Honda’s Civic Tops All Safety Ratings

The new 2013 Honda Civic Sedan has received the highest possible overall safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

This is good news for a car that is known to be one of the most popular small car among individual buyers. The 2013 Civic Sedan recently received the top 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), and the highest possible rating of Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, including a top score of Good in the new small overlap frontal collision test.

Honda said it leads all automakers with every one of its tested model year 2013 vehicles earning a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The 2013 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe are the first and only small cars to earn the IIHS’ highest safety rating of Top Safety Pick, and the NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for the Civic Sedan further separates Civic from the competition in safety ratings performance.

The 2013 Accord also earned these high safety ratings in the midsize segment. “Car shoppers cannot find a small car with higher overall safety ratings than the 2013 Honda Civic,” said Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics at American Honda. “Safety ratings leadership across product lines is a fundamental part of not only our strategic business plan, but also our philosophy as a company.”

The Civic Sedan, which Honda said was significantly re-engineered for 2013, is equipped with Honda’s next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which contributes to make Civic the first small car to earn a Top Safety Pick+ crash safety rating, and the first to earn the highest rating of GOOD in the IIHS’ new small overlap frontal crash test (sometimes called a ‘narrow offset’ test).

This aggressive test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole at high speed. Honda said the reinforced ACE body structure found on the 2013 Civic further enhances frontal crash energy through a wider range of these offset and oblique collision scenarios.

Additional standard safety equipment on all Civic models include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; and driver and front passenger side airbags.

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Honda Crosstour (2013)

 

ATOZY |Honda Crosstour (2013) | The two different four-cylinder Honda Crosstour models, 2-wheel drive EX-L and EX are powered by a 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC ® engine. By 2013, the output increases to 278 horsepower at 6200 rpm, 7 HP gain in the 2012 Honda Crosstour V-6. The V-6 Crosstour new 6-speed automatic transmission, new steering wheel mounted paddles. The fuel efficiency for V-6 also has been greatly improved, there are now achieving an EPA-estimated city / highway / combined fuel economy rating of 20/29/23 mpg on 2WD models and 18 Crosstour / 28/22 mpg for the Honda Crosstour EX-L with Real Time ™ 4WD. Compared with 2012 Crosstour 2WD V-6, this means an improvement of 2 mpg in city / highway / combined fuel.

Standard features on the Crosstour EX include mounted chrome exterior door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires P225/65R-17. Inspiration Crosstour management, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension, front and rear bars and front strut stabilizer. All Honda Crosstour models are servo assisted ventilated front seats and solid rear disc brakes.

Honda Crosstour EX include automatic climate control with air filtration system (dual zone climate EX-L V-6), a 360-watt AM / FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ™, USB audio interface, steering wheel-mounted cruise controls, audio and car phone one day / night rearview mirror, a folding rear seat back split easy 60-40, hidden removable utility and more.

Crosstour EX-L models add leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, memory driver's seat and memory side mirrors with reverse tilt, dual zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Kevlar ® cone speakers, aluminum dome-type front tweeter, link-compatible Honda Aha ™ ™, Pandora ® internet radio compatibility, XM ® Radio, compass and outside temperature display (EX V-6 also included), and more.

The Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System is available on the integrated Crosstour EX-L models, and all models Crosstour EX-L and top with mirror best multi-view camera with guidelines for submission. Real Time 4WD ™ is the Honda Crosstour EX-L V-6.

Crosstour safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering ™ (ACE ™) body structure, an exclusive body design of Honda, occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collision improved. Standard Crosstour EX-L models is new Honda collision warning (FCW) and lane departure warning (LDW) systems.

A number of improvements in transparency Crosstour 2013 may improve safety, increase awareness of drivers of other vehicles, pedestrians and other obstacles found on the Honda Crosstour. Standard on all models Crosstour save the rail four-cylinder EX, Honda's exclusive look at new camera blind spot. Further improvements on all Honda Crosstour models include redesigned rear headrests improve rearward visibility, rearview camera and a standard engine and advanced new mirror. 

Automotive ATOZY

Automotive ATOZY

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Specifications Latest Honda Accord 2011 Honda CR-V.

Specifications Latest Honda Accord 2011 Honda CR-V.

Honda 2011

Photo of 2011 Honda Luggage

Specifications Latest Honda Accord 2011 Honda CR-V.

