Honda Accord tops safety ratings | freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Honda Accord tops safety ratings | freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Honda's Accord received the best possible safety rating among 2011 model-year passenger cars tested for crashes under new U.S. evaluation standards, edging ahead of Toyota and Hyundai sedans.

The midsize Accord, Honda's top-selling U.S. model, got an overall five-star rating, according to results posted on the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site.

Of 40 models tested so far, six rated five stars overall. Accord is the first to get five stars in each of three crash categories tested by NHTSA.

[Read more: Detroit Free Press]

SEMA 2010: Honda Shows Accord Crosstour HFP Concept and Accord Coupe HFP - Carscoop

SEMA 2010: Honda Shows Accord Crosstour HFP Concept and Accord Coupe HFP - Carscoop
On display alongside the twelve modified CR-Z sport hybrid coupes at Honda's SEMA Show booth, are the HFP (Honda Factory Performance) prepared Accord Crosstour study and Accord Coupe models.

The crossover version of the Accord is a demonstration concept only fitted with a body kit and blacked out front grille, a prototype lowered HFP sport suspension, alloy wheels, color-matched door handles and special black-out door sash trim. Honda did not say when or if these components will be offered for sale.

The 2010 Accord Coupe, on the other hand, comes equipped with already available dealer-installed parts including front and rear aprons, side skirts and multispoke alloy wheels.

[Read More: CarScoop]

Honda Announces Mugen Kit for CR-Z, Brings Two Concepts and a Bunch of Tuned CR-Zs to SEMA - Car and Driver Blog

Honda Announces Mugen Kit for CR-Z, Brings Two Concepts and a Bunch of Tuned CR-Zs to SEMA - Car and Driver Blog
Honda’s display at the SEMA show provides a slightly more convincing argument in favor of the “sport” part of the CR-Z’s “sport hybrid” moniker in the form of a pair of turbocharged concepts—we’ve found the standard car fun to drive, but feel its practicality trade-offs compromise the overall car. The display also features a CR-Z wearing Mugen components, as well as some CR-Zs tuned in the aftermarket.
The Mugen accessories (shown on the gray car above) comprise a new body kit, grille, rear wing, 17-inch multispoke wheels outside, and an aluminum oil-filler cap, with a black aluminum shift knob and new floor mats dressing up the interior. Just 300 such kits will be offered starting in spring 2011, each color-matched to the buyer’s CR-Z. Pricing will be set at a later date.

We were more interested in the CR-Z Hybrid R (red, above) and CR-Z Racer (white, below) concepts. With turbochargers for the gasoline engine and upgraded IMA hybrid-drive components, the modified cars are said to produce up to 200 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. (The stock combined power rating is 122 hp and 128 lb-ft.) A stronger clutch, a limited-slip differential, bigger brakes, and a firmer suspension are also on the agenda. The show cars scored new body kits, wheels, and big rear wings, too. Sadly, neither model is slated for production, though two race-spec CR-Zs will compete in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill race this December.

Honda’s SEMA stand is also playing host to a slew of tuner-ized CR-Zs modified by a variety of tuner and parts companies. Click the gallery below to check them out and see more pictures of the factory efforts above.

[Read More: Car and Driver]

Honda Worldwide | October 29, 2010 "ASIMO Celebrates 10th Anniversary"

Honda Worldwide | October 29, 2010 "ASIMO Celebrates 10th Anniversary"
October 29, 2010 - ASIMO has reached a huge milestone and will celebrate its 10th Anniversary on 31st October. A decade ago, Honda created a humanoid robot so advanced it started a revolution in humanoid robot technology. To mark this date, dedicated Anniversary websites and films have been launched today, with new photos, videos, the story of its creation and smartphone apps.

The application software for iPhone and Android smartphones, “Run with ASIMO” features ASIMO and other Honda robots as characters that the user can interact with. (Both the iPhone and Android versions will be available soon).

Honda’s research into humanoid robotics started almost a quarter of a century ago and 14 years later, on 31st October 2000, ASIMO was created. Since its European unveiling at the Technical University of Darmstadt in June 2003, ASIMO has inspired, educated and influenced thousands of people all over the region and has gained acclaim from engineers and scientists alike.
ASIMO has visited science museums around Europe, met royalty and heads of state and even has visited the European Parliament.

ASIMO is part of Honda’s long standing program of research and development into robotics and human mobility. Honda’s goal is to develop a robot that will be able to help people in their everyday lives; a robot that will take on some of the tasks that would help make all our lives easier and more pleasant.

The benefits of such a humanoid robot may not be limited to the home environment, but could include any situation where people need support and assistance.

Honda is now focusing its research on the development of intelligence as well as improving the understanding about the ideal interaction and relationship between people and humanoid robots.

The ultimate goal of the Asimo project is to create a truly usable humanoid robot and continue the development of intelligent systems for use in other Honda products. In addition to this, Honda partner in many education projects around Europe, aimed at inspiring schoolchildren and students to become more involved in science & engineering.

[Read More: Honda Worldwide]

Honda to Debut All-New Electric Vehicle Concept at Los Angeles Auto Show - Honda.com

Honda to Debut All-New Electric Vehicle Concept at Los Angeles Auto Show - Honda.com

Plug-in hybrid platform will also be revealed

An all-new Honda electric vehicle concept will make its world debut November 17 at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, the company announced today. Additionally, Honda will reveal a plug-in hybrid platform showcasing the next-generation of Honda hybrid technology. Both the electric vehicle concept and the plug-in hybrid platform along with the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle demonstrate the company's vision for the future of personal mobility and its continued commitment to developing advanced environmental technologies.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO Takanobu Ito will attend the press conference, marking the first time Honda's global Honda CEO has introduced a worldwide vehicle debut during the Los Angeles Auto Show press days.

Details on the electric vehicle concept will be announced on November 17, 2010 at the Los Angeles Auto Show in the Honda booth and webcast live at www.hondanews.com.

[Read More: Honda News]

Honda Air Lightweight Concept Car Is Propelled By Compressed Air - Ecofriend

Honda Air Lightweight Concept Car Is Propelled By Compressed Air - Ecofriend
Honda has designed an all new Air Concept car, which the company showcased at the 2010 LA Auto Show’s Design Challenge competition. Designed to weigh less than 1000lbs, the vehicle can carry up to four people. The Honda Air is a vision of a coastal cruiser for the aggressive lifestyle and has been inspired by roller coasters and skydiving wing-suits.

Powered entirely by compressed air and a pneumatic regulator system, the vehicle uses turbo vacuums and external air-flow to regenerate tank pressure for extended range and increased boost for an estimated 100 miles. To reduce the overall weight of the car, the body panels and fairings have been made from vegetable-based polymers. The cockpit is aimed at maximizing the open air driving performance.

[Read More: Ecofriend]