Honda US: Build your 2015 Honda FIT the way you want it

Check out the link to see what Honda has cooking on the 2015 Honda FIT;
2015 Honda FIT Configurator

Spyshots: 2015 Honda Civic Facelift First Photos (EU-spec)

The new Civic Typer R is without a doubt a hotly anticipated new car from Honda. However, we've known for quite some time that the Japanese automaker is working on the facelift for the regular Civic, the European hatchback model, not the American model. These are the very first photos of that car, spotted wearing British number plates and a light layer of camouflage.

As you can see, a lot is going on with that front bumper. Large side air intakes with a blade-like bottom edge makes the Civic look a bit like a German performance car, maybe a BMW M. The upper grille also brand new, larger and seemingly inspired by the Type R.

Round the back, Honda is changing the graphics for the high-mounted taillights and adding LED accents. The look of the aero lower bumper is sportier, thanks to a small diffuser. No exhaust pipes are visible, so we're not looking at the Civic Type S, but new engines are possible.

Last year, Honda announced two small small turbo VTEC engines, a 1-liter 3-cylinder and a 1.5-liter four. Downsizing is key to staying competitive in the European market. The existing 1.8-liter VTEC currently offered with the Civic could be replaced by the 1.5 turbo, which should thus deliver a matching output of about 150 hp

As for the 1-liter VTEC turbo, most engines of this type deliver between 90 and 120 hp. We expect Honda's version to be the same, though we can't confirm it's going into the Civic.

Another possible direction for the Civic powertrains is hybrid. Honda is killing off both the Insight 5-door hatch and the CR-Z, leaving the brand without a hybrid. However, because of the low sales volumes it's experiencing, the automaker looks unlikely to invest in such complicated tech.

Back in March 2014, Honda UK said that more than 300 jobs are under threat at their factory in Swindon due to production cuts. "The truth is that there is simply no pick up in the incomes of Honda's customers, either here or in the Eurozone. People are not confident and do not have the cash to spend. That is something which must give the Government serious cause for concern," said Tony Murphy, national officer of the Honda Unite union.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/spyshots-2015-honda-civic-facelift-first-photos-eu-spec-82309.html

What Makes a Honda Is Who Makes a Honda: Sandip's Story

Sandip's passion for figuring out how things work led him to a career in engineering. He loves finding workable solutions and seeing his ideas come to life. Sandip is what makes a Honda.

The Go-Anywhere, Do-Anything 2015 Honda Pilot Adds Even More Value with New Special Edition Trim Level (USA)

06/03/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.

• New-for-2015 Pilot Special Edition (SE) includes styling, technology and convenience upgrades
• Pilot remains the uniquely capable eight-passenger "Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle" and is now available in five feature-rich trim levels

With the new Special Edition (SE) trim level, class-leading fuel efficiency and a go-anywhere, do-anything capability that fits the lifestyles of active families, the 2015 Honda Pilot goes on sale today with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $29,870¹.

Honda's renowned engineering excellence and quality combine to produce a practical and versatile three-row, eight-passenger family SUV with a class-leading EPA highway fuel economy rating² of 25 mpg (2WD models) and towing capacity³ of 4,500 pounds (4WD models). Add a low cost of ownership and five feature-rich trim levels and the 2015 Pilot is the "Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle."

New for 2015, the Pilot Special Edition (SE) is positioned between the EX and EX-L trim levels and includes sporty pewter gray aluminum alloy wheels, special SE badging, a one-touch-open power moonroof with tilt feature, Sirius XM radio and a Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System. Standard features on all 2015 Pilots include remote entry, rearview camera and an integrated Class III trailer hitch.

All 2015 Pilots are powered by a refined and fuel-efficient 250-horsepower⁴ 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™). The engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when climbing or descending steep grades. All trims are available with 2-wheel drive or with Honda's Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel-drive system (VTM-4®) that adds fully automatic 4-wheel-drive capability and features a "lock mode" that can deliver the maximum-possible torque transfer to the rear wheels to aid extraction from extremely low traction or stuck conditions.

The Pilot's powertrain is complemented by a rigid body structure and fully independent suspension – with MacPherson strut front and multi-link with trailing arm rear – that provides the foundation for its responsive handling and comfortable ride. These traits are complemented by chassis geometry producing impressive cornering capability and easy maneuverability in tight parking situations.

The Honda Pilot was designed and engineered at Honda's R&D facilities in California and Ohio, and is built exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama⁵. View, build and price a 2015 Honda Pilot at automobiles.honda.com/pilot.

