I have a feeling that the US/Canada arm of Honda is going to bring back the SiR badge for this engine, or some type of SiR HFP....
Honda is bent on kicking butt and taking
names with its upcoming new Civic Type R, but since the Japanese hot
hatch is based on the European model and isn't slated to come to the
United States, it's been of little consolation to American enthusiasts.
But if you're one of them, we've got good news for you.
According to Spanish site Motor Y Racing, a US version
of the Civic Type R is in the works. The salient part of the Type R that
would make the oceanic voyage to US showrooms would be the 2.0-liter
turbo four that's said to produce between 276 and 320 horsepower, but we
could expect upgraded suspension, rolling stock and other equipment to
come as part of the package as well.
Just what form it would take
we don't know. Currently American Honda offers the Civic as a coupe or
sedan - not as a hatchback or wagon like it does overseas - so chances
are that it'd be one of these betrunked body-styles that would get the
upgrades. We're hoping for something more than an upgrade of the current
Civic Si.
Competing rumors suggest that Honda could offer that
same engine in a revised version of the CR-Z hybrid hatchback, which has
long been begging for a more potent powerplant. But that's not to say
that Honda couldn't offer both with the new turbo VTEC engine.
Source;
http://www.houseofjapan.com/auto-moto/us-honda-civic-to-get-type-r-engine
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Monday, February 23, 2015
Honda CEO Ito to step down in unexpected move
by Chang-Ran Kim
TOKYO — Reuters
Honda Motor Co Chief Executive Takanobu
Ito will step down in late June after six years in the top post and be
succeeded by Managing Officer Takahiro Hachigo, a low-profile engineer
with global experience, the company said in a surprise announcement on
Monday.
Japan’s No.3 auto maker has hit
a rough patch over the past year with quality problems that have led to
multiple recalls of its popular Fit hybrid subcompact, which Ito
conceded earlier this month could have been caused at least in part by
an aggressive sales target.
Such self-inflicted setbacks had been
compounded by multimillion-vehicle recalls to replace air bag inflators
made by top supplier Takata Corp that have so far been linked to six
deaths, all in Honda cars.
For the past
three years, Ito, 61, a feisty former supercar engineer, has shaken up
Honda’s decades-old, tightly-knit supply chain as the auto maker sought
to trim costs and find more cutting-edge technologies. That has
predictably rankled local suppliers, and some retired Honda executives
manoeuvred to have Ito removed, sources have told Reuters.
“I
think this move is an attempt by Honda to tread a different course,
with someone who upholds harmony,” said Takaki Nakanishi, a veteran auto
analyst and CEO of Nakanishi Research Institute.
A
former senior Honda official said he was surprised by Monday’s
announcement. Hachigo had been widely expected to join Honda’s board,
but “like many inside Honda, I’d thought Ito was ready to continue as
CEO at least for another term.”
The former official said he thought Ito’s resignation was his own decision.
Hachigo,
who worked on the popular U.S. Odyssey minivan and CR-V crossover,
would skip several ranks to become CEO after Honda’s annual
shareholders’ meeting in late June. He joined the company in 1982 with a
career spanning several countries including the United States, Britain
and China. He is currently Vice President of Honda’s R&D arm in
China.
Ito, 61, became CEO in 2009 as
the auto industry was licking its wounds from a crushing global
financial crisis. The ensuing years were no easier, as a disappointing
launch of the Civic model caused many to question whether Honda had lost
its edge. Natural disasters in Japan and Thailand also hit production
and profits hard.
Ito will remain on the board and become an adviser to Honda.
Source;
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Can you keep up with Honda's new TV advert?
Honda will launch their latest TV campaign tonight, challenging viewers to echo the brand's thirst for relentless improvement by pushing themselves to new limits.
Honda believes that by pushing themselves, everyone can surpass their own perceived limits. This philosophy is the foundation behind the brand, and has been fundamental in the development of Honda's new range of products and continuing innovations: Honda is committed to finding out what its products are capable of by continually pushing its vehicles and technology to the limit.
