Updated: McLaren and Honda discuss road car collaboration

The relationship between the British sports car manufacturer and Japanese automotive giant looks set to go much deeper than a Formula 1 engine deal

McLaren and Honda are considering ways to extend their Formula 1 tie-up into road cars, McLaren Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh has confirmed.

Earlier this year, Honda announced that it would return to F1 as an engine supplier to McLaren Racing in 2015. The two companies enjoyed a fruitful partnership in F1 between 1988 and the end of 1992, winning four drivers’ championships and four constructors’ crowns during that spell.

Whitmarsh described the new deal as a “multi-year” one, and his comments suggest that there is scope for a much deeper co-operation that could spread into McLaren’s automotive division.

“It’s a pure Formula 1 contract, but we’ve already been looking at automotive technology and we’re sharing that very openly,” said Whitmarsh at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. “Our road car strategy at the moment has no other automotive partner and 
Honda would be a good place 
to collaborate.”

Whitmarsh said the results of any Honda involvement in future McLaren road cars wouldn’t be seen for some years. The company is currently working on the third model in its contemporary range, the Porsche 911-
rivalling P13, but Honda hasn’t had any input into that car.

“If you look at our product range, 12C is running and will run for a few more years. P1 has just been launched and P13, which is the follow-up car, is relatively developed, so actually it is something that you would see in quite a few years to come,” he said.

A deeper relationship between McLaren and Honda would most likely be a bilateral technical arrangement, with both sides reaping the benefits for their road car projects.

“Nothing’s fixed, but we’re open to that and so are they,” said Whitmarsh.

It has also been reported that a McLaren 12C is being used in Acura's benchmarking tests for the new NSX in America.

A subsequent statement issued jointly by Honda and McLaren stressed that the immediate focus was on Formula 1: “On 16 May 2013, Honda announced its decision to participate in Formula 1 from the 2015 season, under a joint project with McLaren. This has led to a full, open and productive working relationship with McLaren. As Martin Whitmarsh has stated, many ideas have been discussed between McLaren and Honda colleagues.

"However, we both know how challenging it is to win in Formula 1, and we need to be 100 per cent committed to that task. Therefore, at this stage, all our focus is towards the development of the 2015 Formula 1 car and powertrain, and there are no plans for collaboration on other projects at this moment.”

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/updated-mclaren-and-honda-discuss-road-car-collaboration

Honda's Future Plans 2014, 2015, 2016

by Mark Rechtin of www.autonews.com

Honda Division is entering a somewhat fallow period for new products, since its four big-volume vehicles -- the Civic, Accord, CR-V and Odyssey -- have recently been redesigned.

But there will be plenty of changes to other models, especially light trucks, as well as variants to those four nameplates. And the Fit subcompact platform will become much more prominent in Honda's North American growth plans.

As vehicle redesigns occur, Honda will install its new-generation Earth Dreams engines, which have direct injection and double-overhead cams. Compared to Honda's current four-cylinder engines, the new design will bring at least a 10 percent fuel economy advantage.

Also, Honda is going big with continuously variable transmissions. Performance models and off-road vehicles will retain geared transmissions, but mainstream street-going cars will feature CVTs. A plant opening in Mexico will add up to 700,000 units of CVT capacity by 2017.

Here is a look at Honda's future product plans:

Fit: The redesigned subcompact coming in the summer of 2014 will be built at Honda's new plant in Celaya, Mexico. Honda will install the Earth Dreams 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 127 hp and 111 pounds-feet of torque, as well as a CVT. Although built locally, expect the new Fit to stick to the global platform.

Fit EV: The next Fit will have a different suspension module for hybrid and EV versions. It likely won't arrive until spring 2016.

Fit crossover: A concept crossover based on the Fit platform, called the Urban SUV, was unveiled at the 2013 Detroit auto show. It is 169.3 inches long, about 9 inches shorter than the Honda CR-V compact crossover. The production version, coming in the summer of 2014, will have the same Earth Dreams engine as the Fit, but could get an added turbocharger for upmarket models. Limited cargo capacity will be counteracted with Fit's fold-flat "Magic Seats" and by stashing the fuel tank under the front seats rather than behind the rear suspension.

Insight: Honda Motor CEO Takanobu Ito is noncommittal about whether Honda will produce a next-generation Insight to go head-to-head with the Toyota Prius. But Honda recently unveiled its next-generation single-motor IMA hybrid system with a lithium ion battery. It is connected to an Atkinson-cycle engine and combined with a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. More may be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in November.

Civic: Contrary to press reports, the Civic will not receive an Earth Dreams engine until its redesign in spring 2016.

Civic Hybrid: When the Civic is redesigned, the hybrid version will move from its one-motor IMA system to a two-motor system that allows extensive electric-only driving. One motor powers the wheels; the other recharges the batteries. It will be a cheaper version of the same system that is in the Accord Hybrid.

CR-Z: The possibility of a gasoline-powered version of the hybrid coupe is being studied for the next generation arriving in summer 2015.

Accord: After being redesigned last fall, a two-motor hybrid version arrives this summer. The hybrid will team a 124-kilowatt electric motor with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine for a projected 49 mpg. Expect the next redesign in the second half of 2017.

Crosstour: Balky styling has hindered customer acceptance. Designers are looking at something more akin to an Audi Allroad for the next generation, arriving in spring 2015.

FCX Clarity: Honda's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will be redesigned in mid-2015. The vehicle likely will be shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in November. Honda recently signed a technology-sharing deal with General Motors to develop the next-generation fuel cell for 2020, but insisted that there will be no badge engineering.

CR-V: Redesigned for the 2013 model year; the next one is expected in the first half of 2017.

Element: There will be no new Element. The CR-V and Fit-based crossover will fill that space.

Pilot: The wheelbase for the recently redesigned Acura MDX, which was increased by 3 inches, will be carried over to the redesigned Pilot when it arrives this fall. But because the MDX has an expensive suspension system, expect some minor cost-shaving changes to suspension components to hit the Pilot's price point. Sheet metal should move away from the "angry robot" look. It likely will get a 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V-6 that generates around 310 hp and 265 pounds-feet of torque.

Odyssey: A freshened version, with an optional built-in vacuum cleaner, goes on sale this summer.
The next generation arrives in fall 2016 on the Acura MDX platform, although expect a lower-cost suspension -- possibly an air-spring setup -- to hit a lower price point. When redesigned, the Odyssey will receive the 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V-6.

Ridgeline: Honda sources insist the company needs to keep a unibody pickup offering, but its styling, fuel economy and sticker price are arguments against it. The current platform runs until fall 2014, but there are no signs of a replacement.


Source;
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130729/OEM04/307299985#ixzz2aXDq2rBj

Sound of Honda – Ayrton Senna 1989 is a must-watch!

If you have any affinity for motorsports and Formula 1 at all, then this stunning video is a must watch. Here’s Honda paying tribute to the sport’s best known and undisputedly most talented driver of all time, the great Aryton Senna, in a way that is unheard of before.

Sound of Honda – Ayrton Senna 1989 is a visual and aural recreation of the late three-time world champion’s spectacular qualifying lap for the unforgettable 1989 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, where he set a time that was one and a half second clear of his teammate and championship rival, Alain Prost.

