Happy New Year from The Straight H (The Honda Portal)!!!!

Wishing you all the best for 2015, be safe!

Euro-spec 2014 Honda CR-V gets new diesel engine and gearbox

by Bala Subramaniam N  |  Jaipur of www.business-standard.com

Honda has released details about the 2014 Honda CR-V for Europe that includes a new powerful 1.6-litre diesel engine and new 9-speed automatic transmission. The exterior of the new Honda CR-V features new headlamps, front grille, fog lights, skid-plate and bumper, new LED combination lamps, a refreshed tailgate design and bumper. The more powerful 1.6-litre i-DTEC four-cylinder diesel engine replaces the old 2.2.-litre diesel engine and produces 160 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard while a new nine-speed automatic transmission is offered as an option with four-wheel drive model.

The new 1.6-litre i-DTEC four-cylinder diesel engine is from Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series and delivers a class-leading sub 130 g/km of CO2, 11% better than its predecessor. The two-wheel drive diesel CR-V, available with a manual transmission, will be equipped with the 120 PS 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine, with emissions as low as 117 g/km.

Now, whether Honda will bring the new CR-V with the 1.6-litre diesel engine is the question. We all wish it does. Honda CR-V in India continues to be powered by 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol engines for 2WD and 4WD versions respectively. And bringing in the diesel engine will surely provide a wider range of audience to appeal to.

Source;
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cd/euro-spec-2014-honda-cr-v-gets-new-diesel-engine-and-gearbox-will-it-come-to-india-114123000680_1.html

2016 Toyota Tacoma front fascia revealed

Debuts next month

The teaser images are coming in fast and furious as the fourth set of the day has revealed the face of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.

Set to be unveiled on January 12th, the redesigned truck has a trapezoidal grille and LED-infused headlights. We can also see a sculpted hood, chrome trim and extended fender flares.

Previous teaser images have shown the model will also have vertical taillights, a body-color rear bumper and a distinctively shaped tailgate with "Tacoma" lettering.

Toyota has been coy on specifications but they have promised the model will "once again set the benchmark for midsize pickup performance." The company also said the Tacoma will have "new, rugged tech" which will give it more off-road prowess than ever before.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/114121786058/2016-toyota-tacoma-front-fascia-revealed

Acura NSX Production Teaser Video

Autos.ca: Comparison Test: 2015 Honda Fit vs 2015 Nissan Versa Note

by Dan Heyman of www.autos.ca

"The Versa’s perfectly acceptable for the segment. The Fit is so good I don’t understand why all manufacturers don’t immediately ninja-raid Honda’s corporate HQ and steal the blueprints."

I won't spoil who won this battle, a really good read, follow this link for the artical;
http://www.autos.ca/car-comparisons/comparison-test-2015-honda-fit-vs-2015-nissan-versa-note/?all=1

Honda FCV Concept to Make North American Debut at 2015 North American International Auto Show

Dec 17, 2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.

• Honda FCV Concept demonstrates the exterior and interior styling evolution of the next-generation zero emissions Honda fuel-cell vehicle
• Next-generation Honda FCV is intended to provide significant gains in packaging, interior space, cost reduction and real-world performance, including an anticipated driving range in excess of 300-miles

The Honda FCV Concept will make its North American debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12. Continuing more than a decade of Honda leadership in the area of fuel cell vehicle (FCV) technology, the Honda FCV Concept showcases the styling evolution of Honda's next fuel-cell vehicle, anticipated to launch in the U.S., following its introduction in Japan, which is scheduled to occur by March 2016.
As the next progression in Honda's dynamic FCV styling, the Honda FCV Concept features a low and wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines. The interior strives to achieve harmony between man and machine by taking advantage of new powertrain packaging efficiencies delivering even greater passenger space than the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, including seating for up to five people.
The Honda FCV Concept made its world debut in Japan on Nov. 17, 2014, followed by an announcement that Honda will provide FirstElement Fuel with $13.8 million in financial assistance to build additional hydrogen refueling stations throughout the state of California in an effort to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles.
Honda Fuel-Cell Vehicle Firsts:
The original FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel-cell vehicle in July 2002. The FCX also was the world's first production fuel-cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in December 2002.
Additional highlights include:

• The Honda FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).


• The FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle leased to an individual customer (July 2005).


• With the FCX Clarity, Honda was the first manufacturer to build and produce a dedicated fuel-cell vehicle on a production line specifically made for fuel-cell vehicles (2008).