During 2015 Honda will launch several new products, each developed with this very spirit. Featured in the advert alongside ASIMO and Honda Jet are the new Honda Jazz, HR-V, Civic Type R and NSX, offering a glimpse into the exciting range of models set to join the marque's fleet.
Rather than just telling the story of Honda's pioneering spirit and commitment to progress, the campaign challenges viewers' reading speed, allowing them to feel the joy of improvement for themselves. A manifesto is delivered one word at a time, with the pace increasing throughout the film, intercut with glimpses of the new Honda fleet, which are all born from the company's challenging spirit.
A TV spot directed by Man Vs Machine, which will air on Sky Sports on tonight during the UEFA Europa League match between Liverpool vs Beşiktaş, invites viewers to "keep up" with a message on screen, becoming increasingly difficult as the pace of the words increases to a crescendo. At approximately 500 words per minute, the fast-paced message proves that everyone is capable of achieving more than they initially thought. The energetic soundtrack, composed by Wah Wah with sound design by Factory, was created to further encourage the viewer to keep up.
Viewers are challenged to push themselves even further online through shorter - and even faster - executions of the film, and in cinemas, custom film-themed ads will run in partnership with Pearl & Dean.
Martin Moll, Honda Motor Europe Head of Marketing said "Since day one, Honda has been fuelled by a relentless desire for improvement and constant drive for innovation. This year is a special one, with the launch of several key new products. With this campaign, we wanted to bring this to life in a way that our consumers could really engage with, by experiencing the feeling for themselves."
Olivia Dunn, Honda UK, Head of Marketing commented "Normal speech is on average 120 words per minute, viewers will need to read at speeds up to 1000 words per minute in our faster shorter online films, which is definitely going to be a challenge whilst at the same time being fun. These films echo the Honda ethos in all areas of business: challenging and pushing boundaries whilst being fun - the elements required to design and build the exciting new Honda product line-up for 2015."
Scott Dungate, Creative Director at W+K London says "When you push and push yourself and reach a new level, it feels good. We wanted to give people that same feeling when they read our manifesto about Honda's relentless improvement. So we challenged them to 'keep up.' "
Source;
http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Honda-s-new-TV-advert/story-26052172-detail/story.html
A 14-year-old hacker caught the auto industry by surprise
This was only a matter of time....
by Pete Bigelow of www.autoblog.com
A 14-year-old boy may have forever changed the way the auto industry views cyber security.
He was part of a group of high-school and college students that joined professional engineers, policy-makers and white-hat security experts for a five-day camp last July that addressed car-hacking threats.
"This kid was 14, and he looked like he was 10," said Dr. Andrew Brown Jr., vice president and chief technologist at Delphi Automotive.
With some help from the assembled experts, he was supposed to attempt a remote infiltration of a car, a process that some of the nation's top security experts say can take weeks or months of intricate planning. The student, though, eschewed any guidance. One night, he went to Radio Shack, spent $15 on parts and stayed up late into the night building his own circuit board.
The next morning, he used his homemade device to hack into the car of a major automaker.Camp leaders and automaker representatives were dumbfounded. "They said, 'There's no way he should be able to do that,'" Brown said Tuesday, recounting the previously undisclosed incident at a seminar on the industry's readiness to handle cyber threats. "It was mind-blowing."
Windshield wipers turned on and off. Doors locked and unlocked. The remote start feature engaged. The student even got the car's lights to flash on and off, set to the beat from songs on his iPhone. Though they wouldn't divulge the student's name or the brand of the affected car, representatives from both Delphi and Battelle, the nonprofit that ran the CyberAuto Challenge event, confirmed the details.
If car makers weren't taking cyber threats seriously before the demonstration, they were afterward.
For the rest of the article, folllow this link;
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/02/18/14-year-old-hacker-caught-industry-by-surprise-featured/
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One Student's Exploits Showed Executives How Vulnerable Their Cars Are |
A 14-year-old boy may have forever changed the way the auto industry views cyber security.
He was part of a group of high-school and college students that joined professional engineers, policy-makers and white-hat security experts for a five-day camp last July that addressed car-hacking threats.
