Honda

Honda shows automatic 700 Sports motorcycle

By Mike Hanlon

October 24, 2005 One of the surprises of the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005 which opened on saturday was Honda's showing of a large-size sports motorcycle concept model dubbed the DN-01. The motorcycle is equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a water-cooled, 4-stroke, OHC, V-twin, 2-cylinder, 680cc engine. Most significantly, Honda stated that it "will continue the development of DN-01 with the goal of introducing it to the market in the near future." CVT has already been introduced into the market in a range of scooters with Suzuki's futuristic Burgman scooter the most obvious shining example. Honda's version of the CVt is being touted as different to other CVTs and is described as an hydraulic mechanical continuously variable HFT (Human Fitting Transmission) system featuring two automatic modes and a 6-speed manual mode which the rider operates through buttons on the handlebars. Read More

Honda to unveil key motorcycle safety initiatives: rider trainer and airbags

By Mike Hanlon

October 15, 2005 One of the sad facts about riding a motorcyle is that although it can accelerate quicker and stop faster than an automobile, the lack of a steel cage surrounding the occupants makes a motorcycle much more dangerous – you’re around seven times more likely to die on a motorcycle than a car for an equivalent distance traveled on public roads. So it’s not surprising that the World’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, Honda, is devoting a considerable share of its massive R&D budget to making motorcycles safer. Next week the company will make two significant technology announcements that will save countless lives in coming years – the world’s first motorcycle airbag, and (much) more importantly, the availability of affordable advanced rider simulation machines for every Honda dealership. Rider training is the key to survivability on a motorcycle and Honda’s groundbreaking development of an affordable rider training simulator is to be loudly applauded. In many countries the simulators will become available in every Honda dealership within 12 months, giving it a massive advantage over its competitors in attracting a greater share of new motorcycle riders. Read More

Honda E4-01 900cc scooter

By Mike Hanlon

October 24, 2005 Honda’s media information for the Tokyo Motor Show exhibits was sparse this year and kept everyone guessing as to exactly what was behind the exterior of the motorcycle stand’s central focus – a concept motorcycle with a stylish superscooter exterior dubbed the E4-01. Accompanying the image of the bike was the simple sentence, “Honda's vision of the future begins with the E4-01 concept vehicle which offers customers a new take on motorcycling lifestyles.” The E4-01 has some strong visual similarities to the centrepiece of the 2003 Tokyo Show motorcycle exhibition which was dubbed the Griffon, and the Griffon was an evolution of the 2001 centrepiece, the full-roofed Elysium, both powered by 750cc horizontally opposed motors. Our initial suspicion that it was an electric motorcycle was also wrong. It's a 900cc motorcycle with "sports automatic" transmission, and claims of supersport performance and handling, all wrapped up in scooter styling. Read More

New Honda concepts include a dog-friendly car, a premium fuel cell sedan and a four seater sports car

By Mike Hanlon

October 6, 2005 The Tokyo Motor Show is home ground for the Japanese manufacturers and Honda has indicated its intention to create a massive impression of technological progress at this year’s show due to open in a fortnight. The Concept Vehicle Zone will showcase some new ideas in concept vehicles such as the next-generation, 4-door Sports 4 Concept, designed to make sure everyone in the vehicle shares the exhilaration of the drive; the W.O.W Concept, which offers a more enjoyable, dog-friendly mobile lifestyle; and the FCX Concept, a next-generation premium fuel-cell sedan featuring advanced intelligent technologies, a low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform and a full-sized cabin. Read More

Honda FCX Integrates Hydrogen Station Locating Navigation System

By Mike Hanlon

July 28, 2005 It makes sense that with so few hydrogen service stations yet in service that hydrogen vehicle rivers know where they are, Honda has decided to fit all hydrogen fuel cell-powered 2005 FCX vehicles with a special Honda-developed navigation system. This new navigation system is the first in the world to incorporate the location of hydrogen stations, including stations being developed as part of California's "Hydrogen Highway" Initiative. if you're outside California though, you might need more than a good navigational system - 17 of the 26 hydrogen stations listed in the database are in California. Read More