• Honda was the first manufacturer to create a fuel-cell vehicle dealer network (2008).

Honda Environmental Leadership
Based on its vision of "Blue Skies for our Children," Honda is taking a portfolio approach to reducing the environmental impact of its products, advancing fuel efficiency, low emissions and fun-to-drive performance with new powertrain technologies from its Earth Dreams Technology™ lineup, which includes more fuel-efficient engines and transmissions and advanced electromotive technologies. Honda's alternative-fuel vehicle lineup includes the Fit EV, Civic Hybrid, the CR-Z sport hybrid coupe and the Accord Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient 5-passenger sedan in America¹, as well as the Accord Plug-In Hybrid and the Civic Natural Gas, the only dedicated natural gas-powered passenger car available from a major automaker in America.
# # #
¹ Based on 2015 EPA mileage. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending driving conditions, how the vehicle is driven and maintained, battery pack age/condition and other factors.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/releases/honda-fcv-concept-to-make-north-american-debut-at-2015-north-american-international-auto-show

Acura NSX Production Model to Make World Debut at 2015 North American International Auto Show

Dec 17, 2014 - TORRANCE, Calif. 

 

The production version of the highly anticipated Acura NSX supercar, successor to the legendary original NSX, will make its world debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12, 2015.

The model will reflect the production design and specifications of the mid-engine Acura supercar that is slated to launch in 2015. To celebrate the impending debut of NSX, Acura released a 30-second teaser video that gives an early glimpse of the production car and the sound of its three-motor, twin-turbocharged Sport Hybrid power unit. View the video on Acura’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/Acura.

"The next-generation NSX will deliver a 'new sports experience' true to its heritage and to the supercar concept that originally gave rise to the name NSX," said Mike Accavitti, Acura division senior vice president and general manager. "The NSX will serve as the ultimate expression of Acura performance that is fueling a reenergized brand."

An Acura NSX concept model made its debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, where Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President & CEO Takanobu Ito announced that development of a next-generation NSX would launch in three years, led by an American R&D team and produced at a state-of-the-art new plant in Ohio.

"After three years of intensive development work we are excited to reveal this next-generation supercar—the Acura NSX—to the world," said Ted Klaus, chief engineer and global project leader over NSX development. "We've developed a human-centered supercar that responds to the will of the driver and that builds upon the NSX heritage."

The next milestone in the launch of the NSX will be the reveal of the production version at the Acura press conference at the North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12 at 11:50 a.m. ET. Watch the press conference live at youtube.com/Acura.

The NSX is being developed by a global team of engineers led by the company's North American R&D operations in Raymond, Ohio, with design led by the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, CA. The Acura NSX will be produced exclusively at the new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Source:
http://www.hondanews.com/releases/acura-nsx-production-model-to-make-world-debut-at-2015-north-american-international-autoshow

Honda ran tests on fatal air bag flaw, frustrated by Takata reticence: sources

By Norihiko Shirouzu


TOKYO (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co 7267.T was so concerned by mounting recalls for Takata 7312.T air bags, and frustrated by its supplier's failure to explain why some have exploded, killing five people with shrapnel, that it bought used and scrapped cars in Japan to conduct its own tests.

Around 21 million vehicles have been recalled globally by automakers since 2008 for defective Takata inflators. Honda alone has recalled about 14 million cars, mostly in the United States, where four of the deaths occurred. The fifth was in Malaysia.

Two senior Honda insiders, who asked not to be named, said the tests on 100-150 Takata air bags at Honda's quality center near Utsunomiya, north of Tokyo, in the first half of this year indicated shortcomings in Takata's manufacturing quality and cast doubt on the competence of a company Honda considered part of its core group of suppliers, or 'keiretsu'.

“We doubted if Takata was producing air bags to the specifications we had mutually agreed on,” one of the insiders said. “When we did not receive a clear analysis of what was happening, we decided to conduct our own tests ... and we found the quality of those inflators to be all over the map in term of key quality metrics.”

Takata denied that Honda tested used air bags because it was dissatisfied with Takata’s explanations and said it had not been told of any quality problems found.

A Takata spokesman said: “If Honda did the kind of quality tests on Takata inflators you’re describing, wouldn’t you assume Honda would communicate with us, to ask us about the quality lapses they supposedly found? As far as we know, and we looked into it extensively, there has been no such communication between us.”

The Honda insiders said the tests did not identify the cause of the defect but led the company to believe manufacturing quality issues could have played a role.

