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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #317 LIVE!

We record Autoblog Podcast #317 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #317
Mitsubishi Mirage

Honda recalls small number of 2016 CR-V models for airbags

Thought you'd heard the last bit of news regarding exploding airbags from Takata? Think again. Honda has issued a recall for the 2016 CR-V to replace driver-side front airbag modules. Fortunately, only 515 vehicles are covered by this recall, and only 30 affected models were actually in the hands of consumers. And, if you own a 2016 CR-V and haven't gotten a phone call from Honda, you're apparently in the clear. On October 10, 2015, an airbag inflator made by Takata ruptured in Monclova, Mexico, while being tested. Two days later, Takata notified Honda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, prompting this recall. According to Honda's official announcement, though, this faulty inflator is not believed to be the same issue that caused automakers around the globe to recall 19.2 million (and counting) vehicles to replace defective airbag modules that were also made by Takata. Whether that's comforting or not, we'll let you decide. We've included both the official recall notice from NHTSA and the statement from Honda below. Here's hoping the faulty inflator that caused this recall was nothing more than a single defective part. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Driver Side Air Bag Inflator may Rupture Report Receipt Date: OCT 29, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V714000 Component(s): AIR BAGS Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) SUMMARY: American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CR-V vehicles manufactured October 12, 2015, to October 19, 2015. The metal housing surrounding the driver's air bag inflator in these vehicles may have been manufactured incorrectly. CONSEQUENCE: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. REMEDY: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 4, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda'a number for this recall is JV9. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. Statement by American Honda Regarding Driver Front Airbag Module Recall: 2016 Honda CR-V Oct 30, 2015 - TORRANCE, Calif.

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.