Honda GL1800 GOLDWING CALIFORNIA SIDE CAR VIPER TRIKE, page #26

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Euro Honda Civic Type R engines are American-made

With 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the latest Honda Civic Type R stands among the top of the current front-wheel drive, hot hatch heap. Sadly for the time being, it's exclusive to European buyers, and folks on this side of the pond might be waiting until 2017 to experience one. American Type R fans can be proud in the meantime, though. That's because the 2.0-liter turbocharged heart in each car doesn't come from Japan or Europe, but instead from Honda's Anna Engine Plant in Ohio. In a new video, the company is showing just a little of what goes into that production. Honda has been building engines at the Anna plant since 1985 and added the capability to produce the new, turbocharged units last year. The automaker currently employs 2,600 people there. In addition to the Type R mill, the factory makes the four- and six-cylinder powerplants for models like the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Acura ILX, TLX, and RDX. Honda intends to offer the next-gen Civic in coupe, sedan, and five-door hatch body styles in the US, and based on the company's concept, the Type R engine might come here in a two-door body. Regardless of the shape it's wrapped in, we look forward to experiencing the turbo 2.0-liter on America's roads.

Japanese automakers will seriously subsidize hydrogen fuel stations

Fresh off the announcement of the EPA-rated fuel economy and range figures for the Toyota Mirai, three of Japan's major automakers are throwing their weight behind hydrogen on the other side of the Pacific. Toyota, Nissan, and Honda are detailing their partnership in Japan to subsidize the creation of an expanded FCV refueling infrastructure there in the coming years. The plan could provide a much-needed boost for goals that are already looking to miss their targets. The partnership, which is called the Joint Hydrogen Infrastructure Support Project, is subsidizing a third of the annual operating expenses up to a maximum of 11 million yen ($90,000) for any hydrogen refueling station that applies and is accepted into the program. For now, the automakers plan to keep this running through around 2020. Toyota senior managing officer Kiyotaka Ise tells Bloomberg the whole thing over that time is expected to cost 5 billion to 6 billion yen ($40.5 million to $49 million). In addition to the money, the companies are trying to raise awareness about the alternative fuel to build popularity. Japan has been pushing extremely hard to build the FCV market there for quite some time by subsidizing both the models and building refueling stations for them. By the 2020 Olympics, the country's goal is to have 6,000 fuel cell vehicles on the roads and possibly even 100,000 of them by 2025. The cars to fulfill these lofty hopes are just gaining steam, though. For example, the Mirai is already experiencing high demand, and Honda is set to bring its new challenger in 2016. This announcement says Nissan is aiming a potential entry for 2017, as well. According to Bloomberg, the fuel cell industry in Japan is forecasted to balloon from 400 million yen (3.3 million) in the current fiscal year to 100 billion ($813 million) by 2025. Toyota, Nissan, and Honda Agree on Details of Joint Support for Hydrogen Infrastructure Development Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have agreed on key details regarding a new joint support project for the development of hydrogen station infrastructure in Japan. In addition to partially covering the operating costs of hydrogen stations, the three automakers have also agreed to help infrastructure companies deliver the best possible customer service and create a convenient, hassle-free refueling network for owners of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).

The 11 best scenes from the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Over the last three days, the Goodwood Estate has played home to the eponymous Festival of Speed. Thrown by the biggest gearhead in the British aristocracy – Charles Gordon-Lennox, the Earl of March and Kinrara – the Festival of Speed is essentially a tremendous, gasoline-fuelled party, complete with a very large lawn sculpture, that features the world's hottest, weirdest, fastest, and loudest race, production, and historic models. While there are quite literally dozens and dozens of videos from the event – not to mention the full-day replays (of which only day one is available, at present) – we've sifted through them to pluck away the very best. There's stuff from the official Goodwood YouTube channel, as well as several videos from automakers and other third-party channels, and it's all available below. 2015 Ford Mustang GT350R Looks Barely Controllable If you thought the highest-performance Ford Mustang would somehow get more tractable or civilized once it moved to an independent rear suspension, this video shows you have nothing to worry about. Watch as an unnamed driver wrestles the new Shelby GT350R and its flat-plane, 5.2-liter V8 up the hillclimb circuit. Even with the new suspension and sticky tires, this Mustang wants to go any direction but straight, especially following its launch. 2016 Ford Focus RS, Is Very Loud, Blue Ken Block makes his first appearance on our list. Before he steps into his Hoonicorn Mustang, though, the Gymkhana expert tackled the hill in the all-new Focus RS. The vicious bellow of the 2.3-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder is the star of this commentary-free video, although the gorgeous Nitrous Blue paint job is a nice accompaniment, as well. 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn Runs Hill, Nearly Kills Lord March Mr. Block's two runs behind the wheel of the Hoonicorn were, unsurprisingly, very eventful. While one attempt goes off without a hitch, seeing the American rally driver slip and slide his way to the top of the hill while taking a short break for a donut, the other is slightly more dramatic. Block, along with Lord March in the passenger seat, carries a bit too aggressive an angle into a turn and nearly puts the NASCAR-powered Mustang into the hay bales. Check out the first video above, and the second one below. Kimi Raikkonen Makes Us Miss F1's V8 Era The latest Formula One cars have been maligned for the lackluster noise produced by the new 1.6-liter, turbocharged V6.

Honda previews new BR-V three-row crossover for Indonesia

Honda is planning to roll out a new seven-seat crossover in Indonesia. But before it does, it's giving the public a taste of what's to come with a concept to be unveiled in Tangerang, previewed in the pair of teaser renderings you see here. Dubbed the BR-V prototype (for Bold Runabout Vehicle), the Honda concept calls for a three-row crossover with room for seven passengers – just like the Pilot we get over here. But if the design sketches are anything to go by, it'll look better. We'll reserve final judgement on the styling until the actual thing is unveiled in the metal, though. Full technical specifications are likely still a ways off from being announced. However the Japanese automaker and its Indonesian importer have confirmed that the BR-V will be powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine of unspecified output, mated to a choice of two transmission options. We don't know whether one of those might include all-wheel drive or not, but Honda has indicated that it's built high ground clearance into the BR-V – which ought to keep it from being confused with the low-riding Subaru BRZ, to say nothing Honda's other similarly named crossovers like the CR-V or HR-V. That's about all we know for the time being, but the BR-V promises "to address various customer needs" with "a tough and solid exterior design" combined with a "comfortable and spacious cabin." Locals can start anticipating its unveiling at the Gaikindo Indonesian International Auto Show in Tangerang this August, when P.T. Honda Prospect Motor will already open up the order books. Related Video: All-New Honda BR-V Prototype to Make World Premiere at Gaikindo Indonesian International Auto Show JAKARTA, Indonesia 29 June 2015 – P.T. Honda Prospect Motor released the first official sketches of the all-new Honda BR-V Prototype which will make its world premiere at the upcoming Gaikindo Indonesian International Auto Show 2015, scheduled for 20 - 30 August 2015, in Tangerang, Indonesia. The new BR-V was jointly developed for the Asian market by Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd., in Thailand, and P.T. Honda R&D Indonesia. This model will be introduced to the Indonesian market as Honda's new generation crossover utility vehicle to address various customer needs. The new BR-V features tough and solid exterior design with high ground clearance, big and stylish alloy wheels and sleek roof rails. The model also offers a comfortable and spacious cabin with seven seats in a 3-row configuration.

Honda withdraws LMP2 prototype from Pikes Peak

Things don't always go as planned, especially when it comes to racing. That's the lesson that Honda had to learn the hard way at Pikes Peak this year. Unfortunately that means that the ARX-04b LMP2 prototype won't be running up the mountain in this weekend's Race to the Clouds. Honda was slated to run its new LMP2 prototype at Pikes Peak, but a series of misfortunes meant that the entry had to be withdrawn. The prototype was set back with a series of mechanical difficulties, chief among them a turbocharger failure that inflicted damage on the vehicle's engine. That left Honda with little choice but to withdraw the entry. "We some had some problems that forced us to miss practice on Tuesday and Wednesday," Honda spokesman Eric Mauk confirmed in correspondence with Autoblog. Given that Justin Wilson – despite his extensive experience particularly in open wheels – is considered a rookie at this event, "race rules state that he must practice all three sections of the race course before the race. With just two days of practice left (you can only practice one section a day due to time constraints), we could not do that, so we had to withdraw." It's an unfortunate turn of events for Honda and Wilson, to be sure, but the manufacturer will still be entering a number of other vehicles at Pikes Peak this weekend. Included among them are the electric CR-Z prototype, and the NSX that is serving as pace car for the event. All told, Honda is fielding 13 entries in 11 different classes.

