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Honda Drops Odyssey Concept at Chicago Auto Show

hondapedia — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:02:19 +0000

The next-generation Odyssey adds sleek styling, new functionality and higher fuel economy to best-selling minivan. The Honda Odyssey Concept, on display at the Chicago Auto Show, introduces a sleek and distinctive exterior styling direction for the next generation of the industry’s best-selling minivan, set to debut this fall, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

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 Skydeck Concept is an Open Book

hondapedia — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:18:25 +0000

Fans at the Tokyo Motor Show (those still going to show up anyway) will have the first public look at the Honda Skydeck Concept, which is as open as a greenhouse, complete with Ikea-like furniture. It’s a minivan (we think?) accompanied by rear sliding doors and scissoring front (Lambo-style) ones. We hope it’s more comfortable then it looks.
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Reminiscent of the Mazda5 Van, this Honda Hybrid isn’t scheduled for production and year or two – you know they have to finish marketing the U3-X and ASIMO robot first. You can’t take over the world with a minivan alone. But the largest draw about Skydeck is, obviously, it’s full glass roof – allowing passengers a beautiful view of the starry sky while driving at night. Hope it tints – or else we’ll be nicknaming this ride the Honda Baked Potato.

via Honda & Jalopnik

Honda U3-X is Pure WTF on Wheels, I Mean Wheel

hondapedia — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:06:38 +0000

Honda’s latest journey into the land of personal mobility products has cemented them into the “WTF” category (as if ASIMO hadn’t accomplished this already). The Honda U3-X is a personalized unicycle – one wheel and a seat, that looks as though it should be placed in MOMA between Picasso & Basquiat.
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We applaud Honda for creating some of the most environmentally friendly modes of transit we’ve ever seen, albeit odd looking. Honda’s device is supposed to mimic how a human walks, by the way you sway your body the device shifts, turns, whathaveyou. Whatever happened to just using your legs? Here’s a snippet from the Press Release:

This new personal mobility device makes it possible to adjust speed and move, turn and stop in all directions when the rider leans the upper body to shift body weight. This was achieved through application of advanced technologies including Honda’s balance control technology, which was developed through the robotics research of ASIMO, Honda’s bipedal humanoid robot, and the world’s first* omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System), which enables movement in all directions, including not only forward and backward, but also directly to the right and left and diagonally. In addition, this compact size and one-wheel-drive personal mobility device was designed to be friendly to the user and people around it by making it easier for the rider to reach the ground from the footrest and placing the rider on roughly the same eye level as other people or pedestrians.

2010 Honda SH150i Scooter – The Motorbike for Cityfolk

hondapedia — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:08:21 +0000

When you live in a sprawling urban area (Montreal, NYC, Philly, etc.) getting around by car, let alone parking, can be disastrous. This is why you need a scooter, and it should be Honda’s 2010 SH150i. Why you ask? First of all it’s a sleeper. People don’t always find scooters to be overly hip or speedy, it’s not like a Civic Coupe or a Nissan 370Z. But for its size (and pricetag of only $4499) SH150i is a furious little monster, with “a fuel sipping 153cc single-cylinder 4-stroke engine.”

It’s narrow stature makes parking in front of your brownstone easy-peasy-lemon-whatever. With an average-size rider Honda’s little city bike can reach almost 65 miles per hour in almost 15 seconds. You have to admit that’s not a bad time. Of course, you won’t be getting past 30 in rush hour traffic – luckily the Honda SH150i Scooter weighs only slightly over 300 lbs, with full fuel tank and other fluids.

When the day comes to trade in your SmartCar, or your Peugeot road bike, a Honda scooter may just be the best route. With easy maneuvering, light weight and decent speed you’ll get from IKEA to Caribou Coffee with time to spare.

Honda’s Little Miracle – The Metropolitan Scooter

hondapedia — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:54:37 +0000

Honda not only makes cars, motorcycles and a robot – they also produce a wonderful little scooter called The Metropolitan. Metropolitans are those fancy little scooters you see the poor hipster riding around Philadelphia and Brooklyn – you know the ones without rich parents that can’t buy them Vespa’s. Metro’s have been around since the 1960’s, and can reach a maximum speed of just less than 40 mph. That’s on flat ground – Honda Scooters have been known to hit a maximum speed of 43 mph downhill. The Metropolitan has typical gas mileage of 80–110 mpg, according to Wikipedia.

Metropolitans usually run on a 49-50cc engine with a single cylinder. They make a perfect city vehicle – you can fit two, you don;t have to pay for parking, and they’re surprisingly difficult to steal. Best of all, you can pick one up for (usually) under $2,000!

Check out more at Honda’s Powersport website.

Danica Patrick in 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

hondapedia — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:32:51 +0000

Ok, we know she’s straddling a Ford product, but Mz. Patrick has been racing Honda powered Formula One vehicles for years. 2009 seems like it’s already gearing up to be a hot year – as the upcoming Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue shows us. Check out some of the hotness oozing from this particular issue as Danica bares (almost) all in some of the tiniest bikinis we’ve ever seen in this (almost) SFW layout.

Would You Ride An Electric Motorcycle?

hondapedia — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:37:08 +0000

There’s nothing like the rush of wind pressing against your body, riding 100+ miles per hour with your legs wrapped around a heavy duty machine. The rumble of its engine shakes waves of pleasure up your spine, accompanied by a roaring burst of exhaust. But Honda, along with many other top motorbike specialists, plan on introducing electric cruisers and sports bikes to their line up by the end of this decade. The question is, would any self respecting motorcycle enthusiasts ride one?

Honda DN-01 Electric (tentatively renamed the DN-10) is going to be an all electric powered cruiser Honda hopes will appeal to both bikers and environmental activists alike. In theory, an electric motorcycle engine should be a simple concept, since bikes are mostly used for shorter distance trips. But motorcycles are already pretty fuel efficient – and Honda’s don’t have the roar of a Harley Davidson. And what about take-off time – the DN-01 already has a relatively lagging 0-60 time of just under 6 seconds.

Perhaps these soon-to-be-a-reality eco-bikes should take a hint from Mission’s One – Electric Sports Bike. The Mission One, due out in 2010, combines a 150 mile range with a top speed of…you guessed it…150 miles per hour.

Once production models of the Electric Sports Bike are put out on the streets fifty limited editions will be available at a cool (maybe even cold) $68,995. The Mission One uses a lithium-ion battery pack with a liquid-cooled AC induction motor. This motor pumps out 100 pound-feet of torque, and features Ohlins suspension and Brembo regenerative brakes.

So, you hard riding motorcycle fans: Would you strap on your leather, pop into that helmet, and ride off into the quiet sunset with your non-CO2 spouting, barely audible electric bike?

Honda Leg Robots Will Destroy All Humans!!

hondapedia — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:49:56 +0000

Honda is the only car company that also dabbles in the world of robotics – you’d almost expect some evil millionaire or scientist to be in charge of this company, using the clever front of a major automotive producer in order to fund their destructive robotics experiments in order to take over the world! Or maybe that’s just our imagination, perhaps Lex Luther does not run Honda. But you have to admit, these walking assistants are genius, but also look as somewhat uncomfortable in the crotch and buttocks region.

According to Honda (get it, like the Honda Accord – so witty!) their “second experimental walking assist device that helps support bodyweight to reduce the load on the user’s legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position.” The key features of this device will be convenient sitting, bodyweight support and naturally controlled walking. Features leaked from Honda R&D but not on the press release, laser-sight gatteling-guns and miniature missile launchers.

Testing an foreign Honda plants will begin in the near future. Expect human destruction via Honda robots by 2012.

All-Time Record Civic Sales Top 53,000 in May

hondapedia — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:24:05 +0000

06/03/2008 – TORRANCE, Calif. – American Honda Motor Co., Inc., May sales of 167,997, up 11.3 percent on a daily-selling-rate basis⁽¹⁾, shattered the company’s all-time sales record for any month as Civic sales reached 53,299, up 28.3 percent versus last May and surpassing the previous monthly record for any car in the lineup. New all-time records set in May included (previous record in parentheses):

American Honda total vehicle sales of 167,997 (August 2007:158,342)
American Honda total car sales of 114,796 (August 2002: 95,686)
Honda Division total vehicle sales of 153,104 (August 2007: 141,906)
Honda Division total car sales of 105,548 (August 2003: 84,390)
Honda Civic Sales of 53,299 (May 2007: 39,993)
Honda Civic Hybrid sales of 4,676 (May 2007: 4,520)
Honda Fit sales of 8,205 (March 2008: 6,835)
Acura TSX sales of 4,564 (April 2006: 3,911)

“The dramatic increase in car sales appears to be one of the most profound shifts in automotive buying patterns in more than a decade,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. “Record sales of the Honda Civic clearly demonstrate an accelerated trend toward fuel efficiency.”

Honda Division sales of 153,104 increased 13.9 percent for the month as total car sales reached 105,548, up 30.7 percent. The Honda Civic, with sales of 53,299, set a new monthly sales record for any model in the Honda lineup, surpassing the previous record of 49,098 set in August 2003 by the Accord.

May 2008 Accord sales of 43,728, up 31.9 percent versus last year, set a new May record, surpassing the previous high of 43,589 set in May 2004. The CR-V set a new May mark of 19,959, exceeding the previous record of 19,513 set in 2007. Honda Division reported truck sales of 47,556, a decrease of 11.4 percent. Year-to-date Honda Division sales are up 5.4 percent to 590,361.

Acura Division sales totaled 14,893. Sales of the completely redesigned 2009 TSX sports sedan increased 53.7 percent and set a new all-time record of 4,564, exceeding the previous record of 3,911 set in April 2006.

American Honda reported May truck sales of 53,201, a decrease of 12.1 percent. Year-to-date American Honda sales increased 3.1 percent to 655,819.

(1) All percentages in this release reflect the daily selling rate as calculated with 27 days for May 2008, versus 26 for 2007. Year to date, the daily selling rate is calculated with 129 days for 2008, versus 127 for 2007.

For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.honda.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.hondanews.com. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.acuranews.com.

[Source : Honda News]

2008 Honda Ridgeline Review, Video & Pictures

hondapedia — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:44:59 +0000

I’m sure you’ve seen the Honda Ridgeline driving through the streets around you, but do you really know what the classy giant is capable of? The 2008 Ridgeline is the most power, rugged and technologically advanced yet, with over 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and 1,550 lbs of payload capacity. Its exceptional strength is due to its 247-hp engine innovated with 4 wheel drive power and a Variable Torque Management System. The bed in the back features an impressive lockable in-bed truck for those items that can be affected by the rain, and a dual action tailgate for loading that’s easier than ever.

Inside, the Ridgeline has everything you would expect in a Honda, from technology to comfort. With easy seating for 5, the Ridgeline is trimmed with leather seats and the driver’s seat comes with an 8-way power adjuster. With Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, you’ll never have to worry about directions on the open road, and if more cargo room is ever needed, the power sliding rear cabin window and 60/40 foldable rear seats are there to help. For the rugged soul with a love for music, the Ridgeline has 160-watts of power, a 6-disk in-dash CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, MP3/Aux Input Jack and an astounding 7 speakers plus subwoofer.

It’s plain to see that this rugged truck has it all, from technology to comfort to incredible power and versatility, and is a must test-drive if you’re searching for a new truck in 2008.