Brakes

Brake Type :  Pwr

Brake ABS System : 4-Wheel

Disc – Front (Yes or ) : Yes

Disc – Rear (Yes or ) : Yes

Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) : 11.7 x – TBD -

Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) : 12.0 x – TBD -

Drum – Rear (Yes or )

Rear Drum Diam x Width (in)

Cargo Area Dimensions

Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 1 (in) : – TBD -

Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 2 (in) : – TBD -

Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 3 (in)

Cargo Area Width @ Beltline (in) : – TBD -

Cargo Box Width @ Wheelhousings (in) : – TBD -

Cargo Box (Area) Height (in) : – TBD -

Cargo Volume to Seat 1 (ft³) : 72.9

Cargo Volume to Seat 2 (ft³) : 35.7

Cargo Volume to Seat 3 (ft³)

Cooling System

Total Cooling System Capacity (qts) : 7.0

Electrical

Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) : – TBD -

Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) : – TBD -

Engine

Engine Order Code

Engine Type : Gas I4

Displacement : 2.4L/144

Fuel System : MPFI

SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM : 180 @ 6800

SAE Net Torque @ RPM : 161 @ 4400

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (in) : 103.1

Length, Overall (in) : 179.3

Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) : 71.6

Height, Overall (in) : 66.1

Track Width, Front (in) : 61.6

Track Width, Rear (in) : 61.6

Min Ground Clearance (in) : 6.7

Rear Door Opening Height (in) : – TBD -

Rear Door Opening Width (in) : – TBD -

Liftover Height (in) : – TBD -

Fuel Tank

Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal) : 15.3

Interior Dimensions

Passenger Capacity : 5

Passenger Volume (ft³) : 100.9

Front Head Room (in) : 38.9

Front Leg Room (in) : 41.3

Front Shoulder Room (in) : 56.9

Front Hip Room (in) : 55.9

Second Head Room (in) : 38.5

Second Leg Room (in) : 38.5

Second Shoulder Room (in) : 56.0

Second Hip Room (in) : 54.6

Mileage

Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG) : – TBD -

EPA Fuel Economy Est – City (MPG) : – TBD -

EPA Fuel Economy Est – Hwy (MPG) : – TBD -

Steering

Steering Type : Pwr Rack & Pinion

Steering Ratio (:1), Overall : 15.74

Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) : 2.96

Turning Diameter – Curb to Curb (ft) : 37.8

Turning Diameter – Wall to Wall (ft) : – TBD -

Summary

Vehicle Name : CR-V

Body Style : 5 Door

Suspension

Suspension Type – Front : Independent

Suspension Type – Rear : Independent

Suspension Type – Front (Cont.) : MacPherson Strut

Suspension Type – Rear (Cont.) : Multi-link

Shock Absorber Diameter – Front (mm) : – TBD -

Shock Absorber Diameter – Rear (mm) : – TBD -

Stabilizer Bar Diameter – Front (in) : 0.79

Stabilizer Bar Diameter – Rear (in) : 0.75

Tires

Front Tire Order Code

Rear Tire Order Code

Spare Tire Order Code

Front Tire Size : P225/65TR17

Rear Tire Size : P225/65TR17

Spare Tire Size : – TBD -

Trailering

Dead Weight Hitch – Max Trailer Wt. (lbs) : 1500

Dead Weight Hitch – Max Tongue Wt. (lbs) : 150

Wt Distributing Hitch – Max Trailer Wt. (lbs)

Wt Distributing Hitch – Max Tongue Wt. (lbs)

Transmission

Drivetrain : Front Wheel Drive

Trans Order Code

Trans Type : 5

Trans Description Cont. : Automatic

Trans Description Cont. Again

First Gear Ratio (:1) : 2.79

Second Gear Ratio (:1) : 1.61

Third Gear Ratio (:1) : 1.08

Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) : 0.77

Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) : 0.57

Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)

Reverse Ratio (:1) : 2.00

Clutch Size (in)

Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) : 4.50

Transfer Case Gear Ratio (:1), High : – TBD -

Transfer Case Gear Ratio (:1), Low : – TBD -

Vehicle

EPA Classification : 2WD Sport Utility

EPA Greenhouse Gas Score : – TBD -

Weight Information

Base Curb Weight (lbs) : 3413

Wheels

Front Wheel Size (in) : 17 x – TBD -

Rear Wheel Size (in) : 17 x – TBD -

Spare Wheel Size (in) : Compact

Front Wheel Material : Aluminum

Rear Wheel Material : Aluminum

Spare Wheel Material : Steel

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2011 Honda Pilot SUV Review, Performance and Features

