In America, at least, we obsess over the trendy and hip – being green and pretending to live a minimalist lifestyle. But in the end we still like our spacious cars, and why not? We send hours a week sitting on our overly congested highways. But we shouldn’t pretend we rock the tiniest cars around.

pic via Jalopnik

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

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

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 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.

Asimo was one of Honda’s first robotic ventures, hitting the scene in 2000 with a blank face plate and an almost human wave to the crowd. When introduced, the public learned ASIMO stood for “Advanced Step in Innovative MObility” – and was the youngest sibling in a line up for a dozen prototypes constructed in the 1980’s & 1990’s.

Asimo/ASIMO is on of Honda’s most parodied experiments. The suit has been made into many a Halloween costume, and even South Park took a dig at the Japanese creation with Cartman’s “AWESOM-O”.

It hasn’t been all success for little Asimo, as the tough robo buddy has taken a spill or two. Luckily, robots do not suffer from pride, embarrassment, or failure. Asimo has kept getting back up on its feet to do a little dance & make a little…well whatever it is robots do in their private time.

With failure comes a lesson, and usually is followed by success! Asimo is rounding the bases to the big 1-0, and even inspired a cluster of offspring based off Honda research, including Honda U3-X and Honda Legs.

Super Cub debuted in 1958 with the slogan “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.” The 50cc kick start scooter has always been known for simple design and buzzing motor noise. With a top speed of 50 mph & 4-horse power, more than 60 million Cubs have been sold. At the Tokyo Motor Show an all-electric Super Cub concept, the Honda EV Cub, was unveiled.

Honda did not provide many details, but said the concept is designed “to be just as functional and convenient as its world famous predecessor.” They also claim a 282 miles per gallon per battery charge. We’d like to pro-order one!

via Wired.com

“Honda has a longstanding reputation for maximizing interior space and utility in its vehicles,” said Erik Berkman, vice president of corporate planning and logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Like the award-winning Honda Fit, the Accord Crosstour uses a versatile design to create an interior that functions with the practicality of a larger vehicle.”

The big ass on Accord Crosstour features an 8-inch deep under-floor Hidden Removable Utility Box with a reversible lid, featuring both plush-carpeted and durable-plastic sides. Levers near the interior fender wells, conveniently accessible from the tailgate opening, allow for one-touch conversion of the seats into the floor for additional cargo space. The interior design is intended to enhance the feeling of width and space in the passenger cabin while creating a premium and accommodating atmosphere. The inset sculpting of the instrument panel along with a wide center console increases the sense of roominess. Intuitively grouped controls for the audio, climate and available navigation system are designed to operate with solidity and precision.- according to Honda’s Press Release.