Honda - MyBrandz http://mybrandz.com/brand/42855/_Honda Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:08:04 +0000 http://mybrandz.com/ en http://mybrandz.com/brand/42855/_Honda http://c1.www.mybrandz.com/thumbnail/u/428/55/file_0_s.jpg Honda - MyBrandz Review: 2010 Honda Civic Si HFP not fast, is curious http://mybrandz.com/post/137237/_Review-2010-Honda-Civic-Si-HFP-not-fast http://mybrandz.com/post/137237/_Review-2010-Honda-Civic-Si-HFP-not-fast Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/137237/_Review-2010-Honda-Civic-Si-HFP-not-fast#comments 1 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:27:36 +0000 Autoblog

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2010 Honda Civic Si HFP - Click above for high-res image gallery



There was a time was when any serious discussion of "hot hatches" - small, lightweight economy cars pumped full of go-fast parts and body modifications of dubious taste - always included the Honda Civic Si. Back in the day, the D16Z6-engined Si would routinely do battle against the Volkswagen GTI and Nissan Sentra SE-R for import tuner supremacy. Times, however, change.



These days, the battle for hot hatch supremacy starts and essentially ends with turbocharged beasties like the 0 and 1/2, with a dash of 3 or 4 thrown in for flavor. The Sentra SE-R is little more than a sad shell of its former self (a fact we find odd considering just how much cache Nissan has built up for the brand with its 5) and the Volkswagen GTI has evolved into an entry-level 6 - lots of interior and NVH refinement, but lacking the kicked-in-the-you-know-where power necessary to keep up with the all-wheel-drive Japanese kids. But what about the Civic Si? Where does it fit into the import tuner lexicon, especially when loaded up with lots of Honda Factory Performance (HFP) parts? Make the jump as we attempt to find out.





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5]]> IndyCar: 2010 Honda Indy Edmonton offers a view to a thrill [SPOILERS] http://mybrandz.com/post/137033/_IndyCar-2010-Honda-Indy-Edmonton-offers http://mybrandz.com/post/137033/_IndyCar-2010-Honda-Indy-Edmonton-offers Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/137033/_IndyCar-2010-Honda-Indy-Edmonton-offers#comments 0 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:27:17 +0000 Autoblog

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2010 Honda Indy Edmonton - Click above for high-res image gallery



The IndyCar Series stayed north of the border after the last race in Toronto, moving from the street circuit around the CN Tower to the City Centre Airport course in Edmonton. One of the best tracks for fans, the flat circuit offers views of most of the action from virtually any vantage point. The view the drivers were seeing going into Sunday's race was all too familiar - Will Power was back to his dominating ways, with quickest times in practice and through much of qualifying. Would last year's winner hold on for the pole? Would he capture another win, distancing himself even further from the rest of the pack in the championship standings?



Follow the jump to see how the 2010 Honda Indy Edmonton played out.





Gallery: IndyCar: 2010 Honda Indy Edmonton

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[Images: Robert Laberge, Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images, Jeff McIntosh, John Ulan/AP]

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6]]> Scott Dixon wins Honda Edmonton Indy http://mybrandz.com/post/137017/_Scott-Dixon-wins-Honda-Edmonton-Indy http://mybrandz.com/post/137017/_Scott-Dixon-wins-Honda-Edmonton-Indy ESPN NEWS http://mybrandz.com/post/137017/_Scott-Dixon-wins-Honda-Edmonton-Indy#comments 0 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:27:30 +0000 ESPN News

Scott Dixon won a controversial Honda Edmonton Indy on Sunday after driver Helio Castroneves crossed the finish line first, but was penalized for blocking his teammate.

