Honda to launch small car earlier than decided!

The small car segment in India seems to have caught fire with the recent launches and developments in the segment. Since the competition is fit for new launches, Honda has rescheduled the launch of its much publicized small car. The car was supposed to be launched early in 2011. However, now the car will reportedly hit the streets by the end of 2010 itself. According to various sources, the car code named 2CV will be launched by year end and could coincide with the launch of Toyota’s Etios. The Honda small car was first displayed in India during the 10th Auto Expo at Delhi.

“We have no such plans, and we believe that 2011 will not be too late to launch the vehicle. Car penetration is still low in the country and there is a lot of space to grow,” said Jnaneswar Sen, vice-president for marketing, Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI)

The small car sales in India seems to be going at a very good rate with around 10,000 and 5,000 bookings for the Ford Figo and the Volkswagen Polo. Since the launch of the Chevvy Beat earlier in January, more than 13,000 cars have been sold. Nissan has also reported that it will launch its small car christened Micra soon in June with a price tag of about Rs. 4 lakh. The Honda small car will reportedly be priced under Rs. 4.5-5 lakh. Honda expects sales figure not much different to its presently selling Honda City. The small car will have 80 percent localized content and will initially be rolled out from the Greater Noida facility. The car however will be produced in Thailand as well.

 

by Motoroids

Honda Accord V6 Launched

Honda Siel Cars India has launched its latest version of flagship sedan Accord 3.5L V6 in the Indian market today. The Accord's V6 3.5-liter i-VTEC engine with 275 PS makes it the most powerful Accord ever built by the company.

The new Accord engine features an advanced Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system that switches between six-, four-, and three-cylinder combustion depending on the driving conditions and thereby delivering maximum power of 275 PS during six cylinder operation. To achieve the same quietness and smoothness, as when running on all six cylinders, new Active Control Engine Mounts (ACM) and Active Noise Control (ANC) systems have been designed to complement the VCM technology.

The revamped new version boasts of enhanced exterior styling with an electric sunroof and few additional luxury and desirable features based on its customers feedback. It also features Ambient Light and Footlight which accentuates the style and enhances visibility during night driving. In addition, the new Honda Accord is also equipped with two sets of Keyless entry for convenience purpose and also has a provision for mobile phone with bluetooth interface.The Footlight and 2 sets of Keyless entry has also been introduced in the Honda Accord 2.4L MT and AT variants.

The new Accord range will come with a price tag of Rs.18,52,000 for 2.4L MT, Rs.19,27,000 for 2.4L AT and Rs 26,15,000 for 3.5L V6. (ex- showroom, Delhi.)

Source: MOTOROIDS

Honda Siel appoints new President & CEO

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) on Monday declared Mr. Takashi Nagai as the next and the 4th President and the CEO of Honda Siel who will take charge from April 1st, 2010. Tagai has replaced Mr. Masahiro Takedagawa, who will now head the company's Canadian operations.
Takashi Nagai has vast experience in the automobile industry, having worked with Honda ventures in different markets, across the globe including America and Europe. From February 2003 to January 2006, Nagai was stationed in Mexico as Director of Honda de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. In February 2006, Nagai was appointed as General Manager, Overseas Operations Office No. 1 of Honda Motor Co. Ltd. looking after North America, South America and European market. In April 2007, Nagai became Executive Vice President, Asian Honda Motor Company Ltd. and a Director of Honda Motor Co. Ltd from June of the same year.

Takedagawa, who has been heading Honda’s Indian joint venture with the Siel Group since April 2005, has been appointed as the president and Director of Honda Canada Inc. During Takedagawa’s tenure in HSCI, the company set up its second manufacturing facility at Tapukara in Rajasthan. His period of leadership saw the company introducing premium sedan Civic and hatchback Jazz in the Indian market.

New Honda Accord tuned by Mugen

Honda specialist tuner Mugen has released details of a new package for the Honda Accord in Japan, only a day after its launch in that country. The enhancements can be purchased as a complete kit or ‘a la carte'. It includes front, rear and under spoilers, side sills, a bunny-tooth grille and a big rear wing. The Japanese Accord is the same as the Acura TSX and comes with a 2.4-litre four cylinder engine with an exclusive 5-speed automatic gearbox.

A list of four alloy wheel designs is on the menu in two sizes 18 and 19-inch. The performance aspect includes upgrades in suspension, high performance brake pads and rotors, as well as a sports exhaust system.

