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Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Accord's Disappointing Sales
Honda's American President and CEO, Tetsuo Iwamura is expressing his discontent towards the falling Accord sales in the US. He says that the flagship Honda model has not been satisfactory because of continued inventory problems of the most popular trim levels of the Accord. Honda says that it is working on the inventory problems that have plagued the availability of the Accord since the triple-disaster in Japan last year. In March 2012, US consumers bought only 26 771 Accords compared to 31 533 Accords in the same time period last year.
Honda believes that distribution of popular trim levels between dealerships was the main cause for this fall but does believe that a new 2013 Accord coming this fall would also address the sales issue.
Honda Civic UK Tops Best Value Car
According to the UK batch of Parkers Cost of Motoring New Cars Awards, Honda's new Civic UK 1.4 i-VTEC SE has been named the best car for value in the UK. The Civic was number one not only in the medium hatchback category of the awards but number one in the overall value winner. Parkers Cost of Motoring New Cars is a tool that calculates the hidden costs associated with owning and running a new car for 3 years, this includes fuel consumption, servicing, depreciation and road tax.
Honda's new 2012 Jazz 1.3 IMA HE Hybrid was awarded the Eco Car Value Award for the second-year running.
Congrats to Honda UK, who have delivered a knockout to the competition with these value awards.
More 2013 Honda Crosstour Pics
If you didn't like the earlier pictures of the 2013 Crosstour in light blue, here are two with the car in black/dark grey. Certainly changes the whole perspective, doesn't it?
Autos.ca's Review of the 2012 Honda Insight
You can't help but feel bad for the Insight. Especially in Canada. Faced with a lack of hybrid popularity and Prius competition, this little hatchback consistently places in the top 10 list. The top 10 list for the least-selling cars in Canada. In 2012, Honda got rid of the EX model and updated the LX model and reduced its base price. But is it enough to woo buyers?
Autos.ca's review is @ http://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/test-drive-2012-honda-insight-lx
2013 Honda Crosstour Details
Well, they kinda changed it. Kinda. Honda is relaunching the Crosstour as a car aimed at active consumers but all this is, is a Crosstour guised-up with fog lights, soft-roader front bumper and dark trim spreading all the way to the back. A new grille helps with the lines at the front while the rear gets some slight, but not noticeable revisions. Perhaps Honda has more planned inside than out.
Or not.
The new Crosstour features an 8-inch display and LaneWatch blind-spot detection camera with upgraded trim and keyless ignition. The 2.4L making 192hp remains while the 3.5L V6 making 271hp returns with a 6-speed transmission with paddle shifters. All the meanwhile, you get to drive in 18-inch wheels, 19-inchers are only for the Concept version, sorry.
Has Honda finally gotten it right? Or did it miss the bullseye? Comment below!
Wait, they changed it? 2013 Honda Crosstour Concept Unveiled
Honda unveiled the 2013 Crosstour Concept today at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), providing the first official glimpse of a more capable looking exterior styling direction for the luxurious mid-size CUV. Set to go on sale this fall, the Crosstour's defined lines will resonate more clearly with the active consumers that form the largest portion of the premium crossover segment. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 will feature improved fuel economy thanks to its new 6-speed automatic transmission, while both four-cylinder and V-6 versions will benefit from a host of safety and visibility upgrades.
"Fueled by a combination of versatility, luxury, and efficiency, owners have demonstrated remarkable devotion to the Honda Crosstour," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The 2013 Crosstour Concept shows how Honda will strengthen the styling and add even more content to one of the most efficient offerings in the class."
Concept Design
The Crosstour Concept features a more capable, SUV-like styling direction for Honda's mid-size crossover. A more aggressive and athletic front end, new contrasting moldings on the lower door garnish, and cleaner front and rear fascias anchored by the rugged look of finished sill plates provide more visual strength to the Crosstour Concept. Adding to the SUV-like stance, new rear-fender finish helps give the Concept a more solidly planted appearance.