2011 Honda Pilot SUV Review, Performance and Features – Honda Pilot is an SUV that features complete security and seating arrangements are very comfortable in the third row. Storage throughout the cabin features an interesting and innovative but also failed to excel when it comes to fuel economy. There are 4 versions of the available 2011 Honda Pilot, Honda Pilot has a whole lot of cool features that can be made ??into a great feature if the overall vehicle is designed with more thought. Slow to start and slow to brake, the overall opinion is that it’s Pilot on average.

2011 Honda Pilot SUV - Rear Side View

2011 Honda Pilot SUV - Angle Side View

2011 Honda Pilot SUV - On The Road View

2011 Honda Pilot SUV - Front Side View

2011 Honda Pilot SUV - Interior Dashboard View

2011 Honda Pilot SUV - Engine View

2011 Honda Pilot uses the basic engine 3.5-liter V-6 that carries about 250 horsepower to the table and provides 253 pounds of torque. Motorists also have the option to continue with the “locking” that will sustain, especially on the rear wheel torque for any speed below 19 miles per hour. In a test drive, the Honda Pilot is able to run from 0-60 mph in 9.7 detik.Efisiensi fuel rated at 17 miles per gallon city and 23 highway miles per gallon for two-wheel drive models. Variable Cylinder Management system is a unique feature that will automatically turn off half the cylinders are not necessary during the journey. This helps to improve fuel efficiency. 2011 Honda Pilot base price ranges from $ 28,045.

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Honda Accord Crosstour

Honda Accord Crosstour - The Honda Accord Crosstour’s styling builds on the Accord’s familiar character lines and adds a bolder front grille complemented by a durable lower-body appearance, wedge-shaped C-pillars and an aggressive rear stance. The flowing roofline narrows smoothly into the rear of the vehicle to create an aggressive-looking design, which conceals a unique cargo area that can adapt to large objects that exceed the capacity of a sedan.

The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour will be positioned at the top of the Accord family when it goes on sale in fall 2009. Additional details will be announced later in the year.

The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour evolves the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) concept by integrating a sleek and aerodynamic shape that blends sporty, low-profile contours with versatile CUV functionality.

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Between Beauty and Elegance – Honda New Full Size Accord 2.4L A/T

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="594" caption="Honda New Full Size Accord 2.4L A/T Front Side View"][/caption]

Between Beauty and Elegance – Honda New Full Size Accord 2.4L A/T - Try what's on your mind when looking at the output luxury sedan Honda flawless inthis one ...? elegant, luxurious and fashionable .... Surely these three words aregood enough not come out in your mind.

Honda New Full Size Accord 2.4L A/T Front Side View

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="594" caption="Honda New Full Size Accord 2.4L A/T Front Side View"][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="594" caption="woman beauty Honda New Full Size Accord 2.4L A/T"][/caption]

How not to enter the ranks of sedan car premium is indeed now comes withdifferent shades of the aura of previous generations. The concept of "UnlimitedLuxury" featured on the New Full Size Honda Accord seemed to provide a newview to be enjoyed.

His figure is so elgan look so harmonious when coupled with the esmud in urban, male and young. Try this elegant basket when he collaborated with women  dressed executive office .... Hmmmm .... Really really match it ...

woman Elegance Honda New Full Size Accord 2.4L A/T

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="594" caption="Honda New Full Size Accord 2.4L A/T interior"][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="660" caption="Honda New Full Size Accord 2.4L A/T interior"][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="594" caption="Honda New Full Size Accord 2.4L A/T Luxury and comfort"][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="594" caption="elegance Honda New Full Size Accord 2.4L A/T"][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="594" caption="2012 Honda New Full Size Accord 2.4L A/T"][/caption]

In terms of appearance undisputedly, Full Size Honda Accord comes with an elegant design combined with luxury on every side. Starting from the grill, bumper,fog lamp, chrome list on the banks of the rear lights, elongated fine lines,indentation of each section, up to a new rim diameter of 17 "really makes it look soluxury ... Not until the exterior sector alone, Honda also Accord to develop intoluxury cabin space.