"This kid was 14, and he looked like he was 10," said Dr. Andrew Brown Jr., vice president and chief technologist at Delphi Automotive.
With some help from the assembled experts, he was supposed to attempt a remote infiltration of a car, a process that some of the nation's top security experts say can take weeks or months of intricate planning. The student, though, eschewed any guidance. One night, he went to Radio Shack, spent $15 on parts and stayed up late into the night building his own circuit board.
The next morning, he used his homemade device to hack into the car of a major automaker.Camp leaders and automaker representatives were dumbfounded. "They said, 'There's no way he should be able to do that,'" Brown said Tuesday, recounting the previously undisclosed incident at a seminar on the industry's readiness to handle cyber threats. "It was mind-blowing."
Windshield wipers turned on and off. Doors locked and unlocked. The remote start feature engaged. The student even got the car's lights to flash on and off, set to the beat from songs on his iPhone. Though they wouldn't divulge the student's name or the brand of the affected car, representatives from both Delphi and Battelle, the nonprofit that ran the CyberAuto Challenge event, confirmed the details.
If car makers weren't taking cyber threats seriously before the demonstration, they were afterward.
For the rest of the article, folllow this link;
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/02/18/14-year-old-hacker-caught-industry-by-surprise-featured/
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Honda's New Hybrid Minivan Stores Li-ion Battery in Center Console (Not for North America)
The latest model of the "Jade" hybrid minivan, which Honda Motor Co Ltd released Feb 13, 2015, in Japan, is the company's first vehicle that has a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery in its center console.
Toyota Motor Corp's "Estima Hybrid" and "PriusΑ" hybrid minivans have Li-ion batteries in their center consoles. But Honda has thus far placed batteries near the trunks of its vehicles in most cases.
Honda moved the position of the battery forward to improve the comport of the seats in the third row. The company considered placing the battery under the seats but concluded that it would narrow the space between the seats and the ceiling and worsen the comfort. Therefore, the company decided to place the IPU (intelligent power unit) including the Li-ion battery between the driver's and front passenger's seats.
The hydrid system and the components of the IPU of the new model are almost the same as those of "Vezel." In the IPU, there are a cooling fan, inverter (PDU in the picture), junction board, DC-DC converter, ECU (electronic control unit) and Li-ion battery in this order from the front.
To install a cup holder on the front side, Honda arranged the inverter, which is low in height, near the front side of the IPU, covered the area surrounding the IPU with a steel plate with ribs and adjusted the flow of cooling air so that hot air does not go to passengers.
To cool the battery and inverter, air is sucked from the back of the center console, and it flows into the gaps between the battery cells from the cooling duct on a side of the battery unit (from the front side to the back side in the picture). The air that has flowed into the battery unit cools the inverter, etc and is exhausted by the fan. Air is gradually exhausted into the interior of the vehicle by using a long duct that reaches to the area below the second-row seats so that the air does not hit passengers.
The lithium-ion battery is a product of Toshiba Corp. As in the case of Vezel and Fit, it uses 48 cells.
Source;
Honda Trademarks ‘CDX’ Nameplate
![]() |
| Acura SUV-X Concept, believed to be based on the Honda HR-V. |
Filed on February 11 with the US Patent and trademark office, the trademark covers “automobiles and their structural parts.” The most likely candidate to adopt the CDX nameplate is a small Acura crossover, as it would follow the naming structure of the larger RDX and MDX.
For more info, check out the rest of the article;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/02/honda-trademarks-cdx-nameplate.html
ALL-NEW HONDA HR-V COMBINES DYNAMIC DESIGN WITH CLASS-LEADING SPACE (Europe)
![]() |
| Pana roof, not expected for North America. |
- Characterful coupé looks with the tough stance of an SUV
- Class-leading and versatile interior space with refined sophistication
- Honda Connect infotainment system available as standard on grades above entry level (Sport and Executive)
- Advanced Driver Assist Systems available on grades above entry level (Sport and Executive)
The HR-V portrays a characterful poise, with the distinctive, boldly sculpted lines of a coupé merged with the tough, solid stance of a robust SUV.
