Autoblog

VIDEO: Presenting the coolest Honda Civic Wagon film ever

Chris Paukert — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Etc., Videos, Honda, Off-Road

Wagon Attack II- Click above to watch the (epic) video

More than a few Autobloggers regularly pine for the days when Honda (among other automakers) built simpler, smaller, lighter cars that were still packed with functionality. A sterling example of this philosophy is Honda's mid-Eighties Civic Wagon, the pioneering pent-roof with the brand's then-new RealTime 4WD system. Arguably one of the earliest crossovers, the Civic Wagon was incredibly robust, and more than a few enterprising shadetree mechanics have subsequently realized that they have similar tuning potential to their far more popular sedan and hatchback cousins. Enter the Attack Wagon.

Not only is the subject of Wagon Attack II a thoroughly bitchin' example of what can be done with forced induction and a few bulletproofing sessions, the folks that made the above video clearly went beyond the call of duty to chronicle its awesomeness in high-definition. Click through to the jump to watch the most entertaining - and arguably best quality - car video you'll see today. When you're done watching the 1989 Honda earn its Civic Shuttle namesake (as it was known in other markets) vaulting off Michigan's Silver Lake Sand Dunes and tearing around broken-down airport runways, be sure to check out the making-of video as well.

And yes, we want one now too. Thanks for the tip, Luke!

[Source: WagonAttack.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Presenting the coolest Honda Civic Wagon film ever

VIDEO: Presenting the coolest Honda Civic Wagon film ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: NHTSA probe opened into Honda airbag recall timing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Acura, Honda

2001 Honda Accord - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the last year, Honda has recalled roughly 444,000 vehicles to repair overpressurized airbag inflators in certain 2001-2002 Honda Accord, 2001 Civic and 2002-2003 Acura TL models. According to the automaker, there has been one death and multiple injuries stemming from the defect, which can send small metal fragments through the airbag and onto the vehicle's occupants.

For whatever reason, the total recall was announced in two separate increments that were eight months apart - and NHTSA wants to know why. Earlier, Honda had said that the problem was traced back to Takata Corp., which supplied the faulty inflators, and that the supplier had made "incorrect assumptions" about the numbers of parts it had sent to Honda. Says Honda spokesman Chris Martin:

The initial range of recalled vehicles was based on a relatively small sample of problematic airbag deployments...It took some further customer reports of airbag deployments for us to be able to look back and say, these vehicles are not in the lot we identified but have the same problem.

Honda denies any wrongdoing and promises to fully cooperate with the NHTSA investigation.

Gallery: 2001 Honda Accord

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: NHTSA probe opened into Honda airbag recall timing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Buick, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's Episode #150 of the Autoblog Podcast, and we raided the crypt to give you your buck-and-a-half's worth. Former podcast staples John Neff and Chris Paukert have been unearthed and join Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth for this milestone occasion.

A review of the Tokyo Motor Show starts things off, and then we drill down to talk more specifically about both ends of Toyota's sports spectrum: the Lexus LFA and the Toyota FT-86 concepts. Other Tokyo standouts like the Honda CR-Z and Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept weave into the conversation before we turn to the next-generation Honda Civic, rumored to be lighter and smaller. From there, things devolve entirely before this week's big crew wraps it up.

We'll hit your questions again next time around, keep them rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com. We appreciate you filling our survey with data, and remember, if you get lonely, there's always Joystiq and Engadget. Thanks for listening! You can also leave us a message at our new Google Voice number 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Who knows... we might even play it on the podcast!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Honda goes back to drawing board for smaller, lighter next-gen Civic

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Honda

2009 Honda Civic - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you introduced an '80s-era Honda Civic to its modern counterpart, it couldn't recognize what it's become. But after decades of growing dimensions, Honda's going back to the drawing board for the next-gen Civic.

