Acura Reveals Striking New Design for 2018 Acura RLX; Debut Set for Monterey Automotive Week

Acura Reveals Striking New Design for 2018 Acura RLX; Debut Set for Monterey Automotive Week

Acura Reveals Striking New Design for 2018 Acura RLX; Debut Set for Monterey Automotive Week
Acura today unveiled a redesigned 2018 Acura RLX reflecting the brand’s new Precision Crafted Performance design direction to create a more substantial presence for Acura’s top-of-the-line luxury sports sedan. The 2018 Acura RLX will make its public debut during the prestigious Monterey Automotive Week, August 15-19 on the Monterey peninsula. The new RLX incorporates design cues to showcase its performance capabilities, including Acura’s signature diamond pentagon grille, a more sculpted hood, new wheel designs, bold, newly designed LED taillights, dual exhaust finishers and a gloss black rear diffuser.

The 2018 Acura RLX is the most sophisticated and best performing Acura sedan ever, with Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD™) technology, shared with the NSX supercar, that creates a powerful and precise driving experience unmatched in the segment. Acura has simplified the RLX trim structure to make the brand’s innovative Sport Hybrid technology more desirable and accessible streamlining the offering to two well-equipped variants. The new 2018 Acura RLX will go on sale in November.

Acura Reveals Striking New Design for 2018 Acura RLX; Debut Set for Monterey Automotive Week

The 377 total system horsepowersup1 RLX Sport Hybrid seamlessly integrates a direct-injected V-6 with three electric motors and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ for instant acceleration, precise handling, outstanding all-weather performance and excellent fuel economy. Based on developments from the NSX, the RLX Sport Hybrid powertrain and dynamic handling has been further optimized.

The 310-horsepower RLX with Precision All-Wheel Steer™ is now mated to a new 10-speed Automatic Transmission (10AT) delivering a more refined driving experience, as well as improved acceleration and passing times.

“This redesign of the 2018 Acura RLX is transformational, creating road presence and styling that better reflect underlying performance capabilities of the vehicle,” said Jon Ikeda, Acura vice president & general manager.

Acura Reveals Striking New Design for 2018 Acura RLX; Debut Set for Monterey Automotive Week

Standard features on the 2018 RLX Sport Hybrid include premium Krell Audio System, Surround View Camera, parking sensors, LED fog lights, remote engine start, ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel and more.

The 2018 RLX features the unique AcuraWatch™ suite of technologies, as standard equipment, and has been enhanced with the addition of Traffic Jam Assist, a first for Acura. Working in conjunction with Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow, Traffic Jam Assist helps reduce driver stress in highly congested traffic situations by helping keep the vehicle in its lane and a set interval behind a car detected ahead.

AcuraWatch™ also includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with automatic emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). AcuraWatch uses a millimeter wave radar and monocular camera sensing technology to detect other vehicles as well as lane markings and can help intervene to prevent or mitigate the severity of a collision.

Acura Reveals Striking New Design for 2018 Acura RLX; Debut Set for Monterey Automotive Week

The 2018 Acura RLX is complimented by three new exterior colors including two premium paint offerings – Brilliant Red Metallic and Majestic Black Pearl. Inside, the 2018 Acura RLX receives upgraded materials and touchpoints including a completely redesigned seat featuring high-contrast piping and stitching, as well as a new Espresso interior option, which adds sophistication to an interior with class-leading space and comfort.

The 2018 Acura RLX will be featured at multiple events throughout Monterey Automotive Week including the Carmel-By-The Sea Concours on the Avenue on Tuesday, August 15 and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, on Friday, August 18.

courtesy: hondanews.com

Versatile, Segment-Leading 2018 Honda HR-V Arriving at Dealerships

Versatile, Segment-Leading 2018 Honda HR-V Arriving at Dealerships

Versatile, Segment-Leading 2018 Honda HR-V Arriving at Dealerships

With its stylish coupe-like design and SUV functionality, the versatile and segment-leading1 2018 Honda HR-V begins arriving at Honda dealerships August 14 carrying a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP2) starting at $19,570. The HR-V became America’s retail best-selling subcompact SUV1 in April 2017 and has posted seven consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains. Up 27.9 percent for the first half of 2017, HR-V sales to individual retail buyers outpace all other subcompact SUVs.

For 2018, the Honda HR-V offers a vibrant new color, Aegean Blue Metallic, available on select trims. HR-V also features a refreshed wheel design with black-painted inserts – available on EX and higher trims – to enhance HR-V’s sporty personality.