Europe received the new Accord in the summer of this year after a show debut in Geneva. Mugen was founded by its former CEO Hirotoshi Honda, the son of Honda founder Soichiro Honda.

Tuning Kits for New 2009 Honda Odyssey JDM by Mugen

In synchronized form, closely related Honda tuner Mugen announced body styling kits for the new Honda Odyssey the same day it launched in Japan. Available in two styles - one for the standard M, L, Li trim levels and a second for the top sporty Absolute, the aero kits consists of grille, front and rear bumper fascias, side skirts and rear roof spoilers. Other add-ons include sport exhaust, brake pads, floor mats, two styles of aluminum wheels and intelligent Tire Condition Monitoring System (i-TCMS). Price for both kits is expected to be approximately €2000 in Japan.

Honda Civic 5D Mugen Concept Revealed in Moscow

Japanese tuning company, Mugen Motorsports, has waved its wand over a European specific model for the first time in the Honda Civic 5-door hatchback. Revealed at the Moscow Motor Show with cosmetic modifications only in the form of a body kit closely resembling the previously released Honda Civic Mugen RR from last year, this concept is a sign that Mugen is testing the waters of the old continent. Surely, with the Honda name gaining popularity across Europe, hoards of Honda tuners will be lined up to tap into the European market, and who better to test the waters first than the one with familiar ties to Honda Motor Company.

2008 Honda S2000 CR

The 2008 Honda S2000 represents the purest expression of Honda fun-to-drive DNA with its 2-seat, open-topped roadster configuration and sophisticated front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform. As a true sports car that can serve as a practical and fun daily driver and also feel equally at home on a racetrack, this concept further evolves with the addition of a club racer-inspired S2000 CR to the 2008 Honda lineup.

The S2000 CR introduces more track-oriented suspension settings, aerodynamic-enhancing bodywork, a removable hardtop, higher rigidity and reduced weight to the S2000 formula. The added features are designed to appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy open track day events and also provide a more ideal starting point for racers who modify the S2000 for competition in club racing events.

"Open track days and club racing events have rapidly gained popularity as new racing venues and dedicated organizations make track time increasingly more attainable," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The S2000 CR is designed as the ideal car to drive to the track, drive at the track and drive home from the track with minimal fuss."

As a quintessential roadster-style sports car, the S2000 is a performance icon for the Honda brand that combines racetrack-inspired performance with everyday usability. The front engine, rear-wheel-drive S2000 rewards driving enthusiasts with a potent 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC® 4-cylinder engine and a precise, short-throw 6-speed manual transmission, along with tenacious handling and an ideal 50/50 weight balance.

The renowned high-revving engine delivers 237 horsepower at 7800 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 6800 rpm. Perfectly complementing the engine's high-output characteristic is a compact, longitudinally-mounted, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that features a direct linkage for precise shifting and quick throws. Additional performance features include a front and rear double wishbone suspension, electric power steering and a torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential.

The S2000 comes with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (new wheel design for 2008), ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as electronic stability control. While VSA serves to effectively enhance driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button when conditions warrant. Air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are standard equipment on the S2000, optional on the S2000 CR for weight savings.

New for 2008, the S2000 has revised spring and damper tuning that subtly influences steering feel and high speed vehicle behavior. The instrument panel has a revised meter design for the fuel and temperature gauges, adding to the aesthetics of the display. Specifically, the fuel and temperature meters now reside along the arc formed by the tachometer instead of a semi-circle configuration below and to the right of the tachometer. Also, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been added.

The S2000 has dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS) for the driver and passenger, three-point seat belts with load limiters and automatic tensioning system, roll bar hoops and reinforced windshield posts. For pedestrian safety, the hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots are designed to collapse and help minimize the severity of a head injury to a pedestrian.

S2000 CR

The S2000 CR is an entirely new trim level for 2008. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximize the S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance and feel. Compared to the S2000, the factory-tuned S2000 CR provides more aggressive track-oriented suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction, and aerodynamic spoilers tuned for reduced lift and enhanced chassis balance at high speeds. A removable aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top.

The aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and specially-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, more aggressive Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires (in place of RE050 tires), a larger rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars and the S2000's new wheel design in Kaiser Silver. A rear body brace has been added to the area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. Relative to the base 2008 S2000, cumulative weight savings total 51 pounds (hardtop installed) and 99 pounds (hardtop removed). A sport-tuned muffler adds to the vehicles heightened performance feel.

The S2000 CR interior follows traditional racecar themes. Fabric seating surfaces with yellow stitching help create a sporty appearance while synthetic suede bolsters enhance lateral grip. An exclusive spherical aluminum shift knob on the S2000 CR rests 12.6 mm lower for a 6 percent reduction in shift stroke compared to the conventional S2000 cylindrical shift knob (aluminum/leather wrapped). Additionally, shift load effort increases by 10 percent for even more direct feedback when engaging a gear.

The S2000 CR instrument panel meters include a "peak-power indicator." When the engine is operating at peak power, a round, green light illuminates to the right of the digital speedometer. To save weight, air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are only available as factory-installed optional equipment.

The design and engineering concept for the S2000 is to deliver race-car-like performance and handling-something an enthusiast driver could use and enjoy, even in everyday driving situations. In addition, the S2000 is intended to be a modern, socially-responsible automobile with low emissions. The S2000's roadster layout also captures the spirit of the legendary high-performance sports cars of the past, as well as Honda's very first sports car, the S500 roadster. However, the S2000 makes no attempt to be a retro sports car. It is a unique, Honda interpretation of a modern sports car - with high performance, state-of-the-art technology, style, and Honda durability, quality and refinement.

Honda Civic Type-R Modulo Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon

Switzerland. Alpine birthplace to yodeling. Home to world-renowned Swiss cheese. And then there's this: the Rinspeed X-treme. Based on Porsche's newly-facelifted 957 Cayenne, the X-treme is a 'Swiss Extravaganza' with distinction fitted as standard. An aggressive aerodynamics package, available on all new Cayenne models, complements substantial upgrades to the car's powertrain and a more diversified cabin specification.

Rinspeed of Switzerland have designed the X-treme to markedly differentiate itself from Porsche's Cayenne, putting dynamism and a distinctive character at the forefront of its brief. Larger front air intakes, with fins and front splitter, air fatter brakes and a higher-output 600 hp engine. The gaping front, much like beefier wheel arches, gives the impression of a wider, more dynamic vehicle, while a 35mm lowered ride height brings with it a more poised stance.

The side skirt elegantly and unobtrusively integrates into the body and its larger arches, while understated but equally dynamic skirts at the front and rear contribute to the car's aerodynamics. An aggressive note sounds from the X-treme's sporty exhaust system, stylised by quad chrome exhaust tips. Excellent road-holding is ensured by use of large 23-inch wheels and 315/25-23 tires capable of speeds of up to 300 kph.

Customising the cabin are a range of exclusive leather trim options, with bucket seating and an in-car entertainment system among the items specifiable.

2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan concept

The Civic Si Sedan Concept provides strong hints of the styling and performance for a production Civic Si Sedan scheduled to go on sale this fall, marking the first time that "Si" performance has become available in the Civic Sedan. Similar to the recently introduced Civic Si Coupe, the production Civic Si Sedan will serve as another performance leader for the Civic line-up with a 197-horsepower, 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC engine with an 8,000 rpm redline, mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. Helping to put all that power to the ground is a helical-type, limited slip differential for improved traction and cornering performance.
The Civic Si Sedan Concept features custom 18-inch cast aluminum alloy wheels, 225/40ZR18 high-performance tires, and 4-wheel disc brakes with large cross-drilled brake rotors and 4-piston Brembo calipers.
"The Civic Si Sedan Concept demonstrates how the high-performance attributes of the Civic Si Coupe can be directly applied to the functionality of a sedan," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda.
A production vehicle based on the Civic Si Sedan Concept will go on sale this fall. The 2007 Civic Si Sedan will mark a further evolution of Civic Si's sixth generation alongside the Civic Si Coupe - and will be the first time a Civic Si is available in two body styles. The Civic Si first appeared in 1986 with subsequent Civic Si models appearing in 1989, 1992, 1999 and 2002.
The Civic Si Concept (coupe version) made its debut at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, preceding the introduction of the all-new 2006 Civic Si, Civic Hybrid, Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe. The Civic Si Coupe and Civic Si Sedan will both complement the Civic lineup with features designed to appeal to true enthusiasts seeking a high level of performance and value.

