Tag Archives: Honda

2022 Honda Civic Si: Keeper of the Flame

October 19, 2021 admin

The next Honda Civic Si is here, and on paper, it seems to keep the flame going nicely.

Not just in terms of performance specs, but also in terms of how the Si tends to differentiate itself from other Civics. This Si appears to be similar to the previous-gen car in terms of how it’s set apart from the lineup.

Well, there is one difference — the car appears to offer a bit more in terms of niceties, when it comes to comfort and convenience features, than previous versions.

For example, Si is offered with a 9-inch touchscreen for infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bose audio system as standard.

Ah, but you care about the performance stuff. Here it is: An updated 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (2oo horsepower, 192 lb-ft of torque) with a lighter flywheel and what Honda claims are broader power curves, suspension changes that are meant to improve both ride and handling, a 60-percent stiffer torsion bar for the steering system, a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission that uses the same rev-matching system as the Civic Type R, a limited-slip differential, and a new drive mode that customizes settings for the individual driver.

Of course, the Si wouldn’t be the Si without certain appearance and styling bits. In this case, it means a more aggressive front bumper and a rear bumper that’s been changed to show off the exhaust tips. There’s a front spoiler hidden under the car and a black rear spoiler in plain sight. Gloss-black trim adorns the sideview mirrors and window surrounds, and LED head- and taillights are standard. The standard 18-inch wheels are matte black with 10 spokes, and a new orange color is available for Sis — and only Sis.

Inside, the car gets Si-specific sport seats with Si logos, and there is red contrast stitching throughout the cabin. The gauge cluster includes a 7-inch display screen.

Honda claims an 8 percent increase in torsional rigidity and a 13 percent increase in bending rigidity. The rear track is widened by half an inch and the wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer. Spring rates are increased by 8 percent upfront and 54 percent in the rear, and new dampers are tuned specifically for the Si. The front MacPherson struts have reinforced upper mounts. The 27 mm front hollow stabilizer bar and 18 mm rear solid stabilizer bar are both thicker than before.

Stiffer front and rear bushings are borrowed from the Type R, along with rear upper arms and lower B-arms.

Adding more “go” necessitates adding more “whoa”, so the car gets bigger brakes than regular Civics — 12.3-inch rotors up front (+1.2) and 11.1-inch units in the rear (+0.9 inches). Summer tires are optional, otherwise, all-seasons are standard.

The company’s HondaSensing suite of safety tech is standard, too.

The 2022 Honda Civic Si will be built in Ontario, Canada, with the engine being produced in Anna, Ohio.

[Images: Honda]

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America’s Top 10: the bestselling vehicles in the United States

July 7, 2021 admin

If America’s favorite flavor is vanilla, it’s a preference that can be seen in its 10 most popular vehicles. With the first half of the year now in the history books, it’s interesting to note that while the Pandemic changed much in Americans’ lives, it did little to change their automotive preferences.

Toyota nabbed four of the ten most popular vehicles, Honda two. Nissan, GM, Ford and Stellantis round out the list. Notably, the list mirrors the current new car market, with cars accounting for 30% of the slots, with the remainder consisting of trucks and SUVs.

10. Toyota Highlander: 144,380 units

Now in its fourth generation, the Toyota Highlander continues to please with its practicality, comfortable nature, impressive safety, and frugality with fuel. Boring? Perhaps. But it excites those who needs a stellar family hauler. Prices start at $35,085.

9. Honda Civic: 152,956 units

A perennial favorite now in its 10^th generation, the newest version reached dealer showrooms in June. The combination of clearance pricing on the old Civic and the arrival of a new model contributed to a 19.6% sales increase. Prices start at $21,700.

8. Toyota Corolla: 155,531 units

Given that the Corolla sedan and hatchback’s sales rose nearly 42% this year, Toyota’s decision to continue producing passenger cars when Detroit automakers dropped them seems like a winning idea. Prices start at $20,025.

7. Toyota Camry: 177,671 units

It’s no surprise that the Camry remains America’s most popular passenger car, a position it’s held since 1997 – with the exception of 2001. Sales rose 41% this year, a gift handed to them by GM, Ford and Chrysler. Prices start at $25,045.

6. Nissan Rogue: 182,289 units

When it comes to nomenclature, there’s nothing rogue about the redesigned 2021 Nissan Rogue. Yet its boxy new wardrobe, roomy cabin, and vast range of capabilities make it far more competitive. No wonder sales rose 70% this year. Prices start at $25,850.

