• 21Oct

    During the recent auto show in Frankfurt, Japanese car manufacturer Honda unwrapped the revised Honda Insight Hybrid 2012 model year that is hit to hit the shores of the United States.

    Honda now accepts orders for the 2012 Insight which implemented cosmetic improvements for both the exterior and interior of the car. The Insight also features additional features for some models and also boast of an additional 1 mpg fuel mileage across its range. The sticker price for the 2012 Honda Insight is currently at $19,120 which includes handling and destinations fees amounting to $770. There is just a minor increase of $150 from the 2011 Insight.

     

    2012 Honda Insight EX with Navigation

    The designers of the new Honda Insight restyled the front grille of the vehicle incorporating a blue accent bar. The bumpers on both ends were also revised. Other changes include improved headlights, graphics of the brakelight, and enhancements under the body of the car improve its aerodynamics. The new look is completed by the new design for the alloy wheels and new look of the wheel covers.

    The upgrades of the equipment of the Insight involves map lights and audio controls on the steering wheel for te LX variant. The EX gets automatic headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, and leather treatment for the shifting know and the steering wheel.

    The car is still powered by the IMA system made up of the iVTEC 1.3L engine partnered with the electric motor with an output of 10kW. The setup generates an output of 98 horsepower with a torque of 123 lb-ft. The engineers have also reduced the friction encountered by the CVT or Continuously Variable Transmission of the Insight. The fuel mileage numbers are pegged at 40 mpg for city driving and 43 mpg for highway driving.

  • 25Jan

    Honda CR-Z Hybrid FrontA big population of auto enthusiasts surely waited with eagerness for the coming of the sports coupe 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid. The two-seater and its sporty line pumps some blood to the hybrid territory. The car is expected to be delivered as early as this summer.

    The CR-Z hybrid will be powered by the 4-cylinder i-VTEC 1.5L engine that makes use of the Integrated Motor Assist(IMA) by Honda. It looks like that this car shares most of its DNA with the recently rolled out Insight Hybrid. The CR-Z makes use of a 10 kilowatt electric motor which accelerates the car and recaptures power as it coasts and decelerates. The energy is stored in a 100 volt battery pack made of nickel metal hydride.

    The fuel economy is not the best as we expect for small hybrids. The electric engine is paired with six speed manual transmission or via a continuously variable transmission. The CVT version rates 36/38 mpg which is just like the Ford Fiesta while the manual hits worse at 31/37 mpg.

    2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid

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  • 15Jan

    Upon reading the report in a British magazine, a lot of car enthusiast and car experts are thinking of good epitaphs for marvelous Honda would-have-been cars like the S2000 speed monster, beefed up Acuras, CR-Z hybrid, and V8 engines.

    The Japanese car maker is re-thinking its strategy and line of cars to mold their approach to market amid dwindling car sales around the globe.

    Honda experienced an 18% drop of car sales in 2008. HONDA CR-ZThe December year over year performance was significantly lower by 35%. The tough times led to Honda’s decision of calling off the production of the NSX supercar scheduled to be out by 2010. The NSX super car was destined to have a V10 power plant in its engine bay.

    A rear-driven Acura with a V8 engine was being designed by Honda to rival BMW. Plans of having this car by 2015 were also scrapped off. The V8 was seen as an unsuitable option because of the sky rocketing fuel prices.

    Honda executives discloses that Honda will concentrate more on building more fuel efficient vehicles to better survive and deal with the current economic climate.

    Other moves to mend the hard punch of the economic crisis include the following:

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  • 24Nov

    This is a concept of a new and upcoming Honda CR-Z which wil actually be yet another Hybrid… I’m not saying I’m not all for alternative car fuels or hybrid cars, but come on guys — not every single new car you guys make HAS to be a Hybrid, is it?

    Oh well, it looks great (just like most of the new Honda’s) and I hope they make a non-hybrid non-diesel version. :p