2015 Honda IndyCar aero kit unveiled

by Marshall Pruett of www.roadandtrack.com

If you were disappointed by Chevy's high-downforce aero kit a few weeks ago, Honda has the cure with what must be the wildest collection of wings and widgets fitted to a modern Indy car.

You'll quickly run out of fingers trying to count all of the wing elements on the front of Honda's road course/short oval ("RC/SO") aero kit, and if it bears a likeness to the front wing packages found on recent Formula 1 cars, there's a reason. Along with Honda Performance Development's designers and engineers, former F1 chassis designer/entrant Nick Wirth and his UK-based Wirth Research penned the majority of the bodywork.

For those who've grown bored with spec cars, HPD VP Steve Eriksen believes aero kits can serve as a gateway to bring some inventiveness back to this once-pioneering form of American motor racing.

"We've had a car that is essentially the same since 2012—all cars the same across the whole grid," he said. "Now you're going to have the visual differences across the cars. I think it will be engaging for the fans, particularly the folks that are really interested in the details. My sense is that it is really about getting back to the roots of IndyCar, where you have development going on as opposed to being spec."

The cost of a complete aero kit, which includes all of the bodywork and wings for both the RC/SO package and the drastically different Speedway kit for the Indy 500, Pocono, and Fontana, can be had for the price of a new Corvette Z06.

"The cost to a team for the initial kits is $75,000 for the aero kit," Eriksen added.

More than 100 pieces comprise Honda's aero kit, and with teams permitted to add and subtract the various bolt-on winglets and other aerodynamic pieces as desired, a driver could practice, qualify, and race with three different configurations. Teammates could try different aero options in the same session, and across the field of 24 Indy cars, keeping track of which components are on or off a car at any given time would require CSI: Indianapolis to conduct a season-long investigation.

Not only has IndyCar unhooked itself from the tethers of spec racing, they've run so far in the opposite direction—at least with aerodynamics—that avid photographers and private investigators would be needed to monitor the major and minor variances being run at any given time.

Rather than force every team to master the same identical chassis and aero, the entrants in IndyCar will need to keep tight control over Pandora's Box.

"I believe the first half of the season, or at least until we get to Indy, teams will be so immersed in what they already have at their fingertips to work with and what they can do with it, that there won't be a lot of time to go through and see what this Honda team has done compared to other Honda teams, or what the Chevys have done and what the Hondas have done," said 2014 Indy 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay, who handled the majority of Honda's aero kit test-driving duties with his Andretti Autosport team.

"Obviously, if another Honda team has a lot of front downforce, we can see that they are adding it by the number of wing elements on their car, but we don't know what they started with. It is a package. It is a whole package. It's their mechanical combined with their aero, and we certainly won't know their aero numbers to try and copy it. I think at the beginning, I really do think that the teams will just have blinders on, looking straight down at the computer trying to figure out what, when, and how they can make their own stuff work better."

We're a week away from having Chevy and Honda together on the same track with their respective aero kits, and even by the end of the two-day Spring Training event at Alabama's Barber Motorsports Park, it's still unlikely either brand will uncork every ounce of potential contained within the cars.

The two have also been working on making more power from their 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6s, and with the extra downforce pushing the cars to the ground, they'll certainly need additional grunt to push through the air. Tune into the season-opening race March 29 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC to see who fires the first successful volley in IndyCar's wild aero frontier.

Source;
http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/news/a25225/2015-honda-indycar-aero-kit-unveiled-and-it-looks-nuts/

Honda PHILIPPINES launches all-new Odyssey minivan

It's always nice to see what Honda has cooking in other markets, some new features (love the 2nd row seats) have a way of making their way over....

by Jason K. Ang

MANILA, Philippines–How do you come up with a successor to one of the best minivans on the planet, regardless of price? If you’re Honda, you make it better.

Honda Cars Philippines unveiled the all-new Odyssey minivan on Tuesday, coming with a premium vehicle that is both more practical, probably more fuel efficient, while at the same time more luxurious.

The Odyssey for the Philippines will no longer be the American version of that nameplate, but the vehicle created for Japanese and Asian markets. As such, it is smaller than the outgoing car, while still providing ample room.

Exterior length is reduced by a considerable 322 millimeters, and width by 191 mm. Wheelbase is 2900 mm, versus the American’s 3000 mm.

Weight is also reduced by about 110 kilograms. The twin sliding door configuration is retained for easy ingress and egress.

