Tuesday, March 25, 2008

..sales increase for Honda Accord Coupe

Sales hike for Honda

The sales for Honda Accord Coupe continuous to grow. It has already surpassed the expected sales by Honda, itself. It continuously invades the market. It is also believed that this baby will continue to invade even the UAE.

Guy Edmunds, General Manager, Trading Enterprises - Honda, commented: ‘I know that we will be requesting additional production from Honda to meet the strong customer demand we are experiencing. The Coupe segment is definitely expanding in the UAE and together with the existing reputation Accord enjoys in the market, this model is an extremely popular choice for motorists looking for innovation, reliability and affordability in a Coupe’.

Sales for the Honda Accord Coupe continue to rise. People love the aggressive stylings of the vehicle. It Accord coupe maybe the largest in the family of coupes, but it is definitely one great auto – performance and aesthetic wise.

Source: online news,

Posted by Sam at 00:47:06 | Permalink | No Comments »

Saturday, March 15, 2008

..a hybrid from Honda

The Civic Hybrid is the latest hybrid model from Honda. It is designed to be more environmentally friendly, has an elegant interior that features the latest in automotive industry, and features great performance in whatever road condition.

A hybrid vehicle is one that combines a gasoline powered engine with an electric motor. This provides better gas mileage and decreases the emission. The thing I love most about hybrid vehicles is the fact that it doesn’t need any especial kind of fuel. It uses the regular unleaded gasoline.
Here are some of the Civic Hybrid’s features:

Environmental features:

  • Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV)
  • 1.3-Liter, 8-Valve, i-VTEC 4-Cylinder Engine
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
  • Integrated Motor Assist IMA®
  • Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System
  • Estimated 45 mpg on the highway
  • AT-PZEV CARB Emissions Rating
  • Idle-stop feature

Interior:

  • Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition
  • 160-watt CD audio system capable of playing MP3 and WMA formats
  • flat floor ensures there’s room to move
  • Average Fuel Consumption Indicator

Performance:

  • 1.3-Liter, 8-Valve, i-VTEC 4-Cylinder Engine
  • 110-hp, 8-Valve, SOHC, i-VTEC® 4-Cylinder Engine
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
  • Electric Motor
  • Idle-Stop Feature
  • Integrated Motor Assist IMA®
  • Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System

Safety:

  • Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
  • Active Front Head Restraints
  • Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure
  • Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
  • Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
  • Dual-Stage, Dual-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)
  • Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
  • Side Curtain Airbags
  • Front and Rear Crush Zones
  • Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
  • Side-Impact Door Beams
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

 

One more thing I like about Honda vehicles is that they can be customized by installing accessories. Here are some of the accessories that I’d love to add if ever I own a Honda Civic Hybrid:

  • Splash Guards
  • Door Edge Guards
  • Car Cover
  • Full Nose Mask
  • Half Nose Mask
  • Fog Lights
  • Door Visors
  • Chrome Exhaust
  • All-Season Floor Mats
  • Interior Gauge Trim
  • Auto Day/Night Mirror with Compass
  • Rear Seat Cupholders
  • Interior Illumination
  • First Aid Kit
  • and a whole lot more…

It’s always good to know that you can still make your auto look and feel even better than it used to be, right?

Posted by Sam at 07:55:05 | Permalink | No Comments »

Thursday, March 13, 2008

news… news… news…

I’ve been so into reading online news lately..I wonder why…Anyways, my Honda interests semmed to have kicked in, again!…. Here’s one news that caught my attention.

9 Hondas Stolen in 24 Hours in Yakima

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — Yakima police took notice when 11 Hondas were stolen in a two-week period. Now they are investigating nine Honda thefts that occurred in a period of about 24 hours. The cars were taken Monday and Tuesday, and police say most were early to mid-1990s models.

Police Capt. Greg B. Copeland says it’s unusual to have so many vehicles of one type stolen in such a short period.