Honda used thousands of speakers and light fixtures calibrated with Senna’s telemetry data to duplicate the iconic lap in dramatic fashion. There was no car on the track, but the enormity of the achievement was duly felt. Honda and McLaren will be teaming up in F1 again in 2015, so this tribute also serves as a timely reminder to fans of the great partnership they once had.

What a lap. What a driver. There’s truly no other.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2013/07/29/sound-of-honda-ayrton-senna-1989-is-a-must-watch/

2015 Honda Fit Hybrid: Don't expect it in the US

by James Tate of www.msn.com

Honda’s near-future plans include a redesign of its subcompact Fit hatchback. Slated to debut next summer as a 2015 model, the new Fit has a more aggressive design and will run a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine from Honda’s "Earth Dreams" powertrain.

But the intriguing question remains: Will Honda finally give us the Fit Hybrid?

On sale in Europe and Japan since 2010, the next-generation Fit Hybrid sports some interesting technologies. Instead of the Integrated Motor Assist system seen in other Honda hybrids, a cheaper hybrid solution that can't power the car on electricity alone, the 2015 Fit will use Honda’s new Sport Hybrid i-DCD system.

Sport Hybrid i-DCD installs a single electric motor inside a new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is paired with a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gas engine. Lighter and more efficient lithium-ion batteries replace the nickel metal-hydride units, while the continuously variable transmission is also gone.

With a fully electric compressor and an electric servo brake system improving electric regenerative efficiency, Honda claims that the 2015 Fit Hybrid returns 35-percent higher fuel economy than that of the Integrated Motor Assist hybrids. Testing in Japan returned an impressive estimated 86 mpg.

Honda is also promising an upgraded interior experience for the Fit, which has been an area of complaints in the past. Honda hopes that its efforts in revamping the Fit is can boost sales: Despite critical acclaim, the Fit ranks fifth in subcompact sales so far in 2013, and the segment is becoming more crowded every year.

All of that having been said, the current Fit Hybrid isn’t offered in the United States, and we don’t expect this new one to be, either. Why, you ask? Well, the price of the hybrid powertrain pushes the economy-focused Fit into a range where everyone looking at a Fit will simply opt for the already-economical conventional-engine models. It seems much more logical for Honda to fit the new hybrid system in its CRZ, Insight and Civic Hybrid, the last of which is priced considerably closer to its gas-powered versions.

The Civic Hybrid, for example, costs $25,150, or more than $5,300 on top of a base Civic LX. While that price includes many features that are optional on lower-grade Civics, only 2 percent of Civic buyers take the hybrid. We can't imagine the Fit Hybrid selling for much less, and at that price, you're talking about a regular Civic for thousands less or the much larger Accord for the same price. For Honda, the cost of certifying the car -- even after it's assembled at Honda's new plant in Mexico, versus Japan -- may not be worth it.

America may yet see a version of the i-DCD system, though; current reports suggest a whole new subcompact sedan and crossover based on the Fit platform being offered to U.S. consumers. Both the new sedan and crossover would feature the new hybrid system, and they could arrive for sale in the United States as soon as early 2014.

Source;
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/post--2015-honda-fit-hybrid-dont-expect-it-in-the-us

Temple of Vtec: NSX Prototype Track Run

AutoExpress: Euro New Honda Civic Type-R will arrive in 2015

Honda CEO confirms that the new Civic Type-R is on track for a 2015 debut

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito has confirmed that a new Civic Type-R will be unveiled in 2015, alongside a new fuel-cell electric vehicle. A compact SUV is also set to join the range in the near future.

The new Civic Type-R will be developed specifically for Europe and will incorporate developments learned from Honda’s experience in the World Touring Car Championship. Ito wants it to be the fastest front-wheel-drive car around the Nurburgring, which means it’ll have to beat the Megane 265 Trophy’s time of 8 min 7.9 seconds. Honda's UK MD Dave Hodgetts went on to tell Auto Express that the new Type R "will have at least 265bhp... the engineers' target is 300bhp though."

Hodgetts told us that the Civic Type-R will begin testing at the Nurburgring in the autumn of 2013, with production set to begin in Swindon ready for an on-sale date some time in 2015. He explained that the handling and throttle response were being developed using lessons learned from Honda's WTCC entry. Hodgetts wouldn't draw on whether the production Type-R would get the same 1.6-litre turbo as the WTCC car but said: "it's possible, but then anything up to a 2.0-litre turbo is possible."

The new Civic Type-R will be one of the first of a number of performance models that Honda is looking to produce as a backbone to its whole range. "We want a range that is genuinely perceived to be sporty, but with a range of practical models sitting underneath,” said Hodgetts.

One of these more practical cars is a compact SUV, expected to be a Nissan Juke rival based on the next-generation Jazz platform. Hodgetts and Ito both confirmed that a Civic-based SUV-MPV crossover with similar styling to the 2009 Skydeck concept was also under consideration.

As well as confirming a new hydrogen-powered vehicle will be on the roads during 2015 (possibly a successor to the FCX Clarity) Honda revealed it is working on hybrid systems with one, two or three electric motors. The technology will be used throughout Honda's future range, allowing for everything from a 100mpg-plus Jazz to a plug-in hybrid four-wheel-drive NSX supercar. These use the one and the three motor systems respectively, and we were told that the two-motor system is reserved for mid-sized vehicles.

All of the developments mentioned are part of Honda’s push to increase its market by 60 per cent worldwide from 23.9 million customers to 39 million by 2017.

Source;
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/honda/civic/60362/new-honda-civic-type-r-will-arrive-2015

Acura NSX Prototype with Production Powertrain to Pre-Run IndyCar Race

by  Alexander Stoklosa

If you’re growing bored with Acura’s seemingly endless parade of NSX concepts—there was the 2012 original, then this one, one with an interior, and, oh, look, a red one!—get ready to flip your britches. That’s because there’s yet another NSX prototype headed for the spotlight, but this time it will move. That’s right, get ready to see your favorite played-out supercar concept take to the pavement; the big debut is scheduled for just before the Honda Indy 200 next weekend at Mid-Ohio raceway.

The NSX prototype will lap Mid-Ohio ahead of the race’s start, giving spectators their first audible taste of Acura’s resurrected supercar. Acura promises the test car will use the same V-6 engine and three-motor hybrid setup that comprises the brand’s new Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD). The new NSX will launch in 2015, so there’s still time for Acura to bandy a few more NSXs about . . . Regardless, we can’t wait to hear what the mid-engined supercar sounds like.

Source;
http://blog.caranddriver.com/acura-nsx-prototype-with-production-powertrain-to-pre-run-indy-200-race/

How Google accidentally uncovered a Chinese ring of car thieves

by Russell Brandom of www.theverge.com

AdWords is the core of the business of Google, delivering billions of data-targeted ads to browsers every year. Most of the ads are legitimate, but not all of them, and it’s Google’s job to tell which is which. Last year, that meant kicking 224 million ads off the network. The majority were run-of-the-mill web fraud: counterfeit handbags, thinly veiled phishing schemes, the kind of thing any decent spam filter would take out. But in 2010, in the midst of reworking the ad-filtering model, something strange happened. The new model was flagging a lot of otherwise innocuous ads for used cars. Most of the bad products were counterfeit goods, and, as AdWords engineering director David Baker says, "We'd never heard of a counterfeit car." Had they trained AdWords into anti-car prejudice? Was the model simply broken?

