• Wagons West: Domestics picked up market share in California last year -

    Filed under: Car Buying, Ford, GM, Honda, Jeep, Kia, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

    2012 Jeep Wrangler

    Most days, California must seem like Kazakhstan for the Big Three. Domestic products aren't so popular out West, where Toyota and Honda have long stood atop the sales charts. But not in 2011.

    According to a report in Automotive News, both General Motors and Ford managed to bump Honda from its silver medal position in 2011, though Toyota still holds a commanding market share lead. In a storyline we've heard before, the twin natural disasters in Asia curbed Japanese production, causing a 4.5 point loss of market share. Toyota's market share dropped from 22.8 to 19.2 percent, while GM and Ford tied at 12.6 percent - ahead of Honda at 12.1.

    Booming sales in the Golden State helped the domestics to their 1.8 point gain. New vehicle registrations in California were up 9.9 percent, according to the report. The biggest sales gains last year were made by Kia and Jeep, which were up 53 and 49 percent, respectively.

    Wagons West: Domestics picked up market share in California last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Honda to enter World Touring Car Championship with new Civic -

    Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Honda, Racing

    Honda WTCC Civic racer renderings - Official

    Honda has announced plans to enter the FIA World Touring Car Championship with this, a hot new racer based on the newly redesigned 2012 Civic (well, the European five-door, anyway). Details are slim about the new touring car racer, but the automaker has released a statement confirming that the Civic will be powered by a bespoke 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four, developed by Honda R&D in accordance with FIA's Super 2000 regulations. Honda has also formed a joint partnership with Mugen and J.A.S. Motorsport to develop the new Civic.

    So, how soon will we get to watch the new hatchback swap paint with other WTCC racers? Honda hopes to officially join WTCC this season, with some inaugural rounds possibly held in Japan, China and Macau. Following that, a two-car team will be entered into every race in the 2013 championship. Hit the jump for the full details.

    Continue reading Honda to enter World Touring Car Championship with new Civic

    Honda to enter World Touring Car Championship with new Civic originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • California woman wins Civic Hybrid lawsuit against Honda -

    Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Honda



    Heather Peters sued Honda in small-claims court in Torrance, California over the gas mileage she was getting in her Honda Civic Hybrid, which was around 20 miles per gallon less than Honda had advertised. After two days of testimony, Commissioner Doug Carnahan sent his 26-page decision to both Peters and Honda, with a ruling in favor of Peters and $9,687 awarded in damages. That's just short of the $10,000 maximum that can be won in small-claims court.

    In the decision, Carnahan wrote "At a bare minimum Honda was aware ... that by the time Peters bought her car there were problems with its living up to its advertised mileage." He went further, indicating that he found Honda to have committed fraud, but not intentional fraud.

    According to a report in the Associated Press, Honda's EPA certification engineer said Honda "was required to post a sticker with the Environmental Protection Agency's estimate of the highest mileage the car could get." (In a previous report from Automotive.com he was characterized as saying that "automakers had no option but to adhere to the federal testing procedures.") While that claim was shot down by earlier precedent where it was shown that automakers had cited lower fuel economy numbers than the EPA in their advertising and marketing, it will be interesting to see whether this line in Carnahan's decision comes up again: "Honda's own testing should be the guideline for how it advertises its vehicles' mileages, not the generalized work ... done by the EPA."

    And we can be certain it will since Honda has already stated its intention to appeal. And because the appeal will be held in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the way has been cleared for Honda to get its lawyers in the courtroom.

    This gives other plaintiffs in the class action suit over Civic Hybrid mileage an option as to how to proceed. The last day to sign onto the settlement of that earlier suit is February 11, however, even if that case remains unfinished; a judge in San Diego won't rule until March on whether that settlement, which would see plaintiffs get a $100 to $200 and $1,000 discount on a new Honda and trial attorneys get $8.5 million, is fair.

    California woman wins Civic Hybrid lawsuit against Honda originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • These are North America's top producing auto plants -

    Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen

    Volkswagen Puebla, Mexico facility

    Volkswagen has the honor of being this year's top producing North American automotive manufacturer by a wide margin with its Puebla, Mexico facility. The factory managed to produce 510,041 units last year, beating out second-place Nissan and its Aguascalientes, Mexico plant by a staggering 149,245 units, according to Ward's Auto. Nissan jumped from third to second place after Toyota and its Georgetown plant dropped from the top five. Toyota and Honda both saw themselves ousted from the leader board after a year pockmarked by disruptions from earthquake and tsunami activity in Japan and flooding in Thailand.

    The Japanese automakers' vacancies made room for Hyundai and its facility in Montgomery, Alabama with 338,127 units to take fourth place. Ford, meanwhile, moved from fifth in 2010 to third in 2011 with 344,446 units from its Dearborn Truck plant. Nissan rounded out the top five last year with the company's plant in Smyrna, Tennessee taking the automaker's second spot on the list.

    Ward's Auto reports Volkswagen enjoyed a boost from the popularity of the Jetta. That model alone helped push the company's Puebla facility to a 75,356 unit gain over last year's figures. Head over to Ward's to see the full report.

    These are North America's top producing auto plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Sparks fly with Honda's cool new European Civic ad -

    Filed under: Budget, Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Honda, UK, Celebrities

    2012 Honda Civic 'spark' ad from UK

    We'll be the first to admit we weren't overly taken with the Super Bowl commercial Honda worked up featuring Matthew Broderick. The company has a long history of genuinely great advertising, and while the countless Ferris Bueller's Day Off references were clever, the ad didn't really come close to the cleverness found in the movie that inspired it. Fortunately, the company has just released a new spot chock full of... that certain something. The clip follows a spark of innovation from inception to realization as the new European Honda Civic hatchback. As usual, the commercial is well shot and narrated by none other than Garrison Keillor, a staple of Honda's British ads.

    Look closely and you'll even see a shout-out to Honda's famous "The Cog" Rube Goldberg spot of a few years ago, as well. You can follow the trials and tribulations of Honda's little spark in the commercial after the jump.

    Continue reading Sparks fly with Honda's cool new European Civic ad

    Sparks fly with Honda's cool new European Civic ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012 -

    Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota

    Alan Mulally, Dan Akerson and Mark Reuss

    Domestic automakers have much to be happy about, with Chrysler, Ford and General Motors all gaining market share last year for the first time since 1988. Yet according to Bloomberg, 2012 won't be as good to Detroit. Total sales are projected to grow from 12.8 million vehicles last year to 13.6 million, according to the report, but increasing competition from Korea and a Japanese recovery from the natural disasters of 2011 mean those extra sales aren't likely headed to the Big Three.

    The news agency spoke to five analysts, and predictions have the U.S. automakers losing 1.3 percentage points this year. The analysts estimate that GM will drop 0.6 of a percent, Ford will lose 0.5 percent, and Chrysler will be down 0.2 percent. Toyota is seen gaining 0.9 percent, with Honda grabbing an extra 0.5 percent, while Hyundai and Kia are only projected to see their combined market share improve by 0.01.

    If all this comes true, GM would have the top market share in the U.S. at 19 percent, with Ford in second at 16.3 percent, followed by Toyota at 13.8 percent, Chrysler at 10.5 percent, and Honda at 9.5 percent.

    Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Matthew Broderick reprises Ferris Bueller for Honda CR-V Super Bowl ad -

    Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Honda, Celebrities

    Matthew Broderick Super Bowl Ad

    Honda isn't typically one to dive into the Super Bowl advertising fracus with splashy spots, so when the company anonymously teased us with a quick clip of Matthew Broderick reprising his role from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, our eyebrows did a little dance. Now the company has dropped a full-length ad on the web, and it features Broderick skipping his acting duties for a little frolicking about in the city. The spot features more than a few classic Ferris Bueller lines (though nitpickers will note that some of them are a little off), and while it's well put-together, seeing the star take to the wheel of a 2012 CR-V instead of a 1961 Ferrari 250GT California Spyder is a crushing reminder of our own mortality.

    Still, we like Honda's crack at half-time advertising a good bit more than the previously released Audi vampire-fest (though not more than the clever Ahab spot that's presently circulating televisions nationwide). Hit the jump to take in Honda's spot before the big game, and be sure to keep a steady out for the various 'easter eggs.'

    Continue reading Matthew Broderick reprises Ferris Bueller for Honda CR-V Super Bowl ad

    Matthew Broderick reprises Ferris Bueller for Honda CR-V Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • As Civic Hybrid mileage lawsuit continues, Honda shows up -

    Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Honda

    Owner Heather Peters in court over Honda Civic Hybrid fuel economy claims

    Heather Peters is suing Honda in small-claims court in Torrance, California over the lackluster fuel economy she's gotten out of her 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid. It isn't really a new lawsuit, it's one that sprung from Peters not signing onto the settlement of an earlier class-action lawsuit brought by one John True, who sued Honda over the same issue. The meat of the claim is that Honda's window sticker attested to an EPA combined 42 miles per gallon figure, but unhappy drivers are getting closer to 32 mpg.