Buckeye Current back on track at Pikes Peak with new rider [w/video]

After suffering a major setback, the Buckeye Current electric motorcycle racing team of students from Ohio State University looks set to take on the 2015 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 28. The squad's longtime rider Rob Barber suffered a crash on the bike during practice for the event. Now, three-time Pikes Peak 450 Pro Class winner Joe Prussiano (pictured above) has taken over to challenge the mountain for the group. In some ways, Buckeye Current is the scrappy underdog of the electric motorcycle racing world. The student team has definitely shown speed, though. In 2013 and 2014, its bikes took consecutive third place finishes in the Isle of Man TT Zero with Barber in the saddle. This year the squad's sights are set on Pikes Peak with a new bike called the RW-3, and the aim is for a possible overall motorcycle record. Utilizing a frame from a Honda CBR1000RR, the students created the 7.8-kWh battery pack, carbon fiber fairing, and electronics system. The team estimates the cycle is making over 134 horsepower and is capable of an average speed of 76 miles per hour up the hill climb. Following Barber's crash, the RW-3 had to be rebuilt, but it has now passed tech inspection to race up the mountain again. Scroll down and check out Prussiano's first ride of the RW-3 on America's Mountain. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. BUCKEYE CURRENT RALLIES TO COMPETE IN THE 2015 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB Buckeye Current, the student electric motorcycle team at The Ohio State University, has completed its latest all-electric racing motorcycle. RW-3 will compete in the 2015 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb June 28. This follows on the success of the team's 2013 and 2014 Isle of Man TT Zero performances in which renowned rider Rob Barber piloted the team's RW-2 and then RW-2.X vehicles to third place victories, achieving the title of the world's fastest collegiate electric motorcycle two years in a row. After earning two podium finishes at the Isle of Man, the team was looking ahead to a new challenge. This year the team had to create an entirely new bike to conquer Pikes Peak. RW-3 is designed to average 76 miles per hour through the course with a top speed of 125 miles per hour. The battery pack holds 7.8 kilowatt-hours of energy on board and contains 972 individual 18650 cylindrical battery cells.

Petrolicious profiles the Triple Nickel, a 1968 Honda CB160

Petrolicious often puts as much of a focus on the owners as it does on their machines in its videos, but the latest one goes even further as a short documentary that tells the story of a woman getting back into vintage motorcycle racing after an accident. Stacie B. London bought her first bike in 2009, but she jumped into the hobby with both feet. Not too long after getting her cycle, she started competing on two wheels. Fantastic cinematography is always one of the great strengths of Petrolicious' clips, but it absolutely nails the audio here, too. If you enjoy the sound of vintage bikes revving for all they can, then this is a must see. Of course, the story of someone getting into vintage motorcycle racing is also fascinating. London's 1968 Honda CB160 wears the 555 number when on the circuit, hence the nickname Triple Nickel. Not only do we get to see her open up the bike up on the salt flats, but we get to watch part of her first competition on track after recovering from a serious crash. For a relative newcomer not only just to riding a motorcycle but also racing one, London already seems to be hooked.

2015 Pikes Peak Hill Climb: Practice Day 1

Based on what we learned from the first day of practice for the 2015 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the quickest race pace up the paved road to more than 14,000 feet above sea level may not be from internal combustion locomotion anymore. "If it all goes well, and the planets align, [under nine minutes] shouldn't be out of the question," said Paul Wilding, team manager for Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima's Rimac Automobili Monster Sport E-Runner entry. Wilding added that if Tajima's car held up during the week it could finish first overall, which would be the first time an EV takes the overall crown at the hill climb. Last year, the gap between overall winner Romain Dumas' Norma M20 RD Limited and the fastest EV was just over two seconds. In the 2014 race, Tajima finished third in his class. "We think this car is the fastest way up now," said Wilding. "There's no affect from the altitude – this car is a monster, our driver is a monster." The practice, which isn't mandatory but is sanctioned by race officials, concluded Tuesday morning with a few surprises ahead of Sunday's race. Tajima will be racing for the fourth consecutive year in the all-electric modified division. Wilding said today's conditions weren't ideal and the race Sunday could be more challenging than initially expected. "It was a lot bumpier than we expected today," he said. "But today means nothing. It was all [reconnaissance]. Tomorrow means everything." The Honda ARX-04B LMP2 prototype brought to Pikes Peak had a difficult start to the week. Honda Racing spokesman Eric Mauck said the car struggled and didn't run in practice Tuesday. "We're looking for data and research more than anything else," Mauck said. "We're not going for Sebestain's record this year, we're just looking to gather information for years to come." Colorado-native, Honda driver, and Formula E racer Justin Wilson will pilot the LMP2 up the mountain Wednesday – assuming the car is ready. "He's obviously a guy that Honda thinks very highly of. Anytime we have an opportunity to put Justin behind the wheel of anything we want to," Mauck said. Honda driver Tetsuya Yamano, who is driving an all-electric Honda CR-Z in the exhibition class, echoed Mauck's assessment. "We're not making a racecar," Yamano said through an interpreter. "This is part of [research and development] and we're looking to get as much data back to engineers in Japan as possible ...