The 2018 Honda HR-V will continue to deliver one of the most versatile interiors in the segment thanks to Honda’s 2nd-row Magic Seat® that offers four different modes for multiple seating and cargo-hauling configurations. With 100.1 cu.-ft. of passenger space and 58.8 cu.-ft. of cargo volume (LX FWD) with the 2nd-row seats folded down, the HR-V has space to rival some competitors’ midsize SUV offerings.

Versatile, Segment-Leading 2018 Honda HR-V Arriving at Dealerships

Not only is the 2018 Honda HR-V stylish and functional, it’s also efficient, with EPA3 fuel economy ratings of 28/34/31 mpg (city/highway/combined) for CVT-equipped two-wheel drive models and 27/31/29 mpg for models with all-wheel drive, while 6-speed manual 2WD models received a 25/33/28 mpg rating.

The 2018 HR-V is also fun to drive, with lively yet secure handling and a standard 6-speed manual transmission (2WD models). HR-V is powered by a responsive 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC® valvetrain, with peak output of 141 horsepower (SAE net) at 6,500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net) 4,300 rpm. The HR-V is available with Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ for outstanding all-weather handling and control. A continuously-variable transmission (CVT) is available on all models, and a 6-speed manual transmission is available on the LX and EX trims with 2WD.

The 2018 Honda HR-V offers standard safety and driver-assistive features including the anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) electronic stability control system, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and more.

The Honda HR-V has set new monthly sales records in every month of 2017, with its best month of all-time coming in July of this year5. The 2017 HR-V was named the 2017 Best Subcompact SUV for Families and the 2017 Best Car for the Money of the Best Subcompact SUV category by U.S. News & World Report along with additional prestigious accolades.

The 2018 HR-V was developed by Honda R&D Co. Ltd. in Japan, and is manufactured at two Honda auto plants located in Celaya and Guadalajara, Mexico.

courtesy: hondanews.com

New Sporty and Feature Rich 2018 Honda Fit Goes On Sale

Fresh and Furyous: New Sporty and Feature Rich 2018 Honda Fit Goes On Sale

Fresh and Furyous: New Sporty and Feature Rich 2018 Honda Fit Goes On Sale

The sporty and versatile new 2018 Honda Fit will begin to arrive at Honda dealerships today with a stylish new look, updated technology, available safety features and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP1) starting at $16,190. The 2018 Honda Fit also adds a new Sport trim, as well as two new exterior colors, Helios Yellow and Orange Fury.

The refresh of the third generation Honda Fit enhances the 5-door subcompact’s already best-in-class combination of passenger space, fuel efficiency, sophistication, practicality and affordability.

Fresh and Furyous: New Sporty and Feature Rich 2018 Honda Fit Goes On Sale

The all-new 2018 Fit Sport adds an extra dose of style and attitude thanks to an aggressive aero-form front spoiler and rear diffuser, bright orange pin-striping, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with gloss-black finish, chrome exhaust-pipe finisher and side sill garnishes. Inside, the Sport features a black interior with orange contrast stitching.

Fresh and Furyous: New Sporty and Feature Rich 2018 Honda Fit Goes On Sale

Among the upgraded features, the Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver assistive features is available on all 2018 Fit models and is standard on EX and above trims, a first for the Fit. The suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Brake Braking System™ (CMBS™) incorporating Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Also new for 2018, is a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, included on Fit Sport, EX and EX-L trims.

Fresh and Furyous: New Sporty and Feature Rich 2018 Honda Fit Goes On Sale

The 2018 Fit is equipped with a 1.5L DOHC direct-injected 4-cylinder i-VTEC™ engine with Variable Cam Timing (VTC) delivering up to 130 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm and up to 114 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm (both SAE net). The Fit’s top-of-segment driving dynamics have been improved for 2018 with retuned suspension dampers, a more rigid steering system and additional body reinforcements. In addition to dynamic improvements, Fit now benefits from increased cabin quietness with improved transmission and steering system mounting hardware, combined with the addition of acoustic-laminated glass and more insulation throughout the vehicle.

The 2018 Honda Fit for the U.S. market is manufactured in North America at Honda’s Celaya, Mexico plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

courtesy: hondanews.com

Hitachi Automotive Systems and Honda Establish Joint Venture for Electric Vehicle Motors

Hitachi Automotive Systems and Honda Establish Joint Venture for Electric Vehicle Motors

Hitachi Automotive Systems and Honda Establish Joint Venture for Electric Vehicle Motors

Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the establishment of a joint venture company for the development, manufacture and sales of motors for electric vehicles on the premises of Hitachi Automotive Systems in Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki Prefecture.

As announced on February 7, 2017, the two companies have conducted discussions based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed on February 3, and entered into a joint venture agreement on March 24 to make more tangible preparations to establish the new company. The newly established company will receive a financial grant from Ibaraki Prefecture as it has been recognized as a relevant project that “promotes the establishment of corporate head office functions” within the prefecture.

Name of company Hitachi Automotive Electric Motor Systems, Ltd.
Location 2520 Takaba, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki Prefecture
Representative Noboru Yamaguchi, President
Business Development, manufacture and sales of motors for electric vehicles
Contribution 5 billion yen (capital: 2.5 billion yen, capital reserve: 2.5 billion yen)
Date of establishment July 3, 2017
Investment ratio Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. 51%
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 49%

 

The new company will respond to the growing global demand from automakers for electric vehicle motors by developing competitive motors that combine the expertise of the two companies.

About Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.

Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is engaged in the development, manufacture, sales and services of automotive components, transportation related components, industrial machines and systems, and offers a wide range of automotive systems including engine management systems, electric power train systems, drive control systems and car information systems. For more information, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi-automotive.co.jp/en/.

About Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda Motor Co. (NYSE: HMC) Honda designs, manufactures and markets automobiles, motorcycles, power products and aviation products worldwide. A global leader in powertrain and electromotive technologies, Honda produces nearly 28 million engines annually for its three product lines. Honda and its partners build products in more than 60 manufacturing plants in 27 countries, employing more than 208,000 associates globally.

courtesy: hondanews.eu

Honda Announces 2018 Pioneer 1000 and 700 Side-by-Sides

Honda Announces 2018 Pioneer 1000 and 700 Side-by-Sides

2018 Recon

American Honda today confirmed the return of two popular side-by-sides and four ATV models to the 2018 lineup. Headlining the announcement is the Pioneer 1000, which received major updates in 2017. The flagship 2018 Pioneer 1000 Limited Edition remains the most technologically advanced side-by-side on the market, touting the category’s only I-4WD brake traction-control system and automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Meanwhile, the adaptable Pioneer 700 remains a great value, with the Deluxe version offering a fully automatic transmission with steering-column-mounted paddle shifters that enable the option of manual shifting.

Also returning for 2018 are three popular FourTrax multipurpose ATV models—the versatile Foreman Rubicon family, the sophisticated Rincon, and the agile Recon—as well as the exhilarating TRX250X sport ATV.

“The four-wheel segment remains a vital part of Honda’s powersports business, so we’re pleased to continue offering our customers such a capable and fun lineup of products,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “Whether it be side-by-sides or ATVs, Honda is sure to have a model for everyone.”

The remainder of Honda’s four-wheel powersports lineup will be announced in August.

Honda Announces 2018 Pioneer 1000 and 700 Side-by-Sides

Pioneer 1000

Entering its third year in Honda’s lineup, the Pioneer 1000 is powered by a purpose-built 999cc parallel-twin engine and is still the only side-by-side on the market with an advanced DCT, a durable beltless transmission that can be shifted through its six speeds either automatically or manually (via steering-column-mounted paddles). Customers can also switch between standard and sport transmission modes depending on the conditions, while drive-system modes include 2WD, 4WD, 4WD Diff Lock, and Turf. In addition, the Limited Edition versions of the Pioneer 1000 come with Fox QS3 shocks and the industry’s first I-4WD brake-traction-control system, which also allows hill-start assist and electronic brake-force distribution. All five-seater Pioneer 1000 models have Honda’s unique QuickFlip® seating, which allows owners to switch between rear seating and a cargo bed, and non-LE five-seat models have self-leveling rear suspension. In all, the Pioneer 1000 is available in six different configurations, and all can be personalized via a wide array of Honda Accessories, including packages for hunting and work.