Inside, the HR-V offers occupants class-leading space and – thanks to Honda’s innovative Magic Seat ® system – high levels of versatility. High quality soft-touch materials and sophisticated design define the HR-V’s interior, where Honda’s designers married expansive spaciousness with the feel of a sporty, enveloping cockpit.
The new Honda Connect app-based in-car infotainment system is operated through a seven-inch touchscreen display in the centre of the dash, and offers access to internet browsing, real-time news, traffic and weather and music streaming services.
The new HR-V is available at launch with a choice of highly responsive and efficient 120 PS 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel or 130 PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engines, both part of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series.
The Advanced Driver Assist System package, which employs a camera and mid-range radar, incorporates a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies, some of which are new to the crossover segment.
The all-new Honda HR-V will go on sale across Europe in the summer of 2015.
Characterful, bold lines of a coupé with the tough, solid stance of an SUV
The all-new HR-V blends the dynamic personality of a coupé with the tough, solid stance of an SUV, creating a characterful look with emotional appeal.
Its body shape and a rear window line that tapers at the rear result in a dynamic and sporty side profile, complemented by ‘hidden’ rear door handles. A distinctive, sharply cut swage line along the bodyside helps to give the HR-V a purposeful, forward-leaning stance and a sense of movement and agility, even at standstill.
HR-V also evokes a reassuringly robust presence. Deeply sculpted lower body panels convey the toughness, solidity and sure-footedness of larger SUVs, a theme reinforced by the strong horizontal orientation of the front and rear bumpers.
While ensuring the HR-V boasts a distinctive and self-assured identity on the road, its designers also ensured that it bears a clear family lineage. For example, it shares with the new 2015 CR-V the bold ‘flowing wing design’ of the unified front grille and headlamps and the pointed taper of the rear side window line.
At the rear, the HR-V continues with the crisp styling theme. Sharp rear combination lights stretch inboard onto the wide tailgate, into which is cut a single boldly sculpted ‘flowing wing’.
Class-leading interior space with the versatility of an MPV
The all-new HR-V boasts class-leading interior space that is not only voluminous but also incredibly versatile, bringing the virtues of an MPV into the crossover segment for the first time.
The foundation of the HR-V’s spacious and versatile interior is Honda’s global B-segment platform which incorporates innovative packaging solutions. For example, a lower-profile fuel tank mounted under the front seats frees up the underfloor space beneath the rear seats, enabling the platform to accommodate Honda’s innovative Magic Seats ® system.
Each of the 60:40 split Magic Seats ® in the rear can adopt numerous configurations to maximise the versatility of the spacious interior. In ‘Utility’ mode, the rear seat back folds forward as the seat base lowers to create a long, flat floor. In ‘Tall’ mode, the rear seat base is locked in a vertical position to leave space from floor to ceiling. ‘Long’ mode sees front and rear passenger seat backs fold forward to a horizontal position.
Once seated, all occupants benefit from class-leading space with leg-, shoulder- and headroom in the front and rear that would more commonly be found in larger vehicle segments.
The boot, too, offers impressive space, with 453 litres* available with the rear seats in use, and 1026 litres* to the window line with the rear seats folded away. A wide tailgate opening and low loading height means the boot space is easily accessible as well as capacious.
Refined and sophisticated interior design with quality materials, panoramic sunroof and advanced new infotainment system
For occupants, Honda’s designers sought to marry the conflicting themes of spaciousness, reassuring solidity, and the cockpit of a tight, sporty coupé.
The use of high quality soft-touch surfaces, subtly accented with brushed chrome highlights provide a premium ambience, while the dash design combines a solid feel with premium detailing, including a piano-black feature panel that emphasises the sense of sophistication.
Facing the driver is a three-dial instrument binnacle, the surround of each featuring ‘floating’ illumination rings to further the sense of quality. Honda’s ECO Assist function changes the backlight colour of the speedometer from white to green during efficient driving.
The Executive grade also offers owners a one-touch opening tilt and slide panoramic sunroof. A sliding sunshade that opens automatically with the roof and can be closed manually to block sunlight.