Read full story at ESPN

Read more...]]> Honda's Marysville, OH plant builds 10 millionth vehicle http://mybrandz.com/post/136844/_Honda's-Marysville,-OH-plant-builds-10-m http://mybrandz.com/post/136844/_Honda's-Marysville,-OH-plant-builds-10-m Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/136844/_Honda's-Marysville,-OH-plant-builds-10-m#comments 0 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:27:11 +0000 Autoblog

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Less than 28 years after becoming the very first Japanese brand to begin producing cars in the United States, Honda turned out the 10 millionth car from its Marysville, OH factory on Tuesday. Marysville began car production in November 1982 with the second generation Accord, and so it's fitting that the landmark vehicle was also an Accord sedan. These days, Marysville also produces the Acura RDX and TL, but over the years the Accord has accounted for 8.5 million units of the total production volume.



Eighty-four percent of the vehicles sold by Honda and Acura in North America in 2009 were produced here. The nearby Anna engine plant will also celebrate a landmark this week with its 25th anniversary on Thursday. Congrats, Honda!



[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda's Marysville, OH plant builds 10 millionth vehicle

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9]]> Spy Shots: 2012 Honda Civic struts its stuff in Europe http://mybrandz.com/post/136822/_Spy-Shots-2012-Honda-Civic-struts-its-s http://mybrandz.com/post/136822/_Spy-Shots-2012-Honda-Civic-struts-its-s Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/136822/_Spy-Shots-2012-Honda-Civic-struts-its-s#comments 0 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:26:25 +0000 Autoblog

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Euro-spec Honda Civic spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery



Well, look at what we have here. Back in May, our intrepid spy shooters managed to snap off a series of images showing the next-gen European Honda Civic hiding in plain sight under an amalgam of ill-fitting current-gen bodywork. The latest set of spy photos seen here prove that Honda's little compact hatchback is progressing along rather nicely.



Unlike previous spy photos, it's clear that the car being tested is wearing its new bodywork... though it's obviously obscured as much as possible with funky matte black panels with strategically placed cutouts for doors, lights and glass. In any case, we can see a clear hatchback body design, as you would expect for the European market, along with an overtly wedge-like profile.



We have no way of knowing what's powering this vehicle at the moment, but previous reports suggest our European friends will get a typical choice of gasoline and diesel four cylinder engines along with a possible hybrid. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.





Gallery: 2012 European Honda Civic: Spy Shots

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5]]> Honda announces plans to sell plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle by 2012 http://mybrandz.com/post/136809/_Honda-announces-plans-to-sell-plugin-hy http://mybrandz.com/post/136809/_Honda-announces-plans-to-sell-plugin-hy Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/136809/_Honda-announces-plans-to-sell-plugin-hy#comments 0 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:26:24 +0000 Autoblog

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At a news conference yesterday in Japan, Honda chief executive officer Takanobu Ito outlined the company's future plans to roll out advanced technology vehicles. Among the highlights: Ito revealed Honda will introduce both a mid-size plug-in hybrid and an electric commuter vehicle in the U.S. and Japan by the end of 2012. As part of the company's global push to develop more-efficient vehicles, Honda will also introduce a small diesel-powered car in Europe around the same time that its battery-powered vehicles hit our shores.



Honda will also begin testing "next-generation electric personal mobility products, including electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric scooters and electric carts" in the Kumamoto and Saitama regions in Japan before the end of 2010. The purpose of the tests is to verify "the effectiveness of next-generation personal mobility products with electromotive technologies," i.e., plug-in vehicles and how to best use renewable energy (solar) with these vehicles. Honda will test all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the U.S. once the Japan tests are underway. U.S.-based participants include Stanford University, Google Inc. and the City of Torrance, CA. Torrance will get a plug-in hybrid electric test vehicle by the end of this year. Honda said its first hybrid to get a lithium-ion battery will be the next-generation Civic Hybrid, coming in 2011. More details are available in the press releases after the jump.



