It's here! Or there, rather, as the new Honda Civic Type R concept was revealed at the Geneva Auto Show back in March. But don't hold your breath, the future Civic R will largely be marketed and sold to the European crowd-primarily in the UK, where it's going to be built in early 2007.
Like the last Civic Type R, the new R concept is based on the Euro-spec Civic hatchback. Bold in bright yellow with smoked windows all around, the show car shows off a much different R-style than we're used to. It is big on fashion, with a full aero kit featuring black mesh and oversized wheels and tires. Meanwhile, there seems to be few changes in the performance figures. Although little was said about the car's construction and handling characteristics, the Civic R will be powered by the same K20A2 as the last model, providing it with around 200 hp. In other words, from the outset, it could be that the new Civic Type R is more USDM Si than true raw R. Or vice versa. Only time will tell. More info forthcoming at the London Motor Show in July.
Blast Off!
Lighter, faster, the new CBR1000RRThe new Honda CBR1000RR is out to prove that the Italians aren't the only bikes with style. Hidden under this sculpted frame is an engine spawned from MotoGP greatness. The 4-stroke DOHC 4-cylinder has been updated to improve airflow. Cylinder heads and combustion chambers have been reshaped, improving low to mid-range torque. Lighter camshaft materials and a bump in compression ratio (to 12.2:1) push performance to a whole new level of kick-ass, like Chuck Norris did in "Missing in Action III." To keep things cool, Honda engineers added bigger outlets in the lower cowls.
The chassis has been fine-tuned as well. The bike is more streamlined. It is lighter and nimbler. Caster angle and the amount of trail have been adjusted. Even the engine mount bolts were reworked to improve handling characteristics. The front disc brakes are thinner and larger. The rear calipers are lighter and more compact. Overall, the bike is 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs.) lighter as well, putting it at 206 kg (454 lbs.), which won't hurt. Not when the bike comes with 94 hp @ 10,000 and 63 Nm @ 6,000. Can you say, "vroom vroom?"
Now With Zest
New multi-functional vehicle added to its Japan minicar lineup.It seems like every time we turn our head, Honda releases a new multi-purpose vehicle, or what we like to call, a wagon. The new Japan-only Honda Zest ultra-mini is no different. It's a small car built around utility. For starters, the Zest features Honda's new low floor platform, which translates into a low center of gravity while maximizing the vehicle's interior and cargo space. The standard model Zest is powered (so to speak) by a 660cc 3-cylinder i-DSI engine. The level-up Zest Sport has an optional i-DSI turbo, which sounds kind of cool, until you realize it's still unzestfully slow. But hey, this is a family car with family function. The front seats fold down and flat for more cargo flexibility. And Honda even provided us with a few overhead illustrations of the Zest loaded down with bikes and other icons of the "active lifestyle." Both Zest and Zest Sport models come in FWD and 4WD. Yeah... we know we lost you at "660cc 3-cylinder."
Splash 'N' Dash
American Honda and Climate Energy have collaborated to test the residential installation of a unique and innovative new form of heat and power technology. It's called the micro-sized combined hear and power system (or Micro-CHP system). Honda supplies its compact home-use cogeneration unit to Climate Energy, which in turn, combines it with a furnace or boiler as a supplemental system to conventional space heating and electric power in new and existing homes. Designed primarily for detached single-family homes, the unit generates up to 3 kW of thermal output per hour (and 1 kW of electricity). According to Honda, the complete Climate Energy Micro-CHP system results in more than 85 percent efficiency in converting fuel energy into useful heat and electric power.
The Honda CR-V EX trim now comes as a 2WD. The CR-V EX 2WD has the same features as the 4WD (including alloy wheels, moonroof, a 6-speaker audio system with 6-disc changer). A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on the CR-V EX 2WD, which achieves a city/highway EPA fuel economy rating of 23/29 (up from 22/27 on 4WD models with an automatic transmission). The manufacturers suggested retail price is $22,500 with a $550 destination and handling charge.
The natural gas-powered Civic GX and hybrid Insight topped the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's list of top 12 greenest vehicles of 2006. The Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid made the list, as well, and it's the sixth year in a row that Honda has the top ranking and fifth year in a row that it has had at least four vehicles in the top 12. In an accompanying list of "Greener Choices" which evaluates only gasoline powered vehicles, ACEEE gave high marks to the 2006 Honda Odyssey minivan, recognizing it as the only "greener minivan" in the minivan category.
In its December 2005 issue, Rental Equipment Register magazine named the Honda iGX, a revolutionary intelligent computer-controlled general-purpose engine, as a recipient of the prestigious 2005 Innovative Product Awards. The iGX engine captured first place in the mag's engine and power sourcing category, earning the highest number of votes from an RER magazine reader panel.