Honda light weight sports car S660, which aroused much excitement among
auto enthusiasts around the globe, will probably target U.S. clients in
future. The open top, two-seat car is expected to hit Japanese market by
March with a price tag of around $17,000. The concept model was
unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2015.
The new model
has certain resemblances to Honda Beat Roadster that was launched in
early 1990's. Beat was a 'Kei car' with a turbocharged 660 cc rear drive
engine. S660 has a 660 cc engine with 63 horsepower at 600 rpm and rear
wheels with six-speed manual. The car is light and would weigh 1830
pounds and 2116 pounds with accessories
There were reports that Honda was planning for more power S 1000 for exports.
Hmmm, in the US gone would be the Crosstour (2014 already the last year for that model in Canada), with the CR-Z rumoured next to get the axe. With regards to variants, I guess they mean from continent to continent. (Everything that Acura is is a variant).
ASAHIKAWA, Japan—
Honda Motor
Co.
plans to streamline product offerings over the next several years
in an effort to ensure quality of its vehicles, executives said.
The
auto maker is looking at narrowing down model variations of certain
cars and engines, Honda executives said Saturday at a two-day
test-driving event in Asahikawa, northern Japan.
Such reductions would start to come in three or four years,
Takanobu Ito
,
Honda’s chief executive officer, told reporters a day earlier.
“We want to be more efficient,” Mr. Ito said on the sidelines of the
test-driving event. “Even though we’re narrowing these down, that
doesn’t mean our business would shrink.”
For instance, the
company could keep one model while getting rid of a less popular sister
model that shares many product characteristics but has some different
features, executives said. They declined to name specific products that
could be affected with the plan.
The move is a part of Honda’s efforts to improve its vehicle development process and overall operations after a spate of recalls.
Honda
recalled its redesigned Fit subcompact car in Japan five times in the
year since its launch in September 2013 for problems including software
glitches. To prevent similar problems, it beefed up on technology
verification procedures and as a result, had to push back multiple
launches for new or redesigned vehicles in Japan in 2014.
Reduction
by a fifth is the target, executives said, though they offered varying
views on what exactly they were planning to cut.
Yoshiharu Yamamoto,
who heads Honda’s research and development, said Honda could
reduce the model variations of vehicles by about a fifth.
Koichi Fukuo,
Honda’s senior managing officer who oversees vehicle quality,
said the burden of engineers should be cut by a fifth.
Both agreed that they want to address the issue of Honda’s overworked engineers.
Overtime
has become the norm for some Honda engineers as they try to meet
increasingly varied vehicle needs to respond to the company’s global
reach into new markets. As a result, some engineers haven’t been able to
invest enough time and resources needed for developing new and
interesting technologies that could help distinguish Honda from its
rivals in the long-run, said Mr. Fukuo.
But the idea of
streamlining product offerings is already stirring debate within Honda,
executives said, adding that regional operations and dealers would still
want various vehicles that meet local tastes.
Mike Accavitti – Acura Division Senior Vice President and General Manager
Good morning everyone. It's great to be with you today.
Perhaps you noticed that we recently announced U.S. sales of the 2
millionth Acura vehicle made in this region. That milestone speaks not
only to the success of the Acura brand over the past three decades but
the fact that we have been developing and building Acura's in America
for 20 years.
Today, we're going to introduce a redesigned version of one such
vehicle is our popular Acura RDX entry premium SUV which has been built
in Ohio since the launch of the first generation 2007 model. More on
that in just a moment.
First, I want to speak to the tremendous momentum that continues to power the Acura brand.
We're coming off our third straight year of increased sales and our
best performance since the recession. We finished the year flexing our
muscles with the MDX and RDX declaring loud and clear they're status as
the strongest 1-2 punch in the luxury SUV game.
In fact, with all-time record combined sales of more than 110,000
vehicles, MDX and RDX knocked out the competition in 2014, clocking in
nearly double the combined sales of the Audi Q5 and 7 and more than 25
percent higher than the BMW X3 and 5.
And last month that success continued with both MDX and RDX setting
January sales records, with RDX sales up a whopping 29 percent.
Yesterday, U.S. News just validated our leadership with the announcement
that both MDX and RDX were named Best Luxury 3-Row SUV and Best Luxury
Compact SUV.
And while I'm at it, I'll add that the Acura TLX was named Best
Upscale Midsize Car. To accelerate our momentum moving forward, you're
going to see us focus even more intently on our core brand values and
Acura DNA.
The ILX commercial you saw a moment ago speaks to these core values
and our heritage as a challenger brand doing the unexpected to create
new value for luxury buyers. That means Acura will place even greater
emphasis on Prestige, Proportion and Performance, with products that
focus on a premium luxury experience dynamic design and super-handling
capability.
