You'll Get a Real Charge Out of This!!

HONDA has begun handing over the keys to its all-electric Fit EV. The first of the 2013-model cars have been delivered to Google, Stanford University and the city of Torrance, Calif., in advance of the public introduction this summer.
The three first cars will be part of a demonstration program to provide advanced research and driving feedback that Honda can use in the development of future electric cars and powertrains.
The initial recipients have particular reasons for wanting to take the wheel. For Torrance, where Honda’s American operations are based, the Fit EV will be passed around to various departments like management and parks and recreation. The goal is to learn whether an all-electric city fleet would be feasible.
“They’re also looking at this as an opportunity for how Torrance can become a city of the future,” said a Honda spokeswoman, Jessica Fini. That process will include increasing public awareness about electric vehicles and evaluating a charging infrastructure for the city.
At Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., the Fit EV will become part of what is called the G-fleet — alternative-power vehicles in the company’s car-sharing program — and will give Honda feedback on what multiple drivers like and don’t like about the car.
Perhaps the most intriguing research will be done by the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford. It took possession of the Fit EV as part of a research project involving behavioral aspects associated with the adoption of new technology. Drivers will be outfitted with electrodes, enabling researchers to measure human reactions to the car’s noises and alerts — when the car runs low on power, for example. Gasoline and electric Fits will make up the Stanford fleet.
Civilians interested in a Fit EV — without the electrodes — will have the opportunity first in certain areas of California and Oregon. Ms. Fini said those states were selected “because they’re mainly ground zero for electric vehicles, having the highest number of early adopters and charging infrastructures, so we felt they were the best markets to start.”
Availability will expand to some East Coast markets in spring 2013. The car is offered with only a three-year lease at a cost estimated at $399 a month.
Prospective customers can learn more about the Fit EV and fill out an application at fitev.honda.com. Honda says the site will expand in the spring with more information about the car.
Ms. Fini said the vetting process for potential lessees would include whether the applicant’s life style was conducive to having an electric vehicle, looking at factors like the length of the daily commute and whether a charger could be installed at home.
This is Honda’s second plunge into the world of battery-electric vehicles; it offered the Honda EV Plus for several years starting in 1997.
The Fit EV, based on the gasoline-powered Fit hatchback, made its debut at the Los Angeles auto show in November. It is powered by a 92-kilowatt electric motor and a 20-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The driving range is estimated at 76 miles on a charge in combined city and highway driving.

Come on In - You Can Be the Judge - Drive the all new 2012 Honda CR-V Today!

Honda's new 2012 CR-V, certainly look all-new!

It has a degree of styling and refinement that just didn't exist in the three previous generations. It also rides and handles with confidence born out of recent engineering and development.

Recent owners are commenting on the 2012 CR-V's many admirable qualities -- and its price tag that starts at $23,105.

The powertrain has also been updated. A 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine powers the CR-V, and it's paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. And the engine has been tweaked to produce five more horsepower and two more pound-feet of torque, for totals of 185 and 163, respectively.

Engineers also worked to reduce friction on both the transmission and the engine to make them more efficient. The result is an appreciable bump in fuel economy -- 3 miles per gallon better on the highway.

Front-wheel-drive CR-Vs now get 23 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway, while models with the optional full-time all-wheel-drive are rated at 22 mpg and 30 mpg, respectively.

Even the base level two-wheel-drive LX model comes standard with tech goodies like:

• a backup camera,


• Bluetooth,


• keyless entry,


• a 160-watt stereo,


• a feature that reads your text messages to you, and


• a full-color screen at the top of the dashboard for the trip computer and stereo display

Seating is a comfortable affair, if you're up front. But the rear seats and their church-pew flat seat backs left a little to be desired over long rides. At least space isn't an issue; 6-foot-plus passengers can ride in the back with plenty of legroom and headroom. Plus, the floor is flat so the middle passenger can enjoy a trip without chewing on their kneecaps.

The New CR-Vs are here now. And our invitation is an open one. We'd like to hear your comments.

Honda Unveils 2013 Accord Coupe Concept

Honda's tradition of 'evolving' it's product line may be shifting to a more daring form of design. It is not known to be revolutionary, even with a rollout of a brand new 'reengineered' editiont. The changes are generally modest even with a latest version of a product. Save for the Accord Concept that was recently showcased at the Detroit Auto Show, This Honda seems to reflect a stronger commitment to the styling of our times, where theres a demand for showing, yet not overstating a flowing more flamboyant style. This not at the expense of performance, comfort and convenience.

While it doesn't look significantly different from the current Accord, when you give it a second glance, a close second glance, there are some significant details that 'pop'. Like rounded curves and a more flowing design that replace the Accord's earlier profile.

A much more muscular look that started to emerge in 2008, is now accentuated with the introduction of arching lines over the rear fender and the addition of a larger grille. The hood now bulges at the front, making the coupe look more muscular as if Honda is ready to flex it's muscles.

Honda's concepts are usually a clear indicator of what the production version will look like, though some of the wilder pieces on the concept car, such as the multi-reflector headlights and chrome-surrounded fog lights, won't likely make it to production.

Are you ready for 20-inch wheels? Talk about 'something to crave', the concept car is equiped with 20-inchers that look surprisingly well proportioned to the body and wheel wells of this concept Accord Coupe. The concept's arching fender lines are a sleek addition to the very angular and straight-shooting current Accord coupe.

Look for the production version this fall.

When it comes to mobility...Honda does more!

Last month the 'Power of Dreams' was once again realized and demonstrated....not on the ground,but in the air.

The headline reads, "Honda Aircraft Achieves First Flight of Third FAA-Conforming HondaJet and Announces Milestone on Remaining Test Fleet" Honda Aircraft Company announced on the one-year anniversary of flight testing of its first FAA design-conforming HondaJet aircraft, that its third conforming aircraft, referred to as "F2," joined flight test and has been conducting extensive flight testing since its first flight on Nov. 18, 2011. This milestone marks important progress toward the HondaJet's certification.
The point of this post is simple: Honda produces quality mobility solutions, for use in the Air, on the Ground and at Sea. And their commitment to quality, reliability, durability can be found manifest in every Honda Car and Truck. The proof is in the product. What are you driving?