The change in direction was reportedly ordered last year before the global economy took a nose-dive by product chief Tsuneo Tanai who observed a rise in oil and raw metal prices. Once the financial sector hit rock bottom, the Civic emerged as a strong player, out-selling the Ford F-Series pickup as the number one vehicle in the United States in May 2008. Not satisfied with sitting back and seeing how things shape up, though, Tanai ordered his engineers and designers to scrap their plans and redesign the next-gen Civic to be smaller, cheaper, lighter and more fuel efficient.

The move coincides with Honda's re-strategizing vis-a-vis hybrids and electric vehicles, not to mention the cancellation of its V8 and rear-drive programs. But despite having put more people on the job, the decision to restart the Civic's development halfway through the process is sure to be a major setback for the company's lifecycle schedule. And not just for the Civic itself, but also for vehicles that share its platform, including the CR-V crossover, the Element sport-utility-box, the JDM Stream and European-market FR-V minivans, to say nothing of the upcoming CR-Z, Acura RDX, and of course the all-important Canadian-market Acura CSX.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Civic

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Honda goes back to drawing board for smaller, lighter next-gen Civic originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda debuts UKDM Civic 'Si' five-door

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Honda, UK

2010 Honda Civic Si for the U.K. market - Click above to enlarge

Honda has finally decided to bring an Si version of the Civic to the U.K., but it's not exactly what you'd think. The new European Civic Si is little more than a styling package for an extra £850 that adds a color-matched body kit, a unique front grille, front fog lights, Graphite-colored 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch on 1.4 models), dark chrome door handles and fuel cap, half leather interior and USB port to the standard SE five-door.

That means there's no high-revving 197-horsepower 2.0-liter four banger to be had, just the standard 1.4- or 1.8-liter petrol or 2.2-liter diesel options. Don't feel bad for the Brits, though - they still get the racy Civic Type R that Honda continues to withhold from an eager American public. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading Honda debuts UKDM Civic 'Si' five-door

Honda debuts UKDM Civic 'Si' five-door originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Johnny Herbert switches to driving Honda Civics in the UK

Noah Joseph — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Honda, UK

Most F1 drivers fall off the map once they leave the pinnacle of motorsports, but they have to go somewhere. In Johnny Herbert's case, that somewhere has been sportscar racing. The former Grand Prix and Le Mans winner retired from Formula One in 2000 after driving for such teams as Benetton, Lotus, Sauber and Jaguar. He's since raced for Aston Martin and Audi at Le Mans and in the American Le Mans Series, but after the Speedcar Series that he won last year shut down, the accomplished pilot was left without a ride.

According to sources, Herbert will shortly announce his move to the British Touring Car Championship with Team Dynamics, the outfit that won the series titles in 2005 and 2006. Johnny showed up at Goodwood this year to drive up the hill in one of the team's Honda Civic touring cars (pictured at right), fueling speculation of his selection to replace James Thompson, who is increasing his activities in the World Touring Car Championship as well as Denmark's and the V8 Supercars series in Australia. Herbert could be in Thompson's seat as early as the Silverstone BTCC race later this month in advance of a full-time drive for next season.

[Source: GrandPrix.com | Image: Team Dynamics via Facebook]

Johnny Herbert switches to driving Honda Civics in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Japan to get UK-built Civic Type-R hatchback in 2010

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Honda, UK

Honda Civic Type R hatchback - Click above for high-res image gallery

One thing Honda fans in other countries have long had access to is the automaker's series of high end Type-R models. Unfortunately, here in the States, we've never been able to get Type-Rs, and that's a real shame. Currently in Japan, Honda is only offering the Civic Type-R as a sedan. However, early next year Japanese drivers will be able to get their mitts on the latest Type-R edition of the Honda Civic in three door hatchback form - but it won't be coming from a Japanese factory. Instead, the right-hand-drive 201 hp Civic will be arriving by boat from Swindon, England, which is the only Honda facility currently building the three-door hot hatch.

The Type-R gets a 2.0-liter i-VTEC four cylinder powerplant with a 7,800 rpm power peak and six-speed gearbox. Honda rates the 0-62 mph acceleration at 6.6 seconds with a 146 mile per hour terminal velocity. Inside, the front occupants are ensconced in some serious sport seats bolstered in Alcantara suede. Yes, we're jealous.

