2005 Honda Accord Hybrid Automatic 4-door Sedan on 2040-cars

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Honda develops breathalyzer smart key with Hitachi

Honda and Hitachi have joined forces in developing a combined breathalyzer and automobile smart key. According to Honda, the device has been designed to be tamper-proof and able to differentiate between human breath and alternative gases. It is also said to accurately measure alcohol level in three seconds, and the reading will then be displayed in the car's information panel. Ignition interlocks that integrate an alcohol detector are becoming more commonplace. For example, in Japan professional drivers are required to pass a breathalyzer test before beginning their shifts, and development for a detector-controlled ignition interlock has been launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the US. While the images released by Honda show the device to be relatively bulky and about the size of a mobile phone, it is still a prototype under development. Honda also notes that the breath test doesn't need to be performed inside the car, but it can be done at home – reducing the temptation to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol. Related Video: Image Credit: Honda Auto News Honda Safety Technology drunk driving breathalyzer hitachi smart key

Honda and Mugen take tuned rides to Tokyo Auto Salon

The Makuhari Messe will open its doors in a couple of weeks for the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon, featuring all manner of custom creations from Japan's automakers. And Honda will be out in force with an array of roadsters, hatchbacks, minivans, and crossovers. Included among them will be some modified with parts from the company's Modulo customization catalog, but the ones we're most interested are being prepared by its longtime performance partner Mugen. Mugen was founded decades ago by Hirotashi Honda, son of Soichiro Honda, the man who started the motor company for which his name is best known. Over the years Mugen has prepared Honda engines and vehicles for motorsport competition, but also customizes the company's road cars for higher levels of performance. At the Tokyo salon, Honda and Mugen will display two amped-up takes on the S660 roadster, along with a Civic Type R featuring even more extreme aero appendages, plus a modified Step WGN Spada minivan and a customized HR-V crossover. Alongside the Mugen show cars, Honda will also display an array of Modulo custom concepts. The lineup includes accessorized versions of the S660, Civic Type R, and Step WGN, but also customized takes on the Fit, N-One, and N-Box. While it's at it, Honda will also showcase some of its racing machinery and motorcycles, including the McLaren-Honda MP4-30, NSX Concept-GT, and the Concept CB cafe racer it displayed at the main Tokyo Motor Show a few months ago. Scope out all the modified automobiles in the Mugen gallery above and the Modulo gallery below for a closer look. Related Video:

2016: The year we talked about autonomy a bunch | Autoblog Podcast #497

This week on the Autoblog Podcast, Mike Austin and David Gluckman take a look back at one of the biggest topics of 2016: autonomous driving. The thing is, there was a lot of news about autonomous driving, but not much in the way of autonomous cars you can buy. They also talk about what they've been driving lately - there was a good turbocharged compact car and a not-so-good turbocharged compact car. And then we round out the year with a quick Spend My Money. The podcast will take a break next week, but we'll be back in the new year with reports from CES and the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. And we're lining up some fun guests for future recordings. The rundown is below. Remember, if you have a car-related question you'd like us to answer or you want buying advice of your very own, send a message or a voice memo to podcast at autoblog dot com. (If you record audio of a question with your phone and get it to us, you could hear your very own voice on the podcast. Neat, right?) And please send trivia questions! You'll get the honor of stumping your fellow listeners, and we'll thank you too. Autoblog Podcast #497 Topics and stories we mention 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport 2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo 2016 Honda Accord V6 (The sedan, but here's our Quick Spin of the coupe for reference) Autonomous Driving Rundown Intro - 00:00 What we're driving - 02:40 Rants (metal trim on steering wheels, learn how your car works) - 14:25 Looking back at autonomous driving in 2016 - 21:10 Spend My Money - 31:20 Total Duration: 37:46 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Feedback Email – Podcast at Autoblog dot com Review the show on iTunes Podcasts Honda Hyundai Nissan Car Buying Technology Emerging Technologies Autonomous Vehicles nissan sentra