Had they trained AdWords into anti-car prejudice?

The answer turned out to be even stranger. They were real cars, but they weren't really for sale. Scammers were taking pictures of cars on the street, and when a hapless customer showed up a few days later offering money, they'd steal the car and hand it over. By the time the mark realized he had purchased stolen goods, the sellers were long gone, taking his money with them. It's a lucrative scam, and in China, a well-known one — but to anyone looking at the ads, it just looks like one more crop of used-car ads.

For those who study fraud in China, on the other hand, this is far from surprising. "These people are very professional," says Dahui Li, an information systems expert at the University of Minnesota who specializes in Chinese online fraud. In the case of the car scam, he says the offline component is the most important part, as a way to assure skeptical customers that the sale is legit. "Chinese people want to see the product before they pay for it," Li says. "They have to see the car." So the criminal element developed a scheme that could show it to them.

"They have to see the car."

According to Li, the larger problem is the Chinese financial system, which requires every bank-to-bank transaction to be routed through the central government’s banking authority. As a result, anti-fraud measures are usually slower than criminals. Stopping a payment could take as long as three days, by which time the money is usually unrecoverable. Since customers can't trust the banks to stop fraud, they're left to fend for themselves. On Taobao, the Chinese equivalent of eBay, Li sees this effect driving customers to have longer conversations before they trust a seller, testing out every offer to make sure it's legitimate. In other markets, it boils down to common-sense habits like holding the product in your hands before you buy it. And as the sales move offline, so does the fraud. Li describes scams that create fake websites, designed to fool users into thinking they’re on Taobao or another moderated e-commerce site. Even when police are able to follow the credit card trail, criminals are able to stay a few steps ahead. "Until the payment model is fixed, you’re always going to see these scams," Li says.

"Until the payment model is fixed, you're always going to see these scams."

The surprising thing is how much this supposedly offline fraud caught the attention of Google’s AdWords cops. The team is only looking for fraudulent offers made on the AdWords network, but scams like the car-swapping trick blur the lines between the crimes that happen on the network and the crimes that take place after the fact. More importantly, AdWords’ crime-spotting tools don’t distinguish between online and offline scams. They’re just looking for suspicious behavior. Like many Google products, AdWords' quality control is managed by a massive machine-learning algorithm, similar to the PageRank function that powers Google Search. "There’s no one thing or even a handful of things," says Baker. "It’s thousands of pieces of information in aggregate." That includes IP address, account age, and links to past accounts. After millions of iterations, it’s hard to trace the red flags back to any group of factors, which makes it even harder for bad guys to game the system.

Cultural differences could fool the humans, but they couldn't fool the machine

More importantly, it doesn’t take human prejudice into account. Baker and his team weren’t looking for cars or car thieves. But the algorithm saw a pattern of quick buys from new accounts, tied together with larger and more subtle patterns, and deduced something was up. It’s not an airtight system: more than a few valid accounts have had their orders delayed while the team checked them out. But in this case, it was able to reach across continents to suss out a scheme its engineers had never even imagined. Cultural differences could fool the humans, but they couldn’t fool the machine.

At the same time, once Google found the scammers, they couldn’t do any more than kick them off AdWords. Baker and his team will occasionally forward ads on to law enforcement, particularly if drugs are involved, but the relationship between Google and China is so complex that scams like this car theft ring usually slip through the cracks. It makes sense; Google isn’t in the crime-fighting business. But as they try to keep scams from spilling onto their network, they’re getting awfully close.

Source (via www.autoblog.com);

http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/24/4549124/how-google-uncovered-a-chinese-ring-of-car-thieves

2014 Honda Odyssey Delivers More Value to Customers with Refreshed Styling, Enhanced Safety and Additional Standard Features

Already the benchmark minivan, the 2014 Honda Odyssey is the most fuel efficient V6 minivan on the market and offers new innovative features like HondaVAC^™
 
MARKHAM, ON, July 24, 2013 /CNW/ - The 2014 Honda Odyssey minivan arrives at Honda dealerships nationwide the week of July 22, refreshed with a host of powertrain, styling, interior, feature and safety upgrades, all designed to meet the needs of today's family. Key changes to the 2014 Odyssey minivan include the addition of a standard 6-speed automatic transmission on all trims resulting in class-leading fuel-economy ratings for a V6 minivan, enhanced safety equipment, cleaner front and rear exterior styling, plus revised instrumentation and electronic controls.

For the first time all 2014 Odyssey models will include a 4-way power passenger seat, Expanded View Driver's Mirror and an SMS text messaging function. New available features include the Honda exclusive LaneWatch^™ blind spot display, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Additionally, Odyssey Touring models will now come standard with the much-anticipated HondaVAC^™, the world's first in-vehicle vacuum cleaner, which allows customers the ability to quickly and easily clean-up dirt and debris from every corner of the minivan.

Two new packages have been added to the Odyssey line-up in Canada for 2014; an EX-L Navi and SE. The Canadian-exclusive SE includes all of the standard features of the LX plus 17" aluminum alloy wheels, front centre console and 8-passenger seating.

The 2014 Honda Odyssey will have a starting MSRP¹ of $29,990. This represents zero increase in base price for a thoroughly revised Odyssey equipped with additional standard features for increased convenience.

With the addition of a standard 6-speed automatic transmission paired to the 3.5-litre, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), the Odyssey further solidifies its place as a fuel economy leader in the minivan segment with all 2014 models offering Transport Canada fuel economy ratings of 10.9 / 7.1 L/100km² city/highway.

Further enhancing occupant safety, the 2014 Odyssey receives the next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering^™ (ACE^™) body structure. The reinforced frontal structure improves frontal crash energy management through a wider range of offset and oblique collision modes. With the revised structure, the 2014 Odyssey is anticipated to earn the highest rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in the stringent new IIHS small overlap frontal collision test. The Odyssey is expected to be the first minivan to earn a TSP+ from the IIHS.
For 2014, the Odyssey continues with its successful model grade strategy: six different available trim levels include the well-equipped base LX model, Canadian-exclusive SE, EX, EX-L RES, EX-L Navi and the line-topping Odyssey Touring. A DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES) is also available on EX models
 
New Features by Trim Level:
 
Odyssey LX:

• 6-speed automatic transmission
• 4-way power front passenger seat
• Expanded View Driver's Mirror
• One-touch turn signals
• Bluetooth^® streaming audio

Short Message Service (SMS) text function
New SE Trim (new trim)

• 8-passenger seating
• 17" aluminum wheels
• Removable front centre console with storage and flip-up trash bag ring

Odyssey EX adds:

• LaneWatch^™ blind spot display**
• Push button start with keyless access system
• HondaLink^™ featuring Aha^™ compatibility

Odyssey EX-L RES add:

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Odyssey EX-L Navi (New trim):

• Replaces Rear Entertainment System (RES), with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with trilingual Voice Recognition, 3D map display and FM Traffic
• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera

Odyssey Touring adds:

• HondaVAC^™ integrated vacuum system
• Power folding mirrors

Advancing the Odyssey
In redesigning the Odyssey for 2014, Honda's goal was to reinforce and expand upon the vehicle's already great features, including the exceptional value for money that already defines the Odyssey for its target buyers: Gen X and Gen Y families. Odyssey aims to surprise and delight by adding upgrades and amenities, making it once again the top pick among individual buyers.