With the main concept that is bigger, better, and bolder, Honda attempt to give afirmness of a sedan with a cabin dimensions terlapang disegmentnya. No wonder if this car will actually be able to support the mobility of esmud when runningactivities in the cabin, is really a full-size sedan ...

Luxury and comfort of other interior features like leather upholstery that has been,premium interior design, wood texture on the consule and interior panels, audiocontrols on the passenger seat, and last but not least is a feature that has beenarmed with entartainmentnya CD/MP3/WMA also USB port and iPod can reallyspoil the rider and passenger.

Clearly this car can really support you in every activity, because both in terms of comfort, appearance, elegance as well performance, Full Size Honda Accordalready has everything.

Teks / foto : * stanly/ryan-stanly
Model : * Nony.R
bosmobil.com

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"City Car" can be diesel-powered Honda

"City Car" can be diesel-powered Honda - Honda Motors with the engineers whohad joined the Honda F1 team is developing diesel engines for the variants ofHonda City, Honda Jazz and Brio.
As reported cardekho.com, city car that will use a diesel engine was specific onlyfor the Indian market.
Diesel engines ogled the various parties in India because gasoline prices arechanging. In India, all brands began wanting to use a diesel engine.
Plan the use of diesel engines in the Honda was raised Jnaneswar Sen, Hondatop brass of India. He was not willing to specify when the Honda diesel vehicleswas launched.
Currently there are six models of Honda in India, Brio, Jazz, City, Civic, CR-V andAccord. Three of them are Civic, CR-V and Accord have been using turbo dieselengine in Europe. So, stay Bureau, Jazz and the City that the diesel engine must be designed from scratch.

antaranews.com

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2011 Honda CR-V Images & Info

2011 Honda CR-V

2011 Honda CR-V

2011 Honda CR-V

The 2011 Honda CR-V ranks 2 out of 23 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 96 published reviews and test drives of the Honda CR-V, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.



The Honda CR-V is ranked at the top among small SUVs for a good reason: It’s one of the most practical family SUVs on the market. "It's fun, cute and practical, and it's a bargain,” says Cars.com. “What more can a mama ask for?"



The CR-V is a Renaissance man -- or woman -- of the automotive industry. It gets good gas mileage, has comfortable seating, plenty of interior cubbies and a roomy trunk. “As practical as a backpack, this benchmark crossover is an easy, stylish one-size-fits-most car choice," says Kelley Blue Book. The CR-V isn’t the fastest or most stylish small SUV, and its fuel economy ratings aren’t the highest in the class, but parents on the go will find it hard to turn down this practical vehicle because it does a little bit of everything.



The Honda CR-V can accomplish so much that it's won several awards. It is our Best Affordable Compact SUV for Families, and one of Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value winners. But despite its good reputation, the CR-V won’t satisfy all shoppers. It’s not super fast, doesn’t have a third row and gets a bit expensive once you add features like Bluetooth and USB integration. Plus, it definitely isn’t a luxury car. "The compact SUV field is crowded these days, with nearly every automaker offering something,” explains Cars.com. “If you only have eyes for the luxury makes, the CR-V isn't for you. Otherwise, it's something you should consider." Shoppers seeking a practical SUV that’s well equipped for daily life may not need to look any further.

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Honda CR-Z May Add More Power

Honda CR-Z Hybrid

Maybe it's because the CR-Z has been so popular in Japan (it hasn't even launched yet), but rumors are out there Honda is working on a revamped, more powerful CR-Z Hybrid.

Motortrend is reporting the next generation hybrid sports coupe may come with a "2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine attached to Honda's well-known IMA hybrid system, which would lift this coupe's engine capacity by one full liter over the CR-Z."

Honda could add in a switch, making it possible for the driver to opt for a more fuel efficient configuration, or go sporty instead.

Honda is also looking at turning the CR-V into an E-REV like the Chevy Volt. Now that would be intriguing, although we'll have to wait and see how the Volt does. Will the extra cost of the battery outweigh people's desire to not use gasoline, while still having the security blanket the gasoline gives you? Or will people opt for the lower price of the Nissan Leaf, and go all electric.

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Hybrid Car Brands

Just who is making hybrid cars these days and what brands are considering making hybrid cars in the future?

Major Hybrid Car Brands
Hybrid cars are currently being built and sold by General Motors, Ford, Honda, Toyota and Nissan. General Motors builds hybrid cars under several divisions including Saturn, Chevrolet, and GMC.  Ford has the Mercury and Ford divisions.  Toyota sells hybrids under the brand name of Lexus .  While Honda and Nissan just sell hybrids under their own name plates.