The centerpiece of any van is its cabin. Honda says that the Odyssey cabin follows the “Modern Suite Room” concept. Odyssey seats seven in three rows: two for the first row, two in the second-row captain’s chairs and three in the third row.

At the cockpit is a 7-inch touchscreen display audio unit with navigation, and at the back is a 9-inch monitor with HDMI port and DVD player.

Honda says that noise, vibration and harshness are reduced, thanks to more sound absorbing material and thicker glass all around.

The interior promises to be versatile, with a “sizeable amount of load” space even with all seats up. The third row can be folded flat under the floor, allowing the Odyssey to convert to a limousine of sorts, with the captain’s chairs sliding all the way to the back of the van.

Sliding the seats forward allows for more cargo space. The captain’s chairs can also be positioned sideways for more personal space, or to provide a walk-through area. The third row features a three-way split reclining seatback.

Odyssey will be powered by an Earth Dreams Technology-branded 2.4-liter DOHC iVTEC engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission with paddle shifter. The engine produces  172.60 HP and 225 Nm.

The Econ mode button and ambient Eco coaching meter will be standard. An idle stop system automatically shuts down the engine when the van is at a complete stop, while a cold-storage evaporator continues to cool the cabin.

The smart key system allows for a push-button start. Other convenience features are an eight-way power driver’s chair, steering wheel remote switches, automatic climate control, and USB and HDMI ports.

The Odyssey comes with a multiview camera system. With four wide angle cameras on the front grille, door mirrors, and tailgate, the system provides a 360-degree view of the car’s surroundings on the audio monitor.

Blind spot monitor and cross traffic monitor help alert for vehicles that may be in the path of the car. ABS, EBD, stability assist, hill-start assist, active cornering lights, and six airbags round out the safety features.

The smart parking assist can detect and assist with both parallel and perpendicular parking by manipulating the steering wheel. The driver just has to operate the gas and brakes.

Not that a minivan will necessarily look fit to join the “Fast and Furious” movie, but you can still upgrade its looks with a Mugen sport package.

The Mugen package includes a front grille, front lower grille, wing spoiler, door visor and luggage mat, for P91,200.

The Modulo package, comprised of fender garnish, door mirror garnish, license garnish, cargo net and tray, will sell for P21,700 and will be given for free for customers who purchase the Odyssey until March 31.

The new Odyssey will be available in premium twinkle black pearl, white orchid pearl and modern steel metallic (pearl colors will require P20,000 price premium). Mauve pearl, super platinum metallic, carnelian red pearl and crystal black pearl will be available on a by-order basis.

Best of all, the new Odyssey will debut at a price substantially lower than the old model, at P2.298 million.

Source;
http://motioncars.inquirer.net/35302/honda-ph-launches-all-new-odyssey-minivan

Driving.ca: First Look: 2016 Honda HR-V (comparing the HR-V to the CR-V)

Check out this article by David Booth showcasing the all new 2016 Honda HR-V (expected here in May 2015 for Canada), with a really good comparison it's big brother CR-V.  (more pix too!)
http://driving.ca/honda/reviews/road-test/first-look-2016-honda-hr-v

Toyota is killing off the Venza crossover

by Chris Woodyard of  www.usatoday.com

Toyota is killing off one of its mainstream models, the Venza crossover.

While some of the brand's quirkier models with more limited appeal have come and gone, it's a little unusual for a model in a hot segment, one that hits square in terms of customer popularity, to be banished.

The compact crossover will be phased out at the end of summer, says CarsDirect.com. It says one of its editors made the discovery that Venza is a goner.

Venza was introduced in 2008, just as the auto industry was going into a sales tailspin as the recession took hold. While it never sold spectacularly like some other models, Venza has, by and large, held its own.

Reached for comment, Toyota issued a statement that says Toyota will "wind down production" at its factories in Kentucky. "No jobs will be lost" as a result, it adds.

"It's a difficult business decision to wind down production of the Venza, however (Toyota in Kentucky) and its 7,000 team members are excited to begin production of the refreshed Avalon and the Lexus ES sedan later this year. It's the first time Lexus will be produced in the U.S.," the statement says.

Source;
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2015/03/02/toyota-venza-dead/24281639/

HONDA NSX SUPERCAR MAKES EUROPEAN DEBUT (that's right, Honda NSX....)

