Where you get a chance to talk about the 2011 Acura TSX Sports Wagon, where you get to ask your questions, where you get your voice out! Only on the blog. Join us tomorrow at 8:00pm Mountain Time, see you then!
Back down to business.
I will be returning on a daily basis to update the news, give reviews, chat and much more!
Stay tuned for the return of this blog.
2010 Honda Ridgeline Review
The Province has a review on the 2010 Honda Ridgeline EX-L, you can read their review @ http://www.theprovince.com/cars/Road+test+2010+Honda+Ridgeline/2744459/story.html
The 2010 Honda Ridgeline EX-L Navi and I have a like/dislike kind of relationship. Over the years, I’ve driven a few of the Japanese automaker’s signature trucks and, well, I like its configuration and utility, but I’m not the biggest fan of its steering. Traditionally, I like a truck whose steering wheel is easier to turn and, for lack of a more technical term, its rather stiff. This, I think, has been my biggest hurdle in my conversion toward loving this vehicle.
Honda adding 400 jobs in Ontario
Honda of Canada announced yesterday that it will be adding a second shift to its Alliston, Ontario plant in the early part of 2011. This will help create 400 new jobs for the Ontario economy. Honda's move will increase daily output from the plant from the current 400 units to 600 by 2011. The plant currently makes the Honda Civic, Acura CSX, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot and the Honda Ridgeline.
2011 Acura TSX Sports Wagon Interior Pics
Nothing too exciting or flashy. Just downright wagon-ness. Lots of cargo space back there!
Honda to build HSV-010?
Straight out of the Snowball's Chance and Swine Aeronautics department comes a report from Autobild that says the Honda HSV-010 is headed for production next year.
I'm pretty skeptical about this because it will take massive amounts of time and money invested to make sure the HSV-010 is production-ready and considering the death of the NSX and it's future project, it doesn't seem this will be likely. Autobild reports that the car will undergo a slight makeover in the transition from race car to road car with a smaller track, more sculpted sides and the deletion of the rear wing. Apparently a V8 will be the engine, a 500+ hp, 5.0L. Now remember guys, this is just a rumor.
I won't hold my breath out on this one. Are you guys going to? What do you think? Comment below!
2011 Acura TSX Sports Wagon
Acura has just unveiled the 2011 Acura TSX sports wagon at the New York Auto Show, this is a direct copy of the European Honda Accord Wagon. The only differences so far looks to be the Acura badging and front end and a slightly more upscale interior. The Sport Wagon will be powered by the same 2.4 4-cylinder engine as the TSX sedan and Acura claims the wagon will reach 30mpg on the highway. It will arrive in Acura dealerships this fall. Here is the Acura Press Release.
NEW YORK, March 31, 2010 – The all-new 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show today. The TSX Sport Wagon offers a smart solution to modern utility needs with its balanced and efficient driving performance coupled with bold styling and versatile cargo capabilities.
"The TSX Sport Wagon represents a smart choice for those seeking a vehicle with utility," said John Mendel, executive vice president, sales. "It's practical, fun to drive, luxurious and technically advanced, all while achieving an outstanding estimated highway fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon*."
The TSX Sport Wagon delivers flexible utility and generous interior space- perfect for those with a growing family or an active lifestyle. The TSX Sport Wagon boasts an innovative and highly functional rear cargo space that includes a removable side panel to accommodate wider items such as golf clubs and integrated under-floor bins for hidden storage. Along with this sizeable cargo space, the TSX Sport Wagon features a comfortable and spacious cabin with seating for up to five adults.
The TSX Sport Wagon's practical utility is cleverly masked behind crisp lines and a sleek, European-inspired exterior. Bold wheel arches frame the 17-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels, giving the Sport Wagon an aggressive stance. The chiseled, muscular body and sloping roofline emphasize its performance capabilities while making it more aerodynamic.
Powering the TSX Sport Wagon is a 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC®, inline four-cylinder engine paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission fit with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. The TSX Sport Wagon delivers brisk performance while achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg* on the highway. Drawing from its sports sedan roots, the TSX Sport Wagon features agile handling and quick off the line acceleration, allowing it to easily tackle a twisty mountain road or swiftly navigate through city streets.
"The TSX Sport Wagon represents a smart choice for those seeking a vehicle with utility," said John Mendel, executive vice president, sales. "It's practical, fun to drive, luxurious and technically advanced, all while achieving an outstanding estimated highway fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon*."
The TSX Sport Wagon delivers flexible utility and generous interior space- perfect for those with a growing family or an active lifestyle. The TSX Sport Wagon boasts an innovative and highly functional rear cargo space that includes a removable side panel to accommodate wider items such as golf clubs and integrated under-floor bins for hidden storage. Along with this sizeable cargo space, the TSX Sport Wagon features a comfortable and spacious cabin with seating for up to five adults.
The TSX Sport Wagon's practical utility is cleverly masked behind crisp lines and a sleek, European-inspired exterior. Bold wheel arches frame the 17-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels, giving the Sport Wagon an aggressive stance. The chiseled, muscular body and sloping roofline emphasize its performance capabilities while making it more aerodynamic.
Powering the TSX Sport Wagon is a 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC®, inline four-cylinder engine paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission fit with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. The TSX Sport Wagon delivers brisk performance while achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg* on the highway. Drawing from its sports sedan roots, the TSX Sport Wagon features agile handling and quick off the line acceleration, allowing it to easily tackle a twisty mountain road or swiftly navigate through city streets.
To enhance the driving experience, the TSX Sport Wagon features the latest in advanced technologies including an available hard disk drive-based Acura Navigation System™ with an all-new 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™ featuring radar image mapping. For the audiophile, the TSX Sport Wagon will be available with an Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Audio System and a hard disk drive (HDD) for media storage. Additionally, the TSX Sport Wagon is equipped with an impressive list of standard features, including a power glass moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, a premium sound system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, and USB port and AUX jack music interface. Like all Acura vehicles, the TSX Sport Wagon will come with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.
TSX Sport Wagon Specifications:
Length: 189.4 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 57.9 inches
Wheelbase: 106.5 inches
Wheel: 17x7.5- inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
Seating capacity: 5-passenger
TSX Sport Wagon Specifications:
Length: 189.4 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 57.9 inches
Wheelbase: 106.5 inches
Wheel: 17x7.5- inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
Seating capacity: 5-passenger
Overall, I'm disappointed that Acura has not fitted a SH-AWD version to the wagon as it should be key safety equipment, nor am I surprised that the wagon does not have a V6 version. Enthusiasts were also hoping for a 6MT version but it looks like Acura has disappointed them as well. So what do you think? Worth it? Interested? Or a total downer from Honda?
Honda Plans Civic with Lithium-Ion Batteries
Honda Motor Co., Japan’s second- largest carmaker, plans to introduce lithium-ion battery-powered hybrid cars as it struggles to narrow Toyota Motor Corp.’s lead in sales of gasoline-electric cars.
Honda plans to use lithium-ion batteries in its Civic compact “within the next two to three years,” as well as in its Acura luxury cars and other models, Executive Vice President Koichi Kondo said in an interview.
Honda has failed to match Toyota’s success with hybrids, led by the top-selling Prius. Lithium-ion batteries can store as much as twice the energy of nickel-metal hydride batteries that currently power the Prius and Honda’s Civic, Insight and CR-Z hybrid models, said Takeshi Miyao, a supply-chain analyst for auto consultant Carnorama in Tokyo.
“Lithium will become a lot more prevalent,” Kondo said in a March 16 interview at the company’s headquarters in Tokyo. The lithium-ion batteries will be produced with Honda’s joint- venture partner, Kyoto-based GS Yuasa Corp., starting in the second half of this year, he said. The venture is 49 percent owned by Honda.
Honda fell 1.5 percent to close at 3,200 yen in Tokyo trading.
“With lithium-ion being used in upcoming electric cars, Honda may be switching to the new technology to compete,” said Mitsuru Kurokawa, an analyst at consulting company IHS Global Insight in Tokyo.
Insight Misses
Honda’s Insight hybrid fell short of the company’s global sales target of 200,000 units in the first year after its February 2009 debut. Deliveries totaled 143,015 as of last month.
Toyota’s third-generation Prius replaced the Insight as the best-selling car in Japan after its release last year. Toyota sold 27,008 Priuses in February, compared with Honda’s 3,517 Insight deliveries.
In the U.S., Toyota sold 7,968 Prius cars last month, compared with Honda’s 2,014 Insights. The hybrid version of the Civic sold 346 units. The larger Prius is more fuel-efficient than Honda’s hybrids, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data.
Honda Chief Executive Officer Takanobu Ito said in July the carmaker is developing a new hybrid system to be installed in mid- to large-size vehicles. The company will also add a hybrid version of its Fit subcompact later this year.
Cost Savings
While similarly sized lithium-ion batteries may cost 30 percent more than nickel-metal hydride cells, carmakers may be able to find savings by using smaller packs because of their higher energy density, Miyao at Carnorama said.
Lithium-ion costs will also decline as technical advances are made and production increases, according to research company Fuji Keizai Group.
Nissan Motor Co. will roll out its first lithium-ion battery-powered car, the Leaf, this year in Japan, the U.S. and Europe. Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn predicts electric vehicles will account for 10 percent of global car sales by 2020.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.’s Subaru unit and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. introduced electric vehicles last year. Mitsubishi will start delivering its 4.6 million yen ($51,000) i-MiEV to retail customers next month.
Toyota plans to begin retail sales of a lithium-ion powered plug-in Prius in two years. The company will also start selling a short-distance all-electric car in 2012.
Separately, Honda’s Kondo said he expects overall vehicle demand in the U.S. to rise to between 11 million and 12 million units this year from 10.4 million in 2009. That’s still lower than the 13.2 million sold in 2008.
Honda’s U.S. sales in the first 10 days of March were up almost 20 percent from a year earlier, Kondo said. For the full month, sales will likely exceed the 13 percent growth posted in February, he said.
Honda plans to use lithium-ion batteries in its Civic compact “within the next two to three years,” as well as in its Acura luxury cars and other models, Executive Vice President Koichi Kondo said in an interview.
Honda has failed to match Toyota’s success with hybrids, led by the top-selling Prius. Lithium-ion batteries can store as much as twice the energy of nickel-metal hydride batteries that currently power the Prius and Honda’s Civic, Insight and CR-Z hybrid models, said Takeshi Miyao, a supply-chain analyst for auto consultant Carnorama in Tokyo.
“Lithium will become a lot more prevalent,” Kondo said in a March 16 interview at the company’s headquarters in Tokyo. The lithium-ion batteries will be produced with Honda’s joint- venture partner, Kyoto-based GS Yuasa Corp., starting in the second half of this year, he said. The venture is 49 percent owned by Honda.
Honda fell 1.5 percent to close at 3,200 yen in Tokyo trading.
“With lithium-ion being used in upcoming electric cars, Honda may be switching to the new technology to compete,” said Mitsuru Kurokawa, an analyst at consulting company IHS Global Insight in Tokyo.
Insight Misses
Honda’s Insight hybrid fell short of the company’s global sales target of 200,000 units in the first year after its February 2009 debut. Deliveries totaled 143,015 as of last month.
Toyota’s third-generation Prius replaced the Insight as the best-selling car in Japan after its release last year. Toyota sold 27,008 Priuses in February, compared with Honda’s 3,517 Insight deliveries.
In the U.S., Toyota sold 7,968 Prius cars last month, compared with Honda’s 2,014 Insights. The hybrid version of the Civic sold 346 units. The larger Prius is more fuel-efficient than Honda’s hybrids, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data.
Honda Chief Executive Officer Takanobu Ito said in July the carmaker is developing a new hybrid system to be installed in mid- to large-size vehicles. The company will also add a hybrid version of its Fit subcompact later this year.
Cost Savings
While similarly sized lithium-ion batteries may cost 30 percent more than nickel-metal hydride cells, carmakers may be able to find savings by using smaller packs because of their higher energy density, Miyao at Carnorama said.
Lithium-ion costs will also decline as technical advances are made and production increases, according to research company Fuji Keizai Group.
Nissan Motor Co. will roll out its first lithium-ion battery-powered car, the Leaf, this year in Japan, the U.S. and Europe. Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn predicts electric vehicles will account for 10 percent of global car sales by 2020.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.’s Subaru unit and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. introduced electric vehicles last year. Mitsubishi will start delivering its 4.6 million yen ($51,000) i-MiEV to retail customers next month.
Toyota plans to begin retail sales of a lithium-ion powered plug-in Prius in two years. The company will also start selling a short-distance all-electric car in 2012.
Separately, Honda’s Kondo said he expects overall vehicle demand in the U.S. to rise to between 11 million and 12 million units this year from 10.4 million in 2009. That’s still lower than the 13.2 million sold in 2008.
Honda’s U.S. sales in the first 10 days of March were up almost 20 percent from a year earlier, Kondo said. For the full month, sales will likely exceed the 13 percent growth posted in February, he said.
Honda Fit Si
The new Fit Si gets a shiny set of 16-inch alloy wheels along with a chrome sporty front grille and a rear spoiler. Inside, the Fit gets embroidered carpet mats and Si branding. There are no enhancements under the hood nor on the chassis at all. The best example of a tackon design, I guess. According to Honda UK, this is what makes the new "Si" grade sporty and "appealing to young drivers who want their car to stand out from the crowd" in Honda UK's eyes.
I beg to differ but if the Jazz Si works for you, it's priced at an additional £870 over the 1.2 SE and 1.4 ES models offering nearly £2,000 worth of extra equipment. UK prices are set to be priced at £12,835 and £13,510 for the 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter Jazz respectively with sales starting from April 1.
I beg to differ but if the Jazz Si works for you, it's priced at an additional £870 over the 1.2 SE and 1.4 ES models offering nearly £2,000 worth of extra equipment. UK prices are set to be priced at £12,835 and £13,510 for the 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter Jazz respectively with sales starting from April 1.
Honda's New Small Global Car
It is like fencing, this game of domination between the two Japanese bigwigs - Honda and Toyota. While the world's biggest car maker has often been on higher ground around the world, and Honda has been playing the aggressor. In India however, Honda SIEL's headstart has paid off well not only in terms of its portfolio and profits, but also by developing it into a trusted, popular and more prolific brand than Toyota. Clearly, since the underdog is often better placed to attack, Toyota has lunged for contact at the Auto Expo with the Etios hatchback and sedan concepts. But like any seasoned fencer, Honda had its safe yet graceful parry - the Global Small Concept.
Glued together just in the nick of time to make it the Expo, the GSC managed to steal some of the limelight away from Toyota nevertheless - on proud display in the same hall as the Etios. The decision to bring the mock-up to New Delhi was taken less than a month before the show kicked off, and the car entered India barely three days before the Expo was opened. While the Etios carried on in the same Toyota vein of being non-controversial, all-encompassing and plain but likeable when it came to its design, the Honda smally is replete with aggressive design cues capable of grabbing the eyeballs of any car enthusiast. Be it the insistent alloy wheels, the sharp silhouette or edgy contours, the GSC certainly was the looker at the show.
Speculating thoughtfully about the car, one must not forget that Honda has always taken the fight to Toyota by offering younger, more enthusiast oriented cars throughout its pursuit - be it the Civic which went after the Corolla, or the new Accord which takes on the Camry. . It is likely that the Honda small car will be launched with a 1-litre and a 1.2-litre engine option that already does the duty on the Jazz, and inclusion of the smart iVTEC technology inside the engine will only enhance the car's capabilities without compromising on the practicality expected from a small car. The inclusion of a CVT transmission option, the way it appears on the Thai Honda Jazz will only enhance and widen the appeal of the car.