New Honda Hybrid System with 3-Stage i-VTEC + IMA

By Mike Hanlon

July 15, 2005 Honda will introduce a new Honda Hybrid System in the 2006 Civic Hybrid that features a 3-stage i-VTEC engine that employs Honda’s “intelligent” VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system to provide three stages of valve timing (low-rpm, high-rpm and cylinder idle mode), combined with a significantly more compact and efficient Honda IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. The new Honda Hybrid System will be introduced in the all-new Civic Hybrid, to be launched Q3, and will offer significantly improved performance and fuel economy over the current system. The new Honda Hybrid System employs intelligent engine functions and a more efficient IMA system to achieve an approximate 20 percent increase in system output over the current system and performance similar to a 1.8-liter engine while improving fuel economy by about 5 percent, reducing the system size by 5 percent and significantly improving emissions performance. Read More

US MotoGP: Hayden leads American 1-2

By Mike Hanlon

July 10, 2005 Americans Nicky Hayden and Colin Edwards struck a major blow for the sport of motorcycle road racing when they finished 1-2 and demoted the world’s best rider into third spot at the Red Bull United States Grand Prix here today. In showcasing the world’s best motorcycle racing event to the American public, Hayden and Edwards did their home country proud and will surely have enhanced the prospects for greater acceptance and coverage of MotoGP in the world’s biggest and most important motorcycle marketplace. For Hayden, with a career just beginning and a rockstar’s good looks and persona, his first MotoGP win is expected by many to move him into the elite and make him a regular contender for the win. For Rossi, it was business as usual because although he finish in third place, he extended his points lead to 79 points, giving him a three race lead (at 25 points for a win) with nine races remaining in the title chase. Read More

Honda’s Fuya-jo Party-on-wheels Concept

By Mike Hanlon

History has produced some wonderful concept cars that became significant production models. It has also produced many that were somewhat less than well received. Japan in particular, has an automotive culture which takes significant chances with its concept vehicles, and is often prepared to go well beyond the traditional to explore new niche markets. One such long shot was the Fuya Jo from Honda – the vehicle whose name means "Sleepless City", was designed specifically to transport “party animals who demand the full excitement of night life.” Read More

Honda HSC - the NSX replacement?

By Mike Hanlon

March 3, 2005 The HSC (High-Performance Sports Concept) originally unveiled at last year’s North American International Auto Show was Honda’s main exhibit at the 2005 Melbourne International Motor Show opened today, further fueling speculation the car is the basis for the next generation NSX. Like the NSX it will replace, the HSC builds on decades of Honda’s engineering heritage to deliver the ultimate driving experience in an easy to drive package. Its muscular exterior, with sharp lines and elaborate detail, serve as a teaser for what lies beneath the hood. The two-seater coupe features a mid-mounted DOHC i-VTEC V6 engine delivering in excess of 300 horsepower from 3.5-litres. Read More

Honda Reveals Next Generation Asimo

By Mike Hanlon

December 15 2004 Honda Motor has released details of its next-generation ASIMO robot that has now been under development for 19 years and is widely regarded as the most advanced humanoid robot in the world. The new version processes information far quicker than previous models and is hence more capable of responding to real-world environments. ASIMO incorporates three new major technologies, including "Posture Control" technology, making it possible for ASIMO to run in a natural, human-like way, "Autonomous Continuous Movement" technology, enabling ASIMO to choose a flexible route to a given destination and enhanced visual and force sensor technologies, enabling ASIMO to smoothly interact with people. Read More

Honda/Plug Power test home hydrogen refuelling unit

By Gizmag Team

November 24, 2004 Honda R&D Americas and Plug Power have announced the successful operation of the second-generation Home Energy Station (HES II), a home-based hydrogen refueling solution for fuel cell vehicles that furthers the development of a hydrogen infrastructure, and in turn, a sustainable energy future. HES II is the further evolution of a joint development effort by Honda and Plug Power to produce a home refuelling unit that provides hydrogen from natural gas for vehicle refuelling, heat for domestic hot water use and electricity for the home. Testing of the HES II system will be done in conjunction with demonstration of Honda's 2005 FCX fuel cell car on public roads in the Northeastern U.S. Read More

Honda survey reveals what children want from cars

By Gizmag Team

November 21, 2004 Adults may dismiss flying cars as the stuff of science fiction, but for children, according to a new survey released by Honda, only a flying car will do. Gizmag readers, of course, know that such vehicles are already in development

and that by the time many of the children surveyed here are old enough to drive, flying cars will be a common sight. Read More

