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Honda gunning for world's longest Rose Parade float

Honda has participated in the annual Rose Parade for the past 53 years and returns this year as the presenting sponsor for the fourth time running. But it's not satisfied merely putting its name on the event; Honda intends to lead from the front with what promises to be the longest float in the parade's long history.
The float, previewed in the rendering above, will measure 274 feet long, as tall as 30 feet high, as wide as 18 feet and weighing a whopping 50 tons with 8,980 flowers covering its surface. The train will be led by a locomotive designed to mimic the Acura NSX, with Asimo at the wheel. The second car in the train showcases a Honda engine, followed by a robotic arm, and, for the first time in the parade's history, a pair of 30-foot LED monitors displaying images of spectators lining the parade route. A caboose inspired by the Honda Jet will pick up the rear.
Oh, and in case you're wondering just who Honda will be knocking off the record books with its 274-foot train of roses, that would be... also Honda. The Japanese company set the record in 2005 with a 207-foot float. Scope out the details in the press release below and click the image above to view in high resolution.

What car should James Robertson buy to drive his famous 21-mile commute?

The Internet has been abuzz this week with the story of Detroit resident James Robertson, the 56-year-old factory worker who has walked some 21 miles to work for the last 10 years. The Detroit Free Press brought Robertson's story to the fore, helping an online fundraising campaign to generate more than $275,000 (as of this writing). The original goal was just $5,000, or about enough to replace the used Honda that died on Robertson back in 2005, and left him walking. So, newly flush with funds, what's the perfect car for Robertson to buy? Let's look at the specifics of his situation, and try to pick out the best options. Here's what we know: Robertson's commute is (famously) 21 miles; he lives in downtown Detroit (for now) and seems pretty humble, so something very flashy is probably out; former Honda aside, his ties to the city (and statements about being a Ford fan) seem to indicate a Detroit Three company product is best; he's a single guy with a girlfriend; he's got to deal with Michigan weather, and the sometimes fickle snow removal processes in The D. Here are some choices: Ford F-150 Robertson is on record as being a Taurus fan, and after a decade of walking I've no doubt that the big sedan would offer a cozy respite. Still, as a car guy and a student of the industry, I'd have a hard time recommending a sedan so clearly in need of replacement. Especially when The Blue Oval has such great stuff within the rest of its roster. The 2015 F-150 seems almost perfect for Robertson. Opting for either of the new EcoBoost V6 engines should help keep fuel bills in reasonable check, while healthy ride height and four-wheel drive will get him to work on time even during the snowiest of snow days. Better still, with a fat options sheet and car-like ride quality, Robertson can have just about every amenity he might want, in a package that won't disrespect his blue-collar roots. Chevrolet Colorado You guys saw this one coming, right? The smaller footprint of the midsize Chevy pickup, relative to some of the other options here, should be an advantage for urban parking and driving. And again, 4x4 is an option for the nasty weather, the running costs should stay pretty low and there aren't many tech/luxury features that can't be had in-cabin. I'd go ahead and splash out on the Crew Cab bodystyle, too, just in case Robertson feels like starting a carpool.

Here's what you had to say about the Tokyo Motor Show

We obsessively covered the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. You, our readers, provided the color commentary. Read on and, of course, leave your comments below. Subaru Viziv Performance Concept: Remember the WRX concept they showed in 2013, and what the production version looked like in 2015? Pepperidge Farm remembers. wooootles 2 foot high wing on the trunk or gtfo :) sc0rch3d Mazda Kai Concept : Dear Honda, this is how you dynamically style a hatchback. Thank you. Dfelix70 Kudos to KODO design. There are so many things I love about this "Kai" car: the awesome split panoramic sunroof, the Jaguar-esque tails (sporting an "eyebrow up"... ala The Rock), a sleek family resemblance to the already beautiful CX-5 and CX-9. Seems suspiciously close to being a production ready Mazda3 — save for a few fanciful bits (door handles, mirrors etc). If it doesn't get too watered down by the time it hits the streets ... take my money! Randy Ross Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept: As an 06 IX and 12 X owner, this is so upsetting. I will never buy this or care to give it another look. Hope you are glad you killed my favorite track-ready car to produce this electric junk. AcidTonic Picture the GT-R going away for a few years and coming back as an SUV. This is ridiculous. Surely someone in marketing could've came up with another cool name. Evo The Evo sedan is dead, whether this exists or not. I don't mind. Lada1200 Honda Sports EV Concept : I sure would like to see this "less is more" design aesthetic spread to their gas-powered production line. RustyShackleford Love it. I see glimpses of late 1970 Scirocco with Honda flair. Gintonics I just want ONE question answered in the affirmative, and that is... "RWD?" Henadenk AND A FEW FROM FACEBOOK: Toyota's press conference: Wake me up when they talk about the Supra. David Levinson Yamaha Cross Hub Concept: All I can think is modern day Brat, which has its own kind of charm. I'm assuming that it's a unibody design, but it seems happy to be its own thing rather than that crossover pretending to be a pickup called the Ridgeline. Would definitely take the Yamaha over the Honda, although I doubt it'll come to the states. Cole Henry Mazda Vision Coupe Concept: Face: KIA K7, Tail: Aston martin. Harold Shin A bit British, no? Jim Lykas Related Video: News Source: Honda, Toyota, YamahaImage Credit: Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi Auto News Green Tokyo Auto Salon Tokyo Motor Show Honda Mazda Mitsubishi Subaru Toyota 2017 tokyo motor show