Honda Blog
Honda explores NSX's past with an eye toward the futureFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Acura, Honda, Luxury 
Let's take a moment to praise the original Acura NSX, a previously unimaginable coupe from an equally unimaginable source that, as Lexus did with luxury, put every supercar maker on notice. Only the NSX went further than anything Lexus ever did; after all, there's no clamor today for Lexus to make another car in the spirit of the LS 400.
Now, enthusiasts and NSX owners wait, hoping that the 2015 Acura NSX channels everything that made its (by then) 25-year-old ancestor so great.
And that's why Honda has compiled more than seven minutes of NSX video eye candy, with special attention paid to the Le Mans car and the NSX-Rs. You'll find it after the jump.Continue reading Honda explores NSX's past with an eye toward the future Honda explores NSX's past with an eye toward the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsWagons West: Domestics picked up market share in California last yearFiled under: Car Buying, Ford, GM, Honda, Jeep, Kia, Toyota, Earnings/Financials 
Most days, California must seem like Kazakhstan for the Big Three. Domestic products aren't so popular out West, where Toyota and Honda have long stood atop the sales charts. But not in 2011.
According to a report in Automotive News, both General Motors and Ford managed to bump Honda from its silver medal position in 2011, though Toyota still holds a commanding market share lead. In a storyline we've heard before, the twin natural disasters in Asia curbed Japanese production, causing a 4.5 point loss of market share. Toyota's market share dropped from 22.8 to 19.2 percent, while GM and Ford tied at 12.6 percent - ahead of Honda at 12.1.
Booming sales in the Golden State helped the domestics to their 1.8 point gain. New vehicle registrations in California were up 9.9 percent, according to the report. The biggest sales gains last year were made by Kia and Jeep, which were up 53 and 49 percent, respectively.Wagons West: Domestics picked up market share in California last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsHonda to enter World Touring Car Championship with new CivicFiled under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Honda, Racing 
Honda has announced plans to enter the FIA World Touring Car Championship with this, a hot new racer based on the newly redesigned 2012 Civic (well, the European five-door, anyway). Details are slim about the new touring car racer, but the automaker has released a statement confirming that the Civic will be powered by a bespoke 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four, developed by Honda R&D in accordance with FIA's Super 2000 regulations. Honda has also formed a joint partnership with Mugen and J.A.S. Motorsport to develop the new Civic.
So, how soon will we get to watch the new hatchback swap paint with other WTCC racers? Honda hopes to officially join WTCC this season, with some inaugural rounds possibly held in Japan, China and Macau. Following that, a two-car team will be entered into every race in the 2013 championship. Hit the jump for the full details.Continue reading Honda to enter World Touring Car Championship with new Civic Honda to enter World Touring Car Championship with new Civic originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsCalifornia woman wins Civic Hybrid lawsuit against HondaFiled under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Honda 
Heather Peters sued Honda in small-claims court in Torrance, California over the gas mileage she was getting in her Honda Civic Hybrid, which was around 20 miles per gallon less than Honda had advertised. After two days of testimony, Commissioner Doug Carnahan sent his 26-page decision to both Peters and Honda, with a ruling in favor of Peters and $9,687 awarded in damages. That's just short of the $10,000 maximum that can be won in small-claims court.
In the decision, Carnahan wrote "At a bare minimum Honda was aware ... that by the time Peters bought her car there were problems with its living up to its advertised mileage." He went further, indicating that he found Honda to have committed fraud, but not intentional fraud.
According to a report in the Associated Press, Honda's EPA certification engineer said Honda "was required to post a sticker with the Environmental Protection Agency's estimate of the highest mileage the car could get." (In a previous report from Automotive.com he was characterized as saying that "automakers had no option but to adhere to the federal testing procedures.") While that claim was shot down by earlier precedent where it was shown that automakers had cited lower fuel economy numbers than the EPA in their advertising and marketing, it will be interesting to see whether this line in Carnahan's decision comes up again: "Honda's own testing should be the guideline for how it advertises its vehicles' mileages, not the generalized work ... done by the EPA."
And we can be certain it will since Honda has already stated its intention to appeal. And because the appeal will be held in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the way has been cleared for Honda to get its lawyers in the courtroom.
This gives other plaintiffs in the class action suit over Civic Hybrid mileage an option as to how to proceed. The last day to sign onto the settlement of that earlier suit is February 11, however, even if that case remains unfinished; a judge in San Diego won't rule until March on whether that settlement, which would see plaintiffs get a $100 to $200 and $1,000 discount on a new Honda and trial attorneys get $8.5 million, is fair.California woman wins Civic Hybrid lawsuit against Honda originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsThese are North America's top producing auto plantsFiled under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen 
Volkswagen has the honor of being this year's top producing North American automotive manufacturer by a wide margin with its Puebla, Mexico facility. The factory managed to produce 510,041 units last year, beating out second-place Nissan and its Aguascalientes, Mexico plant by a staggering 149,245 units, according to Ward's Auto. Nissan jumped from third to second place after Toyota and its Georgetown plant dropped from the top five. Toyota and Honda both saw themselves ousted from the leader board after a year pockmarked by disruptions from earthquake and tsunami activity in Japan and flooding in Thailand.
The Japanese automakers' vacancies made room for Hyundai and its facility in Montgomery, Alabama with 338,127 units to take fourth place. Ford, meanwhile, moved from fifth in 2010 to third in 2011 with 344,446 units from its Dearborn Truck plant. Nissan rounded out the top five last year with the company's plant in Smyrna, Tennessee taking the automaker's second spot on the list.
Ward's Auto reports Volkswagen enjoyed a boost from the popularity of the Jetta. That model alone helped push the company's Puebla facility to a 75,356 unit gain over last year's figures. Head over to Ward's to see the full report.These are North America's top producing auto plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSparks fly with Honda's cool new European Civic adFiled under: Budget, Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Honda, UK, Celebrities 
We'll be the first to admit we weren't overly taken with the Super Bowl commercial Honda worked up featuring Matthew Broderick. The company has a long history of genuinely great advertising, and while the countless Ferris Bueller's Day Off references were clever, the ad didn't really come close to the cleverness found in the movie that inspired it. Fortunately, the company has just released a new spot chock full of... that certain something. The clip follows a spark of innovation from inception to realization as the new European Honda Civic hatchback. As usual, the commercial is well shot and narrated by none other than Garrison Keillor, a staple of Honda's British ads.
Look closely and you'll even see a shout-out to Honda's famous "The Cog" Rube Goldberg spot of a few years ago, as well. You can follow the trials and tribulations of Honda's little spark in the commercial after the jump.
Continue reading Sparks fly with Honda's cool new European Civic ad Sparks fly with Honda's cool new European Civic ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAnalysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota 
Domestic automakers have much to be happy about, with Chrysler, Ford and General Motors all gaining market share last year for the first time since 1988. Yet according to Bloomberg, 2012 won't be as good to Detroit. Total sales are projected to grow from 12.8 million vehicles last year to 13.6 million, according to the report, but increasing competition from Korea and a Japanese recovery from the natural disasters of 2011 mean those extra sales aren't likely headed to the Big Three.
The news agency spoke to five analysts, and predictions have the U.S. automakers losing 1.3 percentage points this year. The analysts estimate that GM will drop 0.6 of a percent, Ford will lose 0.5 percent, and Chrysler will be down 0.2 percent. Toyota is seen gaining 0.9 percent, with Honda grabbing an extra 0.5 percent, while Hyundai and Kia are only projected to see their combined market share improve by 0.01.
If all this comes true, GM would have the top market share in the U.S. at 19 percent, with Ford in second at 16.3 percent, followed by Toyota at 13.8 percent, Chrysler at 10.5 percent, and Honda at 9.5 percent.Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMatthew Broderick reprises Ferris Bueller for Honda CR-V Super Bowl adFiled under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Honda, Celebrities 
Honda isn't typically one to dive into the Super Bowl advertising fracus with splashy spots, so when the company anonymously teased us with a quick clip of Matthew Broderick reprising his role from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, our eyebrows did a little dance. Now the company has dropped a full-length ad on the web, and it features Broderick skipping his acting duties for a little frolicking about in the city. The spot features more than a few classic Ferris Bueller lines (though nitpickers will note that some of them are a little off), and while it's well put-together, seeing the star take to the wheel of a 2012 CR-V instead of a 1961 Ferrari 250GT California Spyder is a crushing reminder of our own mortality.
Still, we like Honda's crack at half-time advertising a good bit more than the previously released Audi vampire-fest (though not more than the clever Ahab spot that's presently circulating televisions nationwide). Hit the jump to take in Honda's spot before the big game, and be sure to keep a steady out for the various 'easter eggs.'Continue reading Matthew Broderick reprises Ferris Bueller for Honda CR-V Super Bowl ad Matthew Broderick reprises Ferris Bueller for Honda CR-V Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAs Civic Hybrid mileage lawsuit continues, Honda shows upFiled under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Honda 
Heather Peters is suing Honda in small-claims court in Torrance, California over the lackluster fuel economy she's gotten out of her 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid. It isn't really a new lawsuit, it's one that sprung from Peters not signing onto the settlement of an earlier class-action lawsuit brought by one John True, who sued Honda over the same issue. The meat of the claim is that Honda's window sticker attested to an EPA combined 42 miles per gallon figure, but unhappy drivers are getting closer to 32 mpg.
True's suit was settled out of court in 2009 and plaintiffs have until February 11, 2012 to partake of redress that the Attorneys General of 26 states declared unfair. Peters didn't sign on, taking her own case to small-claims court where cases aren't tried by lawyers. According to Automotive.com, Honda's point man Neil Schmidt didn't appear at the previous hearing, who was at the first hearing but without subpoenaed documents or, apparently, compelling testimony, but this time he showed up and provided several dossiers to Commissioner Carnahan. Most of the paperwork submitted into evidence was reportedly "testimony from happy Civic Hybrid owners," which the judge dismissed.
Schmidt first suggested that Peters did not adhere to the right service procedures with her car, then Honda's EPA certification engineer said that Honda had no option but to follow the EPA's testing procedures. While that is correct regarding following testing protocol, Peters argued that automakers have the discretion to use lower fuel economy numbers in their advertising and on Monroneys if they see the need. Peters claims Honda didn't lower the number because it was trying to take advantage of "the green revolution."
Some observers believe the reduced mileage is an effect of a mandatory software upgrade applied to 2006-2008 Honda Civic Hybrids. The upgrade was meant "not just to prolong the life of the battery, [but] it also helps improve the performance." While there were complaints about the mileage before (as there are of a great many cars), it was after the upgrade that forums began to light up with tales of poorer mileage. That could have been because the upgrade reduced the car's reliance on the battery, a fix to allegedly offset the battery deteriorating more quickly than Honda anticipated.
Commissioner Carnahan is expected to rule on the case as soon as next week. Peters hopes it's before the February 11 deadline to participate in True's lawsuit settlement. At stake is not just the $10,000 Peters is seeking, but a figure potentially in the billions as other unhappy owners could flock to lawyer-free small-claims court to fight their cases. In the event of a loss, Honda is expected to appeal, to which Peters says, "I'm ready!"As Civic Hybrid mileage lawsuit continues, Honda shows up originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsConsumer Reports survey suggests buyers don't see differences between car companiesFiled under: Car Buying, Etc., Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Toyota 
Today's vehicles are more powerful, more efficient and safer than ever before. In fact, today's car buyer would be hard pressed to spend his or her money on a genuinely bad vehicle. But those overall improvements may have also led consumers to believe there are no real differences between the various products offered by the world's major automakers. According to the Consumer Reports 2012 Car-Brand Perception Survey, Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chevrolet have all seen their scores drop by double digits compared to last year.
The survey asks consumers to rate brands across seven categories. Consumer Reports says that by combining those categories, the organization can get a handle on how each brand is perceived in the marketplace.
This year, Toyota continued to lead in the survey, though its persistent recalls saw the brand's perception fall by 17 points this year. Ford, Honda and BMW all saw their perception scores plummet more than 20 points. The results may indicate consumers are seeing fewer differences between automakers as products continue to improve. While that's good news for smaller automakers like Hyundai, Kia and Subaru, larger names in the industry should be worried. Head over to Consumer Reports for the full report.Consumer Reports survey suggests buyers don't see differences between car companies originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMatthew Broderick to reprise Ferris Bueller role in Honda Super Bowl ad?Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Honda, Rumormill 
To the millions of Gen Xers sitting in cubicles listening to New Wave bands on Spotify, wondering how they ever got to be so out of shape, so gray, so middle-aged and so much like their parents, this little 10-second clip that showed up on YouTube yesterday promised something great - the return of a hero, a new chapter in the generational totem that is Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Alas, amidst all the speculation that Matthew Broderick would be reprising his role in a belated sequel, comes this revelation: It's just a teaser for a Super Bowl ad.
According to Jalopnik, the ad is for Honda, and it will rehash all the best scenes in the original film. It's a big enough deal that Honda has drafted Todd Phillips, he of The Hangover fame, to direct (John Hughes, director of FBDO, passed away in 2009). Of course, this means the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider will not be appearing, replaced, according to the report, by a 2012 Honda CR-V.
Not to sound too Cameron-like, but if that's true, it is depressing. Click past the jump to see the quick teaser video.Continue reading Matthew Broderick to reprise Ferris Bueller role in Honda Super Bowl ad? Matthew Broderick to reprise Ferris Bueller role in Honda Super Bowl ad? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsHonda Crosstour four-cylinder to start at $27,655*Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Honda 
Back when Honda launched the Crosstour in 2010, it fielded questions from the media asking why it chose to forego a four-cylinder model. At the time, officials indicated that a four-cylinder engine would result in minimal fuel economy improvements, noting that the company's aim was to target premium-minded customers for whom the 3.5-liter V6 seemed more appropriate.
But with the fog of slow sales often comes a need to rethink strategies, and Honda has responded to sluggish demand for the Crosstour with a new four-cylinder model for 2012 with a just-announced base price of $27,655 (*plus $810 in destination charges). That's about $2,500 less than a comparable six-cylinder model.
Despite Honda's earlier assertions, the new 192-horsepower, 162 pound-feet of torque 2.4-liter model actually does receive a rather substantial bump in fuel economy performance. The new front-drive trim nets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway - the V6 only manages 18/27. Both the new four-cylinder and 271-hp/254 lb-ft V6 come with a five-speed automatic as standard kit.
In equipment news, all Crosstour models will now receive standard auto-dimming mirrors, a USB hookup, Bluetooth telephony and standard backup camera, among other features.
Honda shifted 17,974 Crosstour models last year, down 37.9 percent from its 2010 total of 28,851 units. The company had targeted sales of 40,000 units annually.Continue reading Honda Crosstour four-cylinder to start at $27,655* Honda Crosstour four-cylinder to start at $27,655* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsTeens build mini TVN Dominator tornado chase vehicleFiled under: Etc., Videos, Honda, Humor, Specialty, Off-Road 
There are few things that can't be accomplished with a little PVC pipe, some chicken wire, cardboard boxes and spray paint. Just ask the innovative chaps in the videos after the jump. As part of a Halloween celebration last year, the quartet of youths took it up on themselves to recreate a scale version of the tornado-chasing Dominator from TVN. The finished product looks pretty good given its humble roots, and since the project uses a Honda Recon ATV for a chassis, it gets down the road with a quickness.
The guys behind the project nailed all of the relevant details, right down to a mock Bosch sponsorship and a plethora of wiper blades. Well played, sirs. The troupe plans to roll out a mini Dominator 2 in coming months alongside a slew of skits inspired by the reality TV show Storm Chasers. We can't wait. Hit the jump to check out the four-part series on the Dominator's creation after the jump.Continue reading Teens build mini TVN Dominator tornado chase vehicle Teens build mini TVN Dominator tornado chase vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsHyundai tops J.D. Power's Customer Retention StudyFiled under: Car Buying, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Earnings/Financials 
J.D. Power and Associates has released its annual Customer Retention Study, and Hyundai ranks the highest among brands in retaining buyers. Hyundai's retention rate is up four percentage points to 64 percent in 2012, thanks largely to the Elantra and Sonata models. J.D. Power says that much of the manufacturer's retention rate can be traced to its growing vehicle offerings and positively changing perceptions about Hyundai quality and market appeal.
Ford and Honda tied for second place with a rate of 60 percent. The report notes that Jeep enjoyed the largest improvement over the previous year with a jump of 17 percentage points to 51 percent in 2012.
The study also evaluated which buyers were more likely to return to an automaker for their next purchase, and the data revealed women and younger buyers had a higher brand retention rate than older consumers and males. Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes-Benz were all found to be particularly adept at keeping their female customers, while Ford, Kia, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz did a better job of holding onto buyers from Gen X and Y. Hit the jump for the full results of the 2012 Customer Retention Study.Continue reading Hyundai tops J.D. Power's Customer Retention Study Hyundai tops J.D. Power's Customer Retention Study originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsNHTSA closes probes into Honda Accord Hybrid, Kia SorentoFiled under: Sedan, SUV, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Honda, Kia 
The Detroit News reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has concluded its investigations into both the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Kia Sorento without ordering either automaker to issue a recall. NHTSA began looking into Accord Hybrid models after a fatal traffic accident was initially attributed to unintended acceleration. The agency found no evidence of a mechanical or safety issue in the vehicles.
NHTSA had also received 18 complaints of fuel spilling from the filler port on certain 2003-2004 Kia Sorento models. Kia found the vehicles' fuel evaporation system featured a canister filter that could become clogged over time. As a result, excess pressure could build up in the fuel tank, causing gasoline to regurgitate back out of the filler neck. The canister requires regular service, but isn't mentioned in the owner's manual. According to The Detroit News, Kia has agreed to conduct a service campaign involving around 86,000 2003-2004 Sorento models.NHTSA closes probes into Honda Accord Hybrid, Kia Sorento originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsWhy is the Acura NSX being built in Ohio? [w/poll]Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Acura, Honda 
Three years (on top of the three-plus we've already waited) is a long time to wait for the second coming of the Acura NSX. Measured in Internet time, it's an infinite opportunity for speculation about the whys and hows of the new car. Aside from the new supercar's hybrid powertrain, the most shocking part of the announcement is that the car will be built in Ohio. Honda has an engine plant, a transmission plant, two assembly plants and a research and development center in the state, so this shouldn't be treated with the same level of surprise as if, say, Ferrari announced it would start building cars in Kansas.
Yet it's still a big change for the exotic Acura, which was manufactured in Japan during its entire first-generation lifecycle, from 1990-2005. When the NSX debuted, part of its appeal was that it represented the pinnacle of Japanese technology and quality, at a time when Japanese automakers were absolutely crushing the competition in both. Times have changed, but we still suspect that a number of fanboys might be disappointed that the second-generation NSX will be built by gaijin.
We spoke with American Honda CEO and president Tetsuo Iwamura about the decision to develop and manufacture the NSX here in the U.S., and he told us that the decision was made for three reasons. The first is that Honda is committed to building cars in the market in which they are sold. The U.S. is the largest market for the NSX, although he said the car will be exported to Japan and other markets.
When asked if there was any concern that Japanese customers might have objections to a Japanese supercar built in the U.S., Iwamura said, "You don't have to be so modest. American-built cars have a power, even in Japan."
The second factor was that Honda has had positive experiences with product development of other models here in the States. Iwamura specifically mentioned the North American market-only Pilot and Odyssey as examples. The third reason for the decision to build the NSX here is that Honda believes its Ohio manufacturing facilities produce high-quality products and wants to take advantage of that expertise. Iwamura also said that assigning the halo car to the U.S. would be motivational for its American employees.
Currency fluctuation, however, was not a consideration, according to the Honda chief. While he said that would indeed be the case with a mass-market model, the limited-production nature of the NSX makes the effect of a strong yen a moot point. Regardless of where it's built, Iwamura said the main consideration in bringing the NSX back to market is its technology, quality and performance, just as the original did. The NSX is an important part of modern automotive history, a literal poster-child of the '90s, so we're certainly rooting for this new exotic Buckeyemobile to deliver on all fronts.
View Poll Why is the Acura NSX being built in Ohio? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAirbag recall forces Honda past Toyota in total recalls for 2012Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Acura, Honda, Toyota 
Honda has surpassed Toyota for the largest number of recalled vehicles in 2011. Wards Auto reports that Honda expanded an airbag recall to encompass a total of 2.5 million million vehicles last year, pushing the total number of recalled units to 3.9 million vehicles over 17 campaigns. Previous estimates put Toyota at the head of the recall pile with 13 campaigns covering 3.5 million vehicles.
The airbag recall covers some of the most popular Honda models, including Civic, Civic Hybrid and Accord sedans manufactured between 2001 and 2004, as well as the CR-V and Pilot. The Acura CL and TL were also included.
Toyota, meanwhile, found itself correcting issues with accelerator pedals and floor mats associated with the company's unintended acceleration woes. Toyota had found itself leading the largest number of recalled vehicles for two consecutive years prior to 2011.Airbag recall forces Honda past Toyota in total recalls for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept previews redesign, hybrid returningFiled under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Honda 
In true Honda fashion, we're once again presented with a "concept" car that's only a set of wheels and a de-Bedazzling away from being production-ready. What you're looking at here is the concept that previews the next-generation Accord that will be dropping later this year, ready to compete with a full slate of redesigned mid-size sedans.
Honda has once again taken a conservative approach to design, and while it's certainly handsome (except for those gaudy air intakes that flank both sides of the front fascia), we can't help but think that it already looks one or two generations old. (2009 Kia Optima, anyone?) We'll have to wait until we see the car in its production spec before making final judgments, but with sexy new mid-size offerings like the 2013 Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, the Accord doesn't look to be gunning for shoppers who want a whole lot of style with their substance.
Substance, though, it definitely has. The base engine is a new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder with direct injection, putting 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque to the ground via a continuously variable transmission. Honda will continue to offer a V6 in the Accord - a dying trend in this segment - measuring 3.5 liters, mated to either a manual or automatic transmission, both with six gears.
The Accord Hybrid will use an all-new two-motor plug-in hybrid system with three drive modes - all-electric, gasoline-electric and "direct-drive."
What's really interesting, though, is that the 2013 model marks the return of the Accord Hybrid - a vehicle that died after the 2007 model year. This time, however, the Accord will use an all-new two-motor plug-in hybrid system with three drive modes - all-electric, gasoline-electric and "direct-drive" - with a 6-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 120-kilowatt electric motor mated to a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline four-cylinder engine. Honda says that the Accord Plug-In will have a pure electric range of 10-15 miles with a top speed of 62 miles per hour, and that recharging the battery will take less than four hours with a 120-volt charger, or less than 1.5 hours with a 240-volt setup. Not bad, Honda.
Naturally, Honda will pack the 2013 Accord with all of its latest safety technologies, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, blind-spot detection and a multi-angle rear-view camera. We expect to see the production car debut in the not-too-distant future (New York Auto Show, perhaps?) with the 2013 model officially hitting dealerships this fall. The Accord Plug-In will arrive a little later, in winter. Hungry for more details? Click past the jump to read Honda's official press blast.Continue reading 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept previews redesign, hybrid returning 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept previews redesign, hybrid returning originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMOG comes to Aha Radio. Aha Radio comes to Honda, Subaru. Here's why it matters.Filed under: Aftermarket, CES, Technology, Honda, Subaru, Infotainment 
Pandora may be becoming a standard on every major OEM infotainment system, but all-you-can-eat subscription music services haven't gained the same momentum or widespread adoption. MOG is aiming to change that with automotive partnerships with BMW and Mini, but its just-announced tie-up with Aha Radio extends MOG's reach even further, and it has wider implications - not just for the on-demand music service, but for Aha Radio as a whole.
The partnership with Aha Radio (now owned by Harman) is just the first of several MOG will be announcing in 2012. Aftermarket companies like JVC are also implementing the music service into their head units, but what's more important is the usage of Aha Radio as the method of delivery.
Rather than going to an automaker, getting approval to use its application programming interface and then developing an app that only works with one infotainment system, MOG is integrating its service into Aha Radio, which delivers a range of content - from restaurant information to Facebook feeds - into a single app that's ported and controlled through your in-dash touchscreen.
So Aha Radio is the platform - a one-stop conduit for content - and MOG, NPR, CNN, Twitter, Facebook and others deliver the substance.
Both Honda and Subaru have announced partnerships with Aha Radio and plan to integrate the service into their factory head units beginning this spring. But you don't need to buy a 2013 Subaru BRZ (pictured above) to get in on the action. Kenwood will join Pioneer to begin offering Aha Radio on its head units later this year. and even better, Aha Radio runs and integrates with both iOS and Android devices, so there should be no need to worry about connectivity issues. Hit the jump for the all the details.Continue reading MOG comes to Aha Radio. Aha Radio comes to Honda, Subaru. Here's why it matters. MOG comes to Aha Radio. Aha Radio comes to Honda, Subaru. Here's why it matters. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsCostco adds discounted auto parts, accessories and service for membersFiled under: Honda  Costco has been in the car business for years, offering a few vehicles to members at attractive rates. The warehouse chain also sells tires and discounted fuel. Now Costco wants to take its discounting model right to the dealer service bay.
Automotive News reports that Costco has negotiated a 15-percent discount on parts, labor and accessories with select dealerships around the U.S. The move gives those dealers access to Costco's 44 million members, who in turn get a nice break on the cost of parts and labor.
Dealerships typically strive to make enough money in the service department to pay the bills, so this agreement could be very lucrative for retail outlets. Jeff Brandfon of Brandfon Honda in Branford, Connecticut tells AN that the partnership with Costco will result in 500 to 600 customer pay jobs per year. Brandfon's optimism is rooted in statistical proof of Costco's power, as the warehouse chain can point to 250,000 vehicle sales to members in 2010 alone.Costco adds discounted auto parts, accessories and service for members originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
Honda blog
Honda History
Civic EK9 Type R
NSX
Latest Honda News
Rate my Honda
Used cars for sale online
Modified Cars
California Honda Dealers
Honda Dealership Maryland
Official Honda website
Honda Motor Company |