    True's suit was settled out of court in 2009 and plaintiffs have until February 11, 2012 to partake of redress that the Attorneys General of 26 states declared unfair. Peters didn't sign on, taking her own case to small-claims court where cases aren't tried by lawyers. According to Automotive.com, Honda's point man Neil Schmidt didn't appear at the previous hearing, who was at the first hearing but without subpoenaed documents or, apparently, compelling testimony, but this time he showed up and provided several dossiers to Commissioner Carnahan. Most of the paperwork submitted into evidence was reportedly "testimony from happy Civic Hybrid owners," which the judge dismissed.

    Schmidt first suggested that Peters did not adhere to the right service procedures with her car, then Honda's EPA certification engineer said that Honda had no option but to follow the EPA's testing procedures. While that is correct regarding following testing protocol, Peters argued that automakers have the discretion to use lower fuel economy numbers in their advertising and on Monroneys if they see the need. Peters claims Honda didn't lower the number because it was trying to take advantage of "the green revolution."

    Some observers believe the reduced mileage is an effect of a mandatory software upgrade applied to 2006-2008 Honda Civic Hybrids. The upgrade was meant "not just to prolong the life of the battery, [but] it also helps improve the performance." While there were complaints about the mileage before (as there are of a great many cars), it was after the upgrade that forums began to light up with tales of poorer mileage. That could have been because the upgrade reduced the car's reliance on the battery, a fix to allegedly offset the battery deteriorating more quickly than Honda anticipated.

    Commissioner Carnahan is expected to rule on the case as soon as next week. Peters hopes it's before the February 11 deadline to participate in True's lawsuit settlement. At stake is not just the $10,000 Peters is seeking, but a figure potentially in the billions as other unhappy owners could flock to lawyer-free small-claims court to fight their cases. In the event of a loss, Honda is expected to appeal, to which Peters says, "I'm ready!"

    As Civic Hybrid mileage lawsuit continues, Honda shows up originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Consumer Reports survey suggests buyers don't see differences between car companies -

    Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Toyota

    Consumer Reports Brand Perception Survey

    Today's vehicles are more powerful, more efficient and safer than ever before. In fact, today's car buyer would be hard pressed to spend his or her money on a genuinely bad vehicle. But those overall improvements may have also led consumers to believe there are no real differences between the various products offered by the world's major automakers. According to the Consumer Reports 2012 Car-Brand Perception Survey, Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chevrolet have all seen their scores drop by double digits compared to last year.

    The survey asks consumers to rate brands across seven categories. Consumer Reports says that by combining those categories, the organization can get a handle on how each brand is perceived in the marketplace.

    This year, Toyota continued to lead in the survey, though its persistent recalls saw the brand's perception fall by 17 points this year. Ford, Honda and BMW all saw their perception scores plummet more than 20 points. The results may indicate consumers are seeing fewer differences between automakers as products continue to improve. While that's good news for smaller automakers like Hyundai, Kia and Subaru, larger names in the industry should be worried. Head over to Consumer Reports for the full report.

    Consumer Reports survey suggests buyers don't see differences between car companies originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Matthew Broderick to reprise Ferris Bueller role in Honda Super Bowl ad? -

    Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Honda, Rumormill

    Matthew Broderick

    To the millions of Gen Xers sitting in cubicles listening to New Wave bands on Spotify, wondering how they ever got to be so out of shape, so gray, so middle-aged and so much like their parents, this little 10-second clip that showed up on YouTube yesterday promised something great - the return of a hero, a new chapter in the generational totem that is Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Alas, amidst all the speculation that Matthew Broderick would be reprising his role in a belated sequel, comes this revelation: It's just a teaser for a Super Bowl ad.

    According to Jalopnik, the ad is for Honda, and it will rehash all the best scenes in the original film. It's a big enough deal that Honda has drafted Todd Phillips, he of The Hangover fame, to direct (John Hughes, director of FBDO, passed away in 2009). Of course, this means the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider will not be appearing, replaced, according to the report, by a 2012 Honda CR-V.

    Not to sound too Cameron-like, but if that's true, it is depressing. Click past the jump to see the quick teaser video.

    Continue reading Matthew Broderick to reprise Ferris Bueller role in Honda Super Bowl ad?