Powertrain
The 2014 Odyssey features a 3.5-litre, 24-valve V-6 engine producing 248 hp at 5,700 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Honda's i-VTEC^® enhances power delivery while Variable Cylinder Management^™ (VCM^®) helps maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

With the 2014 model, Honda has targeted best-in-class V6 fuel economy ratings for all trim levels. As a result, the transmission has been upgraded to a 6-speed automatic across the model range, replacing the 5-speed automatic previously found on the LX, EX and EX-L. Transport Canada fuel economy ratings are now 10.9 / 7.1 L/100km² city/highway for all trim levels, an improvement of 0.8 L/100km city and 0.1 L/100km highway for LX, EX, and EX-L RES trims.

Body
Refined and youthful, sporty and advanced, the Odyssey's refreshed styling adds new premium elements for 2014. Highlights include new black-trimmed headlights, new available fog lights, a new muscular hood, and black-surround grille for an upscale appearance. New body-colour matched side mirrors and additional bright chrome trim add to the premium appearance. New rear styling and LED taillights with clear lenses and eye-catching perimeter "light pipes" add to the polished look.

Weight savings come from the use of aluminum for the hood, front fenders and front suspension lower control arms. The LX model features 17-inch steel wheels with premium covers, while SE, EX, EX-L NAVI and EX-L RES models utilize 17-inch premium aluminum alloy wheels. Touring models feature 18-inch premium sport aluminum alloy wheels.

In addition, new standard one-touch turn signals improve convenience for the driver when making routine lane changes. With this system, one flick of the turn-signal lever provides three blinks of the turn signals - ideal for changing lanes. Pressing the lever past the "click point" provides continuous blinking.

A new keyless entry system with push button start on EX, EX-L, and Touring allows the driver to approach the vehicle, open the door and start the engine - all without touching a key. The system only requires the driver have possession of the key fob. The system also simplifies opening the sliding side doors and tailgate - locking all doors when leaving the vehicle requires only touching the lock button on any door handle.

Interior
Redesigned instrumentation, new trim and fabric, and upgraded electronic features and functionality make the 2014 Odyssey interior ideal for families. Design changes include upgraded meter illumination and interior lighting, chrome-trimmed instrument dials and door handles, a new available 7-inch touch-screen, and a repositioned DVD player for the available Rear Entertainment System. Updated styling and a change from blue to white halo lighting make the instrumentation easier to read. Similar changes make the climate control easier to operate.

All 2014 Odyssey models and trim levels get an Expanded View Driver's Mirror. The driver's side mirror provides a 19-percent increase in visible area, offering an enhanced view of objects that might otherwise be hidden in the vehicle's blind spot. Included on Odyssey EX, EX-L Navi and EX-L RES models, the Honda LaneWatch^™ blind spot display provides an expanded rear view of the passenger side roadway. The system uses a camera mounted on the bottom of the passenger door mirror, which when activated by the right turn signal or the signal-stalk LaneWatch^™ button, displays a live, 80-degree view of the passenger-side roadway, compared to 18- to 22-degrees typical of a standard door mirror.

A rearview camera is standard on all Odyssey models. Odyssey LX, SE, EX and EX-L models feature a single-angle "Normal View" display, while EX-L Navi and Touring models have a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with wide, normal and top-down views - all with improved optical quality. All rearview camera systems feature guidelines.

HondaVAC^™
The Odyssey Touring features the first minivan in-vehicle vacuum cleaner system, HondaVac^™ which is designed to help families keep the minivan interior neat and clean. Engineered for dry use, the HondaVAC^™ operates on the vehicle's 12-volt electrical system, and its performance easily surpasses that of a handheld rechargeable vacuums.

Integrated in the rear cargo area of the vehicle, the HondaVAC^™ includes an extendable hose that can reach every corner of the vehicle. Two separate head attachments expand versatility, while a removable debris canister and replaceable filter bag makes maintaining the vacuum easy. To protect the vehicle battery's state of charge, the HondaVAC^™ runs up to eight minutes with the ignition turned to the Accessory setting - or continuously if the engine is running.

Audio & Entertainment
Odyssey EX, EX-L RES, EX-L Navi and Touring models have new intuitive touch panel controls that reduce button clutter on the centre stack. An upper 8-inch display and a lower 7-inch display provide a simpler overall interface improving usability.

When paired to a compatible cellular phone, Aha^™ interfaces are available on EX, EX-L, and Touring models. XM^® Radio is included in EX-L and Touring models, a HDD audio system comes on the EX-L Navi and Touring models, and a rear DVD player is standard in EX-L RES and Touring models. The Touring also features new Neural 5.1 Surround^™ audio.

Audio system output is 240 watts for Odyssey LX and SE, 270 watts for EX, and EX-L RES, and 246 watts for EX-L Navi. The premium audio system in the Odyssey Touring has 650 watts. All audio systems have seven speakers except for the Touring, which features 12 speakers.

Simplified pairing and enhanced functionality with smart phones improve the Odyssey's telematics for 2014. HandFreeLink^® is included on all models, and Bluetooth^® audio streaming, SMS and email functions are available with compatible smartphones. Additional features include a phonebook, call history, speed dial and contact picture. Odyssey EX, EX-L RES, EXL Navi and Touring include HondaLink^™ featuring Aha^™ which offers content from hundreds of channels through a tethered compatible smartphone.

The Rear Entertainment System (RES), which is optional on EX, and standard on the EX-L RES and Touring models features upgraded control layout and screen quality. This system features improved placement of the DVD player and more intuitive operation for the rear audio controls. Screen resolution is VGA on EX RES and EX-L RES models, and the Touring's upgraded ultra-widescreen offers four times higher resolution.

Safety
With the application of the next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, significant structural changes to the unit-body were made, including more extensive use of high-strength steel in the A-, B- and C-pillars, roof rails, floor rails, front body area, and front subframe. As a result, the front door opening is now stronger, with less chance of deformation in a frontal collision.

The previous Odyssey achieved a top Good rating in IIHS Front Crash, Side Crash, Rear Crash and Roof Crush tests. For 2014, the Odyssey is targeted to add a GOOD rating in the IIHS's rigorous new Small Overlap Barrier Test and be among the first minivans to receive the highest IIHS rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+.

Newly available on the Odyssey, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) help the driver indentify potential collision situations. Using the Odyssey's front camera module, FCW warns of a possible collision with a vehicle detected in front, while LDW notifies the driver of departures from detected lanes³. The two systems are packaged together on Odyssey EX-L RES EX-L Navi, and Touring models, and provide visual and audible warnings.