Investigators believe at least some may be related to the arrest of a 25-year-old man late Monday. Police say numerous Honda parts were found at a home following the arrest, but two of the latest Honda thefts occurred after he was arrested.

According to police there were an average of 2.3 car thefts a day last year in Yakima, population about 83,000.

Can you imagine 9 Honda cars stolen within 24 hours, in one state. Could there be comething wrong with the alarm systems of those cars or the car thieves were just really good in stealing automobiles. Maybe those cars were not yet equipped with anti theft devices.

Here’s another article related to the one above.

YAKIMA – A rash of recent car thefts went into overdrive Monday and Tuesday when nine vehicles were stolen in a roughly 24-hour period in Yakima.

All were Hondas, mostly early to mid-1990s models. Police believe the thefts are linked to up to 11 other Hondas stolen in the past two weeks.

“It’s highly unusual to have this many vehicles of a certain type stolen in such a short amount of time,” said Yakima police Capt. Greg Copeland. “Before this, we had noticed it was increasing a little, but not to the extent that we saw this week.”

Police say some of the thefts could be related to a 25-year-old man whose arrest led them to a home in the 900 block of North Naches Avenue, where they found numerous Honda auto parts.

However, at least two cars were reported stolen after his arrest Monday evening. According to a police affidavit filed in the case, a neighbor told them the suspect had been busy for two weeks pulling engines from vehicles.

Police first became aware of the man when a Yakima patrol sergeant came across a brown 1991 Honda Accord parked on his property Monday night. A check showed the car had been stolen from a Union Gap parking lot Feb. 28 and its license plate had been switched.

According to police records, the suspect said he recently bought the car from an unidentified woman for $200 but had no documents to back up his claim. Police eventually arrested him for possession of stolen property and other offenses.

Family members of the car owner said it had carried only stock equipment, but when police recovered the vehicle, it had been outfitted with custom chrome rims, racing tires and custom taillights.

The car owner’s mother said she remembered her daughter calling her the day it was stolen, hysterical because she could not find it in the parking lot after working her shift at Costco.

“I asked her if she had remembered where she had parked it and she said yes, she was positive, and it wasn’t there,” said the woman, who did not want to be identified. “She’s been crying about it ever since.

“And we still don’t have it; it’s in impound right now as they dust for fingerprints.”

Inside the stolen Honda were a black leather purse, a snow tire and a CD player — all taken from two separate vehicle prowl cases and identified by their owners, according to police.

In the suspect’s front yard, police said they saw a number of car parts, including tires and rims, along with spray paint and tools.

Based on that evidence, police obtained a search warrant for inside the home, where they said they found more rims and tires, six or seven car batteries, and even complete engines.

Copeland described the property as a “holding location for Honda vehicles and parts.” However, he was not certain whether it was responsible for all the recent thefts, because two more cars were stolen later on South 10th and North Seventh streets.

“We were hoping this was a big part of the operation, but that remains to be seen,” he said.

According to the Washington State Patrol, the two top stolen vehicles out of the Yakima area last year were early 1990s model Honda Accords and Civics. A total of 846 cars were stolen in the city last year, which averages to about 2.3 vehicles a day, according to the Yakima Police Department. That number is a 15 percent drop from the year before, when 1,002 vehicles were stolen, or 2.74 vehicles per day.

So that’s what they do to the Honda vehicle. No wonder a lot of them are stolen in a very short period of time. Can you just imagine the money they will get after selling all those auto parts? Poor Honda cars, they met an untimely death… or should I say distortion… They were chopped into several parts…not actually chopped though… more like separated into their different parts. For sure those cars were still in good condition.

Posted by Sam at 05:52:17 | Permalink | No Comments »

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

..sneak peak at Fit

Let’s talk about Honda’s new concept car – the Honda Fit.


Honda Fit was first introduced to the public in June 2001. The name Fit is commonly used in China, and North and South America, but in Europe it is more popularly known as Jazz. Generally, it is a five-door vehicle that features a hatchback design.

