Honda Insight

Honda Insight

Honda Insight

Honda Insight

Honda's Insight, billed as the cheapest gas-electric hybrid on the market, ranked as the top-selling vehicle in Japan for April 2009, the first time a hybrid has clinched that spot. its first year on the global market, the second-generation Insight sold 143,015 units, falling short of the 200,000 sales target set by Honda when it was launched.

The Honda Insight was a subcompact hatchback 3,945 mm (155.3 in) in length with a wheelbase of 2,400 mm (94.5 in) a height of 1,355 mm (53.3 in) and a width of 1,695 mm (66.7 in). The Insight was only available as a two-seater. Only three different trims were available: a manual transmission without air-conditioning, a manual transmission with automatic climate-control system, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with automatic climate-control system. Although produced until 2006, the only major change was the introduction of a trunk mounted, front controlled, multiple CD changer.

One key in increasing the vehicle's fuel efficiency was reducing the mass via the extensive use of aluminum and plastic. Honda built the Insight with aluminum front brake calipers and rear brake drums; the fuel tank was plastic; the engine mounts were aluminum; and the exhaust was a small, thin wall pipe. The Insight weighed 1,847 lb (838 kg) in manual transmission form or 1,964 lb (891 kg) with CVT and air conditioning. The combination of materials and design gave the Insight body structure 13 percent more bending strength and 38 percent more torsional rigidity than a comparably-sized steel body, despite weighing 40 percent less.

The Honda Insight was a subcompact hatchback 3,945 mm (155.3 in) in length with a wheelbase of 2,400 mm (94.5 in) a height of 1,355 mm (53.3 in) and a width of 1,695 mm (66.7 in). The Insight was only available as a two-seater. Only three different trims were available: a manual transmission without air-conditioning, a manual transmission with automatic climate-control system, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with automatic climate-control system. Although produced until 2006, the only major change was the introduction of a trunk mounted, front controlled, multiple CD changer.

One key in increasing the vehicle's fuel efficiency was reducing the mass via the extensive use of aluminum and plastic. Honda built the Insight with aluminum front brake calipers and rear brake drums; the fuel tank was plastic; the engine mounts were aluminum; and the exhaust was a small, thin wall pipe. The Insight weighed 1,847 lb (838 kg) in manual transmission form or 1,964 lb (891 kg) with CVT and air conditioning. The combination of materials and design gave the Insight body structure 13 percent more bending strength and 38 percent more torsional rigidity than a comparably-sized steel body, despite weighing 40 percent less.

Honda FCX

Honda FCX

Honda FCX

Honda FCX

Honda FCX

This FCX uses front-wheel drive and is still a three-door four-seat hatchback vehicle like its predecessor. It has a maximum output of 80 kilowatts (107 horsepower) and 282 Nm (201 foot-pounds) of torque and has an operating range of 190 miles. The 2005 FCX had an EPA city/highway rating of 62/51 mpkg (57 mpkg combined). It achieved a nearly 20-percent improvement in EPA fuel economy rating (51/46 mpkg (48 mpkg combined), a 33-percent gain in peak power (107 hp vs. 80 hp) and also a nearly 20-percent gain in operating range compared to the 2004 FCX (a range of 160 miles). FCX was, according to Honda, the only fuel cell vehicle fully certified to meet the applicable federal government crash safety standards at the time. Later with software upgrades for 2006 FCX, this was enhanced to 210 miles.(EPA certified) The vehicle weighs in at 1680 kg (3700 pounds) and has a maximum speed of 150 km/h (93 mph) and a 0–100 km/h (0-60 mph) acceleration time of 11 seconds. Main hydrogen components of the vehicle include fuel cell, two hydrogen tanks behind the rear and ultracapacitors.

This model used a fuel cell first developed in-house by Honda called the Honda FC Stack. The fuel cell was introduced in October 2003 and can operate at a low temperature of −20 °C. The type of fuel cell used is a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. The fuel cell stack has a power of 86 kilowatts.