Honda's chief spokesman Kaoru Tanaka confirmed that it conducts component quality tests at times when defects are suspected, but doesn't usually release the results or comment on specific tests.

"What's most important to us is our customer, and to take necessary action as quickly as possible for their safety ... and remove fears and worries felt by the customer as part of the air bag recalls," Tanaka said.


'EXTREMELY SLOPPY'

One of the Honda insiders said inflators from the used cars examined by Honda showed Takata was "extremely sloppy" in making the propellants that ignite to inflate the air bag in a fraction of a second in a collision.

He said the inflators contained varying amounts of the prescribed mix of ammonium nitrate and secondary ingredients, with many going beyond predetermined margins of error, and varying amounts of chemical compounds that strayed from Honda-approved recipes for inflators.

Some propellants that one of the individuals said he saw at the test center showed colorings he attributed to damage from exposure to moisture, a leading theory for the fatal defect.

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito's view on Takata, which supplies roughly a fifth of the world's air bags and whose ties to Honda, its biggest customer, go back more than a quarter of a century, soured around mid-year, after the tests. He felt he wasn't getting enough information from Takata on the cause of the defect, one of the insiders said.

The person said Ito felt "angry" and "betrayed" by Takata, and considered Honda a "victim" in the crisis.

It was not clear whether Ito ordered the tests.

Since the tests, the insiders said he had told people close to him that he had no sympathy for Takata and would not step in to rescue the company if it slipped into financial trouble.


They added that Ito's personal view did not necessarily reflect how Honda as a company might respond.

As the number of recalls has risen steadily, Honda has said it is looking to rival air bag inflator makers Autoliv Inc ALV.N and Daicel Corp 4202.T for replacement parts to carry out the Takata-related fixes.

It wasn't immediately clear if Honda carried out similar random testing in the United States, but 10 automakers involved in the U.S. recall, led by Toyota Motor 7203.T, are expected soon to hire an independent engineering firm to test Takata air bags.

Source;
http://ca.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idCAKBN0JV09820141217?sp=true

JAS releases first image of TCR Honda Civic

J.A.S Motorsport has released a first image of the TCR specification Honda Civic that is set for competition in the new championship next year.

“The price cap and the technical regulations for the new TCR class match perfectly the needs of the Touring Car market and it enables us to extend our offer to Honda customers around the world,” said Alessandro Mariani, Managing Director of JAS.

“The price of the base car and the affordable running costs will allow many drivers and teams to participate in numerous national and regional championships, while the TCR International Series will be a worldwide showcase for more ambitious outfits.”

The car is designed, built and developed by JAS while Honda engine specialists Mugen are building the engine.

Swedish team WestCoast Racing is going to run three Honda Civics in the 2015 TCR championship, formerly named TC3, with drivers yet to be named.

Source;
http://www.touringcartimes.com/2014/12/15/jas-releases-first-image-of-tcr-honda-civic/

Torque News: Exclusive: American Honda responds to Civic Type R rumors

by Parks McCants of www.torquenews.com

Furthermore, any news of a pending product modification, option or introduction of a new car model to U.S. markets prior to an official announcement from Honda Motors should be considered nothing more than a rumor. * He didn't say no.  (So you say there's a chance....?)

Here’s what we know: When we look to new technology in automotive propulsion engineering, supercharging or turbocharging is currently the most fuel efficient and lowest emissions method of producing exceptional mid range torque and high rpm horsepower from a small block engine.

Also, due to higher running temperatures and recirculated exhaust gases, today’s turbocharged engines are on path to low to zero exhaust emissions. Thanks to today’s light alloy engine components and extreme low friction piston to cylinder wall interface, turbocharged high compression race-type engines now approach the life expectancy of a normally aspirated engine.

Also: When we look to gasoline hybrid technology a small turbocharged engine is ideal in reducing exhaust emissions while producing high torque in tandem with today’s electric motor integrated CVT driven sport-sedans and eventual high efficiency light trucks.

Check out the rest of the artical here;
http://www.torquenews.com/1574/exclusive-american-honda-responds-civic-type-r-rumors

MotorAuthority: U.S.-Spec Honda Civic To Receive Turbo Four From Global Civic Type R: Report

by of Viknesh Vijayenthiran of www.motorauthority.com

Honda’s Civic hatchback sold overseas is set to spawn a new Type R variant complete with a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine spitting out more than 276 horsepower (we hear the final figure may be closer to 320 hp). Sadly, this model isn’t headed to the U.S. anytime soon but some of its mechanicals may be on their way.

