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Honda CR-Z gets much-needed supercharger

Honda has really taken its time in getting an aftermarket supercharger kit for the CR-Z to enthusiasts in the US. It's finally on sale, though, and it makes you wonder if the hybrid hatchback shouldn't have had it from the day it went on sale.
The supercharger kit developed by Honda Performance Development boosts output from the CR-Z's 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine to 197 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, according to Honda spokesperson Jessica Howell, an improvement of 67 hp and 36 lb-ft. It also adds an air-to-air intercooler, high-flow fuel injectors, a recalibrated ECU and new air filter for $5,495, before installation. However, the setup only works for six-speed manual transmission models from the 2013 and 2014 model years. If you want to take things even further, HPD is also offering an optional limited slip differential for $1,375 and sport clutch for $640, according to Howell.
Development of the supercharger kit has been ongoing for years. We first saw it on the CR-Z Mugen RZ in 2012 in Japan, in which it barely bumped power to 153 hp. Later at SEMA, Honda improved things to a more respectable 185 hp. Then in 2013, we actually got to drive an early version boasting 190 hp and found it a solid improvement over the stock powertrain. It appears Honda had some further tweaks to get things to the current 197 ponies. More good news: assuming you get the package installed at a dealer, the car maintains the balance of its 5 year/ 60,000 mile Honda limited powertrain warranty.

NYIAS: 2017 Honda Ridgeline marketing screwup

While checking out all the cars and trucks during the press days of the NYIAS I noticed that the Ridgeline was MIA at the Honda truck display on the lower level. Yes, it was on display at the Honda car display up on the main level — but this is a truck, not a car. Now critics of the Ridgeline will disagree with me here I'm sure, saying the Ridgeline was displayed exactly where it belongs: with Honda "cars." I beg to differ, obviously. There should have been several Ridgelines on display, and showing the various trim lines — and it should have been at both Honda displays. The one they did have on display was the high-zoot Black Edition, similar to the one pictured above. I spoke with Honda reps at both their car and truck displays about this, and their response was that the vehicle is not yet on sale. Duh... The last Ridgeline suffered from abandonment from Honda's marketing department, almost from the get-go; the result being dismal sales. If this new Ridgeline is to have any chance of succeeding, it needs to be plastered EVERYWHERE — and especially everywhere at one of the biggest auto shows on the planet. Truck buyers need to see it, touch it, sit in it, in all trim levels, and experience it as much as possible. What better place to do that than at the NYIAS? Yeah, it's not on sale yet, but it will be in a few short months. You blew it Honda. Big time. Again. Related Video:

Honda recalls 2016 Civic 2.0-liter engine for piston issue

The Basics: Honda will recall 42,129 examples of the 2016 Honda Civic sedan with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the US. These models have build dates between September 22, 2015, and February 3, 2016. The issue does not affect the Civic Coupe. The Problem: The pistons might not have a wrist pin circlip or the part's installation could be incorrect. This problem could cause the engine to seize, leading to engine damage and an increased risk of fire or a crash. Injuries/Deaths: There are no deaths, but there was an unconfirmed report of a minor injury that didn't require medical attention, according to Honda. There was also a report of one engine fire, which was separate from the minor injury. The Fix: Dealers will inspect the engines and replace any damaged parts as necessary. If You Own One: Honda won't have the parts ready until this summer. Owners will receive initial notification about the recall in March, and they'll get a second letter when the components are ready. More Information: Honda already issued a stop sale on the 2016 Civic Sedan equipped with the 2.0-liter engine due to this problem. RECALL Subject : Piston Wrist Pin Circlips may not be Secured Report Receipt Date: FEB 09, 2016 NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V074000 Component(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Potential Number of Units Affected: 42,129 All Products Associated with this Recall close Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) HONDA CIVIC 2016 Details Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) SUMMARY: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Civic vehicles manufactured September 22, 2015, to February 3, 2016 and equipped with 2.0L engines. The affected vehicles have engines with piston assemblies that may have been manufactured without a piston wrist pin circlip or with an incorrectly installed piston wrist pin circlip. CONSEQUENCE: If a circlip is missing or incorrectly installed, the piston wrist pin may not be secure and may drift and damage the engine cylinder causing the engine to seize, and increasing the risk of a crash or a fire. REMEDY: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the piston assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Parts are expected to be available in the Summer of 2016. Owners will be mailed an interim notification beginning March 15, 2016, and will be mailed a second notice when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's number for this recall is JX9.