Gallery: Honda Civic Type-R

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Japan to get UK-built Civic Type-R hatchback in 2010

Japan to get UK-built Civic Type-R hatchback in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Toyota Corolla passes Ford Focus as top C4C car; program extended thru September

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

2009 Toyota Corolla XRS - click above image for high-res gallery

The more things change, the more they change back again. Or something. As of August 3, Reuters reports that the number one car Cash for Clunking consumers were purchasing was the long-in-the-tooth Ford Focus. Well, just two short days later, the Focus has been dethroned and Toyota's Corolla - the best selling car in the history of the world - has reportedly taken the crown. Two fun piece of relevant (if tangential) trivia - Corolla means "little crown" in Latin, and one example is sold about every 40 seconds, meaning that by the time you finish reading this post, two more will have found homes. In case you were wondering, Ford's price leader drops to number two and the Honda Civic has shifted into third place. Toyota has two other cars rounding out the top five, the Prius and the Camry. And just over 80% of the clunkers being traded-in are still trucks.

To date, 180,000 new cars have been sold as a result of the C4C program. So far, the program's total government expenditure amounts to just over $775 million. Late Wednesday, the Senate reached an agreement that would pour an additional $2 billion into C4C coffers. Additionally, consumers will now have until September 1 to trade in their old cars and receive a voucher for between $3,500 to $4,500. The new plan was largely pushed through by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who pointed out that Democrats have enough votes to approve the new plan as well as reject any changes to it. Cheers to Matt and several others for the tip.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.
[Sources: Reuters via CNN Money; Fox News]

REPORT: Toyota Corolla passes Ford Focus as top C4C car; program extended thru September originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda adds 440,000 more cars to airbag fragment recall

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Acura, Honda

2001 Honda Accord - click above for high-res gallery

Honda began a recall campaign last November to repair overpressurized airbag inflators in 2001 Honda Civics and Accords. The excessive pressurization could cause the metal inflator casing to explode on the driver's side, potentially resulting in fragments that would pierce the airbag material and injure drivers.

That recall has now been expanded with the addition of 440,000 cars that include the 2002-2003 Acura TL. Honda says affected owners will receive a recall notice in the mail, or you can check your car's recall status on Honda and Acura's sites. Barring that, you can get all of the information in the press release after the jump or check out our galleries of the 2001 Accord and Civic models below.

Gallery: 2001 Honda Accord

Gallery: 2001 Honda Civic

Continue reading Honda adds 440,000 more cars to airbag fragment recall

Honda adds 440,000 more cars to airbag fragment recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2001 Honda Accord, Civic recalled due to airbags that are even more explosive than normal

Chris Shunk — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Honda

2001 Honda Civic - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda is recalling some of its 2001 model year Accord and Civic models due to excessively pressurized airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that certain airbags in the affected vehicles can deploy so violently that the inflator will rupture. When the bag is deployed, NHTSA says that metal shards from the excessive explosion could act like shrapnel, shoot through the bag and possibly injure vehicle occupants. We're no crash experts, but that sounds like it would hurt a lot.

Owners of affected 2001 Accords and Civics will be able to bring in their vehicle to their local Honda store where the inflator will be replaced free of charge. Honda hasn't yet released a notification schedule or disclosed how many of each model will be recalled, but owners can find out more info by calling Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Check out the galleries below and hit the jump to read the official NHTSA press release.

Gallery: 2001 Honda Civic

Gallery: 2001 Honda Accord

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading 2001 Honda Accord, Civic recalled due to airbags that are even more explosive than normal

2001 Honda Accord, Civic recalled due to airbags that are even more explosive than normal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

IIHS tests two-door coupes, ratings mostly positive

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Safety, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Scion, Volvo

IIHS 2009 two-door crash tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

It comes as little surprise that two-door automobiles perform differently when crash tested than their four-door stablemates, particularly in side crashes. Due to the vastly different structural makeup of coupes versus sedