2015 Honda NSX to be built in the U.S.

Honda has just announced their NSX will be produced at a new facility in central Ohio, United States, and that it will go on sale in 2015.

Each NSX will be built by a team of around 100 highly skilled engineers drawn from Honda's existing Ohio operations. Though the Japanese carmaker is yet to confirm pricing, but it's expected to cost at least £80,000.

"Thirty years ago, building cars in America was a big dream. Working together, here in Ohio and across North America we turned this dream into reality," said Hidenobu Iwata, President & CEO of Honda of America. "The location of this facility is in the midst of one of the greatest collections of engineering and production talent in the world. So it makes sense that we will renew the dream and build this high-tech, supercar in Marysville, Ohio."

As we have previously reported, the production NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V6 engine connected with Honda's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, a new dual-clutch transmission and three electric motors - one integrated with the V6 engine and two driving the front wheels independently.

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2013 Shanghai: Acura Concept SUV-X

Acura has recently introduced this Concept SUV-X at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. This is the first time for Acura to unveil a concept outside of North America in the company's 27-year long history.

Described as a "global concept vehicle for a small SUV developing primarily for the Chinese market", the concept combines "emotional and sharp styling and driving performance" with "the environmental performance of a small vehicle and excellent utility of an SUV".

Honda's premium brand did not reveal any technical details, but confirmed a production version will go on sale in China in about next three years.

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Honda recalls 561,422 vehicles over airbag issue

Honda is recalling 561,422 vehicles due to a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

The affected vehicles include the 2001-2003 Civic, 2002-2003 CR-V and the 2002 Odyssey. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts.

"A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants,"
said NHTSA in its summary of the problem.
 
The safety recall will begin on May 11 and dealers will inspect vehicles, and where a defective air bag inflator is identified, the inflator will be replaced, free of charge. Owners can call Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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2014 Acura RDX priced from $34,520

Honda’s premium division Acura has recently announced the 2014 RDX is currently available with a retail price starting at $34,520, excluding a destination charge of $895.

The crossover is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 273 hp, with the power being sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive system is also available as a $1,400 option.

For 2014, the previous Amber Brownstone hue has been replaced by a new Kona Coffee exterior paint. Standard features include leather upholstery, heated power front seats, a power moonroof and a 360-watt audio system. New technologies such as Pandora internet radio interface, an SMS text messaging function, a Keyless Access System with pushbutton start, an active noise control system and a multi-angle rearview camera system are also standard on all models.

The Technology Package ($3,700) brings even more high-tech appointments, including items such as the AcuraLink Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, a 60GB hard drive, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather, a GPS-linked solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system, Acura/ELS Surround Premium Sound System, a power-actuated rear tailgate, projector beam headlights with Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs and front fog lights.

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Honda and Acura concepts teased for 2013 Auto Shanghai

Honda and Acura have announced plan to exhibit the world premiere of two new concepts at 2013 Auto Shanghai.

Both concepts adopt a sporty design and are scheduled to be offered to the Chinese market in the future. Honda's concept could be the Chinese variant of the 2014 Odyssey displayed at the New York Auto Show last month, while Acura's concept is a global compact crossover.

The upcoming Auto Shanghai will run from April 23 to 29. Stay tuned for full details.

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2014 Honda Odyssey confirmed for New York debut

Honda has recently confirmed plans to introduce the 2014 Odyssey at the New York Auto Show on March 27.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the refreshed version further strengthens the Honda minivan's position as the "segment's most coveted family-friendly vehicle" and adds to its status as the strongest overall ownership value in its class. The model also promises to offer some "innovative new features".

Additional information is limited, but rumors have suggested the facelifted Odyssey could be powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine which develops 278 hp and 341 Nm of torque, mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission.

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Honda recalls 748,481 vehicles in the United States

Japanese carmaker Honda is recalling 748,481 cars in the United States after it was discovered that one or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.

The affected vehicles include the 2009 through 2013 Pilot and the 2011 through 2013 Odyssey. All models were manufactured from March 13, 2008 through December 21, 2012.

"The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem.

The recall is expected to begin on February 16 and dealers will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Meanwhile, owners can contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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2013 Detroit: Acura NSX Concept II

The 2013 North American International Auto Show continues as Honda has introduced a redesigned version of the Acura NSX concept.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the exterior design stays remarkably true to the original concept styling, while the interior package boasts outstanding visibility, a strong driving position and a "Simple Sports Interface" which minimises interior clutter, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience.

Under the hood, the production NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V6 engine connected with Honda's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, a new dual-clutch transmission and three electric motors - one integrated with the V6 engine and two driving the front wheels independently.

The Acura NSX will go into production in late 2014 or early 2015 at a new facility in central Ohio.

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2013 Detroit: Honda Urban SUV concept

The Honda Urban SUV concept has made its world debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. It previews a production model that will be launched in Japan in late 2013, followed by the United States in 2014.

Based on the Global Compact Series platform which underpins the Jazz/Fit, the concept measures 4,300 mm (169.3 inches) long, which is 23 cm (9 inches) shorter than the CR-V. The Japanese carmaker also says it will feature "a modern interior and next-generation telematics".

"No one has had greater success with small cars than Honda, and this Urban SUV Concept will create new value in the growing small-SUV segment," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda. "With the continued expansion of our North American manufacturing operations, we expect fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive 'small cars to play a key role in meeting the needs of our customers in the U.S."

No information about the engine, but the small SUV will use fuel-efficient "Earth Dreams" Technology.

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Mugen CR-V Design Study introduced in Tokyo

Mugen has recently introduced a production version of its prototype Honda CR-V Design Study at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon.

First introduced in late 2011, the SUV is equipped with a new front fascia which features new bumpers with under guards, a revised grille and LED fog lights. There's also a stylish raised rear spoiler, extended fender flares and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Interior changes are limited, but include leather sport seats and carbon fiber decorative trims.

No information about performance improvements, but the Japanese tuner says the model has been fitted with a sports suspension, more powerful brakes and a dual exhaust system.

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