Up front, the new integrated foglamp treatment is complemented by a slotted finish beneath the headlights, which helps integrate the new, bolder grille. The revised tailgate sports a more horizontal design to add visual width to the sculpted lines at the rear of the Crosstour.
The Crosstour Concept is coated in a fresh hue, similar to one of two new shades that will appear on the 2013 Crosstour. Anchoring the Crosstour Concept are unique 5-spoke 19-inch wheels, while the 2013 Honda Crosstour will feature new 18-inch alloy wheels.
Though not on display in the Crosstour Concept, the luxurious interior of the Honda Crosstour will see even further refinement for 2013, including heavily revised trim materials, the addition of an 8-inch, in-dash information display, keyless ignition, and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters on V-6 models.
Advanced and Efficient Powertrains
The Crosstour will offer two powertrains for the 2013 model year: a re-engineered and more powerful 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, or a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 models will feature a 6-speed automatic transmission and utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology to achieve class-leading V-6 fuel economy1 along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model. Also available on Crosstour EX-L V-6 models is Honda's Real Time 4WDTM system, which sends power to all four wheels when front-wheel slippage is detected.
The four-cylinder Crosstour models are powered by a 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine producing 192 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. To maximize efficiency, a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment.
Safety and Technology Innovations
The 2013 Crosstour will introduce numerous new safety features, and is targeted to earn top scores in the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The next Crosstour will be available with Honda's Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them.
The 2013 Crosstour will provide a host of visibility enhancements, and will be one of the first models to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. Standard equipment to further enhance visibility on the 2013 Crosstour will also include re-shaped rear headrests, a rearview camera and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror.
Standard Crosstour convenience features include an automatic dimming rearview mirror, auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and USB audio interface. Other available features on the 2013 Crosstour will include a hard-drive based navigation system, Pandora internet radio interface, XM satellite radio and an SMS text-to-speech function.
"Fueled by a combination of versatility, luxury, and efficiency, owners have demonstrated remarkable devotion to the Honda Crosstour," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The 2013 Crosstour Concept shows how Honda will strengthen the styling and add even more content to one of the most efficient offerings in the class."
Concept Design
The Crosstour Concept features a more capable, SUV-like styling direction for Honda's mid-size crossover. A more aggressive and athletic front end, new contrasting moldings on the lower door garnish, and cleaner front and rear fascias anchored by the rugged look of finished sill plates provide more visual strength to the Crosstour Concept. Adding to the SUV-like stance, new rear-fender finish helps give the Concept a more solidly planted appearance.
Up front, the new integrated foglamp treatment is complemented by a slotted finish beneath the headlights, which helps integrate the new, bolder grille. The revised tailgate sports a more horizontal design to add visual width to the sculpted lines at the rear of the Crosstour.
The Crosstour Concept is coated in a fresh hue, similar to one of two new shades that will appear on the 2013 Crosstour. Anchoring the Crosstour Concept are unique 5-spoke 19-inch wheels, while the 2013 Honda Crosstour will feature new 18-inch alloy wheels.
Though not on display in the Crosstour Concept, the luxurious interior of the Honda Crosstour will see even further refinement for 2013, including heavily revised trim materials, the addition of an 8-inch, in-dash information display, keyless ignition, and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters on V-6 models.
Advanced and Efficient Powertrains
The Crosstour will offer two powertrains for the 2013 model year: a re-engineered and more powerful 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, or a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 models will feature a 6-speed automatic transmission and utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology to achieve class-leading V-6 fuel economy1 along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model. Also available on Crosstour EX-L V-6 models is Honda's Real Time 4WDTM system, which sends power to all four wheels when front-wheel slippage is detected.
The four-cylinder Crosstour models are powered by a 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine producing 192 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. To maximize efficiency, a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment.
