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Report: Honda Accord Crosstour to get four-cylinder option

Filed under: Crossover, Honda, Rumormill

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour – Click above for high-res image gallery

When Honda originally launched the odd duck Accord Crosstour in late 2009, we were told that the only available powertrain would be a V6, but that plans for a four-cylinder hadn’t been completely ruled out. Now, Honda fansite Temple of VTEC reports that a memo sent to dealerships states that a four-cylinder Crosstour is on the way, arriving at some point later this year.

Details about the four-cylinder Crosstour were not divulged, but we would assume that it’s the same 2.4-liter engine currently found in the Accord sedan. Temple of VTEC reports that a larger four-cylinder unit for the CR-V crossover is currently in the works, so we won’t rule out the possibility of that new mill finding its way under the Crosstour’s hood, as well. Expect the four-cylinder engine to only be available on lower-trim Crosstours, likely without an all-wheel drive option.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Report: Honda Accord Crosstour to get four-cylinder option originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ride the globe with the Honda CBR250R side scroller

Filed under: Honda, Toys/Games, Motorcycle

Honda CBR250R game

Honda wants to ramp up the buzz around its flingable new 2011 CBR250R, and rather than dumping a pile a of YouTube videos onto the web, the company has unleashed a side-scrolling Flash game, TouringGlobe. The rules are simple: Players pick a bike livery and avatar before heading out to “ride” around the world. Unlike other flash games, you don’t actually control your bike, per se. You can speed up or slow down, but the motorcycle more or less continues on regardless of your interactions.

It’s not thrilling by any means, especially considering that no matter how hard you try, you can’t outrun the other riders playing the game at the same time. Maybe they weigh less than we do. If you’ve got a few seconds to kill and feel like seeing some bizarre backgrounds (as shown above) you can point your browser in this direction.

[Source: Honda via Asphalt and Rubber]

Ride the globe with the Honda CBR250R side scroller originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda says it’s sticking by Ridgeline

Filed under: Truck, Honda

2011 Honda Ridgeline

2011 Honda Ridgeline – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ll admit it – while it has its virtues, the Honda Ridgeline certainly isn’t our first (or second… or third) choice as the best truck currently on sale. Apparently, consumers agree. In fact, Honda only sold 16,142 Ridgelines in 2010, and when you compare that to the fact that General Motors sold 24,642 of the somewhat underwhelming Chevrolet Colorado pickups, the business case for the Ridgeline seems very weak, especially in lieu of the recent death of Honda’s other offbeat all-terrain offering, the Element.

According to USA Today, however, the Ridgeline isn’t headed for the Great Parking Lot in the Sky just yet. Quite the contrary, actually. American Honda’s executive vice president, John Mendel, says the Ridgeline has developed a very strong following over the years, telling USA Today that Honda believes it has “a ways to go on the Ridgeline.”

This in mind, we’d expect to see a refreshed version of Honda’s truck within the next few years. If Honda is seriously committed to offering the Ridgeline, let’s hope the automaker can broaden its appeal to truck shoppers, because if dismal sales numbers continue, Honda may have no choice but to change its tune and reach for the axe.

Gallery: 2011 Honda Ridgeline

2011 Honda Ridgeline

[Source: USA Today]

Report: Honda says it’s sticking by Ridgeline originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda so excited about winning Japan Car of the Year that CR-Z gets special edition

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z Japan Car of the Year Edition

The 2011 Honda CR-Z may not exactly be sailing to success here in the U.S., but it has managed to walk away with the coveted Japan Car of the Year title. In order to celebrate, Honda has decided to work up a new special edition version of its tiny sport hybrid. Only available in a special “Pearl Dipusafaiaburu” blue paint, the hatch makes use of unique 16-inch alloy wheels and premium metal pedal pads inside. If the color and the wheels don’t make this one easy enough to spot, Honda has also gone through the extra effort of placing a “Japan Car of the Year” commemorative sticker on the rear quarter glass behind the driver’s side door.

Otherwise, the Japan Car of the Year Edition CR-Z will remain completely stock. Neither fuel economy nor power has been upped in any way. Not surprisingly, it looks like this one will remain a Japanese-only offering. Still, if you like what you see, chances are you could recreate the special edition CR-Z without breaking a sweat – or your bank account for that matter.

[Source: Honda]

Honda so excited about winning Japan Car of the Year that CR-Z gets special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda owners’ accounts hacked, millions of customers at risk

Filed under: Government/Legal, Honda

Honda logo

The Internet has indeed revolutionized the way people do business, but this doesn’t come without some faults. Hackers pose a threat to not only individual people’s computers, but to the databases of large corporations, and a recent attack on American Honda now means that 2.2 million owners have had their personal information stolen.

Thankfully, Honda has reassured its customers that no financial information was stolen during the major hack, but names, e-mail addresses and VINs are among the data that was compromised. In addition to the 2.2 million Honda owners affected by this information, 2.7 million Acura owners were also subject to this hack, though Honda reports that only e-mail addresses were stolen from owners of the automaker’s luxury brand.

American Honda has contacted these customers, apologizing for the situation at hand and reminding them that false e-mails could come through to their accounts asking for private information. Honda has also set up a FAQ page where owners can easily see what’s at stake with this issue.

[Sources: Honda, Inside Line | Image: Drew Phillips/Autoblog/AOL]

Report: Honda owners’ accounts hacked, millions of customers at risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chrysler Town & Country set to reclaim minivan sales crown from Honda Odyssey

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Chrysler, Honda, Nissan, Toyota

2011 Chrysler Town & Country

2011 Chrysler Town & Country – Click above to view high-res image gallery

Is the real swagger wagon of 2010 built by Chrysler? If you go by total sales, it is. The Chrysler Town & Country has been a player in the minivan market since its arrival in 1990. Now in its fifth generation, the Town & Country has just been refreshed after a comprehensive redesign in 2008. It’s not alone in getting an upgrade, however, as some serious competition arrived from Japan in 2010.

All-new minivan models for 2011 include the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Nissan Quest, with each of them stuffing a ton of features into modern packages. The Odyssey, which has been the segment’s best-seller for the last two years, has had a strong year. Yet despite serious pressure in a surprisingly strong minivan market (2010 will see the segment’s first volume uptick since 2005), the Town & Country has climbed the sales board and is poised to take out Japan’s finest.

According to The Detroit News, the T&C is sitting on 102,495 sales through November, while its closest competitor, the Honda Odyssey, has sold 98,035 units. Trailing further behind those two is the Sienna with 89,509 sales so far this year. There is one month left but Chrysler’s, familymobile seems to be sitting pretty.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Chrysler Town & Country set to reclaim minivan sales crown from Honda Odyssey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda and Honda form B-Spec Showroom Stock racing series

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Honda, Mazda, Racing

Mazda and Honda B-Spec racers

Racing is a rich man’s sport, no question about it. Sure, there are some ways to get into a bit of wheel-to-wheel that cost less than others, such as the 24 Hours of LeMons, but even that is more expensive than you might think. But regardless of the cost, some people still need to scratch that racing itch. One way to keep costs down is to get into spec racing – everyone uses the same type of car and they are typically kept showroom stock minus the addition of safety features such as a roll cage, harness and racing bucket. Mazda and Honda understand this and the two automakers have decided to roll out a B-Spec racing series that utilizes the Mazda2 and Honda Fit.

If the thought of tossing either of these two cars around a track doesn’t sound fun, then you clearly have never driven either one. Though they are both down on power, they offer high levels of tossable excitement. Turn them into race-ready hoon machines and the volume knob twists to 11.

A spec series presents an even playing field for the competitors because the engines and chassis remain stock for all cars. Driving skill is what will win in an event like this, and every ounce of that behind-the-wheel prowess will be tested in these low-powered hatchbacks. Hop the jump to read the full press release.

[Sources: Mazda, Honda]

Continue reading Mazda and Honda form B-Spec Showroom Stock racing series

Mazda and Honda form B-Spec Showroom Stock racing series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda recalling 10,800 Accord and Pilot models over potential suspension failure

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Honda

2011 Honda Accord Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has announced another round of recalls for the 2011 Accord. Both the coupe and sedan, along with the 2011 Pilot, have been discovered to be susceptible to a failure in the front suspension. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the bolts that attach the front dampers to the suspension may not have been properly tightened.

In addition, the spindle nuts on the Pilot and Accord V6 may be loose as well, and both issues could cause a loss of steering. NHTSA says that 10,823 units are impacted by the recall. That number joins the 9,300 Accord and CR-V models that are currently being investigated for possible oil leaks due to an improperly cast portion of the engine.

According to USA Today, the newest problem is due to a malfunction in the software that controls the machines that tighten bolts at the factory. Dealers will inspect and replace the damper bolts and spindle nuts if necessary free of charge, and owners can expect to be notified as soon as December 23, 2010. Hit the jump to have a look at the recall notice for yourself.

Gallery: 2011 Honda Accord Coupe

Gallery: 2011 Honda Accord Sedan

[Sources: USA Today, NHTSA]

Continue reading Report: Honda recalling 10,800 Accord and Pilot models over potential suspension failure

Report: Honda recalling 10,800 Accord and Pilot models over potential suspension failure originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda debuts Li Nian S1 in Guangzhou

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, China, Honda

Honda Li Nian S1 (Everus) – Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has unleashed a new compact sedan on the Chinese market. Called the Li Nian S1, or Everus for those that speak the king’s English, the new vehicle is geared toward younger buyers. We’re guessing that this little sucker gets its bones from the likes of the Honda City given its proportions and the fact that Honda says that the vehicle is based on existing architecture. Buyers will be able to pick up the Everus with their choice of either a 1.3-liter or a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine when the pint-sized sedan goes on sale in spring 2011.

Honda says that Everus is the company’s oldest nameplate in China, and that the new model will help the Japanese automaker expand its line up in one of the quickest-growing automotive markets in the world. The Everus took a bow at the Guangzhou Motor Show. Hit the jump for a look at the full press blast.

Gallery: Honda Li Nian S1 (Everus)

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda debuts Li Nian S1 in Guangzhou

Honda debuts Li Nian S1 in Guangzhou originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Honda CR-Z gets the K-Series engine it was meant to have

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Honda, Specialty

LHT Performace KR-Z

LHT Performace KR-Z – Click above to watch video after the jump

It was only a matter of time before some inventive soul set about curing what ails the 2011 Honda CR-Z; namely, the anemic hybrid drivetrain. It looks like the crew at LHT Performance have gutted the electrified bits and swapped in an honest all-star from the Honda stable – the K20. If you recall, these guys were among some of the first to pull a similar stunt with the first-generation Honda Insight. According to LHT, their creation is the first successful K-Series CR-Z swap to have every vehicle system work as it should, including power steering, air-conditioning and cruise control, along with stability control and the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system.

Well, nearly every vehicle system. The integrated motor assist didn’t quite survive the transplant, but something tells us we won’t be hearing any sobs over that loss. Right now, the shop has only served up a quick video, and there’s no footage of the car actually tearing up the street or a track, but we’re told more photos are on the way soon. Now, would you rather have this beast or the much rumored 1.6-liter turbocharged CR-Z that Honda is supposedly cooking up? Hit the jump to check it out and decide for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Steven.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Honda CR-Z gets the K-Series engine it was meant to have

Video: Honda CR-Z gets the K-Series engine it was meant to have originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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