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The Honda CR-Z is on the way out, at least in Japan

The poor CR-Z, misbegotten and subsequently ignored by both customers and critics. Sales have been a trickle for years, and despite a few half-hearted attempts to kick-start interest it's clear the CR-Z lacks the goods. We've been thinking about its imminent demise for years, and it's already dead in Europe and Australia. Now, the CR-Z's lackluster run is ending in Japan. Inexplicably, that'll make the US one of the last bastions of CR-Z sales in the world. The 1.5-liter engine and electric motor make a combined 130 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque in manual-transmission trim. Yes, a manual transmission hybrid. Quite a unicorn, but don't get too excited. It won't blow your socks off, as we found out in our first drive. And the CVT model, with less power, is predictably less thrilling. Like most final edition packages, the Japan-only CR-Z Final Label gets cosmetic changes, like special edition badging, unique alloy wheels, "Final Label" logos embroidered on the seats, and equipment from the higher trim levels. The attention makes sense in Japan, where collectible special edition cars are highly sought after. It seems unlikely that Honda will bother with anything more exciting than a fire-sale promotion in the US, although we've asked the company what its plans for CR-Z in North America are and will report on what they tell us. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: Honda Japan Green Honda Coupe Hatchback Hybrid honda crz

Honda Drops Takata, Parts Company Fined by US Regulators | Autoblog Minute

US regulators hit Takata with a substantial fine and Honda drops the embattled supplier. Autoblog's Adam Morath reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute.

The Honda Ridgeline returns for 2017

The midsize truck segment is red hot right now, thanks to the new Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon twins, not to mention the redesigned Toyota Tacoma. So after killing the unibody Ridgeline truck a few years ago, Honda's back with another attempt. The 2017 Ridgeline keeps all of the old truck's rhythms intact, in a fresh, modern package. Slab-sided and with a tweaked version of the new Pilot's face, the Ridgeline is at the very least a brawny looking pickup. Honda says the truck's bed is five feet wide and five feet, four inches long, two figures that are larger than the first-gen Ridgeline, not to mention the four-door versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. But while those trucks offer different cab and bed configurations, the Ridgeline should be a one-size-fits-all affair. Keeping with that theme, the Ridgeline only offers V6 power, courtesy of Honda's excellent 3.5-liter VTEC six-pot. Honda doesn't give any power figures, but the Pilot does its job with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, so we expect similar numbers for the Ridgeline. But here, Honda will forgo the Pilot's nine-speed automatic in favor of a more traditional six-speed box. An optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system is available, but base Ridgelines will send power to the front axle only. Yes, a front-wheel-drive pickup truck. This one's definitely not for those who need true truck capability. Here's the best thing we can say about the new Ridgeline: it will continue to be a stellar tailgating partner. The first-gen truck was perfect for partying before a big game. There was room for four, and the ample bed had plenty of room for stuff and featured a unique dual-opening tailgate for easy unloading. The highlight, though, was a drainable, water-tight, 8.5-cubic-foot compartment built into the bed. A bed to sit in, and a place for the drinks. And a secure place to hold cargo the rest of the time. Those innovative features are joined by an industry first in-bed stereo system. In the cabin, that stereo system will be able to pump out the tunes from an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes complete with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.