North American Development and Manufacturing
The Odyssey represents Honda's robust product development capabilities in North America with its design, engineering and assembly all taking place in the U.S., using domestically and globally sourced parts. Designed in Los Angeles and engineered at Honda R&D America's in Ohio, the Odyssey is manufactured⁴ by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, Inc. Currently, 95 percent of all Hondas sold in Canada are built in North America.

2014 Honda Odyssey Pricing and Transport Canada Data
Model	Transmission	MSRP2	Transport Canada Rated City/Hwy/Combined L/100km1
Odyssey LX	6-Speed Auto	$29,990	10.9 / 7.1 / 9.2
Odyssey SE	6-Speed Auto	$31,990	10.9 / 7.1 / 9.2
Odyssey EX	6-Speed Auto	$34,990	10.9 / 7.1 / 9.2
Odyssey EX w/ RES	6-Speed Auto	$36,490	10.9 / 7.1 / 9.2
Odyssey EX-L w/ RES	6-Speed Auto	$41,990	10.9 / 7.1 / 9.2
Odyssey EX-L w/Navi	6-Speed Auto	$41,990	10.9 / 7.1 / 9.2
Odyssey EX-L Touring	6-Speed Auto	$47,990	10.9 / 7.1 / 9.2

 
Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists) www.hondanews.ca
For consumers: www.honda.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hondacanada
Twitter: @hondacanada
YouTube: www.youtube.com/hondacanada
¹Based on 2014 Transport mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
²Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
³FCW cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. System operation affected by high interior heat. FCW does not include a braking function. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions. LDW only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.
⁴The Odyssey is built using domestically and globally sourced parts.
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd is under license; Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.

SOURCE Honda Canada Inc.

Source;
http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1202659/2014-honda-odyssey-delivers-more-value-to-customers-with-refreshed-styling-enhanced-safety-and-additional-standard-features

UK Top 10: Honda tops most reliable car league table

The Land of the Rising Sun is way out in front of the competition when it comes to building cheap, robust and reliable motors, it seems.

And if you want a vehicle that’s guaranteed to fire-up first time, we’re sad to report, you need to avoid British models like the plague.

For the eighth year in a row, Honda heads the list of the top ten most reliable cars on the road in a table dominated by Japanese companies.

Renowned for its engineering ingenuity, the Tokyo-based manufacturer beat rival Suzuki into second place.
In fact, seven of the top ten spots are occupied by the Japanese – South Korea’s Hyundai is third – with only Ford and Chevrolet breaking the Far East’s dominance.

Rover, which went bust in 2005, is the highest placed British car maker in the reliability stakes – in 24th place.

And if you think forking out for a top end motor will save you money in the long run, think again.
Luxury marques Bentley and Land Rover are the least reliable to drive. Experts looked at 38 car makes by examining warranty claims of 50,000 three- to eight-year-old vehicles.

Honda models were the most reliable and cheapest to fix if they did break down the What Car? and Warranty Direct survey found.

Chas Hallett, editor-in-chief of What Car?, said: ‘Honda’s success is down to low failure rates. Manufacturers at the bottom of the table could learn from their Japanese counterparts.’

Top 10 
1. Honda
2. Suzuki
3. Hyundai
4. Subaru
5. Toyota
6. Lexus
7. Chevrolet
8. Mitsubishi
9. Ford
10. Mazda

Source;
http://metro.co.uk/2013/07/26/top-10-most-reliable-cars-2013-3899163/

2015 Acura NSX Prototype Spied On a Real Racetrack

by  Evan McCausland of www.automobilemag.com

Until now, we’d only laid eyes on various 2015 Acura NSX concepts and prototypes on auto show stands or rolling in virtual reality. But, thanks to these photos, posted this morning to Acura’s social media channels, we have our first look at the 2015 NSX rolling on a road course.

According to Acura’s Twitter feed, this new NSX prototype will perform a public lap of the Mid-Ohio road course track on August 4th, just prior to the Honda Indy 200 IndyCar race.

We’re not sure yet if the 2015 NSX’s setting signifies its forthcoming manufacturing home in Ohio, or is somehow related to the NSX’s future in racing . The first point is officially on the record, and the second possibility is something of a poorly-kept secret. When the initial Acura NSX concept was unveiled at the 2012 Detroit auto show, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito openly suggested the 2015 NSX could spawn a racing variant.

In all likelihood, we suspect the 2015 NSX will be the basis for several racing variants. A release issued by Honda this March focused on the automaker’s partnership with Magnetti Marelli for IndyCar powertrain components, but suggested the relationship would also extend to a Honda entry in the FIA’s World Endurance Challenge — the same series that includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans – and the newly combined American Le Mans / Grand-Am series by 2014. Meanwhile, a user on motorsports forum www.ten-tenths.org posted photos yesterday of what it claims is an NSX racer designed for Japan’s Super GT series.

Both ideas seem to gel with what Steve Eriksen, vice president of Honda Performance Development, told Speed.com in 2012, fresh off the heels of the NSX concept’s debut in Detroit.


“We’re studying the various series and seeing what would make sense,” he said. “There’s certainly regional series that have been traditional NSX venues; Honda has raced in Super GT for years and in the past been NSX-based.

“In America, there’s only a couple of sports car options, but certainly, I think Le Mans is ultimately where it makes great sense to have a car to show its prowess. But I think it all depends on where the regulations go in the future.”

We’ve heard whispers that a formal announcement regarding the 2015 Acura NSX’s future in motorsports is due shortly, so stay tuned to Automobilemag.com for the latest NSX news.


Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/2015-acura-nsx-spied-on-a-real-racetrack-236275.html#photos-hanger

The Honda Jade is the Civic Wagon You’ve Always Wanted (Not for North America)

At the Shanghai Auto Show Honda unveiled a Jade MPV, thinking it was an ugly looking concept (it was snot green, after all) I passed it by. Never judge a book by its appearances apparently as the Honda Jade is now running down Dongfeng-Honda’s production lines, it uses the platform from the Honda Civic as well as the Civic’s drive train, furthermore it has six seats.

The Jade is up against the Mazda 5, another six seater MPV which seats its occupants in rows of three and has sliding doors and is obviously aimed at home users whilst the bigger Honda Oddysey will be aimed at those business users. Pricing hasn’t been announced but it is thought the base model will be from around 150,000RMB and rising, possibly to as high as 220,000RMB for the top spec model. Oddly base models come with a 5 speed auto as used elsewhere in the Honda line up but the top spec models use CVT gearboxes.

As a dad that is currently looking at new seven seat vehicles for a 2014 purchase I cant bring myself to sit in any MPV’s from the likes of Ford or Kia, they all just seem too ‘white collar, mid 30′s, growing a beer belly‘, but this Jade seems like its a mixture of wagon and people hauler, plus its Civic based so it probably drives half decently. Guess I’ll have to give this a real look at early next year!
Pictures from autohome.com.cn

Source;
http://www.chinacartimes.com/2013/07/the-honda-jade-is-the-civic-wagon-youve-always-wanted/

Honda tops nonluxury peers in drivers poll

by Dan Gearino

Honda continues to be in the middle of the pack in a J.D. Power and Associates rating of how gratifying an auto brand is to own and drive.

The brand received a score of 791 out of 1,000 points in the research firm’s annual Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout — APEAL — study. That was slightly below the industry average of 795, but above average among nonluxury brands.

