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Honda adds tech to 2016 CR-Z, no powertrain upgrades

Rumors suggest that the next-gen Honda CR-Z could finally become a real performance machine by dropping the hybrid setup in favor of a detuned version of the European Civic Type R's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. We aren't there yet, though, and for 2016 the wedge-shaped model instead receives a styling upgrade and some new tech. However, the hybrid powertrain is still exactly the same. As previewed by the Japanese version earlier this year, the 2016 CR-Z receives a revised face with a reshaped grille. The front diffuser now slashes through the lower air dam to create triangular niches for the foglights. At the back, a redesigned bumper further echoes the nose's styling. Honda's designers also tweak the interior by switching to an electric parking brake. This might seem minor, but because there's no longer a lever, a center console with an armrest can take up the open space. In addition, drivers can enjoy better infotainment from a standard, seven-inch Display Audio system. For the EX trim and above, the screen is used for the company's LaneWatch tech, too. Moving up to the top-spec EX-L adds navigation and heated leather seats. Even with the powertrain the same, the 2016 CR-Z might drive a little better. Honda's engineers thicken the front stabilizer bar a hair and widen the rear track by 0.4 inches. The brake discs are also now 11.1 inches at the both ends, versus 10.3-inches at the front and 10.2 inches at the back previously. For 2016, Honda revises the trims to LX, EX, and EX-L, but prices jump slightly. A base model now starts at $21,130 (with the $835 destination charge) versus $20,965 last year (with $820 destination). Perhaps these upgrades are enough to goose CR-Z sales because through September the model is down 25.1 percent with a volume of just 2,205 units. Related Video: Design Updates, Enhanced Tech and New Higher-Level Trim Make the Fun and Efficient 2016 CR-Z Hybrid Sport Coupe More Stylish and Feature Rich • New styling, inside and out, and new line-topping EX-L with standard navigation • New available features include 7-inch Display Audio, Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop, Electric Parking Brake and Honda LaneWatch™ • New Honda accessories options TORRANCE, Calif., Nov.

Acura organizes new business division to confront falling sedan sales

Honda and Acura North America have announced a major restructuring of operations in hopes of turning around Acura's flagging business. For 2013, sales for Acura's sedans dropped 10.4 percent, while its CUV sales grew by 21 percent. The newly formed Acura Business Planning Office will attempt to right the ship.
As part of the restructuring, Acura is promoting Erik Berkman from President of Honda R&D Americas to lead a new division called the Acura Business Planning Office. Berkman has been with Honda since 1982 and led development of the 2006 Accord. He was also the first US engineer to head North American research and development and has been head of Honda Performance Development since 2008. "Erik's appointment to the new Acura Business Planning Office is a clear indication of the high priority we place on Acura," said Honda spokesperson Jeffrey Smith to Automotive News.
American Honda Motor President and CEO Tetsuo Iwamura is also going to be working to improve the business. He has been elected chairman of American Honda's board, and has simultaneously taken the new position of Corporate Brand Officer to improve the management of the company's brands.

Top Gear hosts' classic bikes head for auction

The BBC seems quite certain that Top Gear is making a return to television in 2016, but James May and Richard Hammond are extremely unlikely to be among the hosts. Instead, the two of them are probably following Jeremy Clarkson into any future endeavors, but for the time being that leaves the Little One and the Slow One unemployed. They won't have to worry too much about spending money in the meantime, though, because Bonhams is selling 12 motorcyles owned by the former TG stars on April 26. "Just because I'm unemployed now doesn't mean I have to get rid of everything. I was going to sell these bikes anyway. And those paintings, and my collection of Scalextric cars. Honest," May joked to Bonhams. However, the auction house was clear in its announcement that the cycles were consigned to the Spring Stafford Sale in the UK months before the Top Gear fracas. Eight of the bikes come from May's collection and are generally small-bore, Japanese models. They include a 49cc 1974 Yamaha FS1-E and a 1976 Suzuki AP50 E, but there's also a very attractive 1980 Ossa 250cc MAR trials bike. If you're looking for a bit more performance, Hammond's four offering include a 2010 Norton Commando 961SE and a 1970 Triton 500cc cafe racer. He's also selling a Yamaha FS1-E, though a year newer than May's. Unfortunately the Vincent Black Shadow and Honda RC30 the hosts are riding in these photos aren't part of the lots, but the whole list of the available models can be read in the announcement below and checked out in the gallery, above. Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale will include 12 motorcycles belonging to Richard Hammond and James May, former presenters of the popular motoring programme, Top Gear. May and Hammond discussed the sale of their respective motorcycles in their usual humorous manner: "Just because I'm unemployed now doesn't mean I have to get rid of everything," said May. "I was going to sell these bikes anyway. And those paintings, and my collection of Scalextric cars. Honest". Hammond added: "As a serious collector of motorcycles, it's important to review one's stable regularly, and the Bonhams Stafford sale is the ideal opportunity to move bikes on and possibly acquire new ones. I also have a canoe, and some Wharfedale hi-fi speakers, if anyone's interested".