This was never more evident than with the new NSX... which is more
than just a new Acura supercar it's a pinnacle expression of our
commitment to deliver more strongly on these timeless Acura values in
every new product. That includes the RDX that we're debuting here today.
The Acura NSX and the Chicago auto show have a shared history. It was
26 years ago at this very show that Acura launched the first generation
NSX forever changing the world of supercars. The next-generation NSX
supercar will be here on the show floor tomorrow and during public days.
And it's sure to be a crowd favorite.
We're investing incredible energy in our performance cars and that
began with the launch of the TLX last fall, when we took a major step
forward in the remake of our sedan lineup. Since going on-sale in
August, the TLX has quickly become a top selling model for the brand.
We're really excited about what a full year of uninterrupted sales will
bring in 2015.
And the all-new TLX is now being joined by a reborn ILX sedan which
went on sale at Acura dealerships nationwide on Tuesday with more
features, more leading-edge technology, and a major shot of Acura DNA.
We're excited about the great reviews we're starting to see based on
our launch event last week. This 2016 ILX is more than just a normal
mid-cycle refresh. Changes include everything from styling to interior
refinement and cabin quietness to leading edge AcuraWatch safety
technologies. Mostly though it's about thrilling sports sedan
performance courtesy of its new 2.4-liter direct-injected engine and
8DCT transmission. ILX is now a true gateway to what it means to be an
Acura sports sedan.
And just last week, the TLX and ILX were joined on the showroom floor
by a significantly upgraded 2016 MDX that hits the road with a new
9-speed automatic transmission, and an enhanced Super-Handling All-Wheel
Drive system.
This is the same twin-clutch unit that we introduced on the TLX last
fall. Further MDX gets an expanded suite of available AcuraWatch safety
and driver-assistive features including Road Departure Mitigation and
Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.
MDX was not only the sales leader among 3-row luxury SUVs last year,
it's the best-selling 3-row luxury SUV of all time. We have strong
expectations for the MDX again in 2015 as the volume and image leader in
our SUV lineup.
So the announcement this week that we will add a second U.S.
production location for MDX expanding from Alabama to the East Liberty
Plant in Ohio that's already home to the RDX is great news. Which brings
me to our story of the day, and the bigger change coming this spring
with the launch of the 2016 RDX.
The second-gen RDX has been an incredible performer for Acura since
its fall 2013 launch, coming out of the gate with 25 consecutive months
of sales records and it resumed that pace with all-time sales records in
each of the past two months.
But again, we're not resting on our laurels. The 2016 RDX gets a
major infusion of Acura brand DNA, including styling, driving
performance, and exciting new luxury feature content.
So without further ado, let's take a look ladies and gentlemen. The 2016 Acura RDX!
[RDX REVEAL]
The first thing you'll notice about this new RDX is a more aggressive stance with a new wheel design, and sportier front end.
This is highlighted by signature Acura Jewel Eye LED headlights which
are complemented by a more three-dimensional grille and rear LED
taillights with light-pipe design.
Under the hood, there's a new more powerful and responsive 3.5-liter
i-VTEC engine with VCM that offers more power and a fatter torque curve
across the full rev range while helping RDX pick up 1 mpg in EPA highway
fuel economy.
And under the skin, our engineers have further strengthened the RDX
body to make RDX the only vehicle in its segment to earn top NCAP and
IIHS safety ratings.
In fact, with the ILX and RDX upping their safety performance, we
expect EVERY model in the Acura lineup will soon achieve an IIHS TOP
SAFETY PICK+ rating, which would make Acura the only luxury marque that
can make this claim. So, when you think safety leadership and luxury
think Acura.
The RDX safety story includes the expanded application of all of
these AcuraWatch technologies. A number of these features benefit from
the application of Acura sensor fusion technology, which expands the
scope and fidelity of the RDX's safety sensing and response
capabilities, including pedestrian sensing.
And that's not all. Every RDX adds a heat and air conditioning system for backseat comfort and a power tailgate for all models.
And we've upped prestige and refinement with a host of new features and a new top-of-the-line Advance grade.
Both Tech and Advance grades get a host of new entertainment, safety
and comfort features. And the new Advance Package adds even more premium
content.
All this new style, advanced technology and engineering goodness will ratchet up the RDX's emotional quotient.
We also believe it will make RDX even more competitive than it is now
and strengthen its position as a class-leading entry-luxury SUV.
So with the launch of the highly anticipated next-gen NSX supercar
later this year, TLX firing on all cylinders, a reborn ILX gateway
sedan, and now major upgrades to the best 1-2 punch in the luxury SUV
game, 2015 is shaping up to be one truly Xtraordinary year for Acura.
