2009 Honda Accord Sdn on 2040-cars

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Honda integrating Siri into select models

Honda has partnered up with Apple to bring Siri to the Accord, Acura RDX and ILX. Owners who have an iPhone running iOS 6 will be able to ask the software to perform a number of tasks via voice command using the vehicle's on board microphone and speaker systems. What's more, the tech will put the iPhone into an "eyes free" mode, which turns the screen off to help reduce distraction while driving. Honda says it has reworked its Bluetooth and HandsFreeLink systems to accommodate the Siri functionality. While the tech will only be available on three of the company's models right now, we imagine it won't be long before it shows up elsewhere.
As you may recall, Chevrolet integrated Siri into its products with vehicles like the Spark and Sonic, but Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler have also toyed with the tech to varying degrees. The seamless voice command seems to be light years ahead of the tech manufacturers are currently playing with. Check out the full press release from Honda below for more information.

Woman keys parking officer's car after receiving ticket

Police in Santa Ana, CA, are on the lookout for a local woman who vandalized a parking attendant's vehicle after being issued a parking ticket earlier this month. According to the Orange County Register, a Santa Ana Parking Department enforcement officer ticketed a 1988 Honda Accord for an expired meter just after 2:30pm on February 2. The suspect sat on the hood of the Honda while the officer issued the ticket. Apparently unhappy with the ticket, the woman tore it up on the spot. Then, using her car keys, she proceeded to carve a vulgar message into the hood of the parking enforcement vehicle parked next to her. When the parking officer returned to her vehicle, the unidentified suspect tapped on the enforcement vehicle's windshield, pointed at the damage to the hood, then fled in the Honda. The alleged vandal has not been identified by the Santa Ana Police Department yet since the Honda was recently sold in a lien sale and has not been registered by its new owner. The suspect, shown in surveillance footage from a local business, is described as a white female between 20 and 30 years old, just over five feet tall with a slim build and dark hair. Corporal Anthony Bertanga of the SAPD stated that the woman faces a misdemeanor charge and will probably need to reimburse the city for the cost of repairs to the parking enforcement vehicle. "Right now, it's on the taxpayers to fix the vehicle," said Cpl. Bertanga. The Police are asking Santa Ana residents to contact them with any information on the alleged vandal.

Honda Rebel, cult beginner bike and urban cruiser, reborn for 2017

Back in 1985, Honda rolled out the original Rebel, which housed the Nighthawk 250's workaday parallel twin in a seriously '80s-style "factory custom" cruiser. It was a hit, being simultaneously cheap, extremely economical, and very easy to ride. With an exceptionally low step-over height, it was popular with younger and shorter riders too. And still is ... a full generation later, you can buy a brand-new Rebel 250 for $4,510. If that's simply too retro for you, there's a much more compelling option on the way: the all-new Rebel 300 and 500, just unveiled and going on sale next year. The 300 will use the water-cooled single found in the lower-end CB and CBR models, and the 500 will use a water-cooled parallel twin from the mid-sized CB and CBRs. It's a smart plan: a full range of smaller bikes in several different body styles, so there's something that should appeal to every entry-level rider (or any experienced rider who just wants a bang-around bike). The new Rebels look pretty cool, too. The radiator isn't all that prominent in profile. The wheels look like classic motorcycle alloys, but lean and modernized. The trellis-style frame supports an upright and shapely tank, and the solo saddle blends well with the pre-bobbed rear fender. The overall look is surprisingly upscale, and should also be a great basis on which to build inexpensive custom bikes of every shape and style you can think of. If you are a new rider, or just like little bikes, this is a great new option from Honda. Both bikes will have safety features riders want right now, like optional ABS. The colors at launch will be silver, yellow, black, and red – unless you want ABS, in which case black is the only choice. The 300 is expected to start at $4,399 and the 500 at $5,999, and both of these prices likely don't include an expected delivery charge of around $300. We'll get more exact pricing in December, and the bikes will hit dealers in April of 2017. Related Video: