2000 Honda Accord, No Reserve on 2040-cars

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McLaren working on P15 supercar to slot between 650S and P1

McLaren has been busy these past few years. It launched the MP4-12C in 2011, the 12C Spider in 2012, the P1 in 2013 and (most recently) the 650S in 2014. But it's not about to stop there. It's got an "entry-level" model in the works, set to take on the Porsche 911, and - according to information reported by Car and Driver and confirmed by McLaren in correspondence with Autoblog - a new flagship model, too.
The project is internally codenamed P15, and it calls for a new flagship that will cap the company's lineup once the P1 finishes its limited production run, but carry a price tag in the neighborhood of $500k to slot in between the P1 and the new 650S.
Just how, you wonder, can McLaren possibly develop another supercar each year? Simple: underneath, they're all essentially the same. (Only we're sure it's anything but simple.) That is to say they're all based on the same carbon monocoque structure and powered by the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels. What differentiates them is what the engineers in Woking build around that monocoque and how they tune the engine: +/- 600 horsepower in the 12C (depending on the year it was built), 640 hp in the 650S, or 727 hp in the P1 (with another 177 from the electric assist). The 911 fighter would likely develop in the 500hp range, and the P15 will probably land in the upper 600 (or lower 700) range.

2016 Honda Civic will debut on September 16

The press days for the Frankfurt Motor Show are September 15 and 16. On that second day when all the German hubbub has died down, on other side of the Atlantic, Honda will be unveiling the US-spec production Civic in Detroit and Los Angeles. We'll only get to see the interior and exterior of the standard sedan that day; the coupe, five-door hatchback, the Si, and the Type R won't say hello until later. While there could be information on the Civic's new platform, Honda doesn't plan to offer any details on the new engines and powertrains. The sedan will come with a 1.5-liter VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder mated to either a six-speed manual or a CVT. Speedier versions like the Type R will get the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Honda is aiming for a fuel economy rating of at least 40 miles per gallon with the base model. As for what's coming beyond that, we have an idea of what the body will look like from the leaked patent images and the concept shown off in New York earlier this year. Spy shots have shown a new console layout within today's basic instrument panel structure, there'll be a better touchscreen and new infotainment system, driver assistance features like Honda LaneWatch and Honda Sensing, and heated rear seats, while the exterior bodywork has some Accord and Acura ILX influences and available LED headlights. Vowing not to make the mistake of the 2012 Civic, Honda says we'll get "sporty driving dynamics, more daring styling, and significantly improved fit and finish." Related Video:

Honda Accord Hybrid sales capacity constrained

Honda might be selling more hybrids if it could just get them to dealers. While the second-generation Insight never lived up to sales expectations and production is ending, the Japanese automaker is seeing strong demand for the Accord Hybrid here and abroad. However, there is so much global consumer desire that it can't keep them in US showrooms.
The problem limiting the sales of the Accord Hybrid is its battery pack and its popularity in Japan. "There's a waiting list for the product," said Jeff Conrad, Honda general manager, to Ward's Auto about the sedan's US popularity. While the American Accord is built in Marysville, OH, the batteries are imported from Japan, where the model is quite popular. According to Ward's data, the automaker sold 2,414 examples of the hybrid version from October 2013 to February 2014 in the US, but it shifted 6,000 units in Japan in its first three months on sale. Conrad also admitted that the constrained supply is limiting the amount of marketing the automaker can do for the hybrid.
Honda spokesperson Chris Martin told Autoblog the company is working on a solution to increase production for the near future. "We are going to resolve the battery issue," he said.