Thanks for your time and attention. Now please join me on stage for a closer look at the 2016 Acura RDX!
by Richard Read of www.seekingalpha.com
Honda (NYSE:HMC), Nissan (OTCPK:NSANY), and Toyota (NYSE:TM)
have announced plans to pool their resources and develop Japan's
hydrogen infrastructure, which will serve the automakers' coming fleets
of fuel-cell vehicles. Will the three succeed? And, if so, will they be
able to translate their success to other countries like the U.S.?
BACKGROUND
Honda and Toyota made headlines last year when they both announced plans
to focus less energy on battery-electric cars and instead turn their
attention to hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. In May, Toyota went so far as to end its partnership with electric car company Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) before unveiling the hydrogen-powered Mirai sedan in November.
But
of course, creating demand for fuel-cell cars isn't just a matter of
creating the cars themselves. Automakers have to make owning those cars
convenient for motorists, too. (They also have to make the cars
affordable, but that's a topic for another day.)
Fortunately, the
Japanese government is hot for fuel cells at the moment. Last summer, it
unveiled something called the "Strategic Road Map for Hydrogen and Fuel
Cells," which includes plans to create a hydrogen infrastructure to
power fuel-cell vehicles.
Modern, refined and confidently capable new Pilot launching this summer
Advanced and efficient Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrains
Class-leading safety features, fuel efficiency and driving dynamics
A host of new technologies and even more packaging flexibility
The all-new 2016 Honda Pilot SUV made its global premiere today at
the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. Reengineered and redesigned in America, the
2016 Honda Pilot delivers more family-friendly utility, more advance
technology and more premium attributes and amenities than ever before,
boasting class-leading safety features, fuel efficiency and confident
driving dynamics in a thoroughly modern, stylish and sophisticated new
package.
The all-new 2016 Pilot, launching at Honda dealerships nationwide
this summer, is the third generation of Honda's three-row midsize SUV to
be designed, developed and manufactured in America. Reinforcing 2015 as
the "Year of Honda," Pilot further strengthens Honda's SUV/CUV triple
threat by joining the exceptionally well received 2015 CR-V (2015 Motor Trend SUV of the Year) and greatly anticipated new 2016 HR-V.
"With looks that command attention and the powerful presence of true
functionality, the 2016 Pilot sets a new benchmark in the midsize SUV
class with an unmatched combination of sophistication and utility," said
Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager.
"This means the all-new Pilot will comfort, entertain and assist active
families in all aspects of their lives, whether it's an evening out for
two, a road trip adventure for all or just the chores of everyday life."
Premium Style and Features The all-new design of
the 2016 Pilot sports a modern, sleek, yet commanding and muscular form
incorporating new premium features, including optional brighter and
more efficient LED projector headlights with auto high beam technology,
available signature LED daytime running lights and taillights, plus
available 20-inch wheels and a first-ever panoramic roof option. The
premium quality of the new Pilot carries over to the interior, where
designers have applied high-quality, soft- touch materials throughout
the cabin and added thoughtful details such as LED map lighting.
Additional high-end amenities include available heated and ventilated
front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. For
the first time, upper-trim Pilot models will have available two
second-row captain's chairs, providing for easy walk through between the
second and third rows, in addition to the standard second-row
three-person 60/40 split seat for 8-passenger seating capacity.
Advanced Technology The new Pilot delivers the
connectivity and power access that the modern family demands, including
up to five USB ports, four that provide better recharging with 2.5-amp
output, to charge iPads or smartphones while in use. Additional ports
and plugs include an auxiliary jack for nearly any audio player, an HDMI
port for a gaming console, two headphone jacks, two 12-volt power
outlets and a 115-volt outlet to power just about anything.
The new Pilot also incorporates Honda's latest thinking for advanced,
family-friendly technology, including an upsized 8-inch capacitive
touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface powered by a new
Android-based operating system and more powerful processor, along with
an available all-new embedded Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™.
The new navigation system features improved graphics and new
capabilities, including 3D renderings of terrain, buildings and road
signs, improved lane guidance, live search function, 911 emergency
services and more.
The Pilot's Display Audio system enables simplified smartphone
connectivity making for easier access to all the features and
connectivity options of the HondaLink™ connected-car system. A 9-inch
rear entertainment system with DVD and new Blu-Ray disc™ capability is
available.
