CAR News

The Honda Racing Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship team are putting the new Civic Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) through its paces at its first public test outing at Brands Hatch today (21 February 2012).

Both Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden and triple-BTCC champion Matt Neal will be pushing the car to the limit to make it is as competitive as possible ahead of the season debut on 1 April 2012.

The testing at Brands Hatch follows a successful preliminary test at the MIRA test track last week where the car underwent extensive system checks to ensure it is fully functional. Matt Neal and the Honda Racing team spent Friday acclimatising to the car and making sure it’s safe and ready for track testing.

Matt Neal commented; “This is the first opportunity we have had to get behind the wheel to really see what the car has got. The team are really pleased with the results from the test at MIRA last week and I can’t wait to finally start putting the car through its paces.
“It will be interesting to see how the car performs, but I’m optimistic that we’ll walk away from today confident we have a championship winning car.”

Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden added; “The feedback on the new Civic NGTC car so far is incredibly promising and I’ve been itching to get into the car since the end of the 2011 season. Like Matt mentioned, this is the first time we have had to really push the car and I’m looking forward to putting it into action.”

Team Manager, Peter Crolla, concluded; “The team have all been working incredibly hard since the start of the NGTC programme back in August so everybody’s very excited to see the new car on track for the first time. It’ll be interesting from the point of view of both drivers and engineers to see how the car behaves on a track where we were very competitive with the S2000 Civic and we can really start to understand and develop the new car.

“The main aim for the day will be to establish a baseline set-up for the car which we can then tune for the various circuits we visit during the season. Initial feedback from the MIRA shakedown was positive so we’re hoping to continue that today and cover some valuable mileage with both Matt and Gordon behind the wheel”. The next testing session takes place at Donington Park circuit on Thursday 23 February.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced it will begin sales of the N BOX, the first model of the new mini-vehicle N Series, on December 16, 2011. Honda created the N Series with a passion to create the best and new vehicle for Japan, and a newly-designed platform and powertrain were adopted for the N Series models.

Honda, which has great experience in producing minivans, developed the N BOX with the goal of creating a “mini-minivan,” condensing the attractiveness and values of a minivan into a mini-vehicle. Featuring an innovative platform, the N BOX realizes spaciousness, comfort and economic efficiency beyond the concept of a mini-vehicle.

Through the combination of the new platform, the center-tank layout, and the newly-developed powertrain, the N BOX features one of the largest cabin spaces*1 among all mini-vehicles in the market. This new platform embodies Honda’s M/M (man maximum/machine minimum)*2 concept, the origin of Honda’s automobile design. The center-tank layout is Honda’s unique packaging technology, first adopted for the Fit, which innovated the concept of a “small car.”

The newly-developed engine and transmission enabled the N BOX to realize both dynamic driving and excellent fuel economy. With the adoption of the idle stop mechanism, which has been adapted from hybrid vehicles, the N BOX realized top level fuel economy in its class*3.

Customers can choose from several types and packages to accommodate their preferences. In addition to the base grade, which offers the spaciousness and sense of security suitable for a family with children, N BOX Custom is offered for customers who seek a vehicle with strong individuality and a sense of presence.

Key Features of N BOX
Comfortable cabin space beyond the concept of a mini-vehicle:
? One of the largest cabin spaces among all mini-vehicles in the market was realized through the combination of the long cabin length, shortest engine room length among all mini-vehicles*4 and the low-floor design made possible with the center-tank layout.

*4 Honda internal research (as of November 30, 2011)

Ease-of-use beyond customers’ expectations:
? An easy-to-operate and versatile seating arrangement was realized by maximizing the benefit of the center-tank layout. With a low floor and large opening the tailgate offers excellent convenience for loading luggage.

Sense of security and visibility beyond the mini-vehicle category:
? In addition to realizing the same eye height as a minivan, installation of mirrors which help eliminate blind spots around the left-front wheel, left-rear wheel, and lower rear made it easier to pull up closer to an object on the side or to park.

New powertrain realizing both top class fuel economy and excellent output performance:
? The newly-developed DOHC engine and the newly-developed CVT (continuously variable transmission) with high power efficiency realize both driving performance which enables the driver to enjoy a stress-free experience during everyday urban driving and long-distance travel as well as the class-leading fuel economy of 22.2km/L*5.
? N BOX Custom adopts a high performance turbo charger, which is combined with the newly-developed DOHC engine to generate maximum torque from a low-speed range of 2,600rpm and realize powerful acceleration.

*5 N BOX and N BOX Custom FWD vehicles (excluding turbo model) measured in JC08 mode (Testing by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)

Newly-designed body which pursues a lightweight body and high efficiency:
? A highly efficient frame was realized by reviewing every step of the manufacturing processes. The adoption of the most advanced production technologies, such as the world’s first tailored blank and hot stamping of molded trim, to help increase the tensile strength and reduced the weight by approximately 10%*6.
? Conventional welding methods were reviewed and an inner frame was adopted for the first time in Japan, which resulted in the reduction of the number of parts and significantly increasing binding rate.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the all-new CR-V would go on sale at dealerships across Japan on December 2. Introduced in 1995, the CR-V pioneered a completely new SUV market with its original combination of car-like ride comfort and exceptional utility. Today, the CR-V is available in 160 countries, with over 500,000 units sold every year worldwide.*1

The all-new fourth-generation CR-V is more advanced in every area, including design, packaging and technology. In addition to the sleek and aerodynamic body, the CR-V features higher fuel economy, enhanced ride comfort and a roomier interior and cargo area for better utility than ever before. Providing exceptional stability in a wide range of driving situations, the CR-V offers peace of mind to every occupant.