Toyota
Under the Toyota brand name, there are three models currently on sale. The iconic Prius is almost synonymous with hybrid and is the first car most people think of when they think of hybrids. Toyota also sells the Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid under the moniker of Toyota.

Toyota also has their luxury division, the Lexus hybrids. Under the Lexus brand name, Toyota sells the HS, LS, RX, and GS Hybrids. They keep adding models under the Lexus nameplate, so expect and IS hybrid to arrive soon. The HS hybrid is a dedicated model like the Prius. The others are subtypes under the model. In other words, you can buy gas-only models, or you can opt for the hybrid engine.

Honda
Honda sells the Civic Hybrid under their brand name. They also currently sell the only other dedicated hybrid on the road, the Insight. They used to sell a Hybrid Accord, and the two-seater hybrid Insight, but have retired both models.

Expect to see Acura Hybrids in the future.

Nissan
Nissan has only one hybrid model for sale, the Nissan Altima Hybrid. It is built using hybrid technology from Toyota and is sold in only eight US states. Nissan has plans to bring an Infiniti M35 Hybrid to market in the coming year.

General Motors (Cadillac, Chevy, Saturn, GMC)
They build several models (currently) using the Chevrolet brand. There is the Chevy Malibu and Chevy Silverado. The Chevy Volt, the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV), will be out soon and while GM considers the Volt to be a subtype of electric vehicle, it still falls under the hybrid type.

GM also builds the GMC Yukon and Sierra. And the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid also falls under the GM brand.

The Saturn brand was at one point, the cornerstone for hybrids under the GM umbrella. But Saturn is no more. You can still see the hybrid Vue and Aura on the road today.

Ford
Ford sells four different models under two different brand names. The Mercury Division sells the Milan and Mariner Hybrid. While Ford retains the Fusion and Escape Hybrid. The Lincoln division will have its own hybrid soon, but it's not here yet. The Mercury hybrids are the upgraded version of the Ford Hybrids, so expect them to be very similar if you take a look at both of them.

Chrysler
Chrysler sold the Aspen and Durango Hybrids for a total of two months before pulling the plug on both models. The Dodge Durango is very similar to the Chrysler Aspen, and both were built using the dual hybrid technology developed in partnership with BMW and GM.

Chrysler at one point had plans to bring a Dodge Ram Hybrid to market, but that seems to be on hold.

Hyundai
Hyundai is jumping in with both feet in the next year, with the Sonata Hybrid. Distinguishing itself from the other hybrids listed above, it's going to be one of the first hybrids to use lithium polymer battery packs, giving it an advantage over some of the more established hybrid models and brands listed above.

Mazda
Mazda has sold the Tribute hybrid in very limited numbers.  The Tribute was built using Ford Hybrid technology, when Mazda and Ford were a lot tighter than they are today.  Now Mazda is looking to partner with Toyota for the technology used in the Prius for their future hybrid model in 2013.

Fisker and Tesla
Fisker and Tesla are both bringing hybrid cars to market (they probably don't appreciate being lumped together given the lawsuits over the past few years). These startups are working hard to go straight to electric or hybrid and are emphasizing performance, rather than fuel efficiency right from the get go.

Audi, Subaru, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Daimler, Ferrari, Lotus, Kia, Maserati, Porsche, Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo
Each of the brands mentioned above are attempting their own hybrid models, and several have brought some noteworthy test models to auto shows. Several are on their way to bringing those cars to market right now, but are still a few years away from seeing them on the road in more than just 'test fleets'. Some are closer than others, while some probably have no intention of ever going hybrid unless they are forced to do so by the tighter restrictions being enforced in Europe, Asia and the US in the coming years.

Looking for more information on one of the brands above?
Either search for the brand name here on this site or use the categories below or on the sidebars.  Each of the major brands listed will have more information that I've accumulated over the years.

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Honda Moving to Lithium-Ion Batteries in the Next Few Years

Honda says they will be moving to lithium-ion battery packs in the next two to three years, as they fight to compete with Toyota hybrids. Source: Honda Plans Lithium-Ion Civic to Narrow Toyota’s Lead (Update1) - Bloomberg.com

Honda will be supplied with battery packs by their joint venture with GS Yasa Corp (which is 49 percent owned by Honda).