    Matthew Broderick to reprise Ferris Bueller role in Honda Super Bowl ad? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Honda Crosstour four-cylinder to start at $27,655* -

    Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Honda

    2012 Honda Crosstour EX-L four-cylinder - profile view
    Back when Honda launched the Crosstour in 2010, it fielded questions from the media asking why it chose to forego a four-cylinder model. At the time, officials indicated that a four-cylinder engine would result in minimal fuel economy improvements, noting that the company's aim was to target premium-minded customers for whom the 3.5-liter V6 seemed more appropriate.

    But with the fog of slow sales often comes a need to rethink strategies, and Honda has responded to sluggish demand for the Crosstour with a new four-cylinder model for 2012 with a just-announced base price of $27,655 (*plus $810 in destination charges). That's about $2,500 less than a comparable six-cylinder model.

    Despite Honda's earlier assertions, the new 192-horsepower, 162 pound-feet of torque 2.4-liter model actually does receive a rather substantial bump in fuel economy performance. The new front-drive trim nets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway - the V6 only manages 18/27. Both the new four-cylinder and 271-hp/254 lb-ft V6 come with a five-speed automatic as standard kit.

    In equipment news, all Crosstour models will now receive standard auto-dimming mirrors, a USB hookup, Bluetooth telephony and standard backup camera, among other features.

    Honda shifted 17,974 Crosstour models last year, down 37.9 percent from its 2010 total of 28,851 units. The company had targeted sales of 40,000 units annually.

    Continue reading Honda Crosstour four-cylinder to start at $27,655*

    Honda Crosstour four-cylinder to start at $27,655* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Teens build mini TVN Dominator tornado chase vehicle -

    Filed under: Etc., Videos, Honda, Humor, Specialty, Off-Road

    Mini Dominator tornado chase vehicle

    There are few things that can't be accomplished with a little PVC pipe, some chicken wire, cardboard boxes and spray paint. Just ask the innovative chaps in the videos after the jump. As part of a Halloween celebration last year, the quartet of youths took it up on themselves to recreate a scale version of the tornado-chasing Dominator from TVN. The finished product looks pretty good given its humble roots, and since the project uses a Honda Recon ATV for a chassis, it gets down the road with a quickness.

    The guys behind the project nailed all of the relevant details, right down to a mock Bosch sponsorship and a plethora of wiper blades. Well played, sirs. The troupe plans to roll out a mini Dominator 2 in coming months alongside a slew of skits inspired by the reality TV show Storm Chasers. We can't wait. Hit the jump to check out the four-part series on the Dominator's creation after the jump.

    Continue reading Teens build mini TVN Dominator tornado chase vehicle

    Teens build mini TVN Dominator tornado chase vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Hyundai tops J.D. Power's Customer Retention Study -

    Filed under: Car Buying, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Earnings/Financials

    Hyundai Emblem

    J.D. Power and Associates has released its annual Customer Retention Study, and Hyundai ranks the highest among brands in retaining buyers. Hyundai's retention rate is up four percentage points to 64 percent in 2012, thanks largely to the Elantra and Sonata models. J.D. Power says that much of the manufacturer's retention rate can be traced to its growing vehicle offerings and positively changing perceptions about Hyundai quality and market appeal.

    Ford and Honda tied for second place with a rate of 60 percent. The report notes that Jeep enjoyed the largest improvement over the previous year with a jump of 17 percentage points to 51 percent in 2012.

    The study also evaluated which buyers were more likely to return to an automaker for their next purchase, and the data revealed women and younger buyers had a higher brand retention rate than older consumers and males. Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes-Benz were all found to be particularly adept at keeping their female customers, while Ford, Kia, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz did a better job of holding onto buyers from Gen X and Y. Hit the jump for the full results of the 2012 Customer Retention Study.

    Continue reading Hyundai tops J.D. Power's Customer Retention Study

    Hyundai tops J.D. Power's Customer Retention Study originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • NHTSA closes probes into Honda Accord Hybrid, Kia Sorento -

    Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Honda, Kia



    The Detroit News reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has concluded its investigations into both the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Kia Sorento without ordering either automaker to issue a recall. NHTSA began looking into Accord Hybrid models after a fatal traffic accident was initially attributed to unintended acceleration. The agency found no evidence of a mechanical or safety issue in the vehicles.

