Honda recalls 900,000 minivans

Honda is recalling almost 900,000 Odyssey minivans because of a potential fire hazard, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report posted on its website on Saturday.

Honda told the agency that part of the fuel pump in Odyssey models from 2005 to 2010 could “deteriorate prematurely in a manner that can result in cracks” and allow gasoline to leak. The automaker said it was not aware of any fires or injuries resulting from the problem. The recall will involve 886,815 vehicles, all built in a Honda plant in Alabama. Proper repair parts will not be available until the summer, Honda said, but it will provide “interim” parts to customers. Notifications of the recall will go out next month.

The automaker said the cracks in the fuel pump could have several causes, including acid from chemicals found in carwashes and acidic materials used in fertilizer and chemicals used to control dust.

In November, Honda recalled 344,000 of its 2007-8 Odyssey minivans because of a computer malfunction that could cause “heavy and unexpected braking without the driver pressing on the brake pedal.”

That came about two months after 318,000 of its 2003-4 Odyssey models were recalled because the air bags might deploy even if the vehicle were not in an accident.

The agency also said on its website that Chrysler was recalling about 18,000 cars because of a transmission problem. Chrysler said that the transmission on the 2014 500L could become stuck in Park or that it might pick the wrong gear, causing the car to move “in an unintended or unexpected direction.” Chrysler said it was not aware of any accidents related to the issue.

Source;
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/honda-recalls-900000-minivans/article17508428/

Best affordable used cars | Consumer Reports

The following are the winners:

- 2010-2012 Honda Accord (four-cylinder)
- 2005-2011 Honda CR-V
- 2005-2009 Toyota Highlander
- 2010-2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
- 2010-2012 Toyota Prius

Source;
www.consumerreports.org

Next-gen Nissan GT-R to have 800 HP - report

Attached photo is an unofficial render

New details are emerging about the next generation Nissan GT-R (R36) set to come out towards the end of next year as a 2016MY.

It's no longer a secret the all-new GT-R will receive a hybrid powertrain and now we have learned from a Japanese magazine the electric motor will work together with the familiar VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 3.8-liter engine. Nismo's engineers will be tweaking this hardware arrangement which should provide the next-gen GT-R with a total output of 800 HP (588 kW) thanks to the implementation of a KERS-like system developed in collaboration with Williams.

The GT-R R36 will allegedly need just 2.7 seconds to get from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) while the quarter mile should take about 10 seconds. The same source mentions a top speed of approximately 211 mph (340 km/h)

Expect a price tag between 120,000 and 150,000 USD whereas the current range-topping 600 HP GT-R Nismo costs 149,990 USD, without taking into account the 1,595 USD destination and handling charges.

Source: 7tune (Facebook)

Source;

http://www.worldcarfans.com/114031371696/next-gen-nissan-gt-r-to-have-800-hp---report

Air Products' Newest Hydrogen Fueling Station Installed at Honda's R&D Headquarters

Air Products' newest hydrogen fueling station, a SmartFuel^® branded station located in Torrance, California, is installed and operational at Honda's R&D headquarters. The private station incorporates many technology advancements and is being touted by Air Products as a model for how rapidly a hydrogen fueling station can be constructed at a site, and its related infrastructure can be placed into operation.

Completion time at this new station from contract signing, through construction, and to final commissioning with hydrogen, was just seven months.

"Our priority focus is always on safety. This new station, however, shows just how far we have come in our ability to put hydrogen fueling stations and other needed infrastructure into operation in an expedited manner, while complying with our safety mandate, by using a product-based approach. Our new fueling station model allows for replication, and going forward we believe we can accomplish fueling projects like this safely in even less time," said Ed Kiczek, global business director - Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products. "We have definitely benefitted from incorporating some of the practices gained in our fueling work with the material handling market, where we have been able to get hydrogen fueling stations up and running in as little as six weeks."

The new SmartFuel branded station provides hydrogen fueling at 700 bar (10,000 psi) and includes Air Products' patented technology to practice the SAE J2601 fueling protocol. The station is modeled after Air Products' "compressionless hydrogen fueling station." Air Products has available several SmartFuel fueling station concepts incorporating modular and expandable technology and holds an entire portfolio of global patents, with additional patents pending, related to the compressionless advancement. Details on Air Products' hydrogen fueling station technologies can be viewed at www.airproducts.com/h2energy.