This is very interesting for those who follow hybrids and have been looking for lithium batteries for a while now. There have been several instances where Honda and Toyota have looked at lithium-ion battery packs for their hybrid cars, but have chosen not to go that route. The cost and safety just haven't been there.

But now car makers are hoping the promised cost reductions will start happening as more and more jump on board. Other car companies are just about to start offering cars with lithium-ion battery packs, and analysts are predicting a glut will occur very quickly, which will force prices down.

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Honda CR-Z in High Demand

Honda CR-Z Hybrid

According to a Nikkei report (via MarketWatch), the Honda CR-Z Hybrid already has 7,000 orders.  They had 4,500 pre-sales as of a few weeks ago when they set the price on the two-seater hybrid at just over $25,000.

That's 60% of the annual target of 12,000 units Honda set.  The pent up demand for a hybrid sports car seems to be higher than I would have thought, although the tax breaks and incentives put in place in Japan for hybrids may be a deciding factor for many.

With 7,000 pre-orders, the CR-Z now has a seven month waiting list (Honda set production at around 1,000 a month).

Update: Honda is now up to 10,000 orders on their sporty new hybrid.  Which means they have an effective waiting list of about 10 months.

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Honda Civic Hybrid Lawsuit Continues

A federal judge in California has rejected the proposed settlement in the lawsuit over Honda Civic Hybrid fuel economy.

Consumer advocates and 26 state attorney generals stepped in and argued the deal was not good for consumers. Most owners covered under the lawsuit would be eligible to receive $1,000 coupon off a new Honda, although the coupon did not cover the most fuel efficient cars such as the Insight, Civic Hybrid, or Fit.

Honda was also offering to send a DVD on how to improve fuel efficiency. Lawyers on the case would have received close to $3 million.

One advocate pointed out most consumers would not use the coupons, Honda would get to sell a few more cars to those who did, while the lawyers get millions.

It's unclear what will happen next. The trial could happen, or perhaps a new settlement would need to be hashed out.

Follow the link to learn all about the Honda Civic Hybrid lawsuit.

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Honda CR-Z Hybrid Price in Japan

The Honda CR-Z is now available in Japan for 2.27 million (a little over $25,000 US). The two seater hybrid will be available in the US in the late summer.

According to edmunds, Honda had 4,500 pre-sales, and has targeted around 1,000 a month for the sporty hybrid.

I'm curious to see how well it will do in the long run. The last time Honda sold a 'power' hybrid, rather than a fuel efficient first hybrid, sales didn't go well once other options became available (see the Honda Accord hybrid). Sales of the current Insight haven't been stellar, either. But you can blame that on price cutting by Toyota on the Prius, the bad economy and gas prices remaining fairly stable (although they are creeping up again).

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Honda Working on Large Hybrids, Possible Minivan

Honda is working on a new hybrid system for larger cars, with a version available in around three years. That according to Tomohiko Kawanabe, chief operating officer of automobile R&D.

This is quite the follow-up to the push from CEO Takonobu for hybrid development.

The single electric motor used in the Honda Insight and Civic is too 'mild' for a larger car. And would likely be used in a hybrid engine for the Odyssey minivan or Pilot SUV. Minivans, in particular, are an untapped market for hybrids so far. That makes Honda's announcement exciting on its own.

Honda had previously been working on a diesel for larger vehicles, hybrid for smaller vehicles development plan, but seems to be reversing that. Now, they are looking at developing small diesels for Europe and larger hybrids for the US.

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Hond Plans for Acura TSX Hybrid in 2011

Honda is getting ready to bring an Acura TSX sedan for 2011. After that, two more hybrid Acura models will follow. (Source: Autonews)

But it's hard to know what kind of hybrid the TSX Hybrid will be like. Honda has tried power enhanced hybrids like the Accord hybrid. But that was not exactly a big success. Maybe with an Acura, Honda can rely on luxury buyers.

Toyota has done well with their Lexus hybrids, so Accura could do well with theirs.

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Honda Struggling With Insight

Struggling is a good way to put it (Source: Honda Says ‘Too Small’ Insight Hybrid May Miss Sales Target - Bloomberg.com). Honda is just struggling with the Insight. Not just because it's too small (read the article) but because it can't compete against the Prius in a lot of ways.