Safety and Technology Innovations
The 2013 Crosstour will introduce numerous new safety features, and is targeted to earn top scores in the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The next Crosstour will be available with Honda's Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them.
The 2013 Crosstour will provide a host of visibility enhancements, and will be one of the first models to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. Standard equipment to further enhance visibility on the 2013 Crosstour will also include re-shaped rear headrests, a rearview camera and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror.
Standard Crosstour convenience features include an automatic dimming rearview mirror, auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and USB audio interface. Other available features on the 2013 Crosstour will include a hard-drive based navigation system, Pandora internet radio interface, XM satellite radio and an SMS text-to-speech function.
2014 Acura RLX Details
Acura fans, get excited. Acura has unveiled its all-new luxury flagship, the 2013 RLX Concept. This is a reflection of the future of Acura design. It appears that Acura has blended a mix of Lexus GS and BMW 7-Series elements into the design of this new full-size vehicle. Although the RL continues to pack a V6, this one will be extensively re-engineered and packed with advanced technology including a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, Sport Hybrid SH-AWD with V8-like 370hp. Acura is promising that the hybrid model will feature at least 30 mpg in the highway and 30mpg in the city. The gasoline without the hybrid system RLX model will feature 310hp and will weigh in under 4000 pounds.
The RLX will be available in early 2013.
So what do you think? Has Acura finally hit the ballpark with this one?
Friday, March 16, 2012
Star Cars Going Under the Charterhouse Hammer
A brace of classic cars offer two very different options for owners looking to go classic car racing, rallying or just having fun in the sun when they go under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction of classic and vintage cars on Sunday 22nd April “It is almost a David and Goliath scenario.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “Ready to do battle there is a delightful Austin 7 Ulster TT Special which is closely followed by a Healey Silverstone, the likes of which raced in all the tops events such as the famous Mille Miglia.”
Charterhouse have been conducting specialist classic car auctions for over 10 years and the market today and have firmly established themselves as one of the top firms of auctioneers who sell classic and vintage cars. Despite the recent downturn in the market for a number of items, the classic car market is currently particularly strong with Charterhouse achieving very high prices. The 1934 Austin 7 Ulster TT replica with its tiny 747cc engine was re-bodied by Rod Yates in 1994 with a very pretty boat tail aluminium body featuring a particularly fetching Brooklands exhaust, and is being offered for sale from a West Country deceased estate.
The 1951 Healey Silverstone features a 2500cc twin cam engine. It was previously owned and raced by Chris Berens who was the Association of Healey Owners Club Race Secretary, and re-bodied in 1989, which is not unusual for cars that are fiercely campaigned around the race track.
To enter a classic car or vehicle into this great auction, or for more information regarding the sale, please contact Matthew Whitney, Head of Classic Cars at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 81227 or via email on www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk.
Captions:
1934 Austin 7 Ulster TT replica with its tiny 747 cc engine £8,000-10,000
1951 Healey Silverstone with its powerful twin cam engine £30,000-40,000Quick Links
Highlights of the Classic Car Sale
| Forthcoming Sale Previous Sale Sale Preview | Tel: (01935) 812277 |
Monday, February 20, 2012
Charterhouse Triumph
“It has been entered into the auction from a deceased estate and is only a two owner car having been purchased when it was just two years old.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “It was fully restored in 1992 but has remained in the its garage since 1993 until we recently collected it from amongst the lawn and garden tools!”
This late model fuel injected TR6 with a work hardtop has already sparked interest from collectors and enthusiasts and should have no difficulty in passing its modest estimate of £3,000-5,000.
For more details of this auction or to consign a classic or vintage car, please contact Matthew Whitney, Head of Classic & Vintage Cars at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset on 01935 812277, or via email at mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk
Caption:
In amongst the garden tools, a Triumph TR6 having been garage stored for nearly 20 years, despite having been fully restored £3,000-5,000
Quick Links
| Forthcoming Sale Previous Sale Sale Preview | Tel: (01935) 812277 |
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