The new version of Honda Fit still carried the look of the old one, but this time it looks sleeker and more…modern. True to its name, the fit shows a vehicle that does not occupy much road space yet provides enormous space for the passengers. Although quite small compared to the SUV’s, Fit is able to offer the same comfort and space that the SUV provides.

So what are the changes?

  • Wheelbase is increased by 2 inches
  • A-pillars were moved roughly 5 inches forward
  • Interior space increased
  • Track grew by 2 inches


It would have been better if both the 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter powerplant were offered in the US . Sadly, only the 1.5-liter is available here. The good news though is that Fit is available in three transmissions; five-speed automatic, five-speed manual, and a CVT automatic.

They also have a Sport model. This one’s so yummy! LOLZ

The sport model for Honda Fit features 19-inch wheels, antiskid system, a navigation system, 6.5 inch screen, USB connectivity, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and a whole lot more.

Here are some more of the features of the Honda Fit

 

  • <!–[if !supportLists]–>Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE)
  • <!–[if !supportLists]–>Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
  • <!–[if !supportLists]–><!–[endif]–>Active head restraints
  • <!–[if !supportLists]–> <!–[endif]–>i-VTEC variable-valve-timing system
  • <!–[if !supportLists]–>Electronic “drive-by-wire” throttle control
  • <!–[if !supportLists]–>Anti-lock braking system
  • <!–[if !supportLists]–>Dual stage, dual-threshold front airbags
  • <!–[if !supportLists]–>Dual front-side airbags
  • <!–[if !supportLists]–>Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
  • <!–[if !supportLists]–>Side curtain airbags


<!–[if !supportLists]–>


—> whew! This one has lots of airbags… lolz…I wonder where they mounted all those airbags…

 

 

 

sources: leftlane, honda news,

Posted by Sam at 09:05:23 | Permalink | No Comments »

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

..hydrogen powered fuel cell Honda?

The new Honda FCX Clarity is a green car created by Honda. If you’re an environment concerned being, this one’s for you. According to an article in an automotive news, FCX is a next-generation, zero emission, hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle. Powered by a highly compact and powerful V-Flow fuel cell stack, the FCX Clarity features a lot of great upgrade in terms of driving range, power, weight and appearance. It looks totally sophisticated. See Honda is concerned with the environment too. Actually, all Honda vehicles are equipped with devices that helps reduce the toxicity of the vehicle’s emission.

Data source: auto news,

Posted by Sam at 06:18:57 | Permalink | No Comments »

..Honda Civic Type-R: Uk’s best-selling

Indeed, Honda does a great job of enticing and satisfying its customers. The Honda Civic Type-R is a racing model of the original Civic. Type R models were primarily created for the purpose of racing. But as time passed, and because of Honda’s focus in using the VTEC engine, the Honda Civic Type-R was released for everyday street driving.

“From its launch in March ’07 to the end of February, a total of 5,192 customers got hold of the keys to a Type R, making it Britain ’s most popular performance hatchback. And here’s how Honda did it: In response to previous Type R customers’ pleas for a more refined, high specification cabin, Honda introduced the GT grade – a huge 90 per cent of customers opt for this more comfortable, better-equipped Civic In contrast, Honda has sold just one of the stripped-down, lightweight Type Rs (with no parcel shelf, stereo equipment or audio speakers) The current residual value for the Civic Type R GT is at 52 per cent (three years/60,000 miles) which compares favourably with both the Focus ST (40 per cent) and Golf GTI (43 per cent) 58 per cent of three-door Civic sales are to conquest customers During 2007, the Civic Type R won Top Gear magazine’s Hot Hatch of the Year and scooped the same award in Auto Express’s New Car Honours.” -from Motoring Road

Top-selling car, huh? Nice one from Honda. Looking at the Honda Civic Type-R, you won’t notice its difference from the ordinary Honda Civic and the Type-R…except maybe for the added sporty look of the Type-R. But when it come to performance you’ll see, feel, and hear the big difference.