A source close to Honda has revealed to MotoryRacing that a major update is coming for the U.S.-spec Civic, and among the changes will be the availability of the Type R’s engine. Importantly, the source also revealed that engine won’t be dropped into the lame-duck Civic Si, suggesting that a new high-performance variant may be in the offing, perhaps even with Type R badging.

The reveal of the updated is Civic is said to be taking place in the spring, which means we could see it introduced for the 2016 model year.

for the rest of the artical, follow this link;
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1028281_u-s--spec-honda-civic-to-receive-type-rs-turbo-four-report

Car and Driver Spies the 2017 Honda Odyssey?

It still looks like you can see the Acura 'beak' up front.

The existing Honda Odyssey came out in 2011, so expect this new one to come out in late 2016 as a 2017 model.
Speculation of AWD coming?
New 9 Speed transmission?

Check out the link for more pictures and a good write up;
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2017-honda-odyssey-spy-photos-news

Honda’s move to Autoliv signals beginning of rupture with Takata ties?

The third-largest Japanese automaker has been the No. 1 customer for the auto safety parts supplier Takata Corp, but as the airbag auto safety crisis deepens globally, their more than 50-year relationship could strain.

Honda – which has recalled around half of the vehicles involved in the Takata airbag inflator debacle, also has the unfortunate claim over all five reported deaths. And, just as Takata acknowledged it was struggling to increase production of the replacement kits, the automaker also tapped Autoliv to provide the necessary fix for its US models. Besides tapping Stockholm-based Autoliv Inc., Honda also currently negotiates with Japan’s Daicel Corp. on getting even more components – as the carmaker seems ready to reclaim some of its dented reputation. And, just hours after Takata disregarded a deadline set by the US auto safety regulator NHTSA to order a nationwide recall, Honda proceeded to voluntarily embark on the asked expansion that targets driver-side airbags.

While not long ago executives from both Honda and Toyota expressed their deep commitment to their long-time partner Takata Corp, the latest moves from Honda show the ties might get tested in the near future. That’s bad news for Takata, with analysts and brokerages predicting the company might need financial support from the carmakers – transferring onto themselves at least a part of the costs of recalling millions of vehicles worldwide.

Source;
http://www.inautonews.com/hondas-move-to-autoliv-signals-beginning-of-rupture-with-takata-ties#.VIHEoGf4Kr8

Japan – Honda N-Box Slash city SUV unveiled

So that's what happened to the Element, it shrunk and went over seas....

Seats can fold to form a bed.

by Nithyanandh K of www.indianautosblog.com

The Honda N-Box Slash (badged as ‘N/’) is the fifth ‘kei’ car from the Japanese carmaker’s home market-specific Honda N series. The N-One debuted in 2012.

The boxy pocket sized SUV is full of retro styling and a tall stance, with a decent space on offer despite its small footprint. Scheduled to be launched in Japan on December 22, the interesting urban runabout is unlikely to travel beyond the borders of Japan since its built as per the country’s popular kei car specifications. The little Honda is available in a variety of exterior colors with dual-tone options (contrast roof) as well.

Inside, a vertical dashboard attempts to offer the passengers as much room as possible while not compromising on features and functionality. The gear lever is mounted on the dashboard and interestingly, Honda has placed a speaker in the centre. Certain components are borrowed from other cars of the N family.

Trimmed in quality materials, the top-end variant gets leather upholstery, multifunction steering wheel and a large multimedia infotainment system. The interior can be specified in five different color themes.

The engine specification are not given out, but Honda conceded that its tiny SUV will be powered by a turbocharged engine which is paired to an automatic transmission with paddle shifters (likely to be a stepped CVT). Being a kei car, the obvious choice of engine would be the N Series’ 660 cc turbocharged three-cylinder powerhouse powering the front or all the four wheels depending on the variant.

Source (with more pictures);
http://indianautosblog.com/2014/12/honda-n-box-slash-160449

Honda debuts new hybrid sedan Grace (not for North America)

This is basically a FIT sedan Hybrid....

Jiji Press

Honda Motor Co. has launched the Grace new hybrid sedan.

It is Honda’s first new model to go on sale in the country for a year as it has been forced to devote resources to repeated recalls of the hybrid version of the Fit subcompact car.

Honda targets monthly sales of 3,000 units for the new vehicle, which is priced between ¥1,950,000 and ¥2,409,800. Hoping to take advantage of robust demand for compact sedans, the company pits the Grace against the Prius, Toyota Motor Corp.’s hybrid mainstay.