Honda ranked ahead of brands such as Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota.

“Overall, (Honda) really performed better than their competitors,” said Raffi Festekjian, director of automotive research for J.D. Power.

Acura, Honda’s luxury brand, received a score of 811.

This year, J.D. Power changed its formula to reflect the growing importance of on-board electronics. The revision was the first since 2006, and because of it, the firm is urging caution when comparing the results with previous years.

Last year, Honda had 771 points, Acura had 816, and the industry average was 788.

Honda, which makes the Accord, CR-V and Acura TL in central Ohio, tends to perform well in J.D. Power’s ratings of reliability, and less well in this assessment of the driving experience.

The Honda Odyssey, assembled in Alabama, received the highest score in the minivan category. The Accord ranked among the top three in the midsize-car segment. No other Honda or Acura models were listed among the top three in a category.

“We’re very pleased to see that the improvements we’ve made to core models like Civic and Accord have been appealing to customers,” said Chris Martin, a Honda spokesman.

Luxury brands dominated the ratings. Porsche retained its spot atop the list with the highest score, 884 points. The other leaders, in descending order, were Audi, BMW, Land Rover and Lexus.

The top nonluxury brand overall was Ram, with 817 points. At the bottom was the subcompact Smart brand, with 739.

“Even within the same vehicle segment, consumers are willing to spend substantially more on vehicles that they find attractive, provide the performance and utility they are looking for, and have well-executed interiors,” David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power, said in a statement. “These vehicles also sell more quickly.”

The results are based on survey responses from 83,000 drivers of 2013 model year vehicles.

Source;
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2013/07/24/honda.html

The Honda Portal address changed to www.thestraighth.blogspot.com

Well, out with the old and in with the new;

www.thehondaportal.blogspot.com

Changed to.....

www.thestraighth.blogspot.com

I am expecting some growing pains as I reconnect with readers.

The Honda Portal has to be NO MORE

I have been contacted by Honda to change the sites name, it seems that my site name of;

The Honda Portal

is too close to their website, so out of respect to Honda, I will be changing the address and the name to my site.  I would like to keep 'Honda' out of the actual name of what ever new address I change it to.

I would like to see if any of you have any suggestions.  Please feel free to post any suggestions in the comments section.

I will be posting what the change will be.

The site will still be the same.

Thank you!

Damien

AutoExpress: Honda Jazz/FIT Hybrid 2014 review

We try out a prototype of the new-look Honda Jazz Hybrid. Production Jazz release date spring 2014

Verdict

The Jazz’s new look won’t be to everyone’s taste, but few people will criticise it once behind the wheel. It steers, rides and handles better than ever, and the new dual-clutch box is a big step up from the noisy CVT. The superb claimed economy will make this Hybrid cheap to run, and the interior is bigger than before. Let’s just hope quality gets a boost.

 

Since its launch in 2001, the Honda Jazz hasn’t been changed drastically. But that’s about to change for 2014 with the third-generation Jazz, which benefits from a dramatic new look, an increase in dimensions and the addition to the range of a hybrid version.

We got an exclusive chance to try a prototype of the new Jazz (called the Fit in Japan) months ahead of its official debut. Honda is pinning its hopes largely on the car’s revamped styling, which could prove divisive. It looks better in the flesh than in photos, though, with a wide new front end taken from the FCX Clarity fuel cell car, as well as a set of tall tail-lights.

• Honda Jazz review (current model)

The challenge for the designers was to create styling that looked fresh and provided stronger road presence, but also maintained the previous model’s practicality. The wheelbase has in fact grown by around 50mm, but Honda has yet to reveal the exact figure.

On our drive, we did a few test track laps in the 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with a new dual-clutch box, plus the 1.3 petrol with a CVT. Both engines now come with twin cams for better throttle response, while the suspension has been drastically revised to improve cornering and high-speed stability.

The new Jazz was heavily benchmarked against the current Volkswagen Polo and tested extensively in Germany. On the road, these revisions are immediately obvious. You sit marginally lower than before, and you can feel the car’s improved stability from the off. The Jazz also feels bigger and sturdier than its predecessor, but turns in eagerly with virtually no understeer and plenty of feedback through the wheel.

There’s not much body roll for such a high-sided car, and the tyres grip well in tight corners.

A diesel will be offered in Europe, but as before the hybrid will be the flagship, combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine, electric motor and all-new intelligent dual-clutch box. This generates plenty of power – with 133bhp and 170Nm of torque – and has a claimed economy figure of approximately 85mpg, while sub-90g/km CO2 emissions make it a match for the diesel-powered Ford Fiesta ECOnetic.

The seven-speed box gives quick changes and allows more than adequate acceleration, and as you press on, a surprisingly sporty exhaust note fills the cabin. However, Honda appears to have thrown most of its budget at getting the handling and ride right. This means that, in the prototype at least, interior design and quality have suffered. So while the dash is simple and functional, it’s not in the same class as the Polo’s for materials, trim and build – although Honda claims that things will be much improved by the time the car arrives in the UK next spring.

Key specs

• Price: £18,500 (est)
• Engine: 1.5-litre 4cyl, electric motor
• Power/torque: 133bhp (combined)/170Nm
• Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel-drive

• 0-62mph/top speed: 10.2 seconds/120mph (est)
• Economy/CO2: 85mpg/85g/km (est)
• Equipment: 15-inch alloys, LEDs, dual-zone clim. control, Bluetooth
• On sale: Spring 2014

Source;

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/honda/jazz/65227/honda-jazz-hybrid-2014-review

Motortrend: 2015 Honda Fit First Drive

They say, "When you're on a good thing, stick to it." Honda has followed that formula since launching the first Fit back in 2001. And why not? It's worked wonders for the automaker so far, even if Honda of America took three years to wake up to the car's potential and launch it in the US. Now manufactured at 10 plants in eight countries, the Fit has sold more than 4 million units. The second generation, released in 2007, essentially followed the original's design with bolder headlights and grille, and maintained the car's central fuel tank layout and dimensions. But according to the third generation 2015 Fit's chief engineer, Makoto Konishi, "It's time for a big change. That 'good thing' needs to get better." He rallied his R&D team by urging them to create the "Super Cub" of the car world. The Cub was a 50cc motorcycle launched in 1958 that became the biggest seller ever (60 million in 50 years).  

The New, Polarizing Look
We got a chance to test the all-new Fit at Honda's Takasu Proving Ground in Hokkaido, and the car looks better in the flesh than in photos. The front end is stunningly bolder and adds plenty of street cred. It appears to take design hints from the Clarity fuel-call car, the CR-V, and even the new NSX. Design boss Toshinobu Minami says that in designing the new exterior, he wanted to make a strong connection with a market smitten with smartphones and the Internet, a market fascinated by new gadgets. "We had to give the new model a significantly new face and stronger road presence while maintaining its dimensions," Minami said. The face, especially, had to exude 'new.' That is why Honda opted for a more solid face with an "exciting edge design." said Minami. While the design is certainly fresh and new, it will polarize many potential buyers. We're in the "like it" camp. We drove a pre-production model, but Honda said the new Fit has a slightly longer wheelbase (about 2 inches) but retains almost identical length, height, and width.