    NHTSA had also received 18 complaints of fuel spilling from the filler port on certain 2003-2004 Kia Sorento models. Kia found the vehicles' fuel evaporation system featured a canister filter that could become clogged over time. As a result, excess pressure could build up in the fuel tank, causing gasoline to regurgitate back out of the filler neck. The canister requires regular service, but isn't mentioned in the owner's manual. According to The Detroit News, Kia has agreed to conduct a service campaign involving around 86,000 2003-2004 Sorento models.

    NHTSA closes probes into Honda Accord Hybrid, Kia Sorento originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Why is the Acura NSX being built in Ohio? [w/poll] -

    Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Acura, Honda

    Acura NSX Concept

    Three years (on top of the three-plus we've already waited) is a long time to wait for the second coming of the Acura NSX. Measured in Internet time, it's an infinite opportunity for speculation about the whys and hows of the new car. Aside from the new supercar's hybrid powertrain, the most shocking part of the announcement is that the car will be built in Ohio. Honda has an engine plant, a transmission plant, two assembly plants and a research and development center in the state, so this shouldn't be treated with the same level of surprise as if, say, Ferrari announced it would start building cars in Kansas.

    Yet it's still a big change for the exotic Acura, which was manufactured in Japan during its entire first-generation lifecycle, from 1990-2005. When the NSX debuted, part of its appeal was that it represented the pinnacle of Japanese technology and quality, at a time when Japanese automakers were absolutely crushing the competition in both. Times have changed, but we still suspect that a number of fanboys might be disappointed that the second-generation NSX will be built by gaijin.

    We spoke with American Honda CEO and president Tetsuo Iwamura about the decision to develop and manufacture the NSX here in the U.S., and he told us that the decision was made for three reasons. The first is that Honda is committed to building cars in the market in which they are sold. The U.S. is the largest market for the NSX, although he said the car will be exported to Japan and other markets.

    When asked if there was any concern that Japanese customers might have objections to a Japanese supercar built in the U.S., Iwamura said, "You don't have to be so modest. American-built cars have a power, even in Japan."

    The second factor was that Honda has had positive experiences with product development of other models here in the States. Iwamura specifically mentioned the North American market-only Pilot and Odyssey as examples. The third reason for the decision to build the NSX here is that Honda believes its Ohio manufacturing facilities produce high-quality products and wants to take advantage of that expertise. Iwamura also said that assigning the halo car to the U.S. would be motivational for its American employees.

    Currency fluctuation, however, was not a consideration, according to the Honda chief. While he said that would indeed be the case with a mass-market model, the limited-production nature of the NSX makes the effect of a strong yen a moot point. Regardless of where it's built, Iwamura said the main consideration in bringing the NSX back to market is its technology, quality and performance, just as the original did. The NSX is an important part of modern automotive history, a literal poster-child of the '90s, so we're certainly rooting for this new exotic Buckeyemobile to deliver on all fronts.

    View Poll

    Why is the Acura NSX being built in Ohio? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Archive for the 'HONDA' Category

    Honda S2000 Type-S headed to Japan

    Saturday, September 15th, 2007

    Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Japan, Honda

    Honda S2000 Type-S headed to Japan

    The hardcore, track-ready Honda S2000 Club Racer unveiled back in April at the New York Auto turned quite a few heads, and it looks like many of its visual cues are headed to Japan in the form of the JDM S2000 Type-S. A teaser for the S2000 Type-S is now up on the automaker’s Japanese website showing the JDM car wearing the same wheels, bodywork, and rear wing as the USDM Club Racer. In contrast to the CR, however, the Type-S appears to have retained its folding soft top. The Club Racer has had that hardware removed for weight reasons and wears a cover with integrated fairings (or a removable aluminum hardtop) instead. You can compare the two cars by looking at the galleries below. The Honda Japan website doesn’t give any specific Type-S details at the moment, but we grabbed screenshots of the images made available so far. Expect to see the S2000 Type-S revealed for all next month at the Tokyo Motor Show.

    [Source: Honda]

    Gallery: Honda S2000 Type-S (JDM)

    Honda S2000 CR Prototype

    Wednesday, May 9th, 2007

    В Honda S2000 CR Prototype

    The club racer-inspired 2008 Honda S2000 CR Prototype making its world debut at the New York International Auto Show introduces a higher level of track-worthy performance and style to the S2000 roadster, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

    Honda S2000 CR Prototype

    The S2000 CR will be available as an entirely new S2000 trim level when it goes on sale in the fall of 2007. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximize the S2000′s potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance and feel. The factory-tuned roadster provides highly-aggressive suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction and an aerodynamic body kit dialed-in for reduced lift. An aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top as standard equipment.