I believe they both use the same type of engine, but the one in the type-r is more powerful. Well, their differeence doesn’t matter at all. The important thing is that they both provide excellent service to their passengers.

Posted by Sam at 05:54:29 | Permalink | No Comments »

..a sad news

I was browsing on some internet news when these words caught my attention Sharp Rise in Honda Accord prices. Of course, out of my curiosity and out of my interest in Honda vehicles i just had to read the article before i started my usual bloging habit.

Sharp rise in Honda Accord prices

Prices for Honda’s Accord saloon will rise sharply when the new model goes on sale in June, with the entry-level model costing from £19,250 - a rise of around £2000.

However, Honda has justified the rises by saying that the Accord offers driving and quality standards that are the equivalent of those offered by premium brands such as Audi and BMW.

The car is being launched with three engine choices: 153bhp 2.0-litre and 197bhp 2.4-litre petrols and a new 147bhp 2.2-litre diesel.

Comparable to Audi and BMW? This should be interesting. The Honda Accord saloon will be available in three trim levels - the ES, ES GT, and EX.

Do you think it’s really fair? I mean, yeah the price hike will not take effect until June, but O.M.G!…. i gotta save more money…a lot more… if i want to get a Honda Accord…well there’s still enough time right…

Posted by Sam at 02:58:46 | Permalink | No Comments »

Saturday, March 8, 2008

..Top ten most expensive cars

While surfing the internet the other day, I saw an article that featured the ten most expensive cars. Forbes released this list last September 28, 2007. It doesn’t include auto’s that are prototype or special one-off makes. But before I go on with the list, can I just say that these cars are really flashy, in terms of performance, aesthetics, and price.
I’m gonna start with the 10th on the list.

10. Maybach 57 S

 

maybach57S

info:

  • made debut at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show
  • 6.0 L version of the V12 engine manufactured by Mercedes-AMG
  • Power output is 604 hp (450 kW) and 738 ft·lbf (1000 N·m)
  • rides 0.5 in (13 mm) lower on 20 in (508 mm) wheels

Data source: Forbes,

9. Maybach 62

 

maybach 62

info:

  • has fully-reclining rear seats
  • 4 zone climate control
  • AirMATIC dual control air suspension
  • display instruments in rear roof liner (showing speed, time and outside temperature)
  • folding rear tables (left and right)
  • BOSE Surround Everywhere sound system
  • a refrigerator compartment.
  • Cockpit Management and Navigation System (COMAND)
  • DVD navigation, CD changer in rear seats,
  • DVD players and TV tuners front and rear,
  • two rear LCD TV screens including remote control
  • and two sets of headphones,
  • automatic closing doors.

Data source: Forbes,

8. Porsche Carrera GT

porsche carrera gt


info:

  • 5.7 litre V10 engine producing 612 DIN (605 SAE) horsepower (450 kW)
  • accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.5 mph) in 3.9 seconds
  • has a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph)
  • BOSE audio system and navigation systems are available as options

Data source: Forbes,

7. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

mercedes-benz McLaren

info:

  • Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a German supercar jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive
  • 5.4-litre (5439 cc/331.9 cu in), supercharged, all-aluminum, SOHC V8 engine
  • has a top speed of 360 km/h (225 mph)

Data source: Forbes,

6. Koenigsegg CCR

Koenigsegg CCR

info:

  • made its debut at the 2004 Geneva Auto Show
  • held the world speed record for a production car
  • 806 bhp (601 kW) @ 6,900 rpm
  • 920 N·m (678 ft·lbf) @ 5,700 rpm.
  • 6-speed manual

Data source: wikipedia, Forbes,

5. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

info:

  • 7-liter (7008 cc/427.6 cu in), naturally-aspirated, all-aluminum OHV V8 engine
  • engine power to 750 horsepower (760 PS/559 kW)
  • the top speed to an estimated 250 mph (402 km/h)
  • weigh a mere 2750 pounds (1247 kg)