Honda offered a few laps in the 1.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with new intelligent dual-clutch drive, the 1.5-liter RS with the six-speed manual transmission, and the 1.3-liter with the new CVT. But before we hit the road, senior handling and ride quality engineer Terumasa Kotada told us Honda benchmarked the Fit on a certain Volkswagen.  "In upping our game, we wanted to make a stronger international competitor, so we benchmarked our Fit on the Polo. The moment you get in the Polo, you notice how low you sit in the car. This instills confidence. And then when you drive the Polo, you notice how low its roll center is and its huge stability levels, instilling even more confidence. To get our desired result, I tested the car extensively on the autobahns in Germany," he said. To give the Fit better road feel, feedback, and stability, Kotada says the car's suspension geometry was redesigned by adding a new H-beam torsion rear suspension setup and a revised front strut. Taking hints from the Polo, toe control and caster angle were revised. The electronic power steering was modified to give the car a more natural steering feel. The end result is really impressive. 

On the road, all of these revisions are more than obvious. Sitting marginally lower in the new Fit, you can feel the car's straight-line stability immediately. And yes, as Kotada says, the car does instil more confidence in the driver. In a strange way, the Honda actually feels bigger and more substantial on the road, and turns in like a charm with almost no understeer and loads of feedback. It rolls less while going into corners, and is more stable at speed, gripping the blacktop while the rear follows neatly and cleanly. Under heavy braking, the Fit resists nosedive as the back end stays absolutely planted. "Rear end stability is just one major result of our Polo-inspired suspension redesign," adds Kotada.

Stingy Hybrid, Speedy RS
Another factor that might increase interest among buyers is the all-new engine range: 1.3-liter gas, 1.5-liter gas, and 1.5-liter hybrid, which all offer twin cams, in comparison to the outgoing model's single cam. Europe is expected to get a diesel as well. Fronting that new engine lineup is the new 1.5-liter, Atkinson cycle, four-cylinder IMA hybrid mated to a new one-motor, intelligent dual-clutch drive combination. Generating 135 hp at 6000 rpm and 125 lb-ft or torque at 5000 rpm, the new hybrid delivers plenty of power with a stratospherically high mileage figure of 85 mpg in Japanese spec, according to Honda. One engineer did admit that in real-world driving situations, that mileage would come down by around 15 percent. The U.S.-spec Fit hybrid should reach at least 55 mpg.

While the new Fit can travel at speeds up to 25 mph on EV-only mode for short stints, the engine integration is seamless and produces performance that clearly outdoes the outgoing model.  Employing a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission, the Fit hybrid accelerates more than adequately, filling the cabin with a sporty exhaust note that has been tuned and silenced -- with sound-absorbing felt -- to delete all human-unfriendly sounds. Honda tells us the new dual-clutch was a direct effort to quell criticism of the car's CVT, which certain quarters said was loud and full of vibration while sapping the car's power. This new transmission is perfectly married to the 1.5-liter and electric motor unit, allowing drivers to grab higher gears instantly and seamlessly through a paddle shift. The 1.3-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder unit generating 98 hp and 88 lb-ft boasts the new twin-cam configuration and a new CVT. "Getting the CVT to interact smoothly and quietly with the engine, generating enough power while keeping fuel consumption down was our biggest challenge," says senior drivetrain engineer Hideki Wakamatsu. The new engine generates extra power between 2000 and 3000 rpm.  The 1.5-liter RS sports version mated to a six-speed manual gearbox delivers on Honda's S2000 and NSX heritage. Perfectly matched to the 1.5-liter's high-revving engine, the manual's short throws and tight gate with a pleasing mechanical precision allow for quick, sure gear changes at all speeds. While the Fit's dash design is simple yet functional, it is not in the same class as the Polo when it comes to interior trim, materials, and quality. When you benchmark a car on another, you expect to see significant improvements in all major areas, upgrades that put the new car in the same class. Honda says we can expect to see further refinements inside the car before it goes on sale in Europe early next year.

In a strange twist, designer Minami commented that he would have liked Honda's announcement of a return to F1 with McLaren to come a year earlier. That way he could have incorporated some McLaren design hints into the Fit. As it is, he seems happy enough, but does admit that some people may find its looks over the top. But once behind the driver's seat, few potential buyers will find the car wanting, especially in the on-road experience. Honda seems to have found its mojo again. It'll be back in Formula 1; a new NSX is coming out soon; a smaller sports car is on the way; a new Accord hybrid will travel more than 800 miles on a tank of gas; and a new Civic Type R will soon challenge the Megane RS for the fastest lap by a front-drive car at the Nurburgring. If anything, this Fit is a reflection of the company's newfound corporate confidence.


Source (with a ton of pic's);
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1307_2015_honda_fit_first_drive/

Honda Brio-based MPV unveiled

Honda has just revealed the sketches of its new mini-MPV (Codename: 2NH) in Indonesia. Known as a ‘low’ MPV or LMPV, the sketch clearly shows a car with a comparatively low-slung roof and an elongated wheelbase. Imagine a Maruti Ertiga with a lower roof and you won’t be too far off the mark.

The styling, however, is far more aggressive. The nose, especially the headlights and the grille, are clearly Brio-like, but the car is sat on a block-like base, put there in an effort to disguise the otherwise odd dimensions. Gaping large inlets are present in the front and rear bumper, the designers have used a kink in the window line to visually reduce the length of the car and big wheel arches have also been used to further accentuate this. The heavily flared wheel arch at the rear, with its central ridgeline, is in fact likely to be the talking point of this car. The sketch also reveals a very interesting ‘floating D pillar’ that hovers above the shoulder line. It however remains to be seen if this feature makes it to production.

Known as Asia’s MPV haven, Indonesia is the home to many MPVs. Toyota’s Innova is produced there, our own Maruti Ertiga is sold in that market and there are a raft of other MPVs on sale there too. Honda’s Low MPV (code: 2NH) will also be produced there first, Indonesia likely to be the launch market. India however will be next.

Details of the interior are sketchy, but the Brio’s dashboard is likely to be carried over. Insiders say there will be plenty of luggage space present even with all three rows being used by passengers.

Where Honda’s mini-MPV is likely to score well too is in the engine department. Unlike Maruti’s Ertiga, that suffers from a bit of turbo lag owing to the small displacement 1248cc diesel engine used, this car will come powered by Honda’s 1500cc 100bhp motor that delivers instant throttle responses and plenty of torque. The 2NH is also likely to use an updated version of the City’s current 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol motor because it is unlikely to be less than four meters long.

With three rows of seats, Honda’s excellent packaging skills, aggressive styling and a strong diesel engine under the hood, Honda’s mini-MPV will surely give the Ertiga a run for its money. Expect to see the car in India first at the Auto Expo in January 2014, with the production version hitting our shores towards the middle of next year.

Source;
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Autos/Latest-News/Honda-Brio-based-MPV-unveiled/Article1-1094847.aspx

2014 Honda FIT/Jazz Production Version Slideshow

Honda wagers on new Fit hybrid variants for United States (and Canada)

by Hans Greimel of www.autonews.com

TAKASU, Japan -- Honda Motor Co. plans to bring hybrid variants of its Fit subcompact to the United States with the car's redesign, as the Japanese automaker wagers that its new hybrid drivetrain will challenge Toyota Motor Corp.'s dominance in the field.