The Grace has a fuel economy of 34.4 kilometers per liter, the best of any hybrid sedan. Four-wheel drive versions for regions with snowfalls are available.Speech

Source;
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0001759374

TopGear: Listen to the new McLaren-Honda

Your first taste of 2015’s most anticipated new Formula One car. But who’ll be driving it?

Honda is returning to the Formula One grid to power next year's McLaren MP4-29H/1X1. For anyone who remembers McLaren's late 80s/early 90s form, this is news to get excited about.

For those that don't, a smidge of context. McLaren switched to Honda power for the 1988 Formula One season, using a 1.5-litre turbocharged V6 engine powering the cars of Messrs Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

Were they successful, you might ask? Fuhgeddaboudit. It was almost embarrassing; McLaren won 15 of the 16 races that year, taking the constructors' and drivers' championships with it.

McLaren won both 1989 titles too, with Honda's new 3.5-litre V10. And then again in 1990. And then again in 1991. The partnership with Honda then, was bloody successful.

So, after a dismal few years, McLaren has reenlisted the help of its former Japanese partner for next year. The video above gives you a little taster of what it'll sound like - and we must stress it's a very little taster. And judging from the car's first tests, there's still some work to be done - electrical issues blighted the first test at Abu Dhabi, and it then completed just three laps in total, following a ‘fuel/data exchange issue'. This sounds like quite a big issue.

Nevertheless, McLaren reckons the test was useful, and has all its fingers and toes crossed that come Australia next year, it'll give the Mercs a run for their money.

But with the team still undecided on its driver line-up (though Fernando Alonso is hotly tipped to make up half of it), who'd you like to see behind the wheel of the new McLaren-Honda?

Source;
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/mclaren-honda-formula-one-car-2015-first-video-2014-12-01

2015 Honda Civic Type R goes up for order in the U.K.

Buyers will need a 3000 GBP deposit

Honda has announced plans to begin accepting orders for the highly-anticipated 2015 Civic Type R.

While the company hasn't even shown off the production model, Honda will begin accepting pre-orders in the United Kingdom. In order to reserve your spot, you simply have to head down to your local Honda dealer and place a £3,000 ($4,725 / €3,780) deposit.

The company didn't have much to say about the production model but it will closely echo the Civic Type R concept that debuted at the Paris Motor Show earlier this year. As a result, the car will come equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces more than 280 PS (206 kW) and promises to "deliver unmatched performance compared to any previous Type R car" including the "Integra, Accord and even the NSX."

Source: Honda UK

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/114120185226/2015-honda-civic-type-r-goes-up-for-order-in-the-uk

Honda Sportswagon Concept Photo-Chop

Not sure who did this, but it looks nice from the front, wild back end.  I am guessing that they 'chopped up a BMW for the front end.  Either way, looks good.

Thanks for the find Ray.

Vehicles Affected by the Takata Airbag Recall

AFFECTED VEHICLES (total number if known in parentheses):

Acura: 2002–2003 CL and TL; 2003–2006 MDX; 2005 RL

BMW (627,615): 2000–2005 3-series sedan and wagon; 2000–2006 3-series coupe and convertible; 2001–2006 M3 coupe and convertible

Chrysler (371,309, including Dodge): 2005–2008 Chrysler 300; 2007–2008 Aspen

Dodge/Ram (371,309, including Chrysler): 2003–2008 Dodge Ram 1500; 2005–2008 Ram 2500, Dakota, and Durango; 2006–2008 Ram 3500 and 4500; 2008 Ram 5500

Ford (58,669): 2004 Ranger; 2005–2006 GT; 2005–2007 Mustang

Honda (5,051,364, including Acura): 2001–2007 Accord; 2001–2005 Civic; 2002–2006 CR-V; 2002–2004 Odyssey; 2003–2011 Element; 2003–2007 Pilot; 2006 Ridgeline

Infiniti: 2001–2004 Infiniti I30/I35; 2002–2003 Infiniti QX4; 2003–2005 Infiniti FX35/FX45; 2006 Infiniti M35/M45

Lexus: 2002–2005 SC430

Mazda (64,872): 2003–2007 Mazda 6; 2006–2007 Mazdaspeed 6; 2004–2008 Mazda RX-8; 2004–2005 MPV; 2004 B-series