Honda CR-Z will run Pikes Peak with full-EV power

Honda is running a CR-Z at Pikes Peak this year. But as you might have guessed, this is no ordinary CR-Z. This particular racing prototype packs an experimental powertrain. Though precise technical specifications remain a closely guarded secret at this point, our source at Honda has confirmed a few key details. For starters, the CR-Z racer packs a fully electric powertrain, ditching the 1.5-liter inline-four that forms the internal-combustion component of the street-legal model's hybrid propulsion system. This contrary to circulating rumors that it could be packing the hybrid powertrain from the new NSX. Whatever the details of the electric motor (or motors) on board, they'll be driving and steering all four wheels through Honda's proprietary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) systems. The technologies ought to make the CR-Z racer pretty adept at tackling the 156 twists and turns of the world-famous Race to the Clouds. The aero package is obviously pretty aggressive as well, and the bodywork appears to have been modified to an even greater extent than the carbon-fiber prototype we drove in Japan. Driving duties will be handled by Tetsuya Yamano, a Japanese driver known in the Super GT series (where he won the GT300 title in 2004 in an NSX) and for running Civics in Gymkhana events back in the 90s. It'll be competing in the Pikes Peak Challenge Exhibition class, but the idea behind the CR-Z prototype is as much about experimentation as it is about results. The project will serve to train some of Honda's younger engineers. They won't be alone on the mountain, though, as Honda also recently announced that it would be fielding its new ARX-04b Le Mans prototype at Pikes Peak this year as well. Related Video: Featured Gallery Honda CR-Z SH-AWD P-AWS Pikes Peak News Source: Honda Green Motorsports Honda Green Culture Hatchback Electric Racing Vehicles pikes peak hill climb

Weekly Recap: Kia leads Korea's quality surge

The rapid rise of Korea's auto brands in the US market has been apparent on the sales charts for several years, and now it's showing up in an area that's just as crucial: quality. Kia and Hyundai earned the highest rankings among mainstream brands in the J. D. Power Initial Quality Study released on Wednesday. The study tracks problems owners report during the first 90 days they own their car. Kia reported 86 problems per 100 vehicles, or fewer than one problem per car sold, to take second in the rankings behind luxury sportscar-maker Porsche (80). Kia's score improved by nearly 20 percent compared with the 2014 study. "The big industry story is Kia," Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. automotive quality at J.D. Power, said in a video statement, noting Kia's infotainment systems were the key reason for its improved performance. Hyundai was fourth for the second straight year, though its score actually worsened by one, to 95. Even with Hyundai's slight dip, Korean quality increased 11 percent, according to the study, which far outpaced American and European companies' three-percent increases. Japanese brands improved one percent. Hyundai Motor Co. (parent company of the Hyundai and Kia brands) captured four individual vehicle awards, which tied for the most with General Motors, Nissan, and Volkswagen. "The Korean brands have really taken off," Stephens said. "There's movement in the industry, and the patterns are shifting." Another luxury brand, Jaguar (93 problems), slotted in between Hyundai and Kia in third place. Infiniti was fifth, followed by BMW. Chevrolet was the highest domestic brand, taking seventh place, followed by Lincoln, Lexus, and Toyota, which were all well above the industry average of 112 problems per 100 vehicles. OTHER NEWS & NOTES Kirk Kerkorian dead at 98 Kirk Kerkorian, a billionaire activist investor who wielded enormous influence on the Detroit Three car companies in the 1990s and 2000s, died Monday. He was 98 years old. Kerkorian made headlines in 1995 for trying to take over Chrysler – with the help of former chairman Lee Iacocca – before being fended off by Chrysler management. His takeover attempt ultimately pushed Chrysler to be sold to German giant Daimler. He tried to buy Chrysler again in 2007 when Daimler put Chrysler on the market, but Kerkorian fell short and the automaker was sold to private equity firm Cerberus.