5. Honda CR-V: 213,199 units

The CR-V has long proven adept at serving middle America on its virtues: a spacious cabin, lot of space to stash stuff, great fuel economy and the choice of a turbocharged or hybrid driveline. Demand rose 54% in 2021. Prices start at $25,350.

4. Toyota RAV4: 221,195 units

With the addition of a plug-in hybrid model, the Toyota RAV4 remains the most popular crossover SUV in the country, with year over year sales up 20.6%. Credit its dynamic design, which is no longer a stylistic sleep aid. Prices start at $26,250.

3. Chevrolet Silverado: 286,410 units

If there’s any sign that the Silverado’s redesign missed the mark, it can be seen in its decline to third place behind its competitors from Ram and Ford. Sales were up 8.3%, although light-duty model demand rose only 3%. Prices start at $29,300.

2. Ram Pickup: 313,068 units

Boldly styled with a sophisticated well-thought out cabin, Ram pickup sales have risen 27.5% this year on the strength of a constant flow of special edition models, including the new high-performance TRX edition. Prices start at $33,250.

1. Ford F-Series: 362,032 units

Entering the year with an all-new look, a new hybrid model, in addition to its high-performance and forthcoming all-electric variants, the F-150 remains America’s best-selling vehicle for 39 consecutive years for good reason. Yet microchip shortages has contributed to a 1.5% sales decline this year, with Ram outselling it in the second quarter. Prices start at $29,290.

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Honda Looking to Get a Little More Rugged with Trailsport Moniker?

April 9, 2021 admin

The new Honda Ridgeline gets a more rugged exterior update for the 2021 model year. Could a Trailsport edition be coming soon?

Is Honda trying to make its trucks and SUVs appear to be tougher? Maybe.

The Japanese automaker’s secured a new name: Trailsport. When compared to RAV4, Passport and Pilot, Trailsport seems almost vicious by comparison. The automaker registered the name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and website Carbuzz tracked it down.

The application reads as follows: “The mark consists of a miscellaneous design set above the term TRAILSPORT with the letters ‘R’ and ‘S’ connected together all in a stylized font. This trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of land vehicles, namely, sport utility vehicles, automobiles, trucks, and structural parts for the foregoing.”

Getting a little tougher

There’s no clear indication if Honda intends to use it for new vehicle or, more likely, a special edition or trim package, such as the Honda Ridgeline Trailsport.

Subaru is offering up a beefed up version of the Outback called the Wilderness edition.

Regardless, the company’s been looking to add more capability to its trucks and utes, toughening up the look of aforementioned Ridgeline for the 2021 model year after the previous iteration was roundly criticized for its “soft” or non-traditional appearance.

In addition to the new look, it also got additional tweaks to keep the functionality the Ridgeline has touted both in terms of utility and performance, including the top standard payload capacity for a V6 all-wheel-drive truck.

The biggest change for 2021 is the truck’s overall exterior shape, which is altered by getting an entirely new front-end design. The new look is a bit more aggressive with a “power bulge” on the hood accented with a more squared-off front end and bigger, more upright grille. Most of its competitors have been upsizing the grilles on their trucks and looking for “tougher” monikers for their vehicles too.

Following a trend

Subaru just launched a new family of more rugged off-roaders with its new Wilderness edition offerings, starting

The new Pathfinder’s sporting a more rugged look for the 2022 model year.

with the new 2022 Outback Wilderness. The automaker described the ’22 Subaru Outback Wilderness as “the most rugged and capable” version of the crossover in its history.

Once little more than a gussied-up station wagon, the new Wilderness model adds features designed to give it serious off-road credibility, starting with an increase in its ride height, upgrades to the suspension, revisions to its all-wheel-drive system and a standard front skid plate. The automaker will expand the line-up to include Forester and Crosstrek in the near future.

With competition like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Gladiator Mojave and the Ford Bronco harkening back to a rougher, tougher time and the increasing desire of owners to take these vehicles that look like SUVs out to do SUV-like things, it’s no surprise that other automakers are hustling to bolster their crossovers and urban-friendly utes.

Don’t forget Nissan

For the 2022 model year, Nissan’s finally given the Frontier midsize pickup a major makeover.

Nissan did the same with its 2022 Pathfinder and Frontier entries with one executive proclaiming the Pathfinder has “returned to its rugged roots,” for the new model year. While the Pathfinder got a more muscular look and a few small upgrades to improve its off-cement capability, it was the Frontier that got a big boost.

