2014 Honda Civic Coupe Ignites Opening Day of 2013 SEMA Show

The 2014 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show was recently held in Las Vegas. (November 4–November 7)

It is the premier automotive specialty products trade event. It draws an international attendence that include 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries. The sky is the limit in terms of profit oppotunity in the truck, SUV, automotive powersports and RV markets. In 2012 the SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.

So needless to say having the spotlight on your product has it's advantages. Honda owners cantake pride in the recognition for what they drive. Not just by ownership but by association. As I Honda Car and Truck Sales Associate I am proud of the product that we represent here at Hendrick Honda Bradenton.

A significantly updated 2014 Honda Civic Coupe (http://automobiles.honda.com/2014-civic/) made its world debut today at the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, offering a first look at new exterior styling updates to America's best-selling1 compact car. Honda also announced that the performance-oriented Civic Si will benefit from increased power and larger wheels and tires, making both the two- and four-door varieties even more fun to drive.

Honda also surprised performance enthusiasts by announcing plans to begin sales of street-oriented performance parts developed by Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD), Honda's U.S.-based race engineering company, starting with a full range of performance accessories for the CR-Z sport hybrid coupe (http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/hpd.aspx) that go on-sale at Honda dealerships today. A power-boosting CR-Z supercharger package will follow in the spring of 2014. In the longer term, HPD engineers are also investigating other models and platforms in order to expand Honda's street performance product line.

"With the further advancement of the 2014 Civic Coupe and Si models and an exciting path forward for performance parts drawing on our racing experience we are making a statement about our commitment to the fun to drive character of the Honda brand", said John Mendel, executive vice president auto sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The 2014 Civic Coupe and Coupe Si

Following a major refresh of Civic Sedan styling for 2013, Honda turns its attention to the Civic Coupe and Coupe Si, implementing a host of exterior design changes that include a more aggressive grille, hood, front fenders and headlight design. Additional Coupe exterior changes include new taillight lenses, sportier front and rear bumpers, new side mirrors and new wheel designs.

The Civic Si Coupe benefits from the same styling enhancements as the standard Civic Coupe but adds Si-exclusive design cues, including a unique lower front bumper garnish, larger rear decklid spoiler, a distinctive front spoiler and sporty rear air diffuser. The Civic Si Sedan picks up on these same cues, and both the Si Coupe and Si Sedan get larger, 18-inch (+1 inch) wheels and tires with new wheel designs.

The performance-tuned Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan also get a retuned exhaust system that helps boost peak output to 205 horsepower2 (+4 horsepower) and 174 lb-ft of torque3 (+4 ft-lb).

More details about the full 2014 Civic lineup will be made available at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.

Civics on Display

On display at Honda's SEMA showcase are a 2014 Civic Si Coupe, a 2014 Civic Coupe EX-L equipped with a Honda Genuine Accessories aero kit and 18-inch wheels, the HPD Civic Si Coupe Race Car and the HPD Civic Street Performance Concept, an aggressive street performance concept featuring many HPD racing parts that currently only are available for sanctioned race cars.

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid - 9th Generation

1976 was the year America celebrated its 200th birthday and the year we first introduced the Accord. This year, we celebrate another Honda milestone: our 31st year of manufacturing the Accord here in the United States (using domestic and globally sourced parts).

Thirty-one years ago, our first American-made Accord came off the production line at our Marysville, Ohio plant. It was the first Japanese-nameplate assembled in the U.S. Since then, we've built millions of Accord vehicles in America, growing the Honda culture and opportunities across the country. We're proud that we've been able to grow here and share our success with the communities in which we operate. With its smart size and excellent fuel economy ratings, the first-generation Accord was a hot seller in the 1970s.The second-generation Accord was the first Honda automobile to be assembled in the U.S.A.1986 marked the introduction of a notably sleeker Accord, picking up styling cues from its sporty sibling, the Honda Prelude.Beginning in 1990, the Accord was classified as a mid-size sedan and featured a more powerful 2.2-liter engine.The fifth-generation Accord featured a more ergonomic interior, and boasted more standard safety features than ever, including dual front airbags.In 1998, the sixth-generation Accord Sedan became the largest Accord ever. For the first time, the Coupe was treated to its own sportier look, with exclusive front fascia, wheels and lights.In 2003, the Accord grew in size, power and refinement again. It continued to garner spots on Car and Driver's 10Best list[1]. In 2005, the Accord Hybrid was introduced.Another green technology breakthrough: The Accord Hybrid becomes the world's first V-6-powered hybrid vehicle. Advancements in Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist IMA® hybrid system and the new Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) cylinder deactivation technology delivers V-6 fuel efficiency that’s on par with a 4-cylinder, compact-class Civic.With its stately presence, the 2008 Accord was the first to be classified as a full-size car—and yet this latest generation is still as nimble and fun to drive as ever. It offers more luxury, more features and better fuel efficiency. Plus, V-6 models feature new fuel-saving technologies like Variable Cylinder Management™.We've taken high tech, high performance and high style to the next level. The ninth-generation Accord is our most luxurious Accord yet, while still retaining its hallmark value. New technology abounds from bumper to bumper, inside to outside, and both the hybrid and coupe have a bolder style than ever before.

2013 Honda Accord Hybrid

The all-new Accord Hybrid represents our return to the midsize hybrid segment, and we intend to take the industry by storm. The Accord Hybrid not only has a refined, elegant style—and all the comforts, conveniences and technology of our latest Accord Sedan—but it also boasts the impressive mpg ratings of a Honda hybrid. It’s everything the hybrid driver was waiting for.

Jimmie Johnson wins sixth Sprint Cup title

Back on top with two NASCAR greats left to catch, Jimmie Johnson won his sixth championship in eight years this past Sunday and he is clearly one of the most dominant competitors in sports history.

Honda IndyCar Fontana Race Report - Are You Following The Leaders

Dixon Survives Race of Attrition To Claim Indy Crown



On a night where crashes and mechanical failures claimed more than half of the 25-car starting field, Scott Dixon did exactly what was needed to claim his third career IZOD IndyCar Series Drivers’ Championship, as the Honda-powered driver finished fifth in Saturday night’s MAVTV American Real 500 to claim the title over rival Helio Castroneves.


Scott Dixon (#9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Dallara) started 2nd, finished 5th, wins the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series Drivers’ Championship: “It was a crazy race. We started well back and had to work on the car a fair bit in the early stages of the race to make it better. Just a huge credit to the team, the changes we made all worked and the car was quite quick, until we had an issue with some overheating towards the end. I still can’t believe we won the championship. Mid-year, I did not think we had a chance of doing this, but it all turned around at Pocono [where Dixon scored Honda’s 200th Indy car victory]. We dug deep and Honda stepped up, and together we made it happen.”


Dixon came to the 19th and final race of the 2013 season with a 25-point lead over Castroneves, including a series-leading four wins this year. A finish of fifth or better would have secured the title for Dixon, but he worked his Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara Honda to the front of the field, and battled for the lead for much of the night, until backing off in the final laps due to rising engine temperatures as Will Power went on to claim the victory.



Overheating issues affected several cars, as sand and debris affected both Honda and Chevrolet-powered entries and resulted in several retirements during the course of the 500-mile contest. A multi-car crash on Lap 110 eliminated five more cars, including four Hondas, and resulted in Dale Coyne Racing driver Justin Wilson being transported to a local hospital for further examination of a possible hip injury.



Despite the attrition, the race was fiercely contested, with 11 different drivers leading one or more laps, including Mid-Ohio race winner Charlie Kimball, who led three times for a total of 22 laps, and appeared to be in contention for the victory until a late-race mechanical problem sent him to the pits. Kimball still was scored 10th, despite dropping out of the contest with 12 laps remaining.



Stepping in for the injured Dario Franchitti, veteran Honda driver Alex Tagliani also ran near the front of the field for much of the night, and led five laps before spinning and making light contact with the wall to end his race on lap 209.



Driving for Bryan Herta Autosport, JR Hildebrand appeared headed for at least a second-place finish in the closing laps, as he ran in lock-step behind fellow Honda driver Kimball until he, too, was felled by debris-related overheating issues with just 13 laps remaining.



Tonight’s race concludes the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series with Chevrolet winning the Manufacturers’ Championship and Honda-powered Scott Dixon claiming his third drivers’ title. Dixon’s other titles came in 2003 and 2008. Honda-powered Tristan Vautier also claimed series Rookie of the Year honors.

Honda Contributing to our economy - How and How Much?

Honda has deep roots in America and a long history of contributing to the U.S. economy through U.S. manufacturing, sales, R&D and finance, with cumulative capital investment of more than $21 billion, since the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., as Honda's first overseas subsidiary in 1959. The company also makes positive contributions to society and quality of life through its pioneering efforts to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance vehicle and pedestrian safety, while providing a consistently high level of product quality and value to its customers.

2014 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Offers Sleek Exterior Design, Feature Rich Interior and Outstanding Fuel Efficiency

Sport hybrid offers fun to drive performance with 39 mpg highway EPA fuel-economy rating (CVT)1

Available with a sporty manual transmission or engaging CVT

The 2014 CR-Z combining sleek styling, numerous standard features and sporty handling while maintaining terrific fuel efficiency. The CR-Z was thoroughly updated for the 2013 model year with a more powerful battery pack, increased power and styling improvements, while also earning a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For 2014, the CR-Z remains the only hybrid vehicle offered with a sporty manual transmission.

Using Honda 's highly efficient, compact Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, the CR-Z has an EPA rating of 31/38/34 mpg2 city/highway/combined (MT) and 36/39/37 mpg2 city/highway/combined (CVT), and is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

Two models are available, the standard CR-Z with a starting MSRP of $19,9952, and the feature-rich EX with a starting MSRP of $21,8402. Both models come equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an available CVT. Additional standard features on every new 2014 CR-Z include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control. View, build and price a 2014 Honda CR-Z at http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z.

Honda Accord Hybrid - It's Back!

Well-equipped Accord Hybrid offered in three grades

Loaded with premium standard features including LaneWatch™, rearview camera, and LED DRL lighting

Highest EPA-rated city mpg of any 4-door sedan in America

Fuel prices can be scary, but the EPA-rated 50 mpg1 city 2014 Accord Hybrid will take some of the fright out of going to the gas pump when it debuts at U.S. dealers nationwide on Halloween (October 31). With a host of standard equipment, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) ranges from $29,155 for the well-equipped Accord Hybrid to $34,905 for the luxurious Accord Hybrid Touring model, plus a destination and handling charge2 of $790.

"With advanced technologies standard on every Accord Hybrid we've given customers an incredible combination of fuel efficiency, technology and value," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda. "The addition of the Accord Hybrid to the lineup will further advance Accord's position as America's most popular passenger car with individual buyers."

Every new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is equipped with numerous standard features including Honda's exclusive LaneWatch™ blind spot display system, a premium feature not even available on any competitive hybrid models. Additional standard features include a rearview camera, LED daytime running lights (DRL), an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, USB/iPod® integration, Pandora® compatibility, SMS text message function, dual-zone automatic climate control, alloy wheels, a driver's seat with 10-way power adjustment, and a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system.



The Accord Hybrid EX-L is equipped with advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) along with leather-trimmed and heated front seats and the HondaLink™ cloud-based media and connectivity system featuring Aha® compatibility. Power driver's seat memory, front passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment and one-touch moonroof are also standard on the EX-L trim.

The top-of-the-line Accord Hybrid Touring adds the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and FM traffic data, LED headlights with blue tinted chrome bezels, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and hard disk drive (HDD) audio memory.

With EPA fuel-economy ratings1 of 50 mpg city / 45 mpg highway / 47 mpg combined, the 2014 Accord Hybrid is the top rated 4-door sedan in America in the EPA city cycle. Highlighting both form and function, it blends the sophisticated exterior styling and spacious interior packaging of the Accord Sedan with a highly efficient two-motor hybrid system from Honda's Earth Dreams™ Technology advanced powertrain series.

The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is the first Honda hybrid vehicle produced in Ohio, at the company's Marysville Auto Plant, and joins the Greensburg, Indiana-built Civic Hybrid as the second Honda hybrid model built in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts. Honda invested $18.8 million in a 94,000-square-foot expansion of the Marysville Auto Plant, along with the addition of 50 new full-time jobs to handle the special processes specific to the production of this advanced hybrid model.

The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Limited Warranty. The hybrid battery pack is covered by a 8-year/100,000-mile or 10-year/150,000 mile limited warranty, depending on the state of purchase/registration.