Joining the 2.4 L four-wheel-drive model is a new 2.0 L front-wheel drive model that offers a combination of best-in-class fuel economy*2 and powerful performance at a reasonable price. Further, all CR-V models qualify for Japan’s eco-car tax incentives.

Since its 1995 introduction, over 5 million CR-V automobiles have been sold worldwide cumulatively.*3

*1 Honda calculations
*2 Honda calculations for 2.0 L SUVs as of November, 2011
*3 Honda calculations as of September, 2011 Key features of CR-V
The exterior styling expresses the CR-V’s power and functionality. The front bumper features an aerodynamic shape, and the highly curved rear glass emphasizes the large cargo area while adding further energy to the design.
The CR-V demonstrates new attention to the in-vehicle experience and features enhanced driver comfort and more advanced functionality and control. The new center display*4 offers Honda’s latest information functionality, providing a wide range of data in a convenient and easy-to-read format. Supporting smoother control, the center display and other elements of the interior allow the driver to grasp current conditions easily and focus on driving.
With a more compact body than the previous model, the CR-V offers a 225 mm longer interior and a 65 L larger cargo area for enhanced utility and convenience (Honda calculations).
The 2.0 L front-wheel-drive model offers powerful torque characteristics from the low rpm range upward and exceptional fuel economy, thanks to a 2.0 L i-VTEC engine and a CVT with torque converter that brings out the engine’s best performance. While offering the same off-the-line acceleration and overall acceleration performance as the 2.4 L model, the 2.0 L model features greatly reduced friction in every area and best-in-class*5 fuel economy of 14.4 km/L.*6
The 2.4 L CR-V features a more advanced engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. As compared to the previous model, the new model offers 10 kW (20 PS) higher output, thanks to a higher compression ratio and other enhancements, as well as higher fuel economy, thanks to greatly reduced friction.
The newly developed Real Time?All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) features Intelligent Control System for outstanding off-the-line acceleration on slick or snowy roads, exceptional cornering and enhanced stability on slopes (CR-V 24G).
The easy fold-down 60/40 split rear seat makes accessing the full capability of the cargo area much more convenient than traditional manual folding seats. Each side of the rear seat can automatically fold nearly flat into the front of the cargo area by using one of the small levers located near the tailgate or a pull-strap positioned on the seat side. In addition, thanks to the cargo area’s low and flat design, the rear hatch opening is low to the ground for easy loading and unloading.
*4 Manufacturer’s option available with Internavi
*5 Honda calculations for 2.0 L SUVs as of November, 2011
*6 Testing by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in JC08 mode

Popular SUV introduces innovative features for music and SMS texting, new Real Time AWD system debuts, and FWD model achieves 31 mpg highway EPA ratingThe all-new, the fourth-generation Honda CR-V debuted today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2012 CR-V introduces an upscale styling direction, greater fuel efficiency, and added features and functionality. The CR-V will go on-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide on December 15th.

With the previous-generation CR-V recognized as a “Top Recommended Vehicle” and having the “Best Retained Value SUV under $25,000″ by Edmunds.com, and named top compact crossover SUV in dependability by J.D. Power and Associates, the all-new 2012 model introduces the latest evolution of Honda’s successful CR-V formula. Compact on the outside and roomy inside, the CR-V represents an ideal balance for size and capability in the entry SUV segment. The all-new five-passenger CR-V offers improved car-like interior comfort, a smoother and quieter ride, and even more innovative features than the previous model.

Powerful and Efficient 4-Cylinder Engine
Leading the changes are a more efficient engine design with improved horsepower and torque, along with an all-new Real Time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control SystemTM. All CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. of torque paired with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy1 is rated at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined (FWD) (an increase of +2/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V), and a compact SUV-class leading 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined (AWD) (an increase of +1/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V). Eco Assist, a new feature on the CR-V for 2012, indicates to the driver when the vehicle is being operated in an efficient style via “green” visual cues surrounding the speedometer, and a selectable ECON Mode alters operating characteristics of the vehicle to support an efficient driving style.

New Standard Features
New for 2012 standard features include an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat and a range of standard technology features. New high-tech features on all models include a Bluetooth®2 HandsFreeLink® phone interface (previously an available feature), a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines. As a first for Honda, every 2012 CR-V includes an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another first is the introduction of a Pandora® Internet Radio interface3, compatible with the Apple® iPhone®, which works with the vehicle’s audio controls and i-MID.

Model Range
The CR-V lineup starts with the CR-V LX model, now with more standard equipment for 2012. The CR-V LX is equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, i-MID, remote entry, a 160-watt, a 4-speaker audio system, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). The CR-V EX adds an upgraded six-speaker audio system, power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and more. The CR-V EX-L builds on the rich features of the CR-V EX and adds a leather-trimmed interior, 10-way power driver’s seat, automatic dual-zone climate control, 328-watt 7-speaker audio system with XM®4 Radio and much more. Available features for the CR-V EX-L include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System5 with Voice RecognitionTM and FM Traffic, or a DVD Rear Entertainment System (not available with Navigation). Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control SystemTM is an available feature on each model.

Design
The 2012 CR-V body adopts a more dynamic and sophisticated appearance compared to the previous generation. The CR?V’s spacious interior layout is more accommodating with a roomy new center console (now standard) and an overall lower cargo floor height for easy loading and unloading. The new Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat makes accessing the full capability of the cargo area much more convenient than traditional folding seats. Each side of the rear seat can fold nearly flat into the front of the cargo area using one of the release levers located near the tailgate, or a pull-strap positioned on the seat side.

Safety
Every CR-V incorporates as standard equipment VSA, an electronic stability control system; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. An Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) body structure in the front of the vehicle helps make the vehicle highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal crash.

Warranty
The 2012 Honda CR-V is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.