by the quake, affecting 5,290 people, the statement said.
East Japan Railway Co. (9020), the nation’s largest train operator, suspended operations of trains in the Tokyo area along with its bullet-train operations, according to its website. Tokyo Metro Co., the capital’s largest subway operator, said on its website it stopped trains, forcing commuters to line up for taxis.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan ordered the army to aid rescue efforts after the quake, which struck 373 kilometers northeast of Tokyo.
The following is a summary of what companies have said regarding damage from the earthquake: Company Status
Sony Corp. Production halted at six plants
Toyota Motor Corp. Three group factories halted
Canon Inc. No damage affecting production reported
Nippon Telegraph & Restricted calls to some areas
Telephone Corp. including Tokyo
Nissan Motor Co. Halted production at four plants; two
injuries
Honda Motor Co. Halted two plants; one employee killed;
about 30 injured
Toyota Boshoku Corp. Damage at plant in Miyagi
Seiko Epson Corp. Gathering information
Panasonic Corp. Assessing damage, several workers with
minor injuries
Oriental Land Co. Will close Tokyo Disney Resort tomorrow
for inspections
Denso Corp. Damage to plant under construction in
Fukushima
Asahi Breweries Ltd. Assessing damage
Kirin Holdings Co. No major damage reported
Sapporo Holdings Ltd. Damage at Sendai and Chiba plants
Sharp Corp. Assessing damage
East Japan Railway Co. Halted train services in Tokyo area
Tokyo Metro Co. Halted train services
Tokyo Electron Ltd. No immediate reports of damage
NTT DoCoMo Inc. Mobile-phone service disruptions
Softbank Corp. Mobile-phone service disruptions
Fuji Heavy Industries Five plants halted
Ltd.
Source;
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-11/toyota-other-japanese-companies-assessing-damage-from-miyagi-earthquake.html
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