[Source: Honda, Reuters]

Continue reading Honda announces plans to sell plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle by 2012

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1]]> Honda will bring plug-in hybrids, full EVs to United States in 2012 http://mybrandz.com/post/136762/_Honda-will-bring-plugin-hybrids,-full-E http://mybrandz.com/post/136762/_Honda-will-bring-plugin-hybrids,-full-E en gadget http://mybrandz.com/post/136762/_Honda-will-bring-plugin-hybrids,-full-E#comments 0 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:26:11 +0000 Engadget
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Though they probably won't look anything like Honda's adorable EV-N, the Japanese automaker's got some new technological vehicles up its sleeves -- in a speech today, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito formally announced plans to produce a plug-in hybrid competitor for Toyota's flashy new PHEV Prius by 2012, which rumor has it will sport an estimated fuel economy (when it's using fuel, we assume) of roughly around 140 miles per gallon. Better still, a completely battery-powered electrical vehicle will also go on sale by 2012, and you won't have to fly to Japan to try them out, as they're slated for the States as well. Hydrogen fuel cells are apparently still Honda's long-term solution, though the FCX Clarity received only a passing mention. In the short term, Honda's still circling the wagons around part-gasoline systems like the Civic (which will receive a Li-ion battery pack) and the Fit Hybrid, destined for Japan this fall.Honda will bring plug-in hybrids, full EVs to United States in 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink altReuters  |  sourceHonda  | Email this | Comments

Read more...]]> Honda Promises Plug-Ins and EVs by 2012 http://mybrandz.com/post/136727/_Honda-Promises-PlugIns-and-EVs-by-2012 http://mybrandz.com/post/136727/_Honda-Promises-PlugIns-and-EVs-by-2012 Wired News http://mybrandz.com/post/136727/_Honda-Promises-PlugIns-and-EVs-by-2012#comments 0 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:27:05 +0000 Wired News
Honda finally comes to the table with an EV, but it's still betting hydrogen is the future.




Read more...]]> Video: Remember, Honda? http://mybrandz.com/post/136660/_Video-Remember,-Honda http://mybrandz.com/post/136660/_Video-Remember,-Honda Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/136660/_Video-Remember,-Honda#comments 0 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:26:13 +0000 Autoblog

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Honda/Acura NSX remembrance film - click above to watch the video



Up until the last few years, Honda was known for being one of the most engineering driven companies in the world. Soichiro Honda instilled a remarkable spirit of innovation in his staff, driving the company to spawn amazing ideas like the CVCC engines of the mid-1970s, the oval-piston NR750 race bike and the fuel cell powered 0. As of late, though, the Japanese automaker has been looking a bit 'behind the curve' with models like the 1, 2 and 3 lacking the cleverness, spark, and class-leading competence that made past Honda models so iconic.



Thus, it might be a good time to take a look back at what made Honda so great. One of the all-time highlights of the company's road car portfolio remains the Honda/4 NSX. Although both 5 and 6 toyed with the idea of building mid-engine exotics, only Honda actually put one into production. The influence of the NSX on its market segment extended far beyond its commercial success. The NSX was the first "exotic" to demonstrate that you could combine everyday driveability and reliability with supercar performance. Before the NSX, 7, 8 and the like forced drivers to make all sorts of compromises in order to have their performance at one's disposal. It's fair to say that the supercars of today are far better all-around drivers today thanks to the lessons taught by the NSX. Unfortunately, Honda shelved plans for a successor model, so in many respects, one could argue that the spirit of the everyday supercar remains alive in the 9.



Perhaps Honda's product planners and beancounters alike would do well to take a stroll down memory lane and revisit what once the company great. We can't think of a better way than to check out the dramatic video tribute to the NSX 0. Thanks to everyone for the tips.





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0]]> IndyCar: 2010 Honda Indy Toronto [SPOILERS] http://mybrandz.com/post/136645/_IndyCar-2010-Honda-Indy-Toronto-SPOILE http://mybrandz.com/post/136645/_IndyCar-2010-Honda-Indy-Toronto-SPOILE Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/136645/_IndyCar-2010-Honda-Indy-Toronto-SPOILE#comments 1 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:27:01 +0000 Autoblog

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2010 Honda Indy Toronto - Click above for high-res image gallery



The IndyCar Series made a major announcement since the last race at Watkins Glen, deciding to stick with Dallara as its chassis supplier, but opening the game up a bit by allowing other manufacturers the option to supply aero packages and engines. Many think this will boil down to more of the same in IndyCar, but at least on paper, it has the potential to get more companies involved. Some of the bigger nuggets to drop from the official announcement were the new, lower prices of these 2012 IndyCar chassis and the fact that Dallara is building a plant right near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to generate a few more jobs for the state's residents and to make it quicker and easier to make chassis changes during the season. But all of that is still a couple of years off and they still had a race to run this weekend.