The positioning of the car is expected to be bang in the territory of the venerable Maruti Suzuki Swift, the car that revolutionized the way India looked at hatchbacks. Since the Jazz already covers the higher spectrum of the price range, this would be a much more reasonable but an equally cut-throat space to function in, especially after the introduction of the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Figo, Nissan Micra and the Toyota Etios, which would have hit the market before this small number from Honda makes its entry. But more importantly, the revealing of the concept shoulder to shoulder with that of the Etios concept at the Expo needs to be read into carefully. The production car may still be two years away, but this is a sign that Honda is ready to fend off Toyota's intrusion with fleet feet and panache.
Glued together just in the nick of time to make it the Expo, the GSC managed to steal some of the limelight away from Toyota nevertheless - on proud display in the same hall as the Etios. The decision to bring the mock-up to New Delhi was taken less than a month before the show kicked off, and the car entered India barely three days before the Expo was opened. While the Etios carried on in the same Toyota vein of being non-controversial, all-encompassing and plain but likeable when it came to its design, the Honda smally is replete with aggressive design cues capable of grabbing the eyeballs of any car enthusiast. Be it the insistent alloy wheels, the sharp silhouette or edgy contours, the GSC certainly was the looker at the show.
Speculating thoughtfully about the car, one must not forget that Honda has always taken the fight to Toyota by offering younger, more enthusiast oriented cars throughout its pursuit - be it the Civic which went after the Corolla, or the new Accord which takes on the Camry. . It is likely that the Honda small car will be launched with a 1-litre and a 1.2-litre engine option that already does the duty on the Jazz, and inclusion of the smart iVTEC technology inside the engine will only enhance the car's capabilities without compromising on the practicality expected from a small car. The inclusion of a CVT transmission option, the way it appears on the Thai Honda Jazz will only enhance and widen the appeal of the car.
The positioning of the car is expected to be bang in the territory of the venerable Maruti Suzuki Swift, the car that revolutionized the way India looked at hatchbacks. Since the Jazz already covers the higher spectrum of the price range, this would be a much more reasonable but an equally cut-throat space to function in, especially after the introduction of the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Figo, Nissan Micra and the Toyota Etios, which would have hit the market before this small number from Honda makes its entry. But more importantly, the revealing of the concept shoulder to shoulder with that of the Etios concept at the Expo needs to be read into carefully. The production car may still be two years away, but this is a sign that Honda is ready to fend off Toyota's intrusion with fleet feet and panache.
Spied! 2011 Honda Fit Hybrid
Here is a possible 2011/2012 Honda Fit Hybrid spied running around the streets in America. Now having the Fit available in hybrid comes with a downside and an upside, having it interfere with the Insight sales isn't going to do much to help the new Insight, but having a hybrid version of the Fit means a cheaper and much much more fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle.
What do you guys think? Would you welcome a Fit Hybrid? Would you get one? Comment below!
Honda Insight Review
The StarPhoneix has a review on the 2010 Honda Insight, for more, visit their website @ http://www.thestarphoenix.com/cars/Honda+Insight+quality+hybrid/2728054/story.html
" The Insight is the lowest priced hybrid on the market, but it offers a lot for the price. Driving it, you may even forget it is a hybrid, but park it and someone will often be asking about this new hybrid. "
What do you guys think about the 2010 Insight? Do you have one of your own? How's it running? Comment below!
Acura RL Pre-Owned
Auto123 has a review on pre-owned Acura RLs from 2005-2008, check it out @ http://www.auto123.com/en/acura/rl/2008/review?carid=1080100801&artid=117290
Honda Accord Crosstour Long Term Test
Edmunds.com is doing a long-term real-world test on the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, for more information, visit their website @ http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/Vehicles/2010-honda-accord-crosstour/
Got a Crosstour of your own? How's it doing? What if you're looking for one? Any raves, rants? Comment below!
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