2019 Civic Si 2dr Coupe on 2040-cars

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Honda introducing all-new EV, PHEV models by 2018

Honda finally showed off its FCV Concept (with our first glimpse of its interior) to a North American audience at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show today, but the big news from the Japanese automaker was that the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will be joined in the market by two new alternative fuel vehicles by 2018. One is an all-new pure battery electric vehicle and the other is an all-new plug-in hybrid. Details on the new vehicles were slimmer than the skinniest hipster jeans in all of Detroit, but the announcement shows that Honda wants to grow its portfolio of alt-fuel powertrains in the not-too-distant future. Honda currently sells the Fit EV and various Accord hybrids, and also showed off the upcoming Acura NSX here in Detroit this week. Ryan Harty, Honda's manager of environmental business development, said that these vehicles are all in service of the upcoming stricter CAFE fuel economy requirements. "Leading up to 2025 [the 54.5 mpg level], in order to meet regulation – not just US but globally – and more to meet our customer's expectations, we think big improvements in ICE engines can meet those," he said. "But also very exciting to all of us at Honda is our upcoming electromobility products. We really are building the foundational blocks to get to where we need to go after 2025." "We want to bring these vehicles to market in significant volume." - Ryan Harty That means vehicles that devour electricity. "Honda is very optimistic about the future of electromobility," Harty said, "not just the hybrids that we've already brought out but how those hybrids and our experience with fuel cell vehicles and battery electric Fit EV and Accord plug-in hybrids is giving us the confidence to launch a brand-new generation of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. This will be a new sales pillar for American Honda. We want to bring these vehicles to market in significant volume." Honda says that it will also use, "further application of two- and three-motor hybrid systems" in the US. The fuel cell concept will arrive as a production version after March 2016. That is when it is scheduled to launch in Japan, with US deliveries happening some time later. In the near-term, though, expect better VTEC turbo engines to power more Honda vehicles while using comparatively less fuel. Honda says it will invest $340 million at the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio to build a new 4-cylinder engine. Down the road, though, its electrons over petroleum.

2016 Honda Civic caught uncovered, street parked

Well, someone must have screwed up. That's the only thing that explains why an all-new Honda Civic was just left on a rainy street, completely free of camouflage, less than a week before its official unveiling. Snapped by a very observant member of the CivicX.com forums, the gray sedan reveals all the changes made by Honda while transitioning the popular New York Auto Show concept into an actual production model. The prominent C-shaped taillights remain, and the fastback shape translates really nicely from coupe to sedan, giving the new Civic a far more sporting greenhouse. Speaking of that profile, the prominent wheel arch reminds us of a Mazda3 with a shorter hood – that's no crack against the Civic's design – while the prominent chrome grille topper ties together the headlights. The result of these changes is, at least in our mind, arguably the best-looking Civic in decades. Honda has finally realized that just because a consumer only has $20,000 to $25,000 to spend on a compact car, it doesn't mean they don't care about aesthetics or style. We'll have much more on the new Civic at its official debut next week. Stay tuned. Related Video:

Honda recalls 250K vehicles because connecting rod bearings can fail

DETROIT — Honda is recalling nearly 250,000 vehicles in the U.S. because bearings can fail, causing the engines to stall and increasing the risk of a crash. The recall covers certain 2018 and 2019 Honda Pilot SUVs and Odyssey minivans and some 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline pickup trucks. Also affected are certain 2015 to 2020 Acura TLX cars and some 2016 to 2020 Acura MDX SUVs. Honda says in documents posted Friday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that connecting rod bearings in the engine can wear and seize due to a manufacturing error, damaging the engines. The engines could run improperly or stall while being driven, increasing the risk of a fire, crash or injury. The automaker says in documents that it has 1,450 warranty claims due to the problem but no reports of injuries. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the engines if needed. Owners will be notified by mail starting Jan. 2. Recalls Acura Honda