The new Frontier adopts a more solid and upright appearance with a bolder, less derivative front end. All versions of the truck get enhanced ground clearance and enhanced approach and departure angles, with a prominent front skid plate.

For those who are serious about off-roading, there’s a new Pro-4X version featuring an electronic locking differential, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and underbody skid plates. That could enhance Frontier’s appeal to those who might otherwise consider the Toyota Tacoma, for many the off-road benchmark of the segment. The Pro-4X is all-wheel drive but for those who want a 2WD model, the new Pro-X adds LED head, DRL and fog lights for a more rugged appearance.

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Honda Ups Its Game with Level 3 Autonomous Technology Suite

March 9, 2021 admin

Honda just launched its next-generation Honda SENSING Elite safety system with Level 3 automated driving features in Japan.

Honda revealed it’s taking the next step in the development of its autonomous technology, announcing plans to begin leasing a vehicle in Japan equipped with Honda SENSING Elite.

The Japanese automaker is offering the system in the new Honda Legend EX, which in the U.S. is part of the Acura brand. The automaker claims the move is part of the effort “to realize a collision-free society based on its global safety slogan, ‘Safety for Everyone.’” Honda enjoys a reputation for the research and development of innovative safety technologies.

Honda SENSING Elite is a variation of Honda SENSING, a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies currently available on Honda vehicles around the world.

Automaker improves technology

The technology suite qualifies as a Level 3 autonomous driving system, for which Honda received the designation from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) late last year. This system lets the vehicle “drive” itself under very specific traffic circumstances.

Honda’s new Level 3 automated driving system uses a camera to monitor the driver.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines Level 3 autonomy as “able to detect the environment around them, Level 3 vehicles contain the lowest-tier system that is classified as an automated driving system as opposed to a manual system.” Tesla’s Autopilot and Cadillac’s Super Cruise systems are considered Level 2.

How it works

The system uses a combination of 3-D high-definition maps as well as satellite positioning to determine the vehicle’s position and road conditions at any given moment. Additional data is collected from external sensors and cameras providing information about the vehicle’s surroundings and the driver’s condition for the system as well.

Based on this wide range of information, the main electronic control unit, or ECU, recognizes current and anticipates future conditions to help the driver with all aspects of driving, such as acceleration, braking and steering. Some of the key features of the system include:

Hands-off functionality with adaptive in-lane driving and active lane-change assist with hands-off function (driver and system assessment)

Honda’s Hands-off functionality features a variety of capabilities, including active lane-change assist.
Traffic Jam Pilot with emergency stop assist
Human-Machine Interface that instantly tells the driver the system’s operating status

Honda simulated about 10 million patterns of possible real-world situations during system development. Additionally, the automaker conduced real-world demonstration tests on expressways for a total of approximately 800,000 miles. And the system incorporates a redundant system design to ensure safety and reliability in the event of a problem with any of the devices.

Industry looking to make inroads

Honda’s announcement is just the latest made by OEMs concerning the development of AI tech. On Feb. 1, Ford and Google unveiled a strategic partnership to accelerate Ford’s transformation in the form of a new collaborative group, Team Upshift.

Ford also named Google Cloud its preferred cloud provider to use Google’s expertise in data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).

Honda’s Level 3 technology provides plenty of feedback to the driver.

On Jan. 19, GM revealed that the company along with tech developer Cruise entered a long-term strategic relationship with Microsoft to accelerate the commercialization of self-driving vehicles.

To realize the potential of cloud computing for self-driving vehicles, Cruise will use Azure, Microsoft’s cloud and edge computing platform, to commercialize its unique autonomous vehicle solutions at scale.

Microsoft, as Cruise’s preferred cloud provider, will also use the autonomous tech company’s expertise in product development. Microsoft joined GM, Honda and institutional investors in a combined new equity investment of more than $2 billion in Cruise, bringing the post-money valuation of Cruise to $30 billion.

Honda Pulls Trigger for New CEO

February 19, 2021 admin

Toshihiro Mibe, Honda’s new CEO, previously head the company’s research and development operations.

Despite saying it wouldn’t happen just 24 hours ago, it happened: Honda Motor Co. named Toshihiro Mibe, head of its research and development operations, as its new CEO starting April 1.

Mibe, who’s been with the company for more than three decades, takes over for Takahiro Hachigo, who joined the automaker in June 2015. Hachigo told the media that he “made a decision to hand over the baton of the presidency” to Mibe to get some “fresh” perspectives into the company.