Honda NSX Police Car

By Mike Hanlon

We've covered some exotic police cars in Gizmo, such as the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Dodge Magnum SXT, but the unveiling of a Honda NSX in police livery has added weight to the trend. The car was exhibited by Avon and Somerset Police in the UK at a car show and drew some interesting responses from the punters. Read More

Honda Develops Intelligent Night Vision for automobiles

By Mike Hanlon

Honda has announced an Intelligent Night Vision System for automobiles, which uses "far infrared" cameras to detect pedestrians in or approaching the vehicle's path. The system provides the driver with visual and audio cautions to help prevent accidents involving pedestrians. The new system will be available on the Honda Legend in Japan later this year. Read More

Honda announces fuel cell, hybrid and electric scooters

By Mike Hanlon

Honda Motor Company has announced its intentions to hotly contest the sustainable future of two wheel transport by showing several new prototype model developments surrounding fuel cell, electric and hybrid (petrol/electric) scooters. Building on its success with fuel cell automobile technology, the most significant announcement was a scooter powered by its light, compact fuel cell system, the Honda FC Stack. Read More

American Honda Releases Images of Honda Accord Hybrid

By Mike Hanlon

American Honda has released the first images of its 2005 Accord V6 Hybrid, a petrol-electric hybrid car scheduled to go on-sale at Honda's US dealerships later this year. Utilising a next-generation hybrid powertrain, the Accord V6 Hybrid will deliver power and performance above the current 240-horsepower (177kW) Accord V6 with the fuel economy of a compact-class, four-cylinder Civic sedan. It's another sure indicator that the hybrid vehicle is becoming mainstream, at least at the top of the market. Read More

Honda's next generation SUT Truck Concept

By Mike Hanlon

The Honda SUT Concept made its world debut at the 2004 North American International Auto Show as American Honda announced plans for the launch of an all-new sport-utility truck slated for introduction in 2005. Read More

Honda's next-generation Fuel Cell

By Mike Hanlon

Thursday October 16, 2003: Honda's latest example of rapidly advancing fuel cell technology employs a newly developed stack structure to deliver high performance, increased range and power generation at temperatures ranging from -20'C to +95'C. Read More

Another first for Honda's Fuel Cell Car

By Mike Hanlon

Monday August 4, 2003: Honda Motor Co has become the first automaker to supply a fuel cell vehicle to a private corporation with the delivery of a Honda FCX to the Iwatani International Corporation in Tokyo. While six FCX vehicles have been supplied to the public sector since its initial release in December 2002... Read More

Honda's hybrid petrol-electric Insight

By Mike Hanlon

The world's most fuel-efficient Production car AFTER two years on the market the Honda Insight remains one of the most technologically advanced cars on Australian roads. Read More

Honda backs home refueling

By Mike Hanlon

American FuelMaker has shown a natural gas vehicle Home Refueling Appliance (HRA). Due for release in 2003, the HRA is compact in size and can be installed in a garage... Read More

Honda's Insane Valkyrie Rune

By Mike Hanlon

While there are many innovative and technically interesting respects to this motorcycle, it is the outrageous styling which will make the bike a milestone in motorcycle history - it is so different to anything previously seen, that it just could be the first of a new breed. Read More

Honda X Wing

By Mike Hanlon

Honda's X-Wing luxury touring concept prototype surfaced in Tokyo in 1999 and for some reason has never seen the light of the showroom floor. More's the pity! From the press kit - "Speeding down Europe's autobahns like a wind from the Alps, this near future sports tourer is powered by an exceptionally smooth running V6 engine. It's adjustable fairing provides superb aerodynamic performance, and it's elegant shape proves the maxim that form does indeed follow function. Featuring a next generation Combined Brake System + ABS, an electronically controlled Traction Control System, a multifunctional navigation system and an internet capable display monitor, and a two-way rider/pillion communication system, this machine is a showcase of state-of-the-future motorcycle technology. Safe, clean, efficient, and comfortable, the X-Wing raises tandem touring to truly new levels of elegance and performance." Read More

Honda aims to create humanoid robots for reliable home help

By Mike Hanlon

The word 'robot' was once synonymous with creatures made in the image of man - humanoids. In recent years the science of robotics has broadened perception of robotic 'form', but advances by Honda look likely to again raise humanoids' profile. Read More