The 2010 Honda Indy Toronto is the second race run on this particular 1.755-mile street circuit around the Canadian city of Toronto, although there has been a major open-wheel street race in Toronto since 1967, and CART/IRL races have been held there ever since 1986. Dario Franchitti won the race in 2009 and went on to win the championship last year as well. This year, Franchitti trails Team Penske's Will Power for the points lead and after Saturday's qualifying for Toronto, the Target Chip Ganassi driver found himself fifth on the grid behind Ryan Hunter-Reay (Team IZOD Andretti Autosport) in fourth, Helio Castroneves (Team Penske) in third, Power in second and polesitter Justin Wilson of Team Z-Line Designs/DRR Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, who has posted some impressive results this year and currently stands eighth in the championship standings. Could Wilson stay out front for his first win of the season? Could Franchitti repeat from last year and possibly take the points lead for 2010? Or would Will Power place high enough to retain his lead?



Follow the jump to see how the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto played out.





Gallery: IndyCar: 2010 Honda Indy Toronto

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[Images: Robert Laberge, Streeter Lecka/Getty Images, Frank Gunn, Adrien Veczan/AP]

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6]]> Report: Honda to abandon clean diesel development, focus on hybrids http://mybrandz.com/post/136543/_Report-Honda-to-abandon-clean-diesel-de http://mybrandz.com/post/136543/_Report-Honda-to-abandon-clean-diesel-de Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/136543/_Report-Honda-to-abandon-clean-diesel-de#comments 0 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:25:46 +0000 Autoblog

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Regular readers know we tend to be big fans of modern diesel engines. All the past demons that had plagued oil-burners over the years have been exorcised, including rough running, nasty smells, loud operation and narrow power bands. But sadly, modern clean diesel powerplants have never taken hold in the United States.



According to the Nikkei in Japan (via Reuters), we can add Honda to the list of global automakers that have abandoned plans to move further into the diesel realm. Instead, Honda will continue to puts all of its eggs in the hybrid basket, developing a new system for use in larger vehicles. Currently, Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology is used in the Civic Hybrid and the 0.



We can only hope that Honda's next hybrid system will expand on its current IMA tech, which has been unable to match the fuel efficiency and performance of rival 1, by being able to operate on the electric motor alone for longer stretches.



In addition to halting development of clean diesel tech, Honda has also put the brakes on the new microcar plant in Japan that was to build future Kei cars for the automaker's home market.



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3]]> Report: Honda to kill off Acura RL/Legend globally, discontinue gas Civic models in Japan http://mybrandz.com/post/136507/_Report-Honda-to-kill-off-Acura-RLLegen http://mybrandz.com/post/136507/_Report-Honda-to-kill-off-Acura-RLLegen Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/136507/_Report-Honda-to-kill-off-Acura-RLLegen#comments 1 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:25:53 +0000 Autoblog

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2010 Acura RL - Click above for high-res image gallery



Word coming from Japan's Nikkei business daily (as reported by Reuters) indicates that Honda has finally decided to discontinue the slow selling 0 and its Japanese market counterpart, the Honda Legend.



Ostensibly the flagship of Acura's brand here in North America, the RL has been a slow-seller for quite some time, upstaged in part by the company's less-expensive, higher-volume 1 sedan. For some years now, the TL has offered more space, similar tech and even more power (in the Type S model), making the RL a particularly tough sell for dealers. Through the first half of this year, only 872 RLs have been sold in the United States.



Another production change reported by the Nikke that would only affect the Japanese market is the discontinuation of conventional gasoline versions of the 2. If accurate, that would mean that from now until at least until the next-generation Civic arrives in the Fall of 2011, Honda will only sell the Civic hybrid in its home market.



