Friday, June 29, 2012

Honda Showing Sync Competitor this Summer

By Damon Lavrinc of www.wired.com

Honda has been playing it safe in the infotainment game, as competition from Ford and General Motors push ahead with ambitious systems that leverage driver’s devices and the cloud. But next month the Japanese automaker plans to reveal its next-generation infotainment solution, HondaLink, before it becomes available on the 2013 Accord this fall.

A cursory glance at Honda’s current navigation and infotainment offerings leaves a lot to be desired. Most of the functionality is still stuck in the mid-2000s, primarily comprised of basic navigation functionality and a complete lack of streaming audio solutions, outside of satellite and terrestrial radio.

That’s about to change with the introduction of the revamped HondaLink system, which debuts first on the Fit EV, an electrified version of the brand’s popular sub-compact hatchback.

Honda is in the midst of moving many of its connected services away from satellite data, although Honda representatives speaking with Wired haven’t determined if the automaker will move towards a built-in, always-connected modem in its vehicles or rely on driver’s smartphones to provide data services.

At CES this January, Honda announced a partnership with Aha Radio to begin providing streaming audio services in its 2013 models, and the first vehicle to benefit from that tie-up will be the all-new Accord.

The Aha Radio app – available for both iOS and Android devices – allows drivers to access thousands of streaming audio feeds, including podcasts, NPR, Rhapsody and MOG integration, through the vehicle’s head-unit.

Honda’s infotainment initiative won’t be fully disclosed until the middle of July, and that gives the automaker time to get its data situation sorted and possibly bring other content partners on board.

Source;
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/06/hondalink-summer/

New 2012 Honda Civic sedan NOT coming to India?

Wow, I thought the Civic was sold in every market that Honda was in....
The new 2012 Honda Civic that was launched in markets globally many months ago is apparently a no-show for the Indian car market. According to AutocarIndia Editor Hormazd Sorabjee, the Japanese automaker is not planning to launch the new Civic to replace the older model, that has been around in India for quite a while now. Honda’s reluctance to launch the new 2012 Civic sedan in India stems from the lack of a diesel engine in its portfolio. Also, the car has been a dud in many markets across the world, with critics vociferously panning the car for being a damp squib in terms of the update.

he excuse of not having a diesel engine though sounds quite lame, given the fact that Honda just unveiled the 1.6 Liter i-DTEC turbo diesel engine that was showcased a while ago, amidst much fanfare, given that it was first in the new range of diesel motors from Honda. This 1.6 Liter diesel engine, to be built in the United Kingdom, delivers 120 Bhp of peak power and 300 Nm of peak torque, along with class leading fuel economy and low tail pipe emissions. This very engine will be used on the 2012 Civic. However. Honda seems reluctant to launch the 2012 Civic diesel in India, for reasons best known to it.

So, that means that we’ll still have to wait many more months, for the 2013 Honda Civic, that the Japanese automaker has assiduously began developing, following the disappointing reaction to the 2012 Civic. However, with the current Civic becoming dated by the passing week, Honda will have a task at hand to push the car out of showroom shelves. Once a decent seller in India, the Civic, which was quite radical when it was first launched in India, has become a sluggard as it doesn’t have a diesel engine under its hood.

The 2012 Civic sedan that is sold in Europe has also been offered with a 2.2 Liter i-DTEC turbo diesel engine, that pumps out 148 Bhp and 350 Nm. While this engine has been around for quite a while in cars like the Accord and CR-V in Europe, Honda has been stating that it is not suitable to run on Indian diesel, thus refraining from launching diesel versions of the aforementioned cars in India. Needless to say, the lack of diesel engines in Honda’s Indian car range has cost the car maker dearly at the hustings.

Source;

BMW and Toyota will jointly develop a sports car, extend technology ties

BMW CEO Reithofer, right, with Toyota President Toyoda, said today: “Toyota and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of sustainable individual future mobility. Together we have a great opportunity to continue leading our industry through this transformation.”

Automotive News | June 29, 2012 - 12:01 am EST

UPDATED: 6/29/12 7:17 am ET - announcement added


MUNICH -- BMW and Toyota Motor Corp. today said they will develop a sports car together and cooperate in fuel cell technology, powertrain electrification and lightweight technologies.

BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer and Toyota President Akio Toyoda signed an agreement at BMW's Munich headquarters to expand long-term strategic collaboration between the two automakers.

In March, BMW and Toyota agreed to collaborate with BMW on lithium-ion battery research in exchange for a steady supply of BMW-made diesel engines starting in 2014.

The expanded deal signifies a second major transatlantic pact of a German premium carmaker after Mercedes parent Daimler collaborated with Renault-Nissan.

It could also serve to help ward off German rival Audi, which can enjoy bigger economies of scale thanks to its parent Volkswagen AG.

"Toyota and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of sustainable individual future mobility. Together we have a great opportunity to continue leading our industry through this transformation," Reithofer said in a statement.

Toyoda said in the same statement: "Toyota is strong in environment-friendly hybrids and fuel cells. On the other hand, I believe BMW's strength is in developing sports cars. I am excited to think of the cars that will result from this relationship."

Reuters contributed to this report.

PRESS RELEASE: BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation agree to further strengthen collaboration

Tokyo/Munich . Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), met today with Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at BMW Group headquarters in Munich to announce the planned expansion of their existing cooperation initiated in December last year. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at long-term strategic collaboration in four fields: joint development of a fuel cell system, joint development of architecture and components for a future sports vehicle, collaboration on powertrain electrification and joint research and development on lightweight technologies.

Also today, Norbert Reithofer and Akio Toyoda of TMC both signed a Joint Statement to reconfirm their companies' shared intention to strengthen the long-term, strategic collaboration between them.
Reithofer said: "We aim to further strengthen our competitive position in sustainable future technologies. We signed an MoU to this effect today. Toyota and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of sustainable individual future mobility. Together we have a great opportunity to continue leading our industry through this transformation."

Toyoda added: "BMW and Toyota both want to make ever-better cars. We respect each other. And I think this is shown by our taking the next step only six months since the signing of our initial agreement. Toyota is strong in environment-friendly hybrids and fuel cells. On the other hand, I believe BMW's strength is in developing sports cars. I am excited to think of the cars that will result from this relationship."

In March 2012, the BMW Group and TMC signed a binding agreement on collaborative research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery cells. In addition, the BMW Group and Toyota Motor Europe entered into a contract under which the BMW Group will supply highly-efficient 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre diesel engines to Toyota Motor Europe, starting in 2014.

Today's MoU represents the companies' agreement in December last year to identify and discuss other possible collaborative projects.

CLICK HERE for the press release.

Source;
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120629/COPY01/306299999/1193/bmw-and-toyota-will-jointly-develop-a-sports-car-extend-technology

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Saudis Will Behead Hit-And-Run Drifter

As you already know, hagwalah is dangerous and will likely kill you or tear off your limbs if you crash. The Saudi government is speeding up the process by sentencing a joyrider to death by beheading for killing two people in a stunt.

The Kuwaiti paper Al Watan reported that the middle-aged drifter identified as "Mutannish" (Arabic for "he who ignores") hit another car while drifting, killing two. He fled the scene and will be beheaded "as punishment for his heinous deed and to deter others who tamper with the nation's security," according to the report.

Chopping a guy's head off in public is certainly one way to discourage drifting on public roads.

Source;
http://jalopnik.com/5921483/saudis-will-behead-hit+and+run-drifter

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Spied: 2014 Chevrolet Impala Eco Gains A Volt-Like Grille

Wow, much better....
General Motors hasn’t shied away from the fact that the new 2014 Chevrolet Impala will be offered in mild-hybrid guise — in fact, it said as much when the car was unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show. It hasn’t, however, actually shown us an Impala so equipped. No worries: our spy photographer caught pre-production prototypes running around wearing virtually no camouflage.

So, what’s changed? Very little, though we do spy some slight revisions applied to the 2014 Impala’s nose. This particular tester wears brightwork and LED driving lamps once promised for the high-end LTZ trim level. Without a doubt, the biggest modification is the grille: the 2014 Impala’s Camaro-esque, three-bar grille is eschewed in favor of a large, solid insert that tapers towards the bowtie emblem, restricting airflow to two slender openings. It’s vaguely reminiscent of Chevy’s flagship hybrid – the Volt – but likely functions as an aerodynamic aid in the name of further improving the 2014 Chevrolet Impala’s fuel economy.

Chevrolet has said the mild-hybrid 2014 Impala – which will likely wear the same Eco name and badging as the midsize Malibu sedan fitted with the same system – will pair a 182-hp, 2.4-liter I-4 with a belt-driven electric motor/generator. The system cannot propel the car purely on electric power; it does provide up to a 15 hp/ 79 lb-ft boost under hard acceleration, and does allow the engine to shut off when the vehicle is stopped.

EPA figures are still forthcoming, but Chevy’s gunning for a 35-mpg highway rating in order to best many of the 2014 Impala’s competitors. Impossible? Probably not, since the Buick LaCrosse e-Assist – which shares its platform, wheelbase, powertrain with the 2014 Impala, and boasts a similar curb weight – returns 36 mpg on the EPA’s highway test cycle.

Expect further details on the 2014 Chevrolet Impala Eco, along with the remainder of the new 2014 Chevrolet Impala family, to emerge closer to the car’s official market launch in early 2013.


Source (with a ton more pix!);
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/spied-2014-chevrolet-impala-eco-gains-a-volt-like-grille-149983.html

Details Leak on New 2013 Honda Accord

Dealer discloses key updates -- including hybrid secrets.
by Paul A. Eisenstein

The auto industry usually isn’t good at keeping secrets, though Honda has been struggling to keep a wrap on plans for the critical 2013 update of the midsize Accord.  But details have begun to leak out, including some recent spy shots and, now, a list of ’13 updates that one of the Japanese maker’s dealers is revealing in a press release of its own.

Apparently, the folks at Tuscon’s Chapman Honda have decided that the best way to move the outgoing Accords on their lot is by giving customers a preview of the new car.  That’s a sharp shift from traditional strategy.  Usually, retailers like to pretend nothing’s coming before they clear out inventory.

“We’re confident that drivers will find that the 2013 Accord is a very well-balanced product…whether they’re talking about interior packaging, content of the vehicle, or the fuel economy,” said Chapman Honda General Manager Neb Yonas in a press release.

Among the details provided by the dealership, it appears the 2013 Honda Accord will include:
  • “Niceties” (like) Bluetooth;
  • SMS audio text functionality,
  • Pandora radio with iPhone interface “all bundled together with a Multi-Information Display (i-MID) system.”
The release also notes that the 2013 Accord “comes standard with ECO Assist vehicle efficiency system “which is a super-efficient mode to maximize fuel-efficiency.”

The dealership adds some more specifics to what Honda has already said about the three powertrains coming for the 2013 Accord.  The DOHC base inline-four will be direct-injected and make 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.  It will be paired with either a 6-speed stick or Honda’s new CVT.

There will be an optional 3.5-liter V-6 that “will be more powerful and more efficient than the current engine.”

And a hybrid will follow early in calendar 2013 using a 2.0-liter I-4 mated to a 120 kilowatt electric motor.  The hybrid will migrate to more advanced lithium-ion batteries and in contrast with most conventional hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius or Camry Hybrid models – which are limited to short distances and low speeds in EV mode – the 2013 Accord Hybrid will be capable of 10 miles on battery alone at up to 62 mph.
That is, in fact, only slightly less than what the new and upgraded Prius Plug-in is capable of – and then only after a long charge.

The new Accord, noted Chapman officials, will feature lane departure warning, forward collision warning and LaneWatch blind spot alert while a backup camera will now become standard on all new Accord models.

Not surprisingly, after disclosing all the things will get it is now trying to clear out the old 2012 models with a $199 fire sale.

We have to wonder if anyone will be fired for saying more than Honda had planned.  The maker staged a limited preview of an Accord Coupe Concept during the Detroit Auto Show last January – to mixed reviews – but rumors that a sedan concept might then appear at the New York Auto Show in April proved false.

Honda has traditionally been a close second to the best-selling Toyota Camry in the midsize market but Accord has been losing momentum lately, Nissan now in the number two spot with its Altima.  And with an all-new Altima about to launch, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has proclaimed a goal of toppling Toyota, as well.

While it’s too early to see how that battle will shake out there’s no question competition in the midsize market is rapidly heating up.  Along with the new Accord and Camry, Ford is preparing to launch the striking new 2013 Fusion while Chevrolet will soon add the rest of its new Malibu line.  It has already launched the high-mileage Malibu Eco.

Perhaps there’s reason for the Tucson dealer to be trying to drum up new business now?

Source;
http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/06/details-leak-on-new-2013-honda-accord/

Honda CR-V on Vossen Wheels

The aftermarket industry in the US is focused on the Italian and German coupes and SUVs right now, and supercars are the darlings of the aftermarket wheels industry. However, nothing matches the impact of a cheaper car that can roll with the best of them after it received a bit of nipping and streamlining.

So how about a really cool Honda CR-V, is that Japanese enough to warrant a makeover. If it’s got a red paintjob than the answer has to be ‘yes’.

This bagged example sits low on a set of 22-inch VVS CV3 concave wheels from Vossen, finished in matte silver for added impact. These match the angular look of the Honda, especially around the grille which is a focal point for the car.

Source (with a ton more pix!);
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/honda-cr-v-on-vossen-wheels-photo-gallery-46564.html

Mad Max GT-R

Ever since Nissan introduced the R35 generation of the GT-R back in 2008, this gathered tons and tons of attention all over the world, winning the hearts of enthusiasts, journalists, little boys and maybe even little girls. Well, the R34 Skyline GT-R is jealous people!

The last Skyline GT-R (as you’ve probably noticed, the “Skyline” part of the supercar’s designation was dropped when the R35 generation was released) wants to take revenge on the new Godzilla.

Of course, the R34 is inferior in terms of performance, so it’s planning to use a “full contact” approach to attack the R35. It’s dressed itself as an apocalyptic car and it’s now waiting for the first R35 that crosses its path.

The Mad Max-like R34 even released an official statement: “Think you’re so smart with your VR38DETT engine? Try to outrun my bullets you dinosaur!”

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/this-is-mad-max-s-gt-r-46560.html

Honda Named "Brand of the Year" in the 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Equity Study

Honda is Highest Ranked Brand in "Full Line Automotive" category based on consumers' perceptions of familiarity, quality, and purchase consideration
Honda has been recognized as the "Brand of the Year" in the "Full Line Automotive" category according to the 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend® study. Honda received the highest numerical Equity Score among full line automotive brands included in the 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend® study1. Harris Poll EquiTrend is an annual brand health assessment from Harris Interactive that surveys thousands of U.S. consumers online about their brand perceptions, measuring key touchstones including familiarity, quality and purchase consideration.

"This study offers strong evidence that the Honda brand continues to be well-regarded by American consumers," said Mike Accavitti, vice president of National Marketing Operations for American Honda. "The combination of strong brand equity and a fresh line-up of new models that resonate with customers will drive strong growth for us this year."

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-named-brand-of-the-year-in-the-2012-harris-poll-equitrend-equity-study

Monday, June 25, 2012

Honda Installs All The Solar Panels

Honda is using solar panels on top of their offices and eventually all of their dealerships in Japan and other parts of the world to help reduce their Carbon footprint.

Check out the full article here;
http://gas2.org/2012/06/25/honda-installs-all-the-solar-panels/

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Even more 2013 Honda Accord Spyshots (Exterior and Interior)

Let me introduce you to my friend Manual...

Our spy shooters have once again snared the 2013 Honda Accord in their sights. Though we’ve seen the car’s exterior several times by now, our photographers managed to get a look inside the new Honda midsizer this time.

We’ve already seen the sedan with its roofline exposed, spied the plug-in hybrid version, and even caught a Honda Accord coupe out testing. This time, however, our spy shooter finally got a peek inside the car.

The first interesting item to notice is the manual transmission used in this prototype. Although the Accord has long offered the option to shift for yourself, we’re pleased to see visual confirmation that option will continue in the latest generation of Honda’s midsize sedan and coupe. As is the case now, though, manual-transmission Accords will likely be extremely rare.

The next change is an interior revamp, starting with a new instrument cluster matching that of the 2012 Honda CR-V. Instead of the old Accord’s pair of dials, the 2013 model gets a large central speedometer, with a digital display in its center. At the left is a smaller analog tachometer, while the right-hand edge of the cluster appears to hold a fuel gauge. In addition, Honda has thankfully simplified and tidied the new car’s center stack. As on the 2012 CR-V, air vents now flank the audio and climate controls, which are arranged in tidy straight rows. The current Accord’s center stack has a glut of buttons arranged on a convex piece of plastic.

The important piece of news for audiophiles is the presence of a new infotainment system that has Pandora internet radio capability. A larger screen is mounted atop the dashboard clearly shows that Honda’s test drivers were enjoying the Celine Dion station on Pandora. Small icons at the top of the display indicate that, as is the case on almost any new car, Bluetooth connectivity is included.

The 2013 Honda Accord bowed in concept form at the Detroit auto show in January. The automaker has so far divulged that the base engine in the 2013 Accord will be a revised 2.4-liter inline-four with 181 hp, which can be mated to a continuously variable or six-speed manual transmission. An optional 3.5-liter V-6 will produce at least 271 hp, and can be coupled to a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The 2012 Honda Accord is offered with two engines: a 177-hp, 2.4-liter inline-four that could be mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission; and a 271-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

The 2013 Honda Accord is expected to launch this fall.
 
Source;

Friday, June 22, 2012

Car and Driver: Production-Ready Acura RLX Revealed in Patent Images

Acura’s push for more radical, independent styling could be over before it starts. These pictures, which were made public this week in a European design patent database, show an RLX sedan that’s been dulled down from the only slightly edgier concept version presented last April. The RLX will arrive in early 2013 as the replacement for the RL as Acura’s range-topping sedan.

The lower front and rear clips on (what we presume is) the production RLX have been changed from the concept car, with a standard rounded lower air intake up front and integrated exhaust outlets in the rear. These bookend a generally uninspiring shape, with the front looking rather like that of a current RL or TL, and the side and rear reminiscent of everything from a Lexus GS to a Chevy Cruze to a BMW 7-series.

Although Acura will undoubtedly promote the RLX as a fun-to-drive, high-tech showcase, the truth is that this car is aimed squarely at aging Baby Boomers. RLX customers are more likely to be cross-shopping the RLX with a Cadillac XTS, we think, than an avant-garde Audi A6. As such, Acura has said in the past that the RLX’s interior is significantly more spacious than in the company’s previous cars—despite its size, the RL has always had compromised interior packaging.

The only major U.S. auto show left on the calendar for 2012 is Los Angeles in November. Acura could pull the sheets off of the production RLX there, but an earlier non-auto-show debut is always possible.

Source;
http://blog.caranddriver.com/production-ready-acura-rlx-revealed-in-patent-images/

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Honda to consider more towards the safety of their cars

Honda has recently given a statement that they are going to make their cars safer for the people. Honda is not considering this action because their cars has absence of any safety features in them, but they are considering it in order to keep the people safe while driving their cars.

The company has officially announced in the last month that they are shortly going to make their cars best in terms of safety. The company has decided to consider two important features in their cars so that they can keep the person inside safe, especially in case of any mishappening occurred by the mistake of the driver.

Honda CEO announced in a press conference last week that every year huge number of people lost their life because of cars accidents all over the world, and the features they have decided to load in their cars will surely contribute in keeping the people safe.

One feature Honda has decided to load in their cars is making their car not usable for the drug users. Company said that this doesn’t mean that the person who takes drugs in the past cannot drive their cars, but actually they are loading their cars with such a feature that doesn’t allow the engine to start if the driver has used drugs or wine just before driving their any car. Company is sure that this is something that will highly contribute in decreasing the overall number of car accidents. Company said that when car will not start in such a case, the driver cannot drive it and thus no accidents will occur.

According to Honda, they are designing such a system that will check the level of drugs or alcohol in the body when a person will touch the start button, and if the level of alcohol or drugs inside the body of driver is beyond the limit when it is not considered as safe, the car will not start.

The second feature at which the company is focusing is to increase the size of air bags. Company said that till now the airbags that are available in cars for the safety of people inside it are not able to cover entire body of the person. However they will extent the size of airbags in their cars which keeps the entire body of the person inside the car totally safe when any accident or mishappening occurs.

When company was asked that when they will introduce their cars that are loaded with these powerful features, they said that it has not finalized and now they cannot even give a nearby date when these features will be available in their cars.

Honda said that no other company has decided to introduce there important features in their cars, but they are sure that once they will load their cars with these features, others automakers will also consider these features for their cars. Honda said that if all automakers will consider these features, then car accidents occurred because of drunk and rive can be avoided totally.

source;
http://www.auto-types.com/autonews/honda-to-consider-more-towards-the-safety-of-their-cars-8853.html

2012 Honda Civic HFP Review

by Graeme Fletcer of the National Post

For years, the Honda Civic has been the import tuner’s car of choice. You name it and there is a highly modified part. It runs to the point where there is a modification for just about every meaningful component along with myriad performance add-ons. Not to be left out of this highly lucrative market, Honda has added the Honda Factory Performance (HFP) package to the Civic Coupe. In all, there will be 400 units offered.
The starting point is the Civic Si. The HFP package, which is offered in either black or white livery, then adds deeper front and rear air dams, bolder side sills and a tasteful deck lid spoiler. It also brings attractive 18-inch wheels wearing P215/40 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. That’s pretty much the extent of the exterior changes, badging aside.

Beneath the sheetmetal, however, the HFP’s suspension has been heavily massaged. The new springs, which drop the ride height by 10 millimetres, complement the new high-performance dampers. These mods and the better tires bring a car that really does hunker down and eat fast on-ramps. The Si is no slouch in this department. The HFP is so much more focused — the poise and pointability as the ragged edge nears is appreciably sharper. The unspoken benefit is it accomplishes this without trashing the ride quality.

The HFP arrives with the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that powers the Si. This means 201 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. This engine pulls strongly at first, then gives the driver a swift kick in the pants at 5,000 rpm when the i-VTEC (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system begins to do its thing. When this happens, the engine seems to take a deep breath and sprint toward redline with ever growing purpose. This is an engine that must be revved to get the very best out of it. When pushed toward its 7,000-rpm redline, it really does sing a sweet siren. There is none of the grating thrashiness that defines so many high-revving engines — this one produces a deep bassy note whenever i-VTEC begins to weave its magic.

The power is put down through a six-speed manual gearbox, a helical limited-slip differential and the front wheels. The transmission is the model of civility, pun intended. The short throws, defined gate and progressive clutch mean it’s a cinch to run through the gears at the speed required. As the ratio spacing from first to fourth gear is tight and the engine revs so freely, the shifter has to be worked with alacrity to keep things at a roaring boil. The Si HFP snicks through its gears so seamlessly it is a very easy drive regardless of whether inching along in stop and go traffic or wailing around a race track.

The helical limited-slip differential makes a big difference, especially when the speeds are low and the engine’s output is nearing its peak. First, it eliminates the unbridled wheelspin that is the norm with an open-centre differential. Here, the instant one wheel begins to spin, all the power is directed to that wheel, which forces the traction control system to kick in and kill the launch performance. The limited-slip differential helps to keep both front wheels engaged in the business of providing traction, which cuts said wheelspin, minimizes traction control intervention and, as a bonus, helps to control torque steer. As a result,  launching the Si HFP is both fast and entertaining. It also helps through a fast corner — typically, the inside wheel tends to spin because of its unloaded condition. The Si HFP keeps both wheels in the game.

All of this gives the Si HFP the ability to scamper to 100 kilometres an hour in 6.6 seconds and, more importantly, it accomplishes the 80-to-120-km/h passing move in 4.4 seconds.

Remarkably, it does this in third gear, and it does so just before hitting redline.

The HFP also managed to return surprising fuel economy. Even though the car was driven with enthusiasm during the test, it still attained an average of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

Inside, the HFP’s only outward signs are the brilliant red floor mats and red ambient interior lighting. The rest of the Si HFP will be familiar to any Civic Si coupe owner — delightfully bolstered front bucket seats and tight access to the rear seat. The materials are very good, the fit and finish is exemplary and, in spite of the two-tier dashboard, the information is relayed to the driver in a clean and uncluttered fashion. True, I don’t care for the digital speedometer, but the rest of it comes together nicely with the exception of the Sequential Rev-Limit indicator. As the revs rise and i-VTEC kicks in, a number of amber dots illuminate until the last red dot comes on and tells the driver the engine is producing maximum output and about to crash into the rev limiter. Given the exaggerated tachometer in the lower tier, it is fairly described as overkill.

While the outward changes to the Civic Si HFP are fairly subtle in nature, the improvements in the handling characteristics are anything but. The Si is sharp; the HFP is significantly more so. As such, it is that much more fun to drive, and without costing an arm and a leg in the process.

Source;
http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/06/20/preview-2012-honda-civic-si-hfp-boosts-fun-factor/

JD Power 2012 Initial Quality Study (US)


































 Despite Continuing Challenges with In-Vehicle Technology, Automakers Post a Strong Improvement in Initial Quality

Lexus Is the Highest-Ranked Nameplate for a Second Consecutive Year;
Toyota Motor Corporation Receives Five Model-Level Awards;
General Motors Company and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Garner Four Awards Each


WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 20 June 2012 -- As the U.S. automotive industry continues to recover, vehicle manufacturers post the strongest improvement in initial quality since 2009 and are producing higher-quality vehicles than ever before, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) released today.

Overall initial quality for the industry improves by 5 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) to average 102 PP100 in 2012--an improvement of 5 percent from 2011. There are year-over-year gains in most areas of initial quality, with one notable exception--audio, entertainment, and navigation problems have increased by 8 percent from 2011. This continues a recent trend, as problems in this category have increased by 45 percent since 2006 while other categories have improved by 24 percent, on average.

As manufacturers introduce increasingly sophisticated multimedia systems designed to enhance the ownership experience, owners more frequently cite these systems as a source of quality problems. For the first time in the 26-year history of the study, owners report more problems related to audio, entertainment, and navigation systems than in any other vehicle area. This is driven in part by a rapid increase in the fitment of new technology, such as voice recognition on mainstream models.

"Until recently, this type of sophisticated technology was found primarily on high-end models" said David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power and Associates. "However, over the past few years it has rapidly found its way into the automotive mainstream. For example, in 2012, more than 80 percent of owners indicate that their new vehicle has some form of hands-free technology."

Specifically, the number of owner-reported problems with factory-installed hands-free communication devices has increased 137 percent during the past four years. In fact, hands-free devices not recognizing commands has become the most-often-reported problem in the industry.

"As smartphones become ubiquitous in the lives of consumers and are ever-more sophisticated, expectations about the complementary technologies being offered in new models will only get higher," said Sargent. "Automakers and suppliers are working hard to meet those expectations with systems intended to make the driving experience safer, more convenient and more entertaining. However, the most innovative technology in the world will quickly create dissatisfaction if owners can't get it to work."

Other key findings from the study include:
Of the 34 brands ranked in the 2012 IQS, 26 have improved from 2011, five have declined, one scores the same as in 2011 and two were not included in the 2011 study.
Of the 185 models ranked in both the 2012 and 2011 IQS, 65 percent have improved.
The average quality of all-new or redesigned models improves 12 percent compared with 2011, with eleven all-new or redesigned models performing better than their segment average.
The Initial Quality Study, now in its 26th year, serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. The study is used extensively by manufacturers worldwide to help them design and build better models and by consumers to help them in their vehicle purchase decisions. Initial quality has been shown throughout the years to be an excellent initial indicator of long-term durability, which directly impacts consumer purchase decisions. The study captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories: design-related problems and defects and malfunctions.

2012 IQS Ranking Highlights
Lexus is the highest-ranked nameplate in the industry for a second consecutive year, averaging 73 PP100. With 75 PP100 each, Jaguar and Porsche follow Lexus in a tie to rank second. Jaguar posts the largest improvement in the study--reducing problems by 39 PP100 and vaulting from the 20th rank position in 2011. Cadillac (80 PP100) and Honda (83 PP100) round out the top five rank positions.

Among the 21 model-level segment awards, Ford and Lexus receive three each. Ford earns awards for the Expedition, Mustang and Taurus, and Lexus garners awards for the ES 350, LS and RX. Receiving two segment awards each are Infiniti (EX-Series, M-Series); Nissan (Frontier, Quest); and Toyota (Corolla, Yaris). The Porsche 911 ranks highest in the premium sporty segment and achieves 44 PP100, the lowest PP100 score since the study was redesigned in 2006.

Also receiving segment awards are the Buick Enclave; Cadillac Escalade; Chevrolet Malibu; GMC Sierra LD; Honda CR-V; Kia Soul; Mazda MX-5 Miata; and Volvo C70.

"While in past years a handful of brands tended to collect numerous segment awards, 14 different brands receive segment awards in 2012--this is only the second time in the history of the study that so many different brands achieved award status," said Sargent. "This is a positive indication of how widespread high quality is among automakers, with most brands producing a number of models with exceptional quality levels."

Plant Assembly Line Quality Awards
Honda Motor Company's Suzuka 3, Mie (Sss) plant in Japan, which produces the Honda CR-Z and Fit, receives the Platinum Plant Assembly Line Quality Award for producing models yielding the fewest defects or malfunctions. Plant awards are based solely on average levels of defects and malfunctions and exclude design-related problems.

Among plants in the North/South America region, the Toyota Motor Corporation Cambridge South, Ontario, plant, which produces the Lexus RX, receives a Gold Plant Assembly Line Quality Award.

In the Europe and Africa region, Volvo receives a Gold Plant Assembly Line Quality Award for the Uddevalla, Sweden, plant, which produces the Volvo C70 in a joint venture with Pininfarina.

The 2012 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 74,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2012 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2012.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

A greener Honda: car company to recycle hybrid batteries for rare earths

On Wednesday, Honda Moto Co. announced that as part of an increased effort to go green and be environmentally friendly, the car manufacturer will begin recycling rare earth materials this year from the batteries used in hybrid cars. As a whole, Japan is heavily dependent on imports to get its rare earth elements, especially from China. While the materials are invaluable for the manufacturing of high-tech consumer electronics, ongoing tensions with China pose a threat to Japan’s supply.


Honda claims that they will be the first in the auto industry to start rare earth recycling, with the hopes of a September or October launch. Takanobu Ito, Honda’s president, commented that the future of Japan’s energy policy has become uncertain in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and there is no better time than now to make a push towards the use of renewable energy sources. Ito also said that Honda is making efforts to decrease pollution and its contribution to global warming, and one day hopes to make cars that combine the company’s fuel-cell technology with solar power, creating a car that runs on energy from nature only.

The Honda president pointed to founder Soichiro Honda’s focus on the environment, and how he would tell workers that everyone in the auto industry is responsible for trying to reduce emissions. Prior to Honda’s entrance into the U.S. market, the company had set a goal for building a fuel-efficient gasoline engine, in order to pass the country’s strict regulations against pollution. Honda created its legendary CVCC engine in the 1970s, and was the world’s first auto maker to clear the standard. Shortly after, regulations against pollution were also adopted in Japan.

Source;
http://japandailypress.com/a-greener-honda-car-company-to-recycle-hybrid-batteries-for-rare-earths-204805

Honda Brio diesel caught testing yet again

This is not for the North American market....

Honda unveiled a new mass market 1.6-litre diesel i-DTEC EarthDreams engine at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and it was very clear that diesel powered Honda cars won’t take too long to reach Indian market. Also, Honda had confirmed that they will launch the Brio diesel by Diwali this year and since then lot of test lues have been spotted around their plant near Delhi, not looking very different but with distinctive diesel clatter.

This time our friends at Team-BHP caught the test mule, who report about the eminent diesel noise from the car. They also suggest that this tiny diesel is also sprightly, as the driver tried to get away when followed. So, the Brio diesel will now get even smaller engine based of the 1.6-litre EarthDream, just that exact details are yet to be know. Honda will need a engine smaller than 1.5-litre so that they will be eligible for the subsidy. Plus the engine will need to have sufficient power, as it will also power the Jazz later, just like the 1.2-litre petrol doing the duty.]

Honda is entering diesel market in India with their smallest car and is clearing looking at the number game. The rumours suggest that the City will be the next Honda model to get a diesel – which might get bigger displacement mill, probably same as the one unveiled at Geneva. The last among mass production models will be the Jazz diesel.

The Honda City is the highest selling petrol sedan in its segment; even the Brio san diesel is doing quite well in the entry-level hatchback segment. Honda is known for refinement and reliability in India and is one of the most respected brands in mass market. Addition of diesel to their range will certainly increase their numbers and is going to be a threat to all their competitors.

Source;
http://www.oncars.in/Car-News-Detail/Honda-Brio-diesel-caught-testing-yet-again/2604

The Acura Beak gets Revised

by Hans Greimel of www.autonews.com

TOKYO -- Acura's new global design chief wants to spice up Honda's premium brand, but one polarizing feature won't change.

The shieldlike double pentagon grille -- derisively billed "the beak" by critics -- is here to stay, says Toshinobu Minami.

Minami, 44, took the reins of exterior design for Honda and Acura last September, chosen by President Takanobu Ito to inject more visual interest into the company's utilitarian styling.

He says Acura's oft-maligned grille may have gone too far in the past. But the look is growing on people, he says, and the basic design language will stay, albeit toned down a bit.

"We concede that we went a little overboard at some points," Minami said in a recent interview. "We actually had pretty bad feedback on this initially from different directions. But we are not going to buckle under that pressure."

The V-shaped grille was most recently carried over to the new Acura ILX entry sedan that went on sale this spring. It also appeared in the redesigned TL that debuted last fall and the NSX concept sports car shown this year at the Detroit auto show.

But the new look has been toned down from earlier incarnations, which were introduced under Acura's "keen edge" design overhaul that started in 2008.

"There hasn't been that great of a change, but maybe people have gotten used to it," Minami said of the grille. "There may be small evolutions here or there in details."

Minami says he wants to make the Honda brand sportier and more active, closer to Acura's traditional territory. In turn, Acura will be "going further out, maybe pursuing premium."

Minami, who penned the NSX concept, worked in the early 2000s as lead exterior designer on the Acura TL and second-generation Acura RL, neither of which had the keen-edge grille.

Source (via www.autoblog.com);

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

DeviantArt show aggressive Honda CR-Z design

This was done a while ago but I didn't get a chance to post it, beautiful 'chop' done.  Gotta say, It's wayyy over the top, but I like it.

Source;
http://crz.pavedearth.com/2011/05/19/deviantart-show-aggressive-honda-cr-z-design/

Inside Line: 2013 Honda Accord Interior Spyshot with Info

Just the Facts:
  • The redesigned 2013 Honda Accord will arrive this fall.
  • Three drivetrains will be offered, including a plug-in hybrid option.
  • Its exterior dimensions will be reduced slightly compared to the current model.
DEATH VALLEY, California — Prototypes of the 2013 Honda Accord were caught during hot-weather testing prior to the car's anticipated launch this fall. Although still covered in heavy camouflage, the sedan and coupe test mules clearly showed that the design of the new Honda Accord won't stray far from the concept shown earlier this year.

Notable design elements that can be seen here include a sharply defined character line on the side of the car that plunges from the rear door handle down to the front wheel opening, rectangular headlights with a row of LED marker lights across the bottom and a sizable front airdam opening below the trapezoidal grille.

A quick peek through the window also revealed a few details about the interior design of the 2013 Honda Accord. The gauge cluster looks like it will switch to a large centrally located speedometer flanked by auxiliary gauges on each side. The Accord will continue to use a large in-dash monitor, but the control unit below will switch to a central control knob design similar to Audi's MMI layout. This should reduce some of the button clutter that plagued the design of the dashboard in the current model.

Honda has already announced that the Accord will offer three different drivetrains. The base four-cylinder will be a new direct-injected, DOHC engine that will deliver 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It will be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

A 3.5-liter V6 will be optional, but Honda has only said that it will be more powerful and more efficient than the current engine. In early 2013, a plug-in hybrid variant will be added to the model lineup. It will combine a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 120kW electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. Honda says it will be capable of travelling up to 10 miles in pure electric mode at speeds up to 62 mph.

Inside Line says: Judging by the looks of these prototypes, Honda will continue to play it right down the middle when it comes to the design of its midsize coupe and sedan.

Source;
http://www.insideline.com/honda/accord/2013/2013-honda-accord-caught-testing-in-the-desert.html

TopGear Record Breaking Stunt - the Deadly 720!


The Top Gear Live Stunt Team has set a new world record by becoming the first to complete a spectacular double loop-the-loop on four wheels!! The ground-breaking feat -- dubbed Deadly 720 -- was the amazing finale to the first of four Top Gear Festival shows staged in front of a sell-out 15,000+ live audience at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa (June 16-17).

#Deadly720 is the biggest, boldest and most technically challenging stunt ever performed by the record breaking Top Gear Live Stunt Team who will be coming to Birmingham's NEC later this year (Oct 25-28) with even more audacious performances hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond, The Stig and, of course, the Top Gear Live daredevil stunt team.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Honda demonstrates the Uni-Cub: personal mobility meets 'Uniracers'


by Jeff Blagdon of www.theverge.com

This weekend in Tokyo, Honda took the wraps off its Uni-Cub personal mobility device concept, showing the public what the self-balancing, motorized "unicycle" is capable of. The Omni Traction Drive System in the Uni-Cub uses a system of small wheels that rim the main drive wheel, propelling the vehicle 90 degrees left or right. The result: the seated rider can smoothly and (seemingly) effortlessly move in any direction just by leaning — front, back, side-to-side, or any combination thereof. A representative from Japan’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation took the Uni-Cub through its paces during a short 10-minute demo, showing off the device’s tight turning radius by repeatedly looping backward inside a ring of spectators. The moves looked tricky to pull off, but we’re told that it’s really easy to learn — supposedly you can pick it up in 10 minutes.

The Uni-Cub's top speed is 6kph (about 3.7mph), and its lithium-ion battery pack will keep it running for about an hour at that pace. Of course, no 21st Century vehicle would be complete without a smartphone app, and Honda's allows the rider to rotate his or her Uni-Cub on the spot (say, to turn and face someone), as well as call it over from across the room (video below). Also, if you're worried about the vehicle's performance on hills, we learned it can tackle grades of up to 8 percent. Honda hasn't announced any plans to put the Uni-Cub into production, but it will start letting the public test drive it in spring of 2013.

Source;
http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/17/3092977/honda-uni-cub-unicycle-personal-mobility-demonstration

Honda: 2013 Accord one of 'most feature-rich vehicles we've ever made'

Honda watchers counting on a restyled 2013 Accord to reignite the Japanese automaker's sales spark in the United States may be disappointed by the first spy images emerging of the sedan.

Photographs captured this week show the mid-sized sedan with only evolutionary changes from its previous design. In a segment that will be filled with several bold redesigns by next spring -- the Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion and Mazda6 -- the Accord could find itself fighting for a seat at the head of the table.

In engineering the new Accord, Honda executives say they learned their lesson when they removed too much content on the redesigned 2012 Civic.

"You're going to find that Accord is a very well-balanced product that is the best overall product in everything, whether we're talking about interior packaging, content of the vehicle, the fuel economy of the vehicle," Erik Berkman, head of research and development for Honda Americas, told Bloomberg News in a recent interview.

It "will be one of the most feature-rich vehicles we've ever made," Berkman added, without elaborating.
The new Accord is expected to go on sale early this fall.

A merely evolutionary design change to the Accord could spell trouble when the competition is making huge jumps in styling, especially the Ford Fusion with its Aston Martin-like lines.

Hyundai and Kia have also gained ground in the U.S. market with radically designed mid-sized sedans.
The 2013 Accord is the last of four core models Honda will introduce over a 24-month period. An all-new Odyssey minivan went on sale in late 2010, followed by the new Civic compact last spring and the revamped CR-V in late 2011.

The four models accounted for nearly 80 percent of the Honda brand's U.S. sales last year.

Accord sales last year fell to 235,625 units, representing a 17 percent decline, although a big chunk of the decline was tied to earthquake-related parts shortages.

But it's still a long way from previous years when the Accord produced annual sales of nearly 400,000 units.
Last year, the rival Nissan Altima became the second-best selling car in the United States after the Toyota Camry.

So far in 2012, the Accord is the fourth best-selling car in America, after the Camry, Altima and Honda Civic.

The revamped Accord will feature Honda's new "Earth Dreams" family of engines and related technology, including continuously variable transmissions, the automaker's first such powertrain change in a decade.
Honda previously used CVTs only on small cars made in Japan.

Starting with the 2013 Accord, the new transmission, with an infinite number of gear ratios, will replace the current five-speed automatic to aid fuel-economy and performance.

The CVT will be the only automatic offered in the Accord four-cylinder, but the V-6 will come with a traditional geared transmission.

The engine line, with displacement ranges from 660 cubic centimeters to 3.5 liters, is being added to every new Honda model starting with the Accord.

Mark Rechtin and Bloomberg News contributed to this report

Source;

Honda UK launches Curiosity Documentary Ad Campaign

In the same way that documentaries dissect their subjects in order to provide a more complete view of the whole, a new series of Honda ads each hone in on a single feature of the auto company’s latest models.

As sponsors of Channel 4's Documentaries, Honda has launched this new TV campaign, created by Wieden + Kennedy London, which links brand and programming together. The tagline "The More We Look, The More We Learn" could be applied to the documentaries themselves, or the ads/"idents" which use footage that looks as though it came from a documentary to illustrate features of several different Honda products.

The campaign also includes a new website developed and created by Collective London, which indulges the kind of curiosity that accompanies an interest in documentaries. On the website, users will find a game that’s played with a series of questions themed ‘How curious are you?’ The site will Channel 4 content throughout the year. 


Source;
http://www.fastcocreate.com/1680950/ever-wonder-how-hondas-headlights-got-that-way

The Walking Dead creator designs Hyundai Elantra zombie survival machine


by Shane McGlaun
 
When it comes to surviving and fighting the zombie hordes, a Hyundai Elantra would never come to my mind. I’d feel better driving something much larger that could hold more bullets and beer. Still, the Hyundai Elantra Coupe created by The Walking Dead writer Robert Kirkman would probably do the job well enough.


This car may have started life as a plain, and rather boring Elantra Coupe, but it was transformed into a zombie killing death machine. It has long spinning spikes that stick out from the wheels, lots of lighting on the roof, what appears to be riveted steel panels for more protection, and a spiked plow for mowing through the zombie hordes. I also like the roof-mounted escape hatch.

The vehicle was designed to celebrate The Walking Dead’s 100th issue at Comic-Con. Along with zombie killing machine; a customized Elantra GT with a wrap of the cover of the 100 issue will be given away. The image here is only a drawing of the along track zombie death machine, but apparently the car was actually built for the 100 issue celebration. Hopefully, some pictures of the actual car will turn up.

Source;
http://www.slashgear.com/the-walking-dead-creator-designs-hyundai-elantra-zombie-survival-machine-18234329/

Friday, June 15, 2012

Erik Berkman of Honda Interview

In April Erik Berkman became the first American to lead North American research and product development for Tokyo-based Honda.
Erik Berkman’s iPhone wallpaper isn’t of his wife, children or dog. When Honda  Motor Co.’s new North American development chief gets a text message, he sees a background picture of the automaker’s V-6 IndyCar racing engine.

Dario Franchitti won the Indianapolis 500 last month using the engine designed by a team led by Berkman, who was at the track known as the Brickyard to watch. Motor-sports passion -- central to founder Soichiro Honda, who said, “If Honda does not race, there is no Honda” -- will be an asset if Berkman can apply the same speed and creativity to product development.