• All-new model delivers a ground-breaking ‘New Sports eXperience’
• Designed from a clean-sheet with an ‘Interwoven Dynamic’ exterior design and uncompromising focus on driver control, visibility and packaging inside
• New all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain is the most technologically-advanced in the supercar segment
• Innovative multi-material space frame delivers high rigidity and light weight
• Sophisticated dynamic set up allied to advanced technologies deliver unmatched handling, stability and chassis response
• Twenty-five years after the debut of the original, paradigm-shifting NSX supercar, the production version of its highly anticipated successor makes its European debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. 

European customer deliveries of the new mid-engine sports hybrid NSX supercar are due to begin in early 2016. Specifically created to bring a “New Sports eXperience” to the supercar segment, the NSX challenges prevailing beliefs about supercars as much as the first generation did a quarter of a century ago.
The 2015 Honda NSX is powered by an all-new power unit – a twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine coupled to a nine-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three electric motors. This Sport Hybrid technology is housed within an ultra-rigid and lightweight multi-material chassis that features world-first material applications and manufacturing processes. As a ‘human-centred supercar’ that puts the driver first in every aspect of its design, the next-generation NSX will deliver exceptionally intuitive and immediate response to driver inputs thanks to its state-of-the-art hybrid supercar power unit, body and chassis.
As the ultimate representation of Honda performance and prestige, the NSX was developed under the theme of ‘Precision Crafted Performance’. The development of the 2015 Honda NSX started from a clean-sheet and involved nearly three years of intensive development effort by a global design and engineering team led by engineers at Honda’s development centre in Raymond, Ohio.

Interwoven Dynamic design
The exterior of the new Honda NSX represents superlative attention to balancing exotic sports car form and supercar function. The development team refer to the result as ‘Interwoven Dynamic’ design.
The body features classic low and wide proportions, sharply contoured surfaces, an aggressive front design, and tail lights that pay homage to the original NSX.
The signature side intake and floating C-pillar collects air to feed the mid-mounted engine and directs airflow over the rear deck to increase downforce. To accommodate the new longitudinally mounted engine and transmission the production vehicle was lengthened by 79 mm and widened by 25 mm compared with the NSX Concept first shown in 2013, resulting in a slightly more cab-forward package
Every element of the exterior body design has been carefully fashioned for total airflow management, both for stability-enhancing downforce and vehicle systems cooling. The NSX has undergone extensive testing at the company’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Raymond, Ohio, leading to a number of significant changes from concept to final body design. These include modified bonnet vents, new front wing vents, modified side air intakes, and an optimised rear spoiler.

Driver-centred cockpit design
Consistent with the ‘human-centred supercar’ development concept, the NSX was designed from the inside out with an uncompromising focus on the driver. Staying true to the legendary original NSX, the newcomer’s ‘Human Support Cockpit’ provides exceptional driver control, visibility and packaging. While the principal endures from the original NSX, the technologies and techniques employed to achieve the objective in the all-new model have advanced immeasurably in order to meet the extreme performance expectations of a modern supercar.
The NSX interior boasts exceptional forward visibility, simple and intuitive controls, and class-leading ergonomics. For example, the front seats feature top-class holding performance with outstanding comfort and easy access for the driver and passenger.
The NSX’s instrument cluster features a dynamic TFT screen that displays various categories of vehicle data and settings according to the selection made by the driver via the Integrated Dynamics System dial control on the centre console. As it controls this powerful driver information hub, it seems entirely appropriate that the Power button that readies the sport hybrid powertrain is located in the centre of the dial.
Interwoven under the handcrafted leather dash panel is the exposed mid-frame – a functioning chassis structural member that reflects the design aesthetic of a naked sport bike. An ultra-thin, yet super strong A-pillar design and low-mounted instrument panel minimise obstructions to the driver’s view of the road.