In addition, the JDM Elysion minivan is also apparently set to get the axe.



Autoblog reached out to Honda for comment on the Nikkei story, and spokesman Chuck Schifsky would only say that the automaker does not comment on future product plans, noting that no official announcement has been made about the fate of the RL/Legend, the JDM Civic or the Elysion. Top tip, Joaquin!





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0]]> Honda shows off conceptual, solar-powered station to refill your conceptual, hydrogen-powered car (video) http://mybrandz.com/post/136029/_Honda-shows-off-conceptual,-solarpowere http://mybrandz.com/post/136029/_Honda-shows-off-conceptual,-solarpowere en gadget http://mybrandz.com/post/136029/_Honda-shows-off-conceptual,-solarpowere#comments 0 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:24:47 +0000 Engadget
Hondashowsoffconceptual,solar-poweredstationtorefillyourconceptual,hydrogen-poweredcar
Hydrogen-powered cars, like Honda's FCX Clarity, face a lot of hurdles, not the least of which being a fuel source requiring more energy to produce than it in turn gives out as energy. Honda is showing one way to mitigate that with its conceptual home-based recharging station. It relies on a six-kilowatt solar array to power an electrolyzer, splitting water molecules into hydrogen atoms. Eight hours of sunlight generates a half-kilogram of hydrogen, enough for the FCX to cover about 30 miles -- your average commute. However, there are some obvious concerns, not the least of which being that massive solar array (shown on the right in the picture above), which is twice the size of car it's powering. Then there's the cost, and while Honda isn't saying how much this might set you back if it ever did come to production, we're guessing it'd make the JFE Engineering's $60k quick charger look like something of a bargain.Continue reading Honda shows off conceptual, solar-powered station to refill your conceptual, hydrogen-powered car (video)Honda shows off conceptual, solar-powered station to refill your conceptual, hydrogen-powered car (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink altAutoblog Green  |  sourceLos Angeles Times  | Email this | Comments

Read more...]]> Clunkbucket shows how aftermarketers are sizing up the new Honda CR-Z http://mybrandz.com/post/135812/_Clunkbucket-shows-how-aftermarketers-are http://mybrandz.com/post/135812/_Clunkbucket-shows-how-aftermarketers-are Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/135812/_Clunkbucket-shows-how-aftermarketers-are#comments 0 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:24:23 +0000 Autoblog

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Aftermarket experts inspect the Honda CR-Z at SEMA preview event



Have you ever wondered how the aftermarket is always ready with custom-fit parts and accessories as soon as a new model is introduced? You probably assumed tuners get advance copies of the latest and greatest to slice and dice, but that's not quite the case, and our friends from Clunkbucket have lifted the veil off the process.



They were invited into a special gathering arranged by Honda and the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association, or SEMA. As you can see from the photo above, reps from several aftermarket tuning companies were allowed to get their hands on three new Honda CR-Z hybrids at a measuring session.



As Mike Bumbeck of Clunkbucket describes it, "The three 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrids shown here are being measured for everything from seat covers to supercharger systems."



With Honda's marketing focused on the CR-Z as the first sporty hybrid, part of the strategy is to have performance parts available right out of the box. These measuring sessions are how that happens. We've already seen some of the fruits of their labor, with Spoon, Mugen and even 0 showing the possibilities, so we're looking forward to finally getting a chance to see what the U.S. tuning arms have created for the 1 show later this year.



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3]]> Honda powers Japan past Denmark, into last 16 http://mybrandz.com/post/135360/_Honda-powers-Japan-past-Denmark,-into-la http://mybrandz.com/post/135360/_Honda-powers-Japan-past-Denmark,-into-la ESPN NEWS http://mybrandz.com/post/135360/_Honda-powers-Japan-past-Denmark,-into-la#comments 1 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:23:29 +0000 ESPN News

Spectacular first-half goals by Keisuke Honda and Yusuhito Endo helped lift Japan to a 3-1 win over Denmark on Thursday.