Observers speculated for weeks that change was in the air at the automaker, especially since Hachigo pushed for a focus on the development of electric vehicles and achieving carbon neutrality. He also worked to solidify the existing business in order to stabilize and strengthen the company overall.

Change is hard

Hachigo noted some of the initiatives he pushed for required some tough decisions. “… we carried out fundamental reforms without being bound by conventional ways of doing things.

Takahiro Hachigo said he was passing “the baton” on to Mibe to keep fresh ideas coming to the company.

“This included the optimization of our product development system and production capacity, which resulted in making some major decisions for Honda such as discontinuation of production at our plants in Sayama (Japan) and in Europe.”

During his tenure, the company enjoyed strong growth in China, the world’s largest automotive market. The company’s production levels in China doubled during his nearly six-year tenure atop the company. He said the company was now going to “begin harvesting the fruit” of the tough decisions made to improve and streamline operations.

Things will carry on

Speculation about Mibe’s ascension centered on several areas, but one that came to light is that he took the traditional path to the CEO’s chair. Working in a variety of areas of the company, including a stop to lead its research and development efforts, often considered a precursor to the top spot.

Mibe and Hachigo worked together on many of the changes implemented during his tenure. It appears that he’s going to continue much of what his predecessor started.

Honda COO Seiji Kuraishi will help with the transition.

“I would like to lead ‘new Honda’ by demonstrating my own strengths to the fullest extent,” he said. “In particular, I will further accelerate our “preparation for future growth” and start putting our plans into action.

“In other words, I am now going to construct a ‘building,’ which is the future of Honda, on the foundation of existing businesses that Mr. Hachigo solidified. And this building must have a resilience that can withstand this period of this ‘once in a hundred years’ transformation.”

Hachigo will move to a director’s position on the company’s board.

Honda Rebounds From Cyber Attack; So, What Happened?

June 11, 2020 admin

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Anastasiia Moiseieva/Shutterstock

Struck by a cyber attack on its global computer network that temporarily knocked out a few factories and most of its customer service centers, Honda is reporting that things are gradually returning to normal.

“Work is being undertaken to minimize the impact and to restore full functionality of production, sales and development activities,” the company said in a statement earlier this week.

Impacted facilities are supposedly already in decent shape, and the business hopes to move past this in short order. But what actually happened?

According to the informed nerds at Tech Crunch, Honda was made subject to “Snake ransomware.” The file-encrypting malware basically jumbles all the data on a network (or access to it) so it cannot be used by its owner and can be rescinded after the criminals are paid off — usually with digital currencies. Honda said that it doesn’t believe any files were pulled but its network had been held for ransom by unsavory actors. It also admitted that it didn’t have all the answers just yet.

Factories, including the plant in Marysville, Ohio, are said to be resuming operations today or tomorrow. Customer service is still reporting issues, however. There are also lingering concerns from experts that the corporation could be vulnerable to subsequent attacks until a rigorous investigation has been completed.

From Tech Crunch:

Brett Callow, a threat analyst at security firm Emsisoft, said a sample of the file-encrypting malware was uploaded to VirusTotal, a malware analysis service, referencing an internal Honda subdomain, mds.honda.com.

“The ransomware will only encrypt files on systems capable of resolving this domain but, as the domain does not exist on the clear net, most systems would not be able to resolve it. mds.honda.com may well exist on the internal nameserver used by Honda’s intranet, so this is a fairly solid indicator that Honda was indeed hit by Snake,” said Callow.

Honda finds itself in similar company to IT giant Cognizant, cyber insurer Chubb, and defense contractor CPI, all of which were hit by ransomware this year.

Honda was hit with ransomware before, in 2017 — along with Renault, Nissan, Dacia and a bunch of other companies we don’t care about because they don’t build cars. It’s no stranger to digital shenanigans. But the aforementioned WannaCry attacks haven’t made it invulnerable to similar intrusions. Likewise, a lot of the more recent cyber attacks are presumed to have state backing due to their increasing levels of complexity. We don’t envy corporations having to contend with these attacks, least of all now that they seem to be coded by professionals.

Honda hasn’t mentioned what was lost in the attack, or even if it caved to the demands. For what it’s worth, it did say that there was “no current evidence of loss of personally identifiable information” and that most facilities are already operational. Let’s hope it stays that way.

[Image: Anastasiia Moiseieva/Shutterstock]

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