Sport Hybrid Power Unit
In keeping with the single overriding philosophy of the original NSX, the next-generation NSX is designed to provide a new sports car experience that maximises the capabilities of the driver, delivering exceptionally intuitive and confidence-inspiring response.
Honda engineers have taken advantage of the company’s expertise across several advanced drivetrain and chassis dynamic technologies to create the most sophisticated, technologically advanced and intelligent powertrain in the supercar segment. Specifically, the development team drew on its advanced engineering capabilities with high-performance engines and hybrid electric-drive technologies, as well as two decades of experience with industry-leading dynamic torque-vectoring technologies, including Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).
At the heart of the NSX’s performance capabilities is an all-new mid-mounted, 75-degree, DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT.
The V6 engine employs a race-inspired compact valve train and dry sump lubrication system to help lower the centre of gravity. The all-new nine-speed DCT delivers synapse-quick gear changes and rev-matching downshifts.
The rear direct-drive electric motor, housed between the engine and transmission, supports acceleration, braking and transmission shifting performance. The NSX’s front wheels are driven by twin independent high-output electric motors which deliver instantaneous torque response and dynamic left-to-right torque distribution.
The NSX uses its front electric motors for dynamic torque vectoring in addition to enhancing acceleration and braking performance. The result is instantaneous launch performance and handling response that seems to anticipate the driver’s desire. The NSX has undergone extensive testing at some of the world’s most challenging race circuits, including the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Advanced Multi-Material Body
Also in keeping with the legacy of the original NSX – the world’s first all-aluminium supercar – the new NSX features an innovative new multi-material body design with world-first material applications and construction processes.
The NSX body utilises a space-frame design – an internal frame constructed of aluminium, ultra-high strength steel and other advanced materials. Anchored by a carbon fibre floor, torsional and bending forces are taken up entirely by this ultra-rigid structure which also utilises advanced joining technologies
The NSX features world-first casting technology that combines the design and manufacturing flexibility of a casting process with the strength and elongation properties of a forged material, enabling significant weight reduction. The body panels are composed of a combination of aluminium and sheet moulding composite (SMC).

Advanced Sport Package for astonishing dynamic performance
The NSX features an ’Advanced Sports Package’ with placement of major powertrain components – the mid-mounted engine, twin front motors and Sport Hybrid battery pack and power control unit – optimised to concentrate vehicle mass low and toward the centre of the vehicle, to further enhance balance and dynamic response. The combination of this packaging concept and the lightweight body gives the NSX the lowest centre of gravity in its class.
The NSX utilises a fully independent, all-aluminium front and rear suspension and its considerable power hits the tarmac through ContiSportContact™ high-performance tyres – 245/35Z R19 at the front and 295/30Z R20 at the rear – mounted on 19 x 8.5 inch front and 20 x 11 inch rear aluminium alloy wheels.
Powerful, natural and confident braking performance is provided by six-piston front and four-piston rear monoblock calipers squeezing ultra-high performance carbon-ceramic brake discs.
Handling is greatly enhanced by Honda-engineered Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD), enabling lightning-quick response to all driver inputs – steering, braking and throttle – along with the stability, control and launch performance of all-wheel drive. Agile Handling Assist (AHA) uses the subtle application of brake torque to further enhance and dynamic stability.
The NSX’s dial-operated Integrated Dynamic System features Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes. The system adjusts engine, motor, transmission and chassis response, as well as the engine sound level, based on the needs of the driver and driving environment. Quiet mode enables electric-only driving at lower speeds for short durations. Dynamic vehicle responses become increasingly sharp as the driver moves from Sport to Sport+ mode and, finally, to Track mode, where the NSX reveals the full spectrum of its performance capabilities.
The NSX also features a ‘launch’ function to achieve the ultimate acceleration from standstill, aided by both the engine and the three electric motors.

New Production Facility
The NSX will be manufactured exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Centre (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, where approximately 100 highly-skilled low-volume production specialists will conduct full body construction, paint, and final assembly.
The PMC and its processes have been developed to perfectly blend craftsmanship and technology in a new approach to manufacturing. By undertaking the body construction in-house, Honda maintains complete control over total body quality, including critical strength, suspension accuracy, and fit and finish, from initial construction all the way to final assembly.
PMC’s production team will employ innovative techniques to deliver next-generation craftsmanship and world-class quality in the realm of specialised, supercar vehicle production.

Source;
http://hondanews.eu/eu/en/cars/media/pressreleases/43977/honda-nsx-supercar-makes-european-debut

The new Honda Civic Type R is here

by Ben Griffin of www.recombu.com

Geneva Motor Show: The brand new Honda Civic Type R has been officially announced, along with a plethora of photos and details of just how fast the thing is. Hint: Very.

Honda has called the new Civic Type R a 'race car for the road'. A 310PS 2.0-litre VTEC engine that develops 400Nm, 0 to 62mph time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 167mph help it live up to the claim. It is, in fact, the most powerful engine to bear the red H badge in all 22 years of history.

High-revving VTEC fans will appreciate peak power is achieved at 6,500rpm, 500rpm shy of the redline. But full torque kicks in at 2,500rpm so it should kick hard even if you fluff your gears. You can partly thank a new 'advanced' turbocharger for that.

To keep things old-school, the new Type R is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. It also has a rear spoiler that helps improve road-holding without adding too much drag at speed, which is the good news. The bad news is the design is much more tame compared with the Type R Concept.

A wide front splitter and deep side skirts help reduce lift and improve aerodynamics, while enlarged upper and lower grilles in the front bumper keep the engine temperature down.

Tyres designed specifically for the Type R by an unknown third-party come wrapped around 19-inch alloys, while four-pistol calipers and 350mm discs at the front do their best to reign in the fun.

One of the biggest talking points is the '+R' button that turns the car from being civilised to a savage, drooling beast. Press it and the engine responsiveness is heightened, the damping force increased by 30 per cent and the steering gets less power assistance for a more aggressive drive.

The usual Championship White joins four other optional paintjobs: Crystal Black (pearlescent), Polished Metal (metallic), Brilliant Sporty Blue (metallic) and Milano red (metallic).

Buyers will be able to spec a GT Pack for extra money. Doing so gets you signature red highlights on the front and rear splitters, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, electric door mirrors and a 320-watt stereo upgrade.

Navigation with four years of free updates (courtesy of Garmin), Fordward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, High-Beam Support, Blind Spot information and Cross Traffic Monitor systems are also included in the pack. City-Brake is standard.

Such is Honda's faith in the new Type R, it took a development car said to mimic the production version (minus a rollcage and a few other tweaks to compensate) around the Nurburgring and set a time faster than the Megane Renaultsport 275 Trophy-R and the Seat Leon Cupra 280.

Full UK price and vehicle specifications will be given out 'in due course' ahead of its launch in the summer. Watch the Nurburgring lap here.

Update: Honda has announced a UK price of £29,995 and £2,300 for the GT Pack.

Source;
http://recombu.com/cars/article/the-new-honda-civic-type-r-is-here

NEW HONDA CIVIC TYPE R THROWS DOWN NÜRBURGRING GAUNTLET

• Honda announces Nürburgring lap time for Civic Type R development car
• 7 minutes 50.63 seconds lap time is unmatched in the front-wheel drive hot hatch class
• Lap time achieved in development car with technical specifications representative of the final production car

At the world premiere of its all-new Civic Type R at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show (5 - 15 March; Stand 4250, Hall 4), Honda announced that a development car had achieved a 7 minutes 50.63 seconds lap time of the legendary 20.8 km/12.9 mile Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.


This time is unmatched by any other front-wheel drive performance hatchback.

The lap time was achieved during the final phase of pre-production testing in May 2014 by a Civic Type R development car. The development car was in a standard state of engine tune, with suspension, drivetrain, exhaust, brakes and the aerodynamic package identical to those of the production Civic Type R.

The removal of equipment such as air conditioning, the front passenger seat and audio equipment offset the additional weight of a full roll cage (installed specifically for safety reasons and not to add rigidity).

During the test cycle, the development car used production-specification high-rigidity 19-inch alloy wheels. These were fitted with 235/35R19 road tyres being developed in conjunction with a major European tyre manufacturer especially for the new Civic Type R. The test cycle during which the 7 minutes 50.63 seconds lap time was achieved was part of the tyre’s development and testing process.

Honda has now vowed to follow up this achievement by sending a production Civic Type R around the Nürburgring Nordschleife later this year with the aim of setting a new lap record for a front-wheel drive production car.

Highlights of the latest generation in Honda’s cult car dynasty is a world-first application of Honda’s new 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine, aggressive function-led styling, and advanced new chassis technologies, combining to deliver one of the most immersive and rewarding driving experiences available in any sector.

The new Civic Type R goes on sale across Europe in summer 2015.

Source;
http://hondanews.eu/eu/en/cars/media/pressreleases/44029/new-honda-civic-type-r-throws-down-nrburgring-gauntlet

Official Production Picture of the Next Honda Civic Type R

A lot of hype following this car; 2.0L 280hp screamer!

Source (via World Car Fans )
https://www.facebook.com/HondaDreamZone/photos/a.137003709673650.14625.123848914322463/915583175149029/?type=1&theater