Air Products, the leading global supplier of hydrogen to refineries to assist in producing cleaner burning transportation fuels, has vast experience in the hydrogen fueling industry. In fact, several sites today for certain hydrogen fueling applications are fueling at rates of over 75,000 refills per year. Use of the company's fueling technology is increasing and is over 800,000 hydrogen fills per year. The company has been involved in over 150 hydrogen fueling projects in the United States and 20 countries worldwide. Cars, trucks, vans, buses, scooters, forklifts, locomotives, planes, cell towers, material handling equipment, and even submarines have been fueled with trend-setting Air Products' technologies.

Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and an extensive patent portfolio in hydrogen dispensing technology. Air Products provides liquid and gaseous hydrogen and a variety of enabling devices and protocols for fuel dispensing at varied pressures. Hydrogen for these stations can be delivered to a site via truck or pipeline, produced by natural gas reformation, biomass conversion, or by electrolysis, including electrolysis driven by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

About Air Products Air Products (NYSE: APD) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology.  For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable.  Recognized as one of the world's most innovative companies by both Thomson Reuters and Forbes magazine, more than 21,000 employees in over 50 countries supply effective solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets.  These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives.  In fiscal 2013, Air Products had sales of $10.2 billion.

About HondaHonda has led the industry for nearly two decades in the development and deployment of fuel cell technology through extensive real world testing, including the first government fleet deployment and retail customer lease programs in the United States. Honda has also made significant technological advancements in fuel cell operation in both hot and sub-freezing temperatures, meeting stringent emissions requirements and safety regulations, since the introduction of its first generation fuel cell vehicle, the FCX, in 2002. Honda launched its current fuel cell-electric vehicle, the FCX Clarity, in July 2008 as a real technological breakthrough in the areas of design, sedan packaging, assembly line manufacturing, and fuel cell stack size and efficiency, winning "World Green Car of the Year."

In November 2013, Honda debuted the new Honda FCEV Concept at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, pointing the way to an all-new Honda fuel cell car launching in the U.S. and Japan in 2015 and later in Europe. Honda's next-generation fuel cell-electric vehicle will feature a fuel cell powertrain packaged completely in the engine room of the vehicle, allowing for efficiencies in cabin space as well as flexibility in the potential application of FC technology to multiple vehicle types in the future. The next-generation Honda FCEV is anticipated to deliver a driving range of more than 300 miles.

Source;
http://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=19801

Honda revises Civic Si for 2014

by Jake Lingeman

When the 2014 Honda Civic Si goes on sale March 12, it'll carry a base price of $23,580, including destination. That gets you a bit more power over previous editions of the Si, plus some styling upgrades and extra tech.

The new Civic rides on 18-inch alloy wheels -- one inch bigger than last year. It also gets new taillights and side mirrors. Like last year, the new Si gets a unique grille, which sets it apart from the regular Civics. It also boasts a lower front bumper, a rear air diffuser and a large wing spoiler. Prices go up $75 overall.

The Si's 2.4-liter i-VTEC four is rated at 205 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Last year's car had 201 and 170, respectively. Honda says the slight boost is due to a retuned exhaust system. A six-speed manual is the only transmission option.

The suspension was revised with higher spring rates, new dampers and a stiffer rear-stabilizer bar.

Inside, the Si offers a 7-inch touchscreen featuring a smartphone-like user interface. It uses HondaLink, the app-based system that connects customers to smartphone-provided content. The Si also comes standard with keyless entry and start, expanded rearview mirror and LaneWatch, which monitors blind spots.

The 2014 Civic Si Coupe is offered in standard and Navi trims, both equipped with summer tires. The Si sedan only gets the summer tires with the standard trim.


Source;
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20140311/CARNEWS/140319973

Honda Odyssey Named 'Best Minivan for Families' for Fourth Consecutive Year by U.S. News & World Report

03/12/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.

The 2014 Honda Odyssey (automobiles.honda.com/odyssey/) has won the 'Best Minivan for Families' award for the fourth consecutive year as part of U.S. News & World Report's annual 'Best Cars for Families' honors. The top safety-rated1, best-selling2 Odyssey was praised for gathering excellent reviews from professional auto critics along with its innovative feature content, including the world's-first in-vehicle vacuum system, HondaVac™.

"The Odyssey was designed to excel in one of the harshest environments on earth, daily family use," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of automobile operations for American Honda. "Being named 'Best Minivan for Families,' four years in a row speaks volumes about the Odyssey's singular commitment to be the ultimate family vehicle."

U.S. News considered 210 vehicles for the 'Best Cars for Families' awards. The award methodology combines professional automotive reviews, safety and reliability ratings, seating and cargo volume and the availability of family-friendly features. Within each of the 19 automotive categories, the vehicle with the highest composite score is named the Best Car for Families in that category.

The 2014 Honda Odyssey, the top-selling minivan in the U.S. in 2013 to individual buyers², continues to lead its class in fuel economy and safety ratings, while providing spacious accommodations for up to eight passengers and a refined and engaging driving experience. The Odyssey was the only minivan to qualify as a 2014 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, and the Odyssey has earned the best possible overall safety rating from NHTSA with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score.³ Additionally, the Odyssey is rated at a remarkable 28 mpg4 Highway, the highest EPA highway fuel economy rating of any eight-passenger minivan.

¹ The Odyssey was the only minivan to qualify as a 2014 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ as of March 1, 2014 and the Odyssey has earned the best possible overall safety rating from NHTSA with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score.
² Based on IHS Automotive, Polk new-vehicle retail registration data through the end of December 2013.
3 Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). Model tested with standard side airbags (SABs). Vehicles tested under the new program cannot be compared to MY10 and earlier vehicles.
⁴ Based on 2014 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-odyssey-named-best-minivan-for-families-for-fourth-consecutive-year-by-u-s-news-world-report

Tempol of Vtec: 2015 Acura TLX Spyshots

"Brian Williams of KGP Photography managed to snag the first set of camo-free shots of the production 2015 Acura TLX, giving the world its first clear look at the replacement for Acura's TL sedan."

We caught a couple of undisguised, fresh-from-the-factory 2015 Acura TLX test cars, giving us the first look at at the truly production-spec replacement for the TL and TSX. The TLX Concept that debuted at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit wasn't exactly a complete look at a showroom-ready TLX. The black and white test cars caught on their post-build shakedown runs reveal toned-down front- and rear-fascias. The concept showcased a deeper front air-dam and more aggressive rear bumper, with flared sculpting and bold chrome accents. Those aggressive details are not found on the final production models, making for a more tame TLX that will enter Acura's lineup after its New York Auto Show debut.

Source (with more pictures);
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1182281

Report: GM Immune To Old Ignition Switch Lawsuits

by Jake Holmes of www.automobilemag.com

Owners of cars involved in General Motors' wide-ranging ignition-switch recall may be out of luck if they want to sue the automaker. The Wall Street Journal reports that bankruptcy proceedings mean GM is safe from liability lawsuits over any accidents that occurred before 2009.

When the "old GM" was dissolved in bankruptcy in 2009, its responsibility for any product-liability lawsuits vanished as the company's creditors broke up its remnants. The "new GM" established post-bankruptcy is still responsible for vehicles produced before 2009, but it cannot be held liable for accidents or injuries that occurred before then.

"It is true that new GM did not assume liability for claims arising from incidents or accidents occurring prior to July 2009," a spokesman confirmed today in an emailed statement. "GM is focused on ensuring the safety and peace of mind of our customers involved in the recall… Our principle throughout this process has been to the put the customer first, and that will continue to guide us."

The Journal reports that anyone pursuing litigation against "old GM" -- that is, suing over something that happened before 2009 -- must work with mediation lawyers and typically won't receive much compensation. However, the automaker that most people recognize today as General Motors will only be subject to lawsuits if somebody was injured or killed in one of the affected vehicles after July 2009.

The GM ignition switch recall was first announced in February, covering 619,122 vehicles in the U.S. The problem stems from a faulty ignition-switch design, which can allow the switch to inadvertently move from "Run" to "Off." That can stall the car while driving, possibly precipitating an accident. Worse yet, GM found that the ignition often toggled "Off" in an accident, disabling the airbags and thus increasing the severity of the accident.

Later in February, GM expanded the recall to cover a total of 1.37 million cars in the U.S. The automaker said that had reports of 31 crashes in which the airbags didn't deploy because the ignition switch toggled off, and reports of 13 deaths due to the problem. The recall covers the 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR, 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice, 2006-2007 Saturn Sky, 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5.

Source;
http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1403-gm-immune-to-old-ignition-switch-lawsuits/