As Top Gear’s piece mentions, the Toyota Prius has sold over a million units worldwide – but it’s also been around for almost a decade. On the downside it’s expensive…and lately has been attempting to kill drivers/passengers due to Toyota’s faulty accelerator issues that have yet to be solved.

Honda’s InSight offers similar speed/amenities/MPG ratings as the Prius, but with a cost of several thousand dollars under the Toyota model. Honda even promotes InSight as the world’s most affordable hybrid.

In the end it all came down to “The Jump” – You see, this wasn’t your average test drive: The Stig wanted to see who got the most air. That award went to Honda’s InSIght, which also landed with the touch of a feather, “Honda was infinitely better at landing than the Toyota, maintaining a much more natural flight path and plopping to the earth without fuss.” So, if you want a bit of fun and performance in you inexpensive hybrid, and you don’t want to be traveling down a California highway at 90+ MPH against your will, seems the Honda InSight is the best bet.

The Source: Top Gear

Honda has dubbed their 3R-C “an all-weather three-wheeled urban vehicle concept.” Quit a mouth full, it’ll look great in press releases. What are the odds this ride will ever see the light of day outside of showroom floors? Not very likely.

The cycle contains electric motors so it’s a zero-emissions vehicle,and if it’s ever produced will join the ranks of other Honda hybrids like InSight. It’ll be at the Geneva Motor Show parked next to Honda’s P-NUT concept. Both are equally unrealistic but fun to look at…or laugh at.

The Source: Jalopnik

The Odyssey Concept dramatically departs from conventional minivan styling with its low and wide stance, highlighted by a “lightning-bolt” beltline that further distinguishes the vehicle’s profile. Compared to the current Odyssey, the Concept’s slightly lower roofline (-1.0 inch) and wider stance (+1.4 inch) contribute to a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence with improved aerodynamics that help increase fuel economy. Forthcoming improvements to the production Odyssey’s interior are designed to further enhance the current model’s accommodating space for people and cargo.

“The Odyssey established its reputation by providing families with what they most want in a minivan – great functionality, an emphasis on safety and good fuel economy,” said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of American Honda product planning. “Odyssey then further delighted customers with its surprisingly engaging, fun-to-drive and dynamic nature. The next-generation Odyssey promises to take these strengths to a higher level while adding more style and personality.”

The steeply raked front and rear roof pillars, unique side-glass profile, chamfered roof line, and tapered rear cabin shape combine to create a dynamic and distinctive appearance from any perspective. The lightning-bolt beltline dives toward the rear of the vehicle emphasizing the new Odyssey’s sporty appearance while enhancing outward visibility for third-row passengers. Aggressive body-to-wheel proportions reduce the perception of vertical height common to most minivan designs. Fender flares further accent the vehicle’s securely planted and stylish persona. The concept vehicle’s projector beam headlights, LED taillights and form-fit fog lights further heighten the sophisticated quality of the design.

Enhanced aerodynamics and advanced powertrain technologies will contribute to the next-generation Odyssey’s increased fuel efficiency. The all-new 2011 Odyssey is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating1 of 19 city/28 highway miles-per gallon on select models (preliminary estimate determined by Honda).

Currently in its third generation, the Odyssey’s unique array of features, including its superior driving dynamics, 3rd-Row Magic Seat® and efficient i-VTECTM V-6 engine with three-mode Variable Cylinder ManagementTM (available) all combine to offer a sophisticated environment with room for up to eight people (seven on Odyssey LX). The Odyssey has been America’s best-selling minivan since 20082 and is produced exclusively in Alabama by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (using domestic and globally sourced parts). Both the concept and production vehicles, along with all development activity for the 2011 Odyssey, are being designed at Honda R&D Americas in Torrance, California, and Raymond, Ohio.

The Odyssey has won numerous awards and critical acclaim. Recent accolades include the Edmunds.com 2010 “Top Recommended” minivan award, U.S. News and World Report 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money” award, Automotive Lease Guide 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money,” the Kelley Blue Book award as one of the ten “Best New Family Vehicles of 2009″ and “2009 Best Resale Value Award” in the van category, which recognizes vehicles that are expected to have segment-leading resale value after five years of ownership.

Odyssey Concept Basic Dimensions:
Length (inches) 202.8
Width (inches) 78.5
Height (inches) 68.3
Wheelbase (inches) 118.1

Source: Honda PR

Honda’s all-new Accord Crosstour. Airing during the fourth quarter of the 2010 Super Bowl, the 30-second spot features an animated squirrel with an insatiable appetite for “squirreling away” all things cargo, set to the tune of “Funky Stuff” by Kool & The Gang. “Squirrel” is part of an integrated, multiplatform advertising campaign developed by Honda’s long-standing agency of record, RPA, to support the vehicle launch.

The first optional dual clutch will be available on the upcoming Honda VFR1200F sport-touring motorcycle. This option will allow seamless shifting and a smoother ride. We’ll explain – it sets up “independent clutches for odd-and even-numbered gears” – the quickest shifting you can manage, in other words. The system offers two automatic modes if you get bored with all the manual shifting.

“With the dual clutch in the manual mode, it is literally milliseconds,” says Jon Seidel of American Honda Motor Co. “As quickly as you can use the paddle shifters, the gear engages. “As this is the world’s first application of this technology on a motorcycle,the initial response has been extremely positive. “The dual clutch transmission is an innovative new technology,” Seidel said. “Will it replace manuals? Probably not. But it is technology that works and adds fun and excitement to riding. Riders will also appreciate the fully automatic mode for stop and go city driving”

Specs:
Honda VFR1200F / VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission
Engine Type: 1237cc liquid-cooled 76° V-4
Bore and Stroke: 81mm x 60mm
Compression ratio: 12.0:1
Valves: SOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI 44mm throttle bodies
Ignition: Digital electronic
Transmission: 6-speed (VFR1200F) / Six-speed automatic with two modes and manual mode (VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission)
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension
Front: 43mm; 4.7 inches travel
Rear: Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link® single gas-charged shock; 5.1 inches travel
Brakes
Front: Dual 320mm discs, CBS 6-piston calipers with ABS
Rear: Single 276mm disc, CBS two-piston caliper with ABS
Tires
Front: 120/70 ZR17 radial
Rear: 190/55 ZR17 radial
Wheelbase: 60.8 inches (1545mm)
Rake: 25-deg
Trail: 101.0mm (4.0 inches)
Seat Height: 32.1 inches (815mm)
Fuel Capacity: 4.9 gallons
Color: Candy Red
Curb Weight: 591 lbs (VFR1200F) / 613 lbs (VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission)

The Source: Wired

It seems that Honda’s banner advertisement suggests not only will the 2011 CR-Z hybrid come in two-door form (unlike Toyota’s Prius) it also rivals other hybrids by offering a six-speed manual tranny. “Introducing The First Six Speed Hybrid” — something not found on other U.S. hybrids, according to source Jalopnik. Excuse us while we go froth at the mouth. Stay tuned for more updates and production model photos as we await CR-Z’s unveiling.

Press Release: HONDA SHOWCASES NEW SMALL CONCEPT AT AUTO EXPO 2010 IN NEW DELHI – Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. (HCSI) has unveiled a New Small Concept at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi today, along with plans to begin sales of a new model based on this concept in 2011.

To create a highly efficient compact car with seating for five people, designers have used a wide platform offering a stable centre of gravity. Its stylish design has been dubbed an “Efficient Energetic Exterior” with ‘forward bumpers’ that give the Concept significant road presence despite its size.

Honda is planning to introduce a new model based on the Honda New Small Concept in India and Thailand next year. The aim is to provide a new small-sized vehicle that is beyond the expectations of customers in rapidly growing markets – offering the car at an affordable price by leveraging Honda’s global parts sourcing network.

The Honda/Acura NSX was a popular yet hard-to-find sports car built for competition in Japan’s Super GT event. Now, Honda has an all new replacement for this race – 2010’s HSV. The Super GT face off is a rare event – featuring production cars as racers. Honda (Acura’s in North America) NSX was a favorite of the Japanese Super GT scene. Since that ride has gone to that big parking garage in the sky it was time to belly up and design a new production competition car. Honda seems to have done so with their HSV.

The new model uses a 3.4-liter V8 engine, as required by race series rules. The Honda HSV-010 GT will debut during the March 20-21 season opening race weekend at Suzuka Circuit in south-central Japan.

The Source: WorldCarFans

For now P-NUT is more a design study then anything else. It’s also one of MANY EV vehicles coming out of Japan, including other models from Toyota/Scion and Nissan. Specifications for this “ultra-compact” include a combo of ” Internal-combustion engine, hybrid-electric and/or battery-electric” – variety is the spice of life, after all.

P-NUT was designed to be a three passenger (one driver, two rear passengers) vehicle, and is also rear-wheel drive. But what about it’s look? Honda’s LA Auto Show press release explains: “The objective of the exterior and interior designers was to explore the potential for a new type of small-segment-category vehicle that overcomes many of the objections for existing micro-car designs,” said Marek. “While the Honda P-NUT concept introduces function-oriented concepts, it also shows that small cars don’t have to compromise on style or amenities.”

“A new generation is discovering the benefits of living in urban centers that provide convenient access to business, entertainment and social opportunities,” said Dave Marek, director of advanced design for Honda R&D Americas, Inc. “The Personal-Neo Urban Transport concept explores the packaging and design potential for a vehicle conceived exclusively around the city lifestyle.”

The modular rear engine bay, depicted on the exterior by blue composite material, is designed to accommodate a wide variety of potential propulsion technologies including a conventional small displacement internal combustion engine, a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain, or a battery-electric powertrain.

The Peanut, I’m sorry – P-NUT (which stands for Personal Neo Urban Transport) will apparently “demonstrate a futuristic concept for an ultracompact, aggressively designed coupe” as stated by Honda PR. Speculation across the web seems to think Honda is going to bring out a mini city car, in order to compete with the Toyota / Scion iQ minicar. Let’s hope no one is allergic.

Honda has yet to release any official information about their P-NUT EV concept, though we can speculate the little fella will look similar to the tiny ride on the left (pictured above). you can expect more details closer to the company’s press conference on Wednesday, December 2.