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Honda, GM supposedly working together on PHEVs, autonomous cars

Back in 2013, Honda and General Motors announced that they would work together on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (pictured). The stated goal was to develop "commercially feasible fuel cell and hydrogen storage" for around 2020, but there was no discussion at the time that any actual H2 vehicles would come out of the program. Things are evolving with that partnership, maybe. There are rumors circling this week that the two automakers are now working together on plug-in hybrid vehicle technology and autonomous technology. The supposed new facet to the GM-Honda partnership doesn't just focus on a powertrain, reports The Yomiuri Shinbun, but also in getting suppliers to lower prices because now you have two automakers ordering parts together. Building plug-in hybrids and fuel cell cars together might be a thing, too, Yomiuri says. The 2013 hydrogen partnership was made between two leaders in the field (the announcement press release talks says, "GM and Honda rank No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in total fuel cell patents filed between 2002 and 2012." But if these new rumors are true, then it's more of a bit of catch up for Honda (which had a great but unsuccessful car in the Accord PHEV) while GM gets more tech to better challenge Toyota. That's how the Yomiuri presents it, anyway. A Honda spokesperson told AutoblogGreen that, "Honda and GM's collaboration in the co-development of next generation fuel cell systems is making good progress. Engineers are discussing how we might expand the relationship utilizing each other's strengths, but there is no fixed plan regarding specific areas or timing." News Source: Yomiuri Shinbun via Inside EVs Green Rumormill GM Honda Hydrogen Cars PHEV partnership

Honda S660 Concept portends a new kei car for 2015

Apart from a tiny, one-paragraph mention in a press release about the Honda show stand in general, the company hasn't said very much about its completely charming S660 Concept. The model would seem very much to be a look ahead at a possible successor to the Beat kei car for Japanese customers, though we've been told that we shouldn't expect any kind of translation or product for the American market (despite certain key executives wanting more sports cars in the US).
Honda tells us only that the S660 roadster features "advanced styling" and "new initiatives such as Super cockpit interior." We do think that the confines of the S660 look particularly driver-focused, with a carbon fiber steering wheel clad in soft leather, very racy looking vented seats and instruments tilted to keep the pilot constantly informed.
Honda President and CEO, Takanobu Ito, also touched on the S660 in his remarks at the press conference, saying that the model "embodies the freewheeling thinking of young Honda engineers, who want to make a cool car that is unique to Honda." Takanobu also said that the concept will be developed into a production model for 2015, which is great news for Japanese drivers.

Acura NSX is officially retired with the final Type S completed

The eulogy issued today from Acura is brief and to the point: "The final Acura NSX Type S was completed today at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio." Keyword: final. While the announcement has been expected for months, it's now official. It marks the finale of the second-generation NSX, a hybrid-electric model that was introduced in 2016. A total of 350 cars were built, according to Acura, and the last NSX, which is reserved for sale to a customer, was decorated in matte Gotham Gray, The PMC specialty plant, sited near American Honda's engine factories, is now producing a limited run of the 2023 Acura TLX Type S PMC Edition. The first generation of the sleek, aluminum-body NSX sports coupe, designed in Japan, appeared in 1990 and was greeted by rave reviews from auto writers and enthusiasts. The car was discontinued in 2005,  but its successor reemerged in 2016 with a hybrid electric powertrain and 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine capable of 573 horsepower.  2022 Acura NSX Type S View 16 Photos The upmarket NSX Type S was revealed in 2021, with an increase to 602 horsepower. Acura made it clear at Monterey Car Week at that time that the Type S was a limited edition and production would be capped at 350 examples globally before the run ended. The upcoming TLX editions will be limited to a run of 100 in each of three NSX-derived colors: Curva Red, 130R White and Long Beach Blue. The first run of PMC TLX cars should be shipping in the next month, according to Acura spokesman Andrew Quillin.  Cars at the Performance Manufacturing Center are hand-built in a spotless work environment and undergo extensive quality control before being shipped to dealers in enclosed transporters. 2023 Acura TLX Type S PMC Edition View 15 Photos