Family-Friendly Utility The new Pilot builds on
its reputation for best-in-class interior space, versatility and utility
with 3.5 inches of added overall vehicle length, enabling a larger
cargo area that can hold an 82-quart cooler without compromising
third-row seating capability, a segment-exclusive feature. Third-row
entry and exit is made even easier and more intuitive courtesy of an
available one-touch walk-in second-row seat that slides and tilts to its
forward-most position at the touch of a button. As compared with the
current Pilot, the width of the lower portion of the third-row entryway
has been increased by 2.5 inches with 1-inch lower step-over height.
The Pilot's new center console features a cavernous storage
compartment capable of accommodating items as large as a full-size iPad
or large purse. And with its seamless cover in the closed position, the
console provides a convenient, non-slip surface for items that the
driver or front passenger may need close at hand.
Earth Dreams Technology™ Powertrain The 2016
Pilot delivers more refined, powerful and fuel-efficient performance
than ever before courtesy of its new 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC®
V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) cylinder
deactivation technology. For improved fuel efficiency, the Pilot will
include available Idle Stop technology that shuts off the engine when
the vehicle is stopped, instantly and smoothly restarting the engine
when the driver lifts their foot off the brake pedal. The new engine is
mated to one of two advanced new transmissions – a Pilot-first 6-speed
automatic transmission, or on upper trims, a Honda-first 9-speed
automatic transmission – both delivering notably refined, responsive and
fuel-efficient performance. The new Pilot will be available in
front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations and will feature a
completely new Honda all-wheel-drive system that delivers even more
confident, efficient and dynamic all-weather performance.
The new Pilot is almost 300 pounds lighter than the outgoing model;
its more rigid, tightly sealed yet lighter body in combination with new,
efficient powertrains, a new all-wheel-drive system and class-leading
aerodynamics result in class-leading dynamic performance and fuel
efficiency along with a new level of cabin quietness befitting its
status as a premium family SUV.
Advanced Safety Performance In keeping with
Honda's commitment to safety, the new Pilot will feature the most
comprehensive set of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies
ever offered on a Honda vehicle. Together these technologies make up
Honda Sensing™, a suite of technologies designed to expand the driver's
situational awareness while sensing and responding to potential road
hazards, including other vehicles, road obstacles and even pedestrians,
mitigating the possibility or severity of a collision. It includes
Honda's popular LaneWatch™ display, Blind Spot Indicators, a standard
Multi-Angle Rear View Camera, and available Collision Mitigation Braking
System™ (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning
(FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor,
Adaptive Cruise Control and a Honda-first Road Departure Mitigation
(RDM) system.
The new Pilot is expected to deliver the highest safety ratings in
its class and targets a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National
Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating
from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a
GOOD rating in all crash modes. The new Pilot incorporates Honda's
next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body
structure, designed to more efficiently absorb and disperse the energy
from a frontal collision, along with a new ultra-high-strength door ring
designed to help better protect occupants. The 2016 Pilot also
incorporates an all-new 3-bone platform while also utilizing high and
ultra-high strength body materials, which together reduce noise,
vibration and harness (NVH), improve handling, increase rigidity and
reduce weight.
Standard safety and driver-assistive features include four-channel
anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Vehicle
Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control; an Expanded View
Driver's Mirror; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, driver
and front passenger SmartVent™ side airbags and side-curtain airbags for
all outboard seating positions; and a new Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) with real-time display of individual tire pressures.
All-American Honda Pilot All three generations
of the Honda Pilot have been designed and developed in America by Honda
R&D Americas, Inc. at its Los Angeles design studio and Raymond,
Ohio, vehicle development center. The Pilot and its engine are
manufactured at Honda's Lincoln, Alabama auto plant. In 2014, nearly 98
percent of all Honda-brand vehicles were produced in North America.
The Pilot joins the Honda CR-V – 2015 Motor Trend SUV of the
Year and America's best-selling SUV for eight of the past 11 years –
the popular Odyssey minivan and the dynamic new HR-V crossover,
launching this spring, in Honda's growing lineup of innovative light
truck offerings. An all-new Honda Ridgeline pickup will join the Honda
lineup within the next two years. All Honda light truck models are
produced in North America using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Honda revealed a preview sketch of the next-generation Ridgeline pickup
on February 12 at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The all-new truck will
take the original's award-winning performance, comfort and utility to
new levels with completely new styling that communicates unmistakably
that it's a.pickup, yet with a uniquely Honda flair.
Well, quite the reveal;
-Moonroof with rear Panoramic Roof
-Heated Steering Wheel
-Blueray/DVD
-5X USB's (4 Capable of charging devices)
-3.5L Direct Injection V6 w/Variable Cylinder Mgmt (deactivates from 6 to 3 cylinders)
-Idle Stop
-2X Different Transmissions; 6 Speed Automatic and a 9 Speed Automatic
among other things....