The third generation of the Fit hatchback, one of Honda's best-selling global nameplates, will hit U.S. showrooms by next summer and will go on sale in Japan in September. The U.S. version also will be the first Fit manufactured in North America.

Key to the revamp, which introduces Honda's new design language with a new interior and boldly creased sheet metal, is a newly developed one-motor gasoline-electric drivetrain.

While the United States is not expected to get the hybrid version of the standard Fit five-door, hybrid versions of a Fit-based small crossover and sedan are planned for the United States. Those vehicles are expected to arrive as early as next year.

The new hybrid system, dubbed Sport Hybrid Intelligent-Dual Clutch Drive, greatly boosts fuel economy over the current integrated motor assist system. Honda has been using the outgoing integrated motor assist system for years in such cars as the Insight.

The new Fit is a Honda milestone for several reasons. It showcases Honda's attempt to rejuvenate its styling. And the car is the first product of a revamped global product development strategy that aims to better tailor vehicles to local markets and regional manufacturing abilities.

Finally, the hybrid version pumps up Honda's competiveness in the small hybrid segment. Cars such as the Insight and CR-Z hybrids have failed to gain traction in the United States, even while rival offerings such as Toyota's Prius C successfully carved out a niche. Sales of the Prius C subcompact climbed 27 percent to 20,575 units through June.

Going local
The U.S. version of the standard Fit and its crossover variant will be sourced from Honda's new assembly plant in Celaya, Mexico. That factory goes online in spring 2014. Honda expects the plant to produce 200,000 Fits and Fit crossovers for the North America annually.

Globally, the gasoline-powered Fit will be offered with a 1.3-liter port-injection or 1.5-liter direct-injection version of Honda's new Earth Dreams engine, combined with the company's new Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission. The United States is expected to get only the bigger powerplant. Both engines will be offered with a manual transmission in some markets.

The hybrid gets a 1.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle engine with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Electric power comes from a 22-kilowatt electric motor and lithium ion battery.

The gasoline-powered Fit sold just 25,541 units in the first six months of 2013, up 5 percent from the year before.

And Honda's U.S. hybrids tallied a paltry 9,011 units sold through June, down from 10,712 vehicles in the same period of 2012.

Targeting Toyota
The new hybrid Fit hatchback achieves fuel economy of 36.4 kilometers per liter, or 86 mpg, under Japan's testing regime. That marks a 30 percent improvement over the hybrid version of the current Fit, which sells big in Japan but never made it to North America.

Those fuel economy figures don't translate directly into U.S. EPA ratings because the testing cycle differs in Japan.

But the Fit's Japanese rating edges the 35.4 kilometers per liter, or 83 mpg, rating for the Prius C here. The Prius C, known as the Aqua in Japan, was this country's second-best selling car for the first half of 2013, trailing only the standard Toyota Prius hatchback.

The new Fit has not yet received an EPA fuel economy rating. But fuel savings from Honda's new small-hybrid system are big enough to warrant its U.S. introduction, Jiro Yamaguchi, managing officer in charge of global vehicle development, said at a recent test drive event for the Fit five-door at Honda's Hokkaido proving ground in northern Japan.

"I was not that confident with the previous model, but this model would absolutely sell well in America," Yamaguchi said.

Launch timing has not been decided. But Yamaguchi said hybrid variants likely will be introduced around the time that the standard gasoline version goes on the market, by next summer.

Hybrid, take 2
U.S. pricing hasn't been announced. But Honda reckons the premium charged for the hybrid has to be within a 10 percent increase over the standard gasoline-powered version, Yamaguchi said.

Unlike Honda's integrated motor assist hybrid system, in which the motor only assists the engine, the new hybrid drivetrain allows extensive quiet driving in electric-only mode, like an electric vehicle.

The hybrid Fit can drive for 1.9 miles at speeds up to 31 mph in electric-only mode. The engine kicks in for blended driving when the car reaches a certain speed or the driver punches the gas for a burst of acceleration. For highway cruising, the electric motor shuts off to let the engine work.

While popular in Japan, Honda's integrated motor assist hybrid system was derided in the United States for being too underpowered and not delivering significant-enough fuel economy gains. Honda's new hybrid blueprint boosts power and efficiency.

"They tried the low-cost, lower-fuel economy strategy and they feel like it was a failure outside of Japan," said Kurt Sanger, an auto analyst with Deutsche Securities Japan. "The question is whether they can do it at a decent profit level, and the first generation of this technology is never really about that."

U.S. sales of the Honda Fit
*Through June

Exciting H
The new Fit also is the first car to showcase Honda's new design language, dubbed Exciting H Design. President Takanobu Ito promoted Toshinobu Minami as global exterior design chief and Yoshinori Asahi as his interior counterpart in late 2011 with orders to jazz up Honda's ho-hum looks.

Outside, the car gets a more aggressive stance than today's egg-shaped Fit. Side panels are dramatically creased and the tail is more tapered for a sleeker look.

The LED taillights wrap around the rear hatch in a double parentheses pattern that increases visibility while creating a more distinct nighttime signature. The grille gets what Minami calls the "solid wing face." The headlights meld into the grille for a shallow V-shaped sweep across the nose.

"We wanted a more emotional contrast in the design," Minami said. "The character line captures the contrast of a round shape being pierced. The back end is sportier, the hood more pronounced. The interior isn't plasticky at all."

Honda did not disclose exact dimensions of the next Fit. But it the overall length and wheelbase grow slightly less than an inch, while the height and width remain the same. The next generation also sheds weight, but engineers wouldn't say how much.

Civic lessons
But the greatest leaps from the current car occur inside.

Still stinging from scathing reviews of the redesigned Civic's plasticky interior, interior design chief Asahi set out to upgrade the feel on the Fit with better materials, a simplified layout and a striking new high-tech center stack.

When the car is turned off, the center stack interface appears as an inanimate sheet of black glass. But it lights to life when the car is engaged, presenting electrostatic-control buttons for everything from heating and cooling to navigation and audio.

The large touch screen, which sprawls down the console, works on the same principle as a smartphone, Asahi said.

Asahi said he wanted to tone down the interior so it was less busy and more upscale. Stylists agonized over the leather grain paneling, a more refined small-print motif for the upholstery, silver-colored trim and the switch from cheaper circular swivel nozzles on the air vents to higher grade horizontal ones.
Looming in their memories: Lessons from the Civic.

"We aren't going to take the attitude, 'This is our cost, so make an interior that matches it,'" Asahi said. "My job is set high targets and achieve them with low-cost technologies. If you don't do this, design quality deteriorates. I think that was the problem with Civic."

Ranking the subcompacts

Subcompact leaders
U.S. sales through June
Nameplate
Nissan Versa	63,761
Kia Soul	63,031
Chevrolet Sonic	44,905
Ford Fiesta	38,164
Hyundai Accent	29,459
Honda Fit	25,541
Source: Automotive News Data Center

Source;
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130718/OEM04/130719845/honda-wagers-on-new-fit-hybrid-variants-for-united-states#