    Interiour - Honda S2000 CR Prototype

    “The S2000 CR is the closest thing you can get to a Honda-built racecar with license plate holders and a horn,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Its features and equipment are designed to appeal to weekend club racing enthusiasts.”

    The full-body aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and highly-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires, a wider rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars and a new wheel design in a dark gray color.

    Substantial structural bracing has been added to the storage area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. The aluminum hard top replaces the soft top of the conventional S2000, resulting in an overall weight savings of approximately 90 pounds when removed (relative to the current S2000).

    The exclusive interior is highlighted by unique cloth seating surfaces with yellow stitching, a unique spherical aluminum shifter and carbon fiber-style trim panels. Air conditioning and an AM/FM Stereo with CD player are optional equipment. Standard features for the S2000 include 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). While VSA 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.

    Widely considered the quintessential roadster-style sports car, the S2000 is the performance icon for the Honda brand and combines uncompromising racetrack-ready performance with everyday usability. The S2000 rewards driving enthusiasts with a potent 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTECВ® 4-cylinder engine and a precise, short throw 6-speed manual transmission, along with tenacious handling and a perfect 50/50 weight balance.

    The renowned high-revving engine delivers 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. 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.

    2007/Honda Accord Coupe Concept

    Wednesday, January 24th, 2007

    The 2007 Honda Accord Coupe Concept was unveiled Monday at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Detroit news

    2007/Honda Accord Coupe Concept

    2007/Honda Accord Coupe Concept

    Honda Edix

    Sunday, February 20th, 2005

    Honda Edix
    Details info: Alternative names:

    FR-V (2004-) (Honda Europe – Belgium)

    Honda Edix MPV



    Sales Company:

    Honda Europe (Belgium)





    Available version:

    1.7 16v aut.

    1.7 16v

    1.7 16v 4WD aut.

    2.0 16v aut.

    2.0 16v

    2.0 16v 4WD aut.

    2.2 CDTi





    Previous version:



    Variation:



    Info:

    New 6-seater MPV built on CR-V platform. Edix comes from edit + six, referring to the reconfigurable interior. The car will be called FR-V (Flexible Recreational Vehicle) in Europe.



    Assembly Plants:



    Donors:

    Honda Acty (Mk.III.) – Vamos (Mk.II.)

    Sunday, February 20th, 2005

    Honda Acty (Mk.III.) - Vamos (Mk.II.)
    Details info: Alternative names:

    Honda Acty (Mk.III.) – Vamos (Mk.II.) Vamos Hobio



    Sales Company:





    Available version:

    0.7 12v 3AT

    0.7 12v 4wd 4AT

    0.7 12v 4wd 5MT

    0.7 12v 5MT

    0.7 12v Turbo 4AT

    0.7 12v Turbo 4wd 4AT





    Previous version:



    Variation:

    (Acty)

    MicroVan Estate

    (Vamos Hobio)

    (2003 – )

    MicroVan Estate

    (Vamos (Mk.II.))

    (1999 – )



    MicroVan Pick-Up

    (Acty Truck)

    (1999 – )



    Info:



    Assembly Plants:



    Donors:


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    Automotive blogs:
    Mercury Cougar I4 /2002/ Lexus LS430 Opel Frontera Sport Edition 2000 Cool 2.2 DTI 16V /2000/ Mercedes E 240 Classic Automatik /2000/ Mazda 626 Kombi 2.0 Exclusive (100kW) /2000/ Fiat Marea JTD 130 ELX Weekend /2000/ BMW 320Ci Coupe Automatic Steptronic /2000/ Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 5.4L - 400A /2003/ Mercedes Vito 110 F CDI Automatik /2000/ Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D Elegance /2000/ Fiat Fiorino 1.4 Kastenwagen Business /2000/ Nissan Micra 1.0 Elegance /2000/ Alfa Romeo 150 1.4 T.Spark /2000/ Ford Crown Victoria LX Sport - 230A /2003/ Opel Astra Caravan Sport 2.0 DTI 16V /2000/ Audi A3 1.9 TDI Ambiente /2000/ Mercedes E 280 4MATIC Avantgarde /2000/ NAIAS 2007: Nissan Bevel Concept Opel Corsa Edition 2000/CCRT700 1.7D /2000/ Ford GT40 Concept