Here’s the official spec info from Honda: This model is meant to preview the 2012 CR-V compact SUV, and is pretty much the same shape as these prototypes spied previously. This official photo closely resembles the production model, which will launch sometime close to the end of the year, maybe also in Sept.

As for the 2012 Honda Pilot: This 3-bench, 8-seater Pilot variant will receive updated front fascia that’s a “little more subtle-looking” than the current model. The 2012 Honda Pilot is due out on dealership showrooms in the United States this September.

Source: WorldCarFans

Consumer Reports is rating their best and worst in automotive for 2011 in next month’s issue. Top of the list is (not surprisingly) the all new Honda Fit. Fit is also the best selling car in Japan.

The best overall value, regardless of category, is Honda Fit, according to Consumer Reports. Fit also was named best small-car value. Congrats to the Fit!

Source: USA Today

Sure, the cars look great (check out our photos) and we can bet both sedan and coupe variants will be sporty – although the real news come from Civic’s boost in efficiency.

According to Kicking Tires: “Starting in terms of best fuel efficiency, you have the Honda Civic Hybrid in sedan only, which is estimated to return 45 mpg city/highway combined. That’s 4 mpg better than the combined mileage of the outgoing Civic Hybrid and Honda Insight. It will be powered by a 110-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and for the first time, a lithium-ion battery pack. It will be teamed to a continuously variable automatic transmission.”

Honda is also including a Civic HF “High Fuel economy” sedan, which generates an estimated 41 mpg highway, thanks to the same aerodynamic bodywork shared with Civic hybrid.

“The Civic HF will be powered by the same 140-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine as the standard Civic sedan and coupes. All will be mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The regular Civics are estimated to return 39 mpg on the highway, up 3 mpg from the current generation. The Civic Hybrid, Civic HF, standard sedan and coupe, and a natural-gas-powered Civic GX will also feature the Eco Assist system the company has put in its CR-Z hybrid coupe.”

Finally, there’s a high-performance Civic Si sedan and coupe. Each of these trims offer 200 horsepower with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. EPA estimates are expectantly a bit lower, with 31 mpg highway.

Source: Kicking Tires

Honda fans have been in the dark for years – “will we ever see another Honda/Acura NSX in North America?” Well all, cheer up, you may have one as early as 2011. For lovers of Honda in Canada and The United States we have fantastic news: 2011 may bring a production model Honda Supercar.

An unsourced report says that a road-ready version of the HSV-010 GT race car, which will be redubbed Honda NSX (and an Acura variant as well) is being developed to fight the Lexus LFA.

The Honda HSV-010 GT uses a 3.4-liter V8 engine generating 493 horsepower. Honda’s production NSX would come with a 5.0-liter V8 engine. The production version would likely be both narrower and less defined than the race model, and be sold without a rear spoiler.

A new version of the supercar was officially canceled during the peak of the auto industry’s economic crisis. With stiff competition rising up, Honda figured it was time to fight back.

Source: WorldCarFans

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

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.

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