2015 Honda Civic Ex on 2040-cars

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Minivan market not what it used to be, but margins make up for it

Residual values for last year's minivans are higher than they were in 2000.
Much like the station wagon was the shuttle of Baby Boomer generation, the minivan has been the primary means of transport for Generations X and Y. Just as the boomers abandoned the Country Squire, though, those kids that were toted around in Grand Caravans and Windstars are adults, and they certainly don't want to be seen in the cars their parents drove.

Honda Civic Hatchback production design pops up in patent shots

Here's a surprise (not!) – the production Honda Civic Hatchback is going to look almost exactly like the concept Honda Civic Hatchback. We can make this judgment based not on common sense, but on a round of patent images uncovered by the Hondaphiles over at the CivicX forums. Notice we said "almost exactly like the concept." There are some obvious changes on this new five-door hatch compared to the Geneva Motor Show showcar, particularly on the front and rear fascias. In back, the twin center-exit exhausts are gone (boo – though those might come back for hotter Si or Type R models), with no visible outlets on these images. In front, the overall look of the fascia is the same, but we're betting it will be toned down – expect less gloss black trim and a smaller chin spoiler. While it goes without saying, the new Civic Hatch will also ditch the more traditional concept car trimmings. Those big wheels, aggressive side sills, and neon-green accents also won't make production. But the good thing here is how true the production model will stay to the concept. The rear spoiler is still there, and the overall look of that shapely rear end is unchanged. And of course, from the B-pillar forward, this is the same Civic we've enjoyed in both Coupe and Sedan varieties. While it's a safe bet that these images are legit, we couldn't find anything in the US Patent and Trademark Office's website. We've reached out to Honda to get confirmation on these pics. Stay tuned. Related Video:

This is what Honda's new F1 engine will sound like

It appears that not even the legendary pairing of McLaren and Honda can produce a 2015-regulation Formula One engine that sounds as good as the current V8s. Much like Mercedes-AMG Petronas, McLaren Honda have released a clip of their turbocharged, 1.6-liter V6 ahead of next season, and well, at least to our ears, it's not the sweetest of singers.
We've reported on concerns that the new engines wouldn't sound "right," after years of the high-revving V8s and V10s. The more we're hearing of these new engines, the more reasonable those worries seem. That said, we'll need to wait until we really hear these cars driven in anger to render a final verdict.
Scroll down to view the official press release from Honda and to hear what the future McLaren Honda will sound like when it hits the grid in 2015. For comparison, we've also included some on-board footage of Jenson Button's McLaren's V8 from last season.