New Honda NSX Eco Concept on the Cards for Production in 2013

After years of delays, concepts and U-turns, Honda is adamant it really is replacing the original NSX – the chief executive even confirmed it would be launched within three years.
The new NSX has a big name to live up to – during the 80s, the original had an enormous impact on the supercar world, offering a stable and easy-to-handle car compared to the upper ranks of the sports car market. You could even argue that today’s Audi R8 and Ferrari 458 Italia wouldn’t be so road stable if the Honda NSX hadn’t been born.

2013NSX

The 2013 NSX focuses just as much on high-tech as the original – NSX then and still does stand for New Sports Experimental and Honda is equipping its new version with a hybrid powertrain.
In the next few years, the big boys at McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini are all in the hunt for building the most competitive part-electrified (hybrid) sports cars. Of course, now you can add giant killers Honda to the list.
The new NSX will feature its mid-engined application of its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, meaning the NSX will be 4WD, although the accurate workings of the petrol/electric motors on the production car have yet to be finalised. Honda will use one of its petrol engines from elsewhere in its global range, which leads to either their 3.0 or 3.5-litre petrol engine with direct injection to provide the motive power.

New Batteries

Although the European hybrid road car range use nickel metal hydride batteries, Honda will likely use lithium-ion batteries, as they bought into a Japanese specialist in lithium ion technology.
The hybrid setup consists of mid-mounted V6, sending power to the rear wheels and is augmented by an electric motor. The SH-AWD integrates one electric motor with a dual-clutch transmission. Two more motors can send negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering for improved handling. Honda claims the new AWD system will offer super car acceleration whilst providing improved efficiency. Honda haven’t as yet disclosed how much horsepower its engine and three electric motors will produce, but I’m guessing it’ll be 450+.

When can we drive this Eco Beast?

So when will the all-new NSX be hitting the streets? Well, this is no longer a pie-in-the-sky concept, and Honda has confirmed the NSX is now a live project – they will want to regain their reputation for cutting-edge engineering after the demise (in Europe) of the S2000, and Type R models. Car Sales for this Honda have been predicted to hit an all-time high when this super electric model hits the streets in an estimated late 2013.

Source;
http://www.greenerideal.com/vehicles/1204-honda-nsx-eco-concept/

Honda expects to be net exporter from North America within two years

DETROIT (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co (7267.T: Quote), maker of the best-selling Civic compact car, expects that within two years it will export more cars and light trucks built at its seven North America plants than it imports from Japan and that those factories will take on a larger role in global product development.


The Japanese automaker said in a statement on Wednesday that at the same time, operations in North America would assume a "larger responsibility for the introduction of global automobiles sold in multiple countries."

Honda began exporting vehicles from the United States in 1987. The company said it expects those exports to reach about 100,000 Honda and Acura vehicles this year.

Over the last two years, Honda has poured more than $2.2 billion into its North American operations. Its production capacity in the region will increase 18 percent to 1.92 million vehicles annually by 2014.

Due to the additional production capacity, annual exports of Honda and Acura vehicles are expected to "far surpass" Honda's export record of 105,511 set in 1994, the company said.

(Reporting By Deepa Seetharaman)

Source;
http://ca.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idCABRE8B502620121206

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Los Angeles 2012: Honda Prices 2014 Accord Plug-In at $40,570, Promises 115 MPGe

2013 Honda Accord is already on sale, and it’s spawning not one, but two hybrid variants: Honda announced pricing for the 2014 Accord Plug-In at today’s Los Angeles Auto Show, and confirmed that a regular hybrid model will follow next summer.

The Plug-In Hybrid was officially confirmed long ago, and we’ve already driven it, but Honda announced that the Accord PHEV will go on sale in just a few short weeks. Buyers in New York and California will be able to get their hands on an Accord PHEV as of January 15, at a starting price of $40,570, including destination. (A hybrid tax credit hasn’t yet been confirmed.)

For that price, buyers get an Accord with slightly different exterior design (for better aerodynamics), all of the Accord Touring creature comforts and features (including forward collision and lane departure warnings, as well as a rear-facing LaneWatch camera) and get up to 115 MPGe, according to the EPA. The Accord PHEV’s EV-only range is 13 miles, at which point its gasoline engine kicks in (overall fuel economy is 47 mpg city, 46 mpg highway, 46 mpg combined). While the range is a bit shorter than extended-range electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt, the upshot is that drivers can recharge their Accord plug-ins in less than one hour with a 240-volt charger or three hours using a 120-volt outlet. The Accord PHEV also qualifies for California’s vaunted “Access OK” carpool-lane-exemption stickers, which allow single commuters to use HOV lanes.

If the Plug-In is a bit much for you, Honda promises another, less expensive hybrid. The 2013 Honda Accord Hybrid will look a bit more like the Honda Accords with conventional gas engines, but get 49 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, 47 mpg combined thanks to its next-generation, two-motor Hybrid system that should deliver better performance and economy than the current Integrated Motor Assist unit. Those numbers are almost completely in line with those of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which promises 47 mpg in the city, on the highway, and in combined driving.

The Accord Hybrid will bow some time in summer 2013, but should be available at all Honda dealers (as opposed to the PHEV’s slow rollout to major markets). Pricing for the Hybrid isn’t yet available.

Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/los-angeles-2012-honda-prices-2014-accord-plug-in-at-40570-promises-115-mpge-188599.html#axzz2DvInrsxH

Honda Brio Amaze with Modulo add-ons (Not for North America)

Last week we brought you pics and details of the Honda Brio Amaze from the Thai Motor Expo, now let’s take a look at the accessories on offer by Honda Thailand – Modulo enhancements for the Brio sedan.

A dark coloured showcar isn’t the best to showcase the add-ons but we’ll walk you through the changes. The Modulo bodykit consists of front and rear bumper extensions, side skirts, a “ducktail” bootlid spoiler and a unique front grille. You might also spot door visors, fog lamps and a tailpipe finisher.

It’s hard to not notice the changes in the cabin, headed by a carbon-fibre style dashboard panel. The shiny piece of plastic holds a touch-screen head unit with navi and reverse camera display. The sporty tone is also carried by the gear knob and metal pedals. Oh, and the side sills have ‘Amaze’ logos with LED illumination.

Click here for full details and pics of the standard Brio Amaze, Thailand’s latest eco car.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2012/12/03/gallery-honda-brio-amaze-with-modulo-add-ons/

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