TRIM	MSRP1	EPA Fuel EconomyRating2 (city/highway/combined)
Pilot LX 2WD	$29,870	18/25/21
Pilot EX 2WD	$32,120	18/25/21
Pilot SE 2WD	$33,120	18/25/21
Pilot EX-L 2WD with RES	$36,970	18/25/21
Pilot EX-L 2WD with Navi	$37,370	18/25/21
Pilot Touring 2WD with RES and Navi	$40,020	18/25/21
Pilot LX 4WD	$31,470	17/24/20
Pilot EX 4WD	$33,720	17/24/20
Pilot SE 4WD	$34,720	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD	$36,970	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD with RES	$38,570	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD with Navi	$38,970	17/24/20
Pilot Touring 4WD with RES and Navi	$41,620	17/24/20

For More Information
Consumer information is available at http://automobiles.honda.com/pilot. To join the Pilot community on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/hondapilot. Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2015 Honda Pilot is available at http://hondanews.com/channels/honda-automobiles-pilot.

¹ MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $830.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
² Based on 2015 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
³ Maximum towing capacity for 4WD models is 4,500 lbs. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended when towing above 3,500 lbs. Maximum towing capacity for 2WD models is 2,000 lbs. Towing requires the addition of the Honda accessory towing kit, trailer harness and hitch ball. Trailer harness is standard on Touring models. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
⁴ 250 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm (SAE net).
⁵ Using domestically and globally sourced parts.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/the-go-anywhere-do-anything-2015-honda-pilot-adds-even-more-value-with-new-special-edition-trim-level

Temple of Vtec Reader danielgr 'Scoops' a new rendering of what the next S2000 (or sub Acura NSX) car could look like

As most of you know by now, rumours abound that the S2000 is being discussed as a vehicle that Honda wants to bring back, there are also rumours that Acura will be getting a sub-NSX vehicle.  The above picture would look like the Acura as I think that Honda would be going roadster (not that you couldn't chop the top off....).

Here is a excerpt from danielgr's post;
"This has already been discussed in other threads, but anyway, since Jeff asked me to get the Mag here you go.

There isn't really much into it, and they are simply saying that it will be:
- a midsize MR (2+2 possible) choice between the Beat (S660) and the NSX (instead of the previously rumored FR setup with a smaller engine),
- powered by the EuroCTR 2.0L Turbo, SH-AWD being a possibility not yet decided.
- priced between 4M and 4.5M JPY
- arriving in second half 2016."

Good find danielgr!
 
Source (with more pictures);
http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-message?message_id=1192351 

Civic Type-R teaser 2014 - The other side of Honda

The Japanese based automaker Honda has released a new teaser video with the upcoming Civic Type R, which will be officially unveiled later on this year.

The 2015 Honda Civic is ending up in our news once again, after being caught on camera by our spy photographers a couple of weeks ago, this time with the help of a new teaser video, which is showing it revving its engine and coming to life from underneath the body of the regular hatchback. The brand new Honda Civic has some big goals which include becoming the fastest front-wheel drive car to ever lap the Nurburgring, stealing the “crown” from the current Seat Leon Cupra or from the Renault Megane 275 Trophy.

In terms of looks, the 2015 Honda Civic Type R will be very similar to the Civic Type R Concept unveiled three months ago, during the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, but it will be getting some enhanced aerodynamics and a full body kit with a large spoiler, with low side skirts and a front splitter. Rumors are saying that this will be taking its power from the new 2.0 liter turbocharged “Earth Dreams” four-cylinder engine, which could produce approximately 280 HP. Chances are we will see the new Civic Type this October, during the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Source;
http://www.inautonews.com/video-2015-honda-civic-type-r-gets-teased#.U43Ll3bb6Eo

2015 Honda Pilot Trim Levels for Canada

As mentioned before, the 2015 Honda Pilot will be a carryover from the 2014 with the exception to adding and subtracting trim levels.... The full model change will take place mid-way through 2015 as a 2016.

2015 Honda Pilot Trim Levels
LX 2WD
LX 4WD
SE 4WD
EX-L RES 4WD (Rear Entertainment System)
TOURING

No official word on what the Special Edition Model will be, considering Honda has dropped 2X trims for 2015;
NO EX
NO EX-L (Leather)

SE Speculation;
In 2008 Honda did the SE trim with Cloth but added a Sunroof and DVD.

Could this mean Honda is going Cloth again but adding a Sunroof and Navi this time?  Only time will tell.

Source;
Honda Canada

Acura TLX GT Race Car Debut Delayed

Acura’s new TLX race car was supposed to make its first public race debut this coming weekend at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, but a technical glitch has eliminated the car from the race.

“Unfortunately, our program suffered a serious setback yesterday afternoon during final testing which immediately ended our chances of making our debut in Detroit as promised,” wrote RealTime Racing, the outfit responsible for taking the TLX to the race track.

The TLX GT car uses a twin-turbocharged version of the V6 engine that is found in the road-going TLX.

Once it is ready to hit the track, the car will compete in the highest class of Pirelli World Challenge racing, which means it will be taking on the Audi R8 LMS, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes SLS, Nissan GTR, Porsche 911 and Ferrari 458.

Source;
http://www.houseofjapan.com/auto-moto/acura-tlx-gt-race-car-debut-delayed