Honda’s first American president of R&D for the region is helping shape everything from a modified Civic and new Accord due this year to an overhaul of the Acura line that includes the NSX supercar. The 30-veteran of Tokyo-based Honda plans to win back its reputation for innovative cars in the face of improving Korean, U.S. and German competition as well as critical reviews.

“I know that there is a particularly high expectation for Honda to get back that magic it had at one time,” said Berkman, 53, in an interview last month at his new domain, the vast R&D center in Raymond, Ohio. “What are we going to do, complain that expectations are too high for us? That we want low expectations? That’s not right.”

Product development and engine innovations have a special place at Honda, which has been led since its beginning only by engineers, even as tight business controls appear to have led it to take fewer risks on core models in the past decade.

Sporty Ride

Along with overseeing eight U.S.-developed Honda and Acura models, Berkman has to find a way to add content and upgrade interiors within a company that controls spending so tightly it made money even through the recession, natural disasters and exchange rate pain. Honda is the only major automaker to have never had an annual loss.

While Honda and Toyota Motor Corp. won fans in the 1970s for durable cars that were inexpensive and fuel-efficient, Honda boasted the sportier ride, reflecting the founder’s racing fervor. Honda’s R&D Americas president has to get that back.

“Honda is off the rails; they still build a great car, but they aren’t leaders,” said John Wolkonowicz, an independent analyst in Boston who specializes in automotive history. “In the ’80s Honda, had the best cars on the market. They drove the best, had great fuel economy and people really loved them.”

While Honda’s U.S. sales in 2007 more than doubled the combined U.S. deliveries of Hyundai Motor Co.  and affiliate Kia Motors Corp. , the Koreans were within 1 percent of Honda last year. Accord, the best-selling car in the U.S. in 2001, has been topped by Toyota’s Camry every year since then. Toyota’s Corolla has exceeded Civic’s U.S. sales annually since 2003.

Honda’s Man

Berkman may be the ideal man for the job he started April 1, succeeding Hiroshi Takemura, who returned to Japan as deputy director of automobile operations. The compact engineer with close-cropped brown hair joined Honda in 1982 when it started making cars in the U.S. in Marysville, Ohio. His only automotive job before that was with a company John DeLorean hired to turbocharge DeLorean Motor Co.’s DMC-12 gull-winged sports cars.

After starting as a production engineer, Berkman moved to Honda’s U.S. R&D unit in 1991, working on models including the 1994 Accord wagon, 1999 Odyssey minivan and 2001 Acura CL coupe. His biggest success was leading development of the 2004 Acura TL sport sedan.

Before it became one of Acura’s best-selling cars, it was far from universally loved within Honda. High-end content, such as performance brakes by Italy’s Bre SpA (BREmbo), was seen as too costly. The exterior styling was too edgy and polarizing.

TL Controversy

“It was so controversial, it almost didn’t happen,” Berkman recalled. “It was too much for some people.”
Reactions to the TL’s design in consumer clinics didn’t clarify the situation, Berkman said. “Half the people said they loved it, half of them hated it,” he said.

Ultimately, his vision of the car was approved for production. More than 77,000 were sold in its first full year, making it 2004’s top luxury sedan.

“I fought for the one I wanted, and it worked,” he said.

Honda is counting on those instincts to come through again. Honda President Takanobu Ito, who worked with Berkman at the U.S. R&D center in the 1990s, and Executive Vice President Tetsuo Iwamura, head of North American operations, have high expectations for him.

“Through his career, he has a very good understanding of Honda,” Iwamura said in a March interview at Honda’s U.S. headquarters in Torrance, California. “What we expect him to do is, through this good knowledge and experience, fulfill his dream of making North America strong.”

Civic Tweaks

Honda is looking better in 2012 already. With the factories again running at full capacity, U.S. sales have expanded 10 percent this year, buoyed by a 48 percent increase last month. While the company has easy comparisons with last year’s disaster-limited results, it has three models among the top 10 sellers in the U.S. this year: the midsize Accord, CR-V compact sport-utility vehicle and the Civic.

The 2012 Civic drew a harsh review in Consumer Reports in August 2011 and failed to win the magazine’s “recommend” designation. The non-profit publication for decades consistently placed Honda models among its top picks. The magazine said the new car, compared with the version it replaced, had a choppier ride, less agility, longer stopping distances, more road noise and a worse interior.

Berkman has helped to fix it midstream. The model’s mid- cycle refresh, due in about three months, was moved up by about a year. Among the improvements will be better interior materials, he said.

“There’s an opportunity with the minor model change to tweak Civic,” Berkman said. “If we do that, we’ll knock off one more criticism.”

‘Earth Dreams’

He’s planning changes in styling, materials, driving dynamics and technology across the Honda and Acura model lines.

That begins this year with a revamped Accord featuring Honda’s new “Earth Dreams” family of engines and related technology, including continuously variable transmissions, the company’s first such powertrain change in a decade. Honda previously used CVTs only on small cars made in Japan.

Starting with the 2013 Accord, the new transmission, with an infinite number of gear ratios, replaces the current five- speed automatic to aid fuel-economy and performance, Berkman said. The engine line, with displacement ranges from 660 cubic centimeters to 3.5 liters, is being added to every new Honda model starting with Accord.

“You’re going to find that Accord is a very well-balanced product that is the best overall product in everything, whether we’re talking about interior packaging, content of the vehicle, the fuel economy of the vehicle,” he said. It “will be one of the most feature-rich vehicles we’ve ever made,” he said, without elaborating.

Acura Supercar

Acura, Honda’s premium brand that some auto reviewers don’t regard as a full-fledged luxury line, will also see new styling and benefit from technology such as the high-performance hybrid system going into the NSX, he said. The car, likely to cost more than $100,000, will be raced as well as sold, Ito said in Detroit in January.

The NSX will go on sale in about two years, Honda has said. An ad for the car that ran during this year’s Super Bowl featured comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno.

Berkman said his team is eager to shake off the idea that Honda’s vehicles have become bland or lack the value of its glory days.

“Having high expectations or pressure is what’s necessary to get us to a point where we’re performing,” he said. “We want everybody to fall over and go: There it is again. There’s that Honda we used to praise.”

Source;
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-14/honda-suffering-reputation-loss-taps-american-s-retooling.html