Mitsubishi (11,985): 2004–2005 Lancer; 2006–2007 Raider

Nissan (717,364, including Infiniti): 2001–2003 Maxima; 2001–2004 Pathfinder; 2002–2006 Nissan Sentra

Pontiac: 2003–2005 Vibe

Saab: 2005 9-2X

Subaru (17,516): 2003–2005 Baja, Legacy, Outback; 2004–2005 Impreza, Impreza WRX, Impreza WRX STI

Toyota (877,000, including Lexus and Pontiac Vibe): 2002–2005 Toyota Corolla and Sequoia; 2003–2005 Matrix, Tundra

Source;
http://blog.caranddriver.com/massive-takata-airbag-recall-everything-you-need-to-know-including-full-list-of-affected-vehicles/

2015 Honda NSX already sold out in UK

By Tim Pollard

Honda has closed the order books for the NSX hybrid sports car - despite the car not even being shown in public.

Dealers have been taking orders for the new 2015 NSX for the past two years, and now have 100 signatures, officials have confirmed to CAR.

That's enough demand for this limited-volume coupe to cap supply for now; it's at least the first year's allocation taken care of.

Honda closes the UK order bank for NSX

The news confirms that there remains plenty of pent-up demand for the NSX hybrid, which has only been shown so far as a hybrid (the pictures in our NSX gallery are of the concept car).

We'll have to wait until Detroit's 2015 North American International Auto Show in January 2015 to see the finished production NSX.

But that hasn't stopped 100 Brits placing £5000 deposits to pick up one of the first cars, expected to land on these shores in 2016.

The Civic Type-R order books open

You might be too late to order an NSX, in the first wave of deliveries at any rate, but you can now slap down a deposit on a Civic Type-R instead.

UK dealers have just opened their order books for the new turbocharged Type-R; place a £3000 deposit today to get one of the first UK cars due in showrooms in August or September 2015.

Next year is shaping up to be a major year for Honda: sales have stagnated in recent years with little new product thanks to the hiatus caused by R&D cuts in the recession, a swingeing yen exchange rate and the tsunami of 2011. Few new models have arrived and the Accord has slipped quietly off sale.

But in 2015, Honda's back with the new Civic Type-R for hot-hatch fans, the NSX production sports car, the new HR-V compact off-roader and the new Jazz. Not to mention an engine supply deal with McLaren to relaunch the brand in F1.

Are the good times about to return to Honda? Let us know in the comments below.

Source;
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/Motoring-issues/Honda-NSX-order-book-closed-already-Civic-Type-Rs-opens/

Star Wars 7 Teaser Trailer

Totally off any automotive topic, but couldn't help but pass this on....

Honda to invest $857 million in Alliston (Ont gov kicks in $85.7M)

Honda Canada’s upgrade at its Alliston plants made the Canadian operation the first ‘global lead plant’ outside Japan. Ontario taxpayers contribute 10 per cent.

By: Rob Ferguson Queen's Park Bureau, Queen’s Park Bureau, Published on Thu Nov 06 2014

ALLISTON, ONT.—Ontario taxpayers are kicking in 10 per cent of the $857 million Honda is investing to upgrade three plants north of Toronto so the company can take the lead in developing the next-generation Civic.

The project — which has not secured any federal investment — will modernize the Civic, CRV sport utility and engine factories to provide “important efficiency gains,” Honda of Canada chief executive Jerry Chenkin said Thursday.

The three-year effort includes worker training and development and partnerships with Ontario colleges and universities and will make Honda’s Alliston operations a “teaching plant” for Honda workers around the world.

Chenkin ‎and Premier Kathleen Wynne acknowledged the province’s “conditional grant” of up to $85.7 million is not buying any new jobs.

“We’re helping to protect 4,000 good jobs,” the premier said after a tour of the massive CRV factory, touting Honda’s investment as a “vote of confidence” in the province.

The announcement comes months after Ford Canada — which got a multi-million injection from Ontario to upgrade its Oakville assembly plant — decided to shift engine production to Mexico instead of Windsor, taking 1,000 jobs south.

Losing auto production to Mexico and the United States has been a problem for Ontario, with the government unsuccessful in recent efforts to land new assembly plants while it tries to shore up existing production.

“We’re always aggressively pursuing others,” Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid told reporters.

Wynne, who fought the spring election campaign in part on her push to “partner” with automakers and other industries on next-generation manufacturing, said teaming with Honda kept the project from goi‎ng to another jurisdiction.

“Not in Ohio, not in Indiana, but right here in Ontario,” she boasted.

Chenkin suggested that the province’s cash infusion helped convince his bosses that the best business case for the investment was in Ontario.

“We have to fight for the business we get in Canada,” he said.

It’s the first time one of the company’s plants outside Japan has been designated as a “global lead plant,” which is a credit to the knowledge and experience of Alliston workers, he added.

While Honda’s project will take three years to complete, the Ontario contribution will be made in stages over five years and is conditional on the automaker meeting investment and job maintenance targets.

Provincial NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said she wanted to make sure there were firm job guarantees attached to the provincial money.

“We think it’s worthwhile to keep auto sector jobs in Ontario, but what we do want to make sure is that there’s value for the investment that taxpayers provide or that the government commits to with these grants,” she said.

“So with $85 million, what is the guarantee around keeping investment here and making sure that we continue to have the same workforce, that the 4,000 have their jobs guaranteed?”

Interim PC Leader Jim Wilson is pleased Honda will be expanding its Alliston plant in his riding, but said the government should not give big grants to a select few companies.

“I’m happy to see the jobs, but my preference would be for the government to get off this slippery slope of picking winners and losers and do the right thing for the economy, and for jobs, and lower (electricity) rates and taxes for all the businesses and let them — without government grants — create the jobs.”

Aside from securing 4,000 jobs at the three plants, the Honda project will bolster 1,500 suppliers who are paid about $2.1 billion a year to provide parts and services, Chenkin said.

It’s been almost 30 years since Honda became the first Japanese automaker to build a manufacturing plant in Ontario, building the Alliston factory in 1986.

Since then, the company has invested $3.9 billion in the province with plants that can produce 390,000 Civics and CRVs annually for the Canadian and North American markets, as well as for export. About 100,000 are sold in Canada.

Honda can also produce 240,000 four-cylinder engines annually in Alliston, where the first vehicles to roll off the line were Civics in 1988. Odyssey minivans were built in the second plant starting in 1998, with the engine factory opening 10 years later.

With files from Dana Flavelle and The Canadian Press

For the rest of the article with a video;
http://www.thestar.com/business/2014/11/06/honda_to_make_major_announcement_in_alliston.html

Honda partners with FirstElement Fuel to build ‘at least 12’ hydrogen stations in California

by Andrew Hard of www.digitaltrends.com

Toyota  has invested millions of dollars into expanding the hydrogen fuel infrastructure in the U.S., but the Japanese brand isn’t alone.

Honda, who just announced its own FCV Concept in Japan, is partnering with FirstElement Fuel to build several hydrogen stations across the state of California.

The automaker has pledged $13.8 million in financial assistance to the Newport Beach-based company, which in combination with state grants, could result in an additional 12 stations popping up across the Golden State.

“FirstElement Fuel is providing a vital piece of what is needed for a successful launch of fuel-cell vehicles,” said Steven Center, VP of Honda’s Environmental Business Development Office. “Through this collaboration, FirstElement will enable our customers to experience hydrogen refueling that is as reliable, convenient and consumer-friendly as the vehicles are.”

Earlier this year, FirstElement received an additional $27 million in grants from the California Energy Commission to construct 19 stations, and the state hopes to have 100 sites built by 2024. If things keep going the way they are, FirstElement could be directly responsible for nearly a third of them. Currently, there are nine public stations in California.

California law requires that 33 percent of all hydrogen produced in the state to come from ‘green’ renewable sources, such as refuse and even human waste. FirstElement expects its fueling stations to become profitable by around 2020.


For the rest of the article;
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/honda-partners-firstelement-fuel-build-least-12-hydrogen-stations-california/

Previously scrapped NSX design

Most of you will remember Honda's love affair with bringing moving forward with another NSX started a few years back and this was a direction that they were going before they scrapped this design for what they are doing now (below)....

Anyway, thought I'd pass it along.

Thanks again for the find Joseph McDaniels!

Next Generation Honda CRZ Speculation

Wouldn't it be nice if Honda abandoned the idea of making this car a Hybrid?  Tossed something like a 2.0L or a 2.4L under the hood and made it real CRX successor?

Only time will tell....

Thanks for the find Joseph McDaniels!