Data source: Forbes, wikipedia,

4. LeBlanc Mirabeau

LeBlanc Mirabeau

info:

  • top speed of 230 mph/ 370 km/h
  • has a aluminum superchared engine
  • rides 0.5 in (13 mm) lower on 20 in (508 mm) wheels

Data source: Forbes, sports car cup,

3. SSC Ultimate Aero

info:

  • world’s fastest production car at 255.83 mph (411.707 km/h)
  • 10-speaker audio/CD/DVD system
  • with a highest recorded speed of 413 km/h (257 mph)
  • offers a 6-speed transmission

Data source: Forbes, wikipedia,

2. Pagani Zonda Roadster F C12 7.3

Pagani Zonda Roadster F C12 7.3

info:

  • debuted at the 2006 Geneva show
  • a mid-engined 2-seat coupe and convertible
  • with a removable carbon fibre roof and canvas side curtains weighing just 11 lb (5 kg)
  • 750 bhp (559 kW) at 8000 rpm
  • 523 lb·ft (709 N·m) of torque

Data source: Forbes, wikipedia,

1.Bugatti Veyron 16.4

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

info:

  • top speed of 253.81 mph (408.47 km/h)
  • a mid-engine sports car produced by Volkswagen AG
  • Powered by a 1,001 PS (987 hp/736 kW) W16 engine,

Data source: Forbes, wikipedia,

I didn’t include the prices because the prices stated on the article were not yet updated. They were still dated Sept, 2007. These rides exude more than just esthetic beauty. I mean, have you seen their engine features. They are among the fast cars that take on the modern day road. Sweet ride! I just wish I could own one of those. (I can hear my brain screaming IN YOUR DREAMS!!!) lolz… :)

Unfortunately, not a single Honda made the list. Anyways, Honda’s are not known for being expensive, right?…ah well, at least a Porsche got in…

Sources: wikipedia, Forbes,

Posted by Sam at 02:28:11 | Permalink | No Comments »

Friday, March 7, 2008

..Honda in the 1970’s

Honda started in automobile production in the 1963. It produced approximately 7-9 vehicles in the 1960’s. They didn’t stop production since then. I have seen a lot of Honda vehicles, but I don’t get to see much of the older Hondas. I only get to them on the internet.

In the 1970’s Honda created various vehicle types. Here are Honda vehicles introduced in the 70’s.

From the Pick-up type, Honda created the Vamos. It is a micro van that was created to replace the T360. It was produced form the year 1970-1973. It used the 354-cc gasoline engine. Later in the 90’s, it was again re-introduced, but of course, with new looks and features. It’s body style is more like a 2-door pick up. Actually, it is a two-door truck. It looks a lot like the vehicles used in safaris or somewhere in the wilds.

Honda Vamos

Source: wikipedia, wiki photos,

From the coupe line, Honda created the 1300. Originally, the 1300 is a full-sized sedan, which debuted in the year 1969. In the preceding year, Honda released a coupe version of the 1300. It was equipped with a 1.3 liter engine. It carries the name Honda 1300 Coupe 7. In the later years, it was remodeled and renamed. Well, only the last digit was changed. Instead of 1300 coupe 7, it was named Honda 1300 Coupe 9.

Honda 1300 Coupe 7

Source: wikipedia,

The Honda Z600, is a two-door car produced from 1970-1972. It is a kei-car. If you are wondering what a kei-car is, it is a vehicle designed to be light. Well, this auto does look a lot lighter than the others. It is equipped with a short wheelbase, which often causes problems with regards to the quality of ride that it gives. This car is noted in the Top Ten: Japanese Classics.

Honda Z600

Source: wikipedia, top ten Japanese classics,

Honda Life debuted in the early 70’s, specifically 1971. Several more Life versions were introduced that year, like the Life van and Life pick-up. So the name Honda Life, doesn’t really just refer to the hatchback sedan, it also refers to the two other Life models. The two-door or four-door sedan uses a water-cooled 356 cc, 36 hp engine.

