Amongst other Honda moniker bearing automobiles in Geneva, a notable concept getting a preview will be the single seater 3R-C prototype which is a battery electric powered machine. Honda aims to make the world have a feel of the future mobility options in urban areas where clean technology will be the key. Riding on the three wheels, the Honda 3R-C Concept comes with a canopy which covers the driver’s seat when the commuter is parked and when the wheels get rolling, the same canopy becomes a shield. Honda has put in plenty of thought by even incorporating a lockable boot area in such a puny commuter thereby making it ideal for future urban needs.
This may not come in as great news for the Honda NSX enthusiasts as it has been taken off the production line, but we’re here to make sure you know a complete replacement of the model will be this new Honda HSV-10 GT. Honda is aiming at mass production instead of the limited edition models and HSV will initiate the process. The GT model will compete in the GT500 Class of the Super GT Series replacing the previous model that won Honda the 2007 Drivers’ Championship. HSV-10 GT will come with a 3.4L naturally aspirated V8 engine which can render 500+ horsepower at 392+ of torque. This replacement model is 65mm longer and 100mm wider than the NSX and its wheelbase in 170mm longer in comparison. The GT version of the car will be first seen on the Suzuka Circuit in March.
Honda has upped the competition by introducing a new compact car concept, just when Toyota introduced its Etios hatchback and sedan at the Auto Expo 2010. Honda doesn’t have a name for the car yet, but it’s confident that the concept will roll out from the production lines by 2011. Auto Expo staged the world premiere for the car (a global model, they say) which comes with special changes to meet the demand of the Indian customers. It has five-seats and three doors and has been designed on the principle of ‘Man Maximum-Machine Minimum’. Courtesy of the wide platform, this compact car concept offers plenty of cabin space.
Although announced back in 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda’s CR-Z hybrid coupe has failed to hit the production lines till now. But things may change as today we laid our eyes on a leaked Japanese brochure that details the 2010 Honda CR-Z model regarding its engine specs and dealer options such as an aluminium trim exterior package. Speaking of specs, the CR-Z is being powered by a 1.5L petrol engine that outputs 114hp and a motor unit that delivers an extra 14hp. Power to the front wheels is being sent with the help of a 6-speed manual transmission, which also helps the car reach 100km/h in 9.7 seconds and a fuel efficiency of only 4L/100km (58.8 mpg).
As expected, Honda CR-Z will debut in Japan, next year in February, with Europe, North America and Africa to follow suit.
That new Renault Twingo Tropy by Lazareth and its 3.5 liter has managed to get us impressed, hence why we had to look for something cool in the tuning world. So here it is, the most wicked Honda Accord you’ll ever get your eyes on. Making for a little robot in the parking lot there are rotating doors in the back, gull-wing doors in the front, a freaking trunk that opens vertically to the left and the piece de la resistance — the hood that looks like a fan for the engine. Maybe that’s the way to go on a date if you’re a sheik in Saudi Arabia, isn’t it?
For everyone’s delight, the new Honda CR-Z has been confirmed for an early 2010 release in Japan and Europe, with the Americans getting their hands on it in the second half of 2010. Although showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show with a rear seat, the final version of the Nissan CR-Z will roll out the production lines as a two-seater variant. On top of that, the Nissan CR-Z has sportier lines than the Insight, features a petrol electric hybrid that brings a combination of a 1.5-liter petrol i-VTEC engine and IMA (Honda hybrid system). More to it, the CR-Z is being lauded as the first hybrid car in world with a six-speed manual transmission. Stunning is just an understatement, isn’t it? [via WCF]
Honda calls it the world’s first sports hybrid car and the near production ready model of the CR-Z concept will be showcased at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. First unveiled in 2007, this revised model will include a number of changes including a new hood with revised headlights and a large rear quarter window. On the rear you will find a new hatch, attractive taillights and a sturdier looking rear diffuser. One of the traits maintained from the original design is the single dial instrument cluster. As far as the engine is concerned, the concept runs on a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine assisted by Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist technology. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission which helps the car achieve good efficiency numbers.
Is Toyota keen to delve furthermore on the success of the Prius with a Coupe variant? If the gossip hounds are to be believed, Toyota Prius Coupe is already in the scheme and is slated as a Honda CR-Z killer. For its design it is believed that Toyota will take assistance from Pininfarina or Italdesign. Specs wise, it will include a Prius’ 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with Synergy Drive which will render a modest 98 hp and 105Nm of Toque. Although the engine numbers are not so impressive, the Toyota Prius Coupe would compensate with a 48mpg mileage and an extremely eye-catching exterior. [via carscoop.blogspot.com]
Honda NSX prototype was impressive and had a lot of speed buffs waiting to see a production version, but unfortunately that never happened. Indeed, it was a case where the prototype to was dumped forever but somehow it has now redeemed it self as a green sports car. The difference would be that instead of a 5.2L V10 motor it would now house a valveless throttle 3.5-litre V6 with a hybrid system.
This grind will be able to render 330kW which means the NSX will be no threat to the Nissan GT-R; instead, it will now compete with the likes of the Toyota FT-HS and BMW M3. The performance could be dented though, owing to the extra weight of batteries and the hybrid apparatus. The SH-AWD will be placed on an aluminum platform which will help maintain the traits for the category it hails from. [via WCF]
Nothing sure for the moment, but if the rumor that Mugen is planning to release a two-seat RR-based Civic Type-R hatchback, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a hot seller. I don’t know about you but for me Honda has always been translated to amazing engines with great performances. Well it looks like Mugen is about to bring the looks to the whole deal. Based on the current Mugen RR (pictured) but with an upgraded suspension, bigger Brembo brakes, stylish 18-inch wheels and lightweight Recaro buckets. Same rumors have it that if built, the two seat Honda Civic Type-R would be powered by a 2.0-liter engine that outputs 237 bhp and 160 lbs of torque. So how does $58-$60k sound for one …. ? [via Autoblog]
Unlike Porsche which is not doing that great these days, Honda is among those that are being hit by the economic downturn, but not that bad. Rumors coming from Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport and Japan’s Holiday, have it that the Japanese automaker is currently working on a sleek four door coupe. Dropped between the TSX and the TL line range, the new Acura coupe is probably going to run on a 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to Acura’s SH-AWD and Motion Adaptive EPS system. An amazing ride that sure gets the eye, we’d love to see this beauty on the streets next year, but can’t help wondering how expensive it’s going to be … [via TempleOfVTEC]