2016 Honda HR-V Video's

All-new 2016 Honda HR-V Crossover Makes North American Debut at 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

2016 Honda HR-V crossover – arriving early next year – delivers dynamic styling, incredibly spacious and versatile cabin and fun, fuel-efficient performance

Nov 19, 2014 - LOS ANGELES 

 

The all-new 2016 Honda HR-V crossover, unveiled today at the 2014 Los Angeles International Auto Show, blends the styling of a coupe, the toughness, space and utility of a SUV and the quality of a Honda in one sporty, personal and versatile multi-dimensional vehicle. The well-equipped HR-V, launching at Honda dealerships nationwide early next year, will enter the fast-growing entry crossover market with dynamic yet refined exterior styling, fun-to-drive performance, class-leading fuel economy ratings and unmatched interior spaciousness and cabin versatility.

Utilizing a new global platform, the all-new Honda HR-V has one of the most spacious and versatile cabins in its class. Utilizing its unique platform design with a center-mounted fuel tank and reconfigurable second-row "Magic Seat," the completely new HR-V has voluminous interior space along with a flexible cabin featuring multiple seating/cargo modes. With 100.1 cu. ft. of passenger volume (LX) and 58.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume with the second row seats down, the HR-V has space to rival some competitors' mid-size SUV offerings.

"The new HR-V crossover is a true segment-busting vehicle, unlike anything else on the market today," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and general manager of the Honda Division. "It's got all the essential elements of our Honda DNA, our packaging innovation, fuel-efficient powertrain technology, leading safety technology and, above all, Honda quality, to make this an incredibly compelling, sporty and value-packed new member of the Honda family."

2016 HR-V Key Packaging Specifications
Wheelbase, in.	102.8
Length, in.	169.1
Width, in.	69.8
Height, in.	63.2
Passenger volume, cu. ft.	100.1 (LX), 96.1 (EX, EX-L)
Cargo volume, cu. ft.	24.3 rear seats up 58.8 rear seats down
Seating capacity	5

The HR-V's dynamic appearance and sporty, solid stance is aided by its coupe-like cabin shape and bold and powerful face, complemented by distinctive side contours, including a sharply upswept character line, deeply sculpted lower body form and the strong horizontal taper of both the front and rear fascia. Concealed rear door handles further enhance its coupe-like appearance.

The HR-V's sporty and sophisticated interior features an expansive, airy cockpit with an abundance of soft-touch materials and premium detailing punctuated by precise bezels, sophisticated stitch lines and upmarket brushed chrome and piano black highlights – all fitting its mission as a youthful yet refined personal crossover vehicle. The three-meter driver's instrument cluster features "floating" illumination rings and Honda's ECO Assist feature, wherein the speedometer illumination changes from white to green depending on the fuel efficiency of the driver's vehicle operation.

Power comes from a highly refined and responsive 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC valvetrain producing a peak 138 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm (both SAE net). The engine is mated to a sporty and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda "G-design" shift logic, or a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission (2WD models only). The HR-V is available in either two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive drivetrain configurations. All-wheel-drive models feature Honda's Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System for outstanding all-weather traction and control. Driving efficiency, handling performance and cabin quietness are further aided by an aerodynamic shape and a lightweight yet rigid body structure with significant noise-insulating materials and design features.

In keeping with Honda's commitment to safety, the HR-V is expected to deliver top-in-class collision safety performance and incorporates Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) front body structure, designed to more efficiently absorb and disperse the energy from a frontal collision. Standard safety and driver-assistive features include four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control; an Expanded View Driver's Mirror; a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, driver and front passenger SmartVent™ side airbags and side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The HR-V is anticipated to earn top collision safety ratings from the NHTSA (5-Star Overall Vehicle Score) and IIHS (Top Safety Pick).

Standard equipment on all HR-V models, available in LX, EX and EX-L trims, include power windows, power mirrors and power door and tailgate locks, electronic parking brake, rearview camera, aluminum-alloy wheels, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phone interface and Pandora radio. Higher trim models can be equipped with premium features including Honda's 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface, Honda LaneWatch™, Smart Entry/Push-Button Start, paddle shifters, SiriusXM® radio, HD Radio™ and Honda Digital Traffic, heated front seats, a power sunroof, embedded navigation and leather trim.

The 2016 Honda HR-V is covered by a comprehensive 3-year/36,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Honda Roadside Assistance, which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance during the 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty term. The HR-V will be manufactured alongside the Fit at Honda's newest North American auto plant, in Celaya, Mexico.

For More Information
Consumer information about all Honda vehicles is available at automobiles.honda.com. To join the Honda community on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/Honda. To keep up with the most current media information about the 2016 Honda HR-V visit hondanews.com/channels/honda-automobiles-hr-v.