There are a lot of factors as to why Honda is having a tough time with their hybrid car.  The biggest reasons include the smaller size (including less room in the back) despite being less fuel efficient, it looks very similar to the Prius, and an initial slate of poor reviews by American journalists.  Put it all together and you end up with a very lopsided loss (sales at 7:1) against an already entrenched opponent.

There's just nothing but the price tag to differentiate the Honda Insight as being better than the Prius. But, the Insight only comes in at best $3K less than the Prius. At that price range ($20,000 +), people who are looking to buy aren't looking for bargain vehicles.

Selling 200,000 Insights worldwide in the first year “looks tough,” Executive Vice President Koichi Kondo said in an interview on Jan. 19 in Tokyo, where Honda is based. “I think we compromised too much on size in pursuing fuel efficiency” for the U.S. market, he said.

...

“There are plenty of people who think that the current Fit meets their needs already” with its fuel efficiency, he said. “A hybrid version might seem expensive. Our engineers are really struggling.”

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Honda CEO Pushing for Hybrid Development

Honda CEO Takonobu has admitted their Honda hybrids just aren't good enough to beat out the Toyota Prius (Source: Autonews). And with that, he's pushing his Research and Development to develop and expand their hybrids.

And with it, Honda will get a new hybrid, something that's ready for their large vehicle platforms, not just the smaller (Insight and Civic) platforms.

The Toyota Prius outsold the Insight by almost a 7:1 margin. Honda had targeted 90,000 sales for their Insight, but later brought it down to 60,000. The lower cost Insight was supposed to compete with the Prius. But at just under at most $2 thousand savings, the Insight has not competed with the Prius. Instead, it seems to be drawing sales away from the Honda Civic Hybrid instead.

"Are we happy with how sales are going? No, we're not happy," said John Mendel, American Honda's executive vice president, in an interview last month.

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Honda CR-Z Makes Its Debut

The 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Honda is hoping to capture a new hybrid car segment, those sport car enthusiasts that are looking for higher fuel efficiency.

The CR-Z is set for a launch date in late summer in the US, but will be sold in Japan starting in February, 2010.

The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda's compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes.

Honda is estimating the CR-Z will get 36 city/ 38 highway mpg, while manual transmissions will achieve 31 city/ 37 highway. The fuel efficient set-up will also get a combined peak output of 122 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 ft-lb. of torque at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 ft-lb. on CVT-equipped models).

The CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

Press Release Follows:

DETROIT, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe, making its U.S. production debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, introduces sleek styling and sporty handling to the hybrid segment, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100111/LA35516)

"The CR-Z is a personal sport hybrid coupe for people with a spirit of adventure and an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "It's the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy."

Set to go on sale late summer in the U.S., the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda's compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes.

The exterior's distinctive "one-motion" wedge form originates from its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance. A side profile with a deeply inset beltline conveys a dynamic tension, while the short wheelbase and large, wide front grille accents the vehicle's athletic presence.

The futuristically styled interior offers a high-tech appearance and ergonomically intuitive controls. Instrument panel meters illuminate with a three-dimensional, vibrant blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. Set against a motif of textured black materials and aluminum-style trim accents, the upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wrap-around cockpit environment. The passenger zone offers an open, comfortable space. Premium sport-oriented cloth seats are designed to provide excellent lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space. A hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.

The two trim levels include the well-equipped CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. The CR-Z EX adds, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(1) with voice recognition.

The CR-Z represents the sixth unique version of Honda's original IMA technology since the launch of the 2000 Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available in North America in December 1999. The foundation of the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain is a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single overhead cam engine with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the IMA system's DC brushless electric motor. The i-VTEC system controls the opening and closing of one intake valve per cylinder to enhance combustion at low RPMs. The 10-kilowatt electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency.

The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower(2) at 6,000 rpm and 128 ft-lb. of torque(2) at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 ft-lb. on CVT-equipped models). Preliminary fuel economy estimates are anticipated to result in a rating of 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon(3) on CVT-equipped models. Manual transmission models are anticipated to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 city/37 highway miles per gallon(3). The CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

The standard six-speed manual transmission is engineered for optimal acceleration performance in gears one through five and for optimal fuel economy in sixth gear. When starting on steep inclines from a stop, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch (for a duration of approximately 1.5 seconds). The available CVT provides the convenience of an automatic transmission with a seamless transition between minimum and maximum ratios, while also keeping the engine within an optimal RPM range for overall efficiency. To increase the performance potential of the CVT, paddle shifters located on the steering wheel allow the driver to manually simulate the stepped holding pattern. In Sport mode, the paddle shifters will hold and maintain a selected ratio.