2007 Honda Civic Type S 3-door hatchback

To give the Type S sharper steering response, improved ride and excellent cornering stability, the suspension has been specially-tuned, with revised spring and damper settings and a 20mm wider rear track. This broader stance, coupled with the deep front air intake and standard 17-inch alloy wheels, gives the Type S a particularly muscular, planted look.

Under the bonnet of the 3-door Civic sits either a rev-happy 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, or Honda's highly-rated 2.2-litre diesel unit. Both engines produce a significant 140 hp and can be combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 1.8-litre i-VTEC is also available with Honda's automated-manual i-SHIFT transmission.

Inside, silver-stitched black alcantara seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel join aluminium pedals to set a very sporting tone.

The cabin itself is focused around Honda's unique Dual Link dashboard design — first featured on the 5-door Civic — which places key information in the upper part of the instrument panel. This means that important data can be viewed without compromising the driver's concentration on the road.

Although the coupe-like styling of the Type S might suggest compromised cabin space, the interior instead succeeds in providing a high degree of flexibility and passenger accommodation. The distance between the hip point of front and rear passengers (803mm) equates to that of higher segment cars.

The rear seats also incorporate Honda's familiar one-motion, dive-down feature that instantaneously creates a flat loading space. This helps create a massive 485 litres of loading space — the same as the Civic 5-door. A centrally-positioned fuel tank located beneath the front seats, rather than impinging on the luggage area, also plays a key role in achieving this packaging efficiency.

Two model grades will be offered. As well as 17-inch wheels and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) as standard, Type S gets air conditioning, cool box, remote audio controls and curtain airbags. The Type S GT model adds a panoramic glass roof, dual zone air conditioning, cruise control, front foglights, retractable mirrors, and automatic wipers and headlamps.

The comprehensive passive safety features include double seatbelt pre-tensioners on both front seats as well as active headrests for protection against dangerous whiplash injury. Front and side SRS airbags for front seat passengers and ful-length curtain airbags are standard on all models. The instrument display also features an innovative seatbelt reminder for both front and rear seat passengers.

Honda anticipates a Euro NCAP result of 5 stars for front and side impact safety, 3 stars for pedestrian safety and 4 stars for child protection safety, making it one of the safest cars in its class.

The 3-door Type S will form the basis of the Civic Type R, which goes on sale in the UK in March 2007. The highly-anticipated Type R will offer greater sophistication without compromising the Type R philosophy of exhilarating performance through advanced engineering.

Aggressive styling, responsive steering, intuitive handling and greater in-cabin refinement will all be key characteristics. And although maximum engine power remains the same as the out-going Civic Type R, Honda's engineers have further developed the 200 hp 2.0-litre engine.

The Type R will also have a GT grade, which will offer extra equipment such as dual zone air conditioning and automatic rain and light sensors.

2007 Honda CR-V

Following some leaks, Honda has released official images of the 2007 CR-V crossover. The revamped model has a lower center of gravity (reduced by 35mm), wider stance (increased by 30mm) and a number of changes to steering and suspension geometry for improved handling. The all-wheel-drive ststem has also been improved with a revised "Real Time 4WD" that detects front wheel slip and promptly sends torque rearwards. As revealed in past spy shots and leaked photos, the CR-V gets a new windowline, which Honda hopes will give it a more car-like appearance. The spare wheel has been removed from the tailgate and is now found under the load compartment floor. The vehicle will be offered with radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control and a "Collision Mitigation Braking System" that will automatically brake if a collision is imminent. Active headlights are another high-tech feature added to the CR-V. Power comes from a 166 horsepower inline-four engine with 161 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission will be the only option in America. Base price is expected to be around $21,000. Contrary to rumors, the U.S. and European versions are identical.

Honda REMIX concept

The Honda REMIX small sport concept has its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show recently. The REMIX explores the shape and design of a two-seat sports car focused on performance and daily usability.

"Pure Honda to the core, the REMIX concept vehicle focuses on a simple, lightweight and fun-to-drive philosophy," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "The concept balances sports car virtues with real-world practicality."

The REMIX Small Sport Concept is a product of the Honda R&D Americas, Inc., Advanced Design Studio in Southern California. Purely a design concept, the vehicle is fashioned around a front-wheel drive small car platform with a 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. A sport suspension, along with aggressive tires and brakes, further supplement its performance side.