Honda Life

Source: wikipedia,

And this is the Honda Civic. I didn’t know that this was created in the year 1972. I thought it didn’t came out until the mid 90’s. Anyways, the Civic has a transverse mounted 1169 cc engine. Civic models that were produced from the year 1972-2000 were included in the subcompact class, while those produced from 2001-onwards were remodeled, and included in the compact class. The first generation of Honda Civic featured a 40 mpg speed, 86.6 inch wheelbase and an overall length of 139.8 inches. The classic Civic competed with Chevrolet Vega and Ford Pinto.

Honda Civic

Source: wikipedia,

Honda Accord is also one of the models that made its debut in the automotive world before the 70’s closed. But this baby didn’t came out to the market until the 1982. Honda accord was first a hatchback type, but later it evolved into a mid-sized sedan. Originally, the concept for Honda Accord was for it to be equipped with a V6 engine (talk about power!) The pioneer Honda Accord was produced in the year 1976. It was a three-door hatchback car. Back then it was regarded as a coupe, and it didn’t grow to a mid-size sedan until the later years.

Honda Accord

Source: wikipedia,

There they are – the 70’s models from Honda. They may not be as fast and as technologically equipped as the modern models, but I think…no! I know for a fact that they made a good mark during the times that they are still in the highway. They are among what you would call “timeless classics.”

General source: Honda timeline,

Posted by Sam at 06:15:00 | Permalink | No Comments »

Thursday, March 6, 2008

..Puyo: A Honda Microcar

In the era where the demand for big vehicles continues to grow, Honda still continues to introduce micro cars just like the Honda Puyo. I recall one article that says “Honda Puyo Concept – What Gummi Bears would drive if they had a license.” Ain’t it cute? Just imagine the Gummi Bears driving…LOLZ.

Anyways if you wanna know what the Puyo has to offer, here are some of its pictures and features:

Exterior design

honda puyoThe development theme for the PUYO exterior was to create a cornerless, ‘Seamless Soft Box’ form that is kind to both people and the environment. The goal was to create a personable design with the feel of an adorable pet, while taking advantage of the maximum spaciousness of the box-shaped design. The PUYO’s ‘gel body‘ features soft materials to promote greater real-world safety. Moreover, the body has been made luminescent to guide people into the proper operating position and notify them of the vehicle’s condition, facilitating a more intimate relationship between people and their cars.

honda puyo honda puyo

 

honda puyo

 

Interior design

Developed to have a ‘Silky Feel’, the PUYO’s interior is designed to provide a refreshing, people-friendly space imbued with a feeling of transparency. Features such as an instrument panel monitor, controls that take advantage of the elastic qualities of cloth to rise up when the vehicle starts up, luminous fluid meter displays, and a joystick for intuitive operation are all designed to gently support occupants’ senses and sensibilities.

 

At first I didn’t know that the term “Puyo” stood for more than just the name of a micro from Honda. While surfing the internet I learned that Puyo is a Japanese word, phrase or something…yeah! I remember it’s an onomatopoeia which conveys the feeling one gets when touching the vehicles body. The Honda Puyo exudes a smooth cornerless exterior. It presents the concept that a car can also look and feel warm and friendly inside and out. Actually, I was in awe the first time I saw the Puyo. I couldn’t quite imagine it being on the road. Ahh, well. It was first introduced to the public at the Tokyo Motor Show. I wonder when it will reach the US , maybe it won’t. People here are more devoted to big auto’s rather than the cute, spaceship-looking vehicles.

I wonder how it feels to drive the Puyo. I guess I’ll never know, not unless I go to Japan to drive one…but I can’t do that. I have a lot of things going on here. I can’t just jet out just to drive a Japanese car.

sources: photos, jalopnik,

Posted by Sam at 02:55:01 | Permalink | No Comments »