The CR-Z's three-mode drive system allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles. The system is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel.

The Sport mode enhances multiple vehicle systems for performance including the engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist. The inner ring of the tachometer illuminates red when the vehicle is in Sport mode.

During Econ mode operation, the engine's responsiveness is tuned for optimal economy, the electric motor assist gives priority to fuel efficiency and the air conditioning system can reduce its overall load on the engine. The inner ring of the tachometer transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in Econ mode, with the green representing more ecological driving.

Normal mode provides standard settings for steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning. Similar to Econ mode, the tachometer ring transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in normal mode, with the green representing more ecological driving. Like the Honda Insight, the CR-Z offers an Eco Guide and Eco scoring feature to help drivers track progress of efficient driving styles.

The front MacPherson strut suspension and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension settings are tuned to provide a sporty, solid and dynamic driving experience. All models are equipped with 16x6-inch aluminum wheels with 195/55 R16 86V tires. Accessory 17x7 alloy wheels with 205/45R17 84V tires with are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area further contribute to a low center of gravity, which is key to the new CR-Z's responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves efficiency.

In addition to being environmentally responsible, the CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

Additional Honda media information is available at Hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

(1) The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) is available on the CR-Z EX in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

(2) Preliminary estimate provided by Honda. Final specification is subject to change.

(3) Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

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Honda Civic Hybrid Lawsuit

In an update to the lawsuit over mileage figures against Honda, it seems a settlement has been reached. But, 26 state Attorney Generals (AG) are objecting to the settlement.

History
John True of Ontario, Calif. sued Honda over what he called their inflated mpg figures. After just 6,000 miles of driving, True sued Honda saying he was unable to achieve the 48 mpg city/51 mpg highway figures Honda was using. Instead, he was only able to get 32 mpg in mixed driving.

The mpg figures come from the EPA, and are the only figures Honda is allowed to use in their advertising by law. Which to me says this is a ridiculous lawsuit and it was completely foolish for it to get this far...

If anyone out there doesn't realize that the EPA mpg figure 'will vary,' then they didn't read the label on the car (which clearly states just that!). It's a guideline people use to evaluate the different cars. Unless you drive your vehicle as they do in the lab at a certain speed for so far, then at a different speed for so long (and so on...) then you should know your mileage will vary from the stated figure.

The Settlement
But, that being said, True and one other driver, continued the lawsuit as a class action suit. The 2007 lawsuit worked its way through and Honda worked out a settlement.

The settlement covers 158,639 people who owned or leased a 2003-2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. (Why stop at 2008? The EPA changed the way they calculated mileage figures... again, not Honda who changed the rules, but the government).

As per the settlement, Honda will:

• Send current and former Civic Hybrid owners a DVD on improving fuel economy.
• Will offer $1,000 rebate if they want to trade their Civic Hybrid in on certain vehicles.
• If they no longer own the vehicle, they can get $500 coupon/rebate for a trade-in instead.
• Or, if they don't want to trade their vehicle in, they can get $100 if they have previously complained.
• Also, Honda will change their advertisement for two years, saying that "mileage will vary," not "mileage may vary."
• True, and the other litigant, will split $22,500.

State Attorney Generals Step In
26 state AGs are objecting to the 2007 class action lawsuit against Honda.

AG complaints:

• List of vehicles eligible for the rebate do not include Fit, Insight, Civic Hybrid or Honda CRZ.
• Lawyers will receive $2.95 million in legal fees, in comparison to the $100 most will receive.
• It does nothing to keep Honda from making the same sort of claims in the future
  

Honda estimates less than 600 could even go for the $100.


Objecting attorneys general include Michigan, California, Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia.

Which is all good and wonderful, but the lawsuit never should have gotten this far.  Who doesn't know the EPA figures are not the ones you will get?  Had True (et. al.) ever driven a car before?  Is the label not clearly marked?  Didn't Honda follow the federal laws? 

What's worse, some people can get the mileage claimed by the EPA in mixed driving.  Some get much better mileage than the EPA claims (See hypermilers).

This sort of lawsuit is just depressing.  And to have it come down to a settlement instead of just being thrown out is even worse.

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