Read full story at ESPN

Read more...]]> Honda releases info and images of revised 2011 Accord http://mybrandz.com/post/135343/_Honda-releases-info-and-images-of-revise http://mybrandz.com/post/135343/_Honda-releases-info-and-images-of-revise Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/135343/_Honda-releases-info-and-images-of-revise#comments 1 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:23:04 +0000 Autoblog

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2011 Honda Accord Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery



Honda has unveiled updates to its new Accord Coupe and Sedan for the 2011 model year. Chief among the changes are improvements to the car's aerodynamics, reduced engine friction and revised transmission gearing that all add up to increased fuel efficiency. According to the automaker, four-cylinder sedans equipped with an automatic transmission now achieve 23 miles per gallon in the city (a two mpg improvement) and 34 mpg on the highway (a three mpg improvement).



Styling updates are mostly limited to the front fascias, which now appear to be more in line with the blocky look of the Accord Crosstour... for better or for worse. Brake lights and bumpers also get slight revisions, and new wheels are optional on V6 models. The Coupe gets optional steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a USB Audio Interface, while all models with navigation get a rear view camera system.



Sadly, most models are still equipped with five-speed transmissions, both automatic and manual - save for the EX-L V6 Coupe, which gets a six-speed stick. There are a slew of additional detail and package updates, and you'll find them all in the press release pasted after the break. We've also created a high-res image gallery of each model that you can browse through below. Enjoy!





Gallery: 2011 Honda Accord Coupe

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1]]> 2011 Honda CR-Z goes on sale August 24, starting at $19,200 http://mybrandz.com/post/135201/_2011-Honda-CRZ-goes-on-sale-August-24,- http://mybrandz.com/post/135201/_2011-Honda-CRZ-goes-on-sale-August-24,- Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/135201/_2011-Honda-CRZ-goes-on-sale-August-24,-#comments 1 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:22:58 +0000 Autoblog

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2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery



We've driven the 2011 CR-Z and now Honda's slapped a sticker on its hybrid hatch before sales begin August 24.



The CR-Z is available in three trim levels, with the base price of the six-speed manual-equipped model coming in at $19,200 (plus a D&D charge of $750). Option up for the EX and a 360-watt stereo, Bluetooth integration and a leather wrapped wheel are yours for the taking for $20,760. Tack on the navigation system ("Navi" in Honda parlance) and the price swells to $22,560.



If you absolutely must - and we'd seriously advise against it - you can equip the CR-Z with the CVT for $650, complete with seven faux ratios and a slight boost in fuel economy. Make the jump for the details and a complete pricing breakdown.





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7]]> Hyundai pledges to hit 40 mpg with 2012 Veloster, beat out Honda CR-Z http://mybrandz.com/post/135142/_Hyundai-pledges-to-hit-40-mpg-with-2012- http://mybrandz.com/post/135142/_Hyundai-pledges-to-hit-40-mpg-with-2012- Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/135142/_Hyundai-pledges-to-hit-40-mpg-with-2012-#comments 0 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:22:41 +0000 Autoblog

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2012 Hyundai Veloster - Click above for high-res image gallery



At a media breakfast in Los Angeles this morning, Hyundai Motor America president John Krafcik let slip that the Korean automaker expects to breach the 40 miles-per-gallon barrier with its forthcoming small sports coupe. Conveniently, if they can reach that performance target, that would best the new 2011 Honda CR-Z, which, despite its hybrid powertrain, achieves just 36/39 city/highway when equipped with a CVT and 31/37 with a manual gearbox. The as-yet-unnamed Hyundai coupe (the nameplates Veloster and 0 are still up for discussion) will achieve those figures with a conventional four-cylinder engine, eschewing the added cost, complexity and weight of a gas-electric system.



Likening the forthcoming model to a long-distance runner, Krafcik promises that not only will this Hyundai best the 1 in fuel economy, it will also deliver better performance as well as added utility (read: rear seats and better access). Given that it won't have the cost penalty of a hybrid drivetrain (a 2), we'd be surprised if it doesn't come in at a lower price-point, as well.



In addition to sipping gas, Krafcik emphasized to Autoblog that a key mission for the affordable coupe will be enticing the world's young and increasingly auto-ambivalent consumers with additional technology - all Velosters will come with a large screen on the dashboard as standard equipment, presumably to manage connectivity features in addition to more traditional vehicle functions.



With 40 mpg practicality and superior utility, it would appear that the Veloster not only has a shot at taking on Honda's CR-Z, but also more conventional economy cars like the 3, perhaps trading a bit of practicality in favor of edgier coupe styling and (hopefully) greater performance.





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0]]> Rumormill: Honda to update S2000 and Beat in one fell swoop http://mybrandz.com/post/135025/_Rumormill-Honda-to-update-S2000-and-Bea http://mybrandz.com/post/135025/_Rumormill-Honda-to-update-S2000-and-Bea Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/135025/_Rumormill-Honda-to-update-S2000-and-Bea#comments 1 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:22:34 +0000 Autoblog

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altThere was a time in the not too distant past when Honda had a slew of fun-to-drive tuner specials ranging from tiny JDM Beat kei-car to the razor-sharp S2000. Both of those vehicles are dead and gone now, but a report from Motor Trend posits that Honda could be working on a way to replace both vehicles in one tidy (and presumably, fun-to-drive) little package.



The rumored roadster, which reportedly wouldn't be production-ready until 2014, would utilize a subframe with a mid-engine layout for optimum weight distribution. If this exciting-sounding ride is indeed in utero, the big question would surround the avenue Honda would choose for propulsion. Options include a small, possibly boosted gasoline motor, a CR-Z-like hybrid and possibly even an electric-only solution. All three options would likely be relatively efficient due to the roadster's small stature, but MT points out that a gas-only option could limit the vehicle's international appeal.



A mixture between a Beat and an S2000 sounds great to us, but is there any proof that such a vehicle is under development? The magazine did some digging and discovered a Honda patent pending in Japan for a subframe vehicle with an "engine being fitted to a center frame." Add to that the fact that last year we heard rumblings of a next-generation Beat that looks a lot like the rendering above, and we could finally be looking at a fun new Honda by mid-decade. Click on the photo above to check out Motor Trend's hot-looking rendering.



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1 originally appeared on 2 on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our 3.

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2]]> First Drive: 2011 Honda CR-Z http://mybrandz.com/post/135005/_First-Drive-2011-Honda-CRZ http://mybrandz.com/post/135005/_First-Drive-2011-Honda-CRZ Autoblog http://mybrandz.com/post/135005/_First-Drive-2011-Honda-CRZ#comments 0 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:22:29 +0000 Autoblog

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2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery



Let's get this out of the way right now: the 2011 Honda CR-Z is not a CRX redux. To compare the two - no matter how much Honda may want to - is to misunderstand the former and besmirch the latter.



No, the hybrid CR-Z is an entirely different beast. Despite its three-door shape and two-seat configuration, it has about as much in common with the O.G. hatch as a big-screen remake of your favorite childhood TV show. The basic components are there, but the whole concept has been throttled to within an inch of its life with high-tech gadgetry, odd casting decisions and a questionable demographic.



But to Honda's credit, its rhetorical comparisons to the CRX have died down considerably since the CR-Z debuted in concept form and then progressed into a production model. Honda may have recognized after a lukewarm introduction outside the U.S. that glomming onto nostalgia will only get you so far (see: Dodge Challenger and 0). And to make something special - a vehicle that transcends the emotional baggage of its predecessor - you've got to evolve the concept and avoid relying on rose-tinted sentimentality.



To an extent, that's exactly what Honda has created. It hasn't built another hot hatch - the lightweight, K20-powered three-door enthusiasts crave - and instead it has attempted to meld the technology of the moment into a greenified competitor to the 1. Think of it as the rogue lovechild of the original and 2, with a few sporting genes spliced into its DNA. But can a hybrid hatch be an entertaining steer? We took to California's twisties and clipped a few cones to find out.





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Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.



Originally published at 3:00AM EST 06.18.10.

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0 originally appeared on 1 on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our 2.

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