  • Colors
    • Pioneer 1000: Red, Olive
    • Pioneer 1000 EPS: Red, Metallic Blue, Honda Phantom Camo®
    • Pioneer 1000-5: Red, Olive
    • Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe: Red, Active Yellow, Honda Phantom Camo
    • Pioneer 1000 LE: Matte Gray Metallic
    • Pioneer 1000-5 LE: Matte Gray Metallic
  • Starting at $14,499
  • Availability: August 2017


Pioneer 700

Striking an ideal balance in terms of size and power, the affordably priced Pioneer 700 has a 675cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected power plant and a low-maintenance, beltless automatic transmission. Ready to tow and haul for work, or to hit the trails on weekend adventures, Honda’s midsize multipurpose side-by-side is available in two- and four-person configurations, the latter offering the capability of folding down the rear seats to create more cargo space in the rear tilt-bed. Deluxe versions come standard with electric power steering, painted plastic, aluminum wheels, and a manual shifting mode with steering-column-mounted paddles. Long-travel, double-wishbone suspension at both ends delivers a smooth ride, and owners can customize their units via a large catalog of Honda Accessories.

  • Colors
    • Pioneer 700: Red, Olive
    • Pioneer 700-4: Red
    • Pioneer 700 Deluxe: Matte Gray Metallic
    • Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe: Pearl Orange, Honda Phantom Camo
  • Starting at $10,599
  • Availability: August 2017


FourTrax Foreman Rubicon

2018 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 EPS

The four-member, 500-class family of premium Foreman Rubicons is packed with powersports-category exclusives. For example, the Rubicon 4×4 EPS is the only ATV offered with a combination of a tough manual-shift transmission and independent rear suspension, and for those who’d rather not do all the shifting themselves, the other three variations come with Honda’s revolutionary DCT gearbox, a durable, beltless geared system that has dual ranges and can execute shifts seamlessly. The IRS contributes to an impressively comfortable ride, even when spending long days in the saddle, along with excellent handling over rough terrain. The long list of available features includes Electric Power Steering (EPS), and all models can be switched between three drivetrain settings: 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with Differential Lock.

  • Colors
    • Foreman Rubicon 4×4 DCT: Red, Olive
    • Foreman Rubicon 4×4 EPS: Red, Olive, Orange
    • Foreman Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPS: Red, Olive
    • Foreman Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPS Deluxe: Matte Gray Metallic, Honda Phantom Camo
  • Starting at $8,599
  • Availability: July 2017


FourTrax Rincon

2018 Rincon

Not only does the refined Rincon boast Honda’s biggest ATV engine (a liquid-cooled 675cc single with a twin-plug cylinder head), it makes more efficient use of that power plant by mounting it longitudinally in the chassis, so that the crankshaft is aligned with the vehicle’s direction of travel. This achieves a number of benefits, including a more direct link to the rear axle. The Rincon is a premium model, with independent rear suspension and a three-speed automatic transmission, proving that a luxurious user experience is possible even in the rough world of ATVs.

  • Colors: Red, Honda Phantom Camo
  • Starting at $9,399
  • Availability: August 2017

 

FourTrax Recon

At the opposite end of the spectrum from the Rincon is Honda’s 229cc Recon, an ATV that’s relatively small in size but big on fun and value. Recognizing the importance of easy maneuverability for some users, engineers gave this model a small footprint and a light overall weight, resulting in nimble handling. As is the case with their larger models, Honda offers Recon customers options when it comes to the transmission, with a manual, foot-shift gearbox and electric, push-button ESP shifting both available. The Recon is now available in Vapor White, as well as Olive.

  • Colors
    • Recon, Recon ES: Olive, Vapor White
  • Starting at $4,099
  • Availability: July 2017

 

TRX250X

2018 Honda TRX250X

Now available in a new Active Yellow color (as well as Red), Honda’s TRX250X has rightfully earned its reputation as the most approachable sport ATV on the market. Merging tried-and-true off-road capabilities with commonsense Honda technology, the TRX250X is sporty, fun, reliable, and user-friendly, all while remaining remarkably affordable. Just engage the SportClutch™—essentially an anti-stall setup with manual override capabilities—and the TRX250X provides smooth torque, pulling steadily into a broad offering of midrange power before settling into the lengthy top end. Meanwhile, the TRX250X has an agile cornering character, giving the rider predictable handling over a wide variety of terrain types. Out front, the independent double-wishbone suspension tackles off-road obstacles with confidence, providing a smooth ride, and the single-shock rear suspension ensures that the ATV tracks straight and level. Up-and-coming riders will love the TRX250X’s usable nature, but make no mistake—this machine is still a ripper.

  • Colors: Red, Active Yellow
  • Price: $4,749
  • Availability: July 2017

courtesy: hondanews.com