At the centre of the dash is a seven-inch Honda Connect touchscreen that is fitted as standard on grades above entry level (Sport and Executive) providing advanced connectivity and infotainment. A five-inch screen is available on the Comfort grade.
Running Android 4.0.4 operating system, the screen employs the familiar intuitive ‘pinch, swipe and tap‘ functionality of a smartphone. Honda Connect gives fast and easy access to internet-based services including web browsing, real-time traffic, news and weather, social media, and internet music stations. Further apps can be installed from the purpose-designed Honda App Centre enabling owners to personalise their connected infotainment experience, and integrated Garmin Navigation is available.
The Honda Connect touchscreen also displays vehicle information – such as trip meter, fuel economy and journey time
In addition, the Honda Connect system syncs with smartphones and other multimedia devices through MirrorLink, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI and USB.
Comprehensive suite of advanced safety features
As with all new Honda vehicles sold in Europe, the HR-V is fitted with a number of premium active and passive safety technologies.
Comprehensive active safety systems combine data from radar sensors and forward and rear facing cameras. Other than the entry-level model, all grades will be fitted with Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System as standard. This suite of safety technologies includes Intelligent Speed Assist, City Brake Active Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition system, and High-beam Support System.
Honda’s City-Brake Active system will be fitted as standard on the HR-V.
In addition to a full suite of front and curtain airbags, Honda's proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure technology provides the foundation for excellent passive safety performance. A network of connected structural elements distributes crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle, reducing the forces transferred to the passenger compartment, enhancing occupant crash protection in frontal collisions. ACE also helps minimise the potential for under-ride or over-ride situations that can happen during head-on or offset frontal impacts with a larger or smaller vehicle.
An engaging drive coupled with efficient performance
Available in Europe with front-wheel drive only, HR-V will be offered with choice of highly responsive and efficient 130 PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol and 120 PS 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engines. Each is available with a refined and smooth six-speed manual transmission, and the 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol can also be married with a smooth CVT automatic.
Both engines are part of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series, which are engineered to deliver responsiveness and high efficiency, and both are Euro 6 compliant.
An all-new 1.5 i-VTEC petrol engine generating 130PS and a 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine generating 120PS will be available in the HR-V. Both engines will be available with a manual transmission, and the new 1.5 litre petrol engine will also be available with a semi-automatic CVT transmission (with paddle-shift on some grades).
The HR-V has been deliberately engineered to deliver a saloon-like driving experience, achieved thanks to its low centre of gravity and its lightweight and highly-rigid body. This rigidity – in great part a result of 27% of the body structure being in high-strength steel – helps deliver reassuring solidity, which in turn leads to a high feeling of security when driving, as well as a lack of body roll. This also delivers exceptional linear driving behaviour, making the HR-V one of the most confidence-inspiring cars in the crossover segment to drive enthusiastically.
The HR-V brings class-leading aerodynamic performance to the crossover segment, benefitting not only fuel efficiency but also interior refinement through low wind noise intrusion. To minimise the intrusion of harsh road noise, HR-V employs a highly efficient acoustic insulation package. Sound absorption to the front and rear inner wheel arches, floor carpet and underfloor cover all contribute a refined and relaxing atmosphere in the cabin.
Notes to editors:
* According to VDA standard
Source;
http://www.hondanews.eu/en/carnewsdetail/?id=4609
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Honda S660/S1000 Spyshots
Picture Source;
http://carview.yahoo.co.jp/news/newmodel/20150214-10218681-carview/
Here is Honda's next Roadster, being tested in what I can only assume is Japan. I like the back end. Rumours are that Honda might look at bringing this over to North America in a more powerful version of the S660 in the form of a S1000, sub S2000 replacement.
http://carview.yahoo.co.jp/news/newmodel/20150214-10218681-carview/
Here is Honda's next Roadster, being tested in what I can only assume is Japan. I like the back end. Rumours are that Honda might look at bringing this over to North America in a more powerful version of the S660 in the form of a S1000, sub S2000 replacement.
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