The hydrogen is stored into two separate containers behind the rear seat. They can accommodate a maximum of 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) of hydrogen.

The FCX is a fully featured automobile and has features like traction control, cruise control, automatic climate control, CD player, power windows, power locks and power heated mirrors. The FCX seats four adults comfortably. The only thing new for 2006 model year is the Satellite Navigation System.

Honda originally only leased the FCX to certain corporate and government entities. On 29 June 2005 Honda leased an FCX to its first non-commercial customer; the Spallino family of Southern California.

According to a New York Times article in 2005, Andy Boyd, a spokesman of Honda, was quoted that the FCX's estimated expense ($1 million to $2 million) is based on "the cost of body and powertrain, and also the experimental nature of some key components, like the fuel cell itself."

Honda OSM Sketch Debuts BIMS

Honda will unveil a low-emission, lightweight sports study model at the British International Motor Show later this month.

The striking two-seat roadster aims to couple sleek looks with exciting driving dynamics and more efficient engine technology, to give lower exhaust emissions.

The Honda OSM (for Open Study Model), was designed by Honda’s R&D facility in Offenbach, Germany. It’s the latest example of the young talent being developed within Honda’s design studios in Europe – following the Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept (Geneva 2007)

Honda Jazz

Honda Jazz

Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz

Honda Jazz

The exterior design is at first glance an evolution rather than a revolution, but this subtle change of appearance is only one small part of the thousands of changes that push the all-new Jazz forward. It retains the concepts of the previous Jazz with its center fuel tank layout and Magic Seats which gave it world beating interior flexibility. Yet while the best features are retained, including cabin space to rival mid-sized saloons, the new Jazz brings change to every area, raising the bar even further and promising to expand on its success in the supermini segment. The previous generation was given more than fifty awards and has sold over two million around the world since its 2001 launch

A slightly larger, ‘cab forward' style body brings better visibility and means Jazz is even more spacious, benefiting rear legroom and boot space in particular. The Magic Seats now dive down in one easy action and their versatility is now complemented by a new Double-Trunk boot feature in the luggage bay.

There are greater levels of safety equipment including the introduction of Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, active front seat head restraints and VSA.

Larger wheels, revised suspension and a longer wheelbase/wider track bring greater agility while enhancing ride comfort. And new 90 PS 1.2-litre and 100 PS 1.4-litre i-VTEC engines deliver better performance characteristics while boosting economy to exceptional levels - 5.1 and 5.3 l/100 km combined, respectively. CO2 emissions for both the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre engines have also been significantly reduced. The 1.2 litre engine now emits just 120g/km (down from 129g/km), while the 1.4 litre produces 123g/km in manual or 120g/km with the i-SHIFT transmission (down from 137g/km)

Honda NSX

Honda NSX

NSX by carrying the 5.5 L V10 naturally aspirated engine output up to 600 ps hp and 600 Nm torque, the new engine and will use a similar 3.5 of the eighth generation Accord VCM technology, in low-speed driving, 10-cylinder will only have five working, transmission system will be sent to an uprated Super-Handling AWD system via a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Re-modified Light SH-AWD system but also the Guowan new push to the new speed limit. NSX's new aerodynamic design using the technology from Formula One, even if no new NSX equipment large tail at high speed can provide a good vehicle stability under pressure As for the control of body weight in about 1500 kg. Honda stationed in Newburgh forest NSX team will test the limits this fall to conduct a test lap, the British media estimated the new NSX will be faster than R35 GT-R (or even Lexus LF-A).

Honda Ridgeline

Honda Ridgeline
Honda Ridgeline
Honda Ridgeline
Honda Ridgeline
Honda Ridgeline
Honda Ridgeline

“The Ridgeline channels the company’s vast experience with motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, marine engines, personal water craft, power equipment and automotive products,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The end result is a truck designed to best meet the needs of people who take family, work and recreation seriously. All-around, it’s the right tool for the job.”

The four-door, five-passenger Ridgeline is built on a closed-box, unit-body frame that combines the strength characteristics of a ladder frame with the packaging and handling advantages of a unit-body design. All 2009 Ridgelines are powered by a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine. A 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission and a Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4®) are standard. The EPA rates city/highway/combined fuel economy at 15/20/17. A fully-independent suspension with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link suspension design in the rear contribute to a smooth ride and responsive handling. Standard equipment for towing includes an integrated tow hitch, transmission and oil coolers, heavy duty brakes, dual radiator fans and a wiring harness for a 7-pin trailer hook up (pre-wiring only on RT). Maximum recommended tow capacity is 5,000 pounds.

The heavy duty braking system includes 12.6-inch front and 13.1-inch rear 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Wheels on the Ridgeline RT are 17×7.5-inch steel affairs; the Ridgeline RTS upgrades to alloy. P245/65 R17 all-season tires are standard on the Ridgeline RT and RTS. The Ridgeline RTL is equipped with new-for-2009 18×7.5-inch alloy wheels and P245/60 R18 all-season tires. A standard tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) provides individual low pressure warnings. A tow hitch becomes standard equipment on every 2009 model and a 7-pin wiring harness is included on the Ridgeline RTS and RTL. The 22-gallon fuel tank provides a maximum highway driving range of up to 373 miles based on the EPA-rated combined city/highway fuel economy and the fuel tank capacity.
Ridgeline was the first-ever 4-door pickup to receive the federal government’s top 5-star safety rating, the highest safety rating possible, for both frontal and side impacts. The 2009 Ridgeline continues to achieve the highest 5-star ratings for frontal and side impacts. All Ridgelines are equipped with standard anti-lock brakes; VSA; brake assist; advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s SRS airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System(OPDS); two-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front seat active head restraints; a tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

Honda Accord

Honda Accord
Honda Accord
Honda Accord
Honda Accord

The Accord exterior design is intended to communicate a prestigious and substantial presence. The Accord's muscular stance is further heightened on the coupe by a longer hood with sharp character lines and a tapered C-pillar with wedge-shaped rear side windows for a fast, aerodynamic look. Interior styling on all models provides world-class ergonomics and intuitive vehicle controls. Sporty, yet comfortable seats are equipped with leather-trimmed surfaces on the Accord EX-L. The double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, a premium arrangement for the mid-size segment, inspires spirited handling performance while also providing a comfortable ride.

"As one of the best-selling cars in America, the popularity of the Accord can be traced to its combination of refinement, quality, sporty feel, safety equipment, fuel efficiency and long-term value," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Other cars can claim some of those traits, too, but only the Accord reaches consistently higher in more of the areas that matter most."

The Accord is available with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engine choices. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (standard on V-6-powered sedan models, available with all 4-cylinder engines and V-6-powered Accord Coupes,) and a 6-speed manual transmission (available on the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6).

Honda Civic

Honda Civic

Honda Civic

Honda Civic

Honda Civic and Hybrid

Honda Civic and Hybrid
Honda Civic and Hybrid
Honda Civic and Hybrid

Honda Civic and Hybrid
Honda Civic and Hybrid
Honda Civic and Hybrid

“The Civic lineup uniquely embraces traditional gasoline, hybrid, high performance and natural gas technologies like no other vehicle in the world,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The exterior styling enhancements and newly-available features help strengthen Civic’s position as one of the best-selling vehicles in a market that’s embracing small cars more than ever.”

All 2009 Civic sedan and coupe models boast redesigned exterior styling features, including a new front bumper cover and grille design and new headlight and taillight color combinations, featuring clear turn indicator lenses with amber bulbs. New alloy wheel designs are introduced on the Civic EX, Civic EX-L and Civic Si models, along with the addition of fog lamps for the Civic Si model.

Interior enhancements come by way of technology-friendly additions. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® is added to Navigation-equipped models and a USB Audio Interface added to Civic EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si models. The Civic Hybrid gains the option of leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats and side mirrors. Additionally, new cloth materials and patterns on seats, door linings and armrests (when equipped) have been updated to further enhance the interior’s look and feel.

Honda S2000

Honda S2000

Honda S2000

Honda S2000

Honda S2000

The Honda S2000 is a true performance vehicle that provides customers with an exciting experience behind the wheel," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Because the S2000 is a car designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, it can easily satisfy daily driving needs without sacrificing track-worthy performance."

The S2000's renowned high-revving, 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine remains the pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance technology, delivering 237 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm. Perfectly complimenting the engine's output characteristics is a compact, longitudinally-mounted, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that features a direct linkage for precise shifting and quick throws.

The S2000 comes equipped with a Drive-by-Wire throttle control system eliminating the need for a mechanical connection between the throttle pedal and the engine. This enables continuous electronic monitoring and adjustment of throttle pedal sensitivity to create an ideal match between throttle response and driving conditions. The system also manages the S2000's cruise control function for greater precision.

Honda's VSA makes the S2000 more stable and forgiving during street driving or in inclement weather conditions. Working in concert with the Drive-by-Wire system, VSA continuously monitors yaw rate, steering input, throttle input, and braking pressure to determine if the car is following the driver's intended path, and can independently coordinate each of the disc brakes through the 4-channel anti-lock brake system, along with the throttle, to enhance vehicle stability. While this serves to effectively enhance driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button when conditions warrant it. To help provide optimum stopping power, the braking system also features Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

The S2000's rear-wheel-drive chassis and powertrain layout results in a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution for perfect balance when cornering, while its hybrid monocoque body and "high X-bone frame" results in exceptional structural rigidity. Combined with a front and rear double wishbone suspension, precise electric power steering, and a torque-sensing limited slip differential, the end result is a complete, no compromise performance package for the enthusiast driver.

Honda Legend

Honda Legend
Honda Legend
Honda Legend
Honda Legend

This revised model gives a new edge to the top of the range Honda and responds to customer feedback on the current model. The most noticeable change is to the exterior style of the Legend, with new lights, bonnet, front wings, boot lid, bumpers and the adoption of standard 18" wheels.

Under the restyled bonnet is one of the most powerful V6 engines in this sector, giving the power of a V8 engine, while retaining the smoothness and fuel economy inherent to this layout.

The new engine has an additional 200cc that helps to give the new Legend greater torque across the whole rev range. Complementing this increase in capacity the 3.7 liter V6 has VTEC added to the exhaust valves, joining the system already fitted on the inlet side. These realised a 20% increase in torque in the mid-range. The result is an enhancement to the feeling of power, as well as the improved acceleration.

Coupled to this revised engine, is an all-new 5-speed gearbox that helps the driver exploit and enjoy the revised power unit. The new box has switched to a straight gate and empowers the driver with additional control over gear selection with revised steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters and new gearbox software. The new transmission reacts faster to changes in driver input even in the normal automatic mode and so gives the driver access to power when it's most needed.

The combined effects of the improved transmission and increase in torque mean that the new Legend can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than before. Fuel economy and CO2 have also improved over the previous model, despite the improved acceleration performance.

Central to the concept of the current Legend is the cabin refinement which reduces the stress of modern motoring. This theme has been taken a stage further with the new car by equipping it with a suite of NVH reducing technologies. The most advanced of these is the Active Noise Cancellation system (ANC), which cancels out low frequency noise by playing the opposite wave form through the Bose sound system. New to the flagship is a new form of sound deadening mat that has improved noise reducing properties and is lighter than conventional materials. An acoustic windscreen and improved bushing complete these improvements to the already very refined Honda flagship.

Safety is a cornerstone of the Legend, and adds Active Head Restraints to its already impressive safety equipment. The new head restraints are similar in principle to the items found in the Civic and Accord models and compliment the reassuring ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure. Optional in some markets are the Adaptive Cruise Control and CMBS systems, which use millimeter wave radar to detect and help reduce the risk of collisions.

The chassis of the Legend has also received some attention to further enhance the Legend's rock solid, yet entertaining handling. Although the very advanced SH-AWD system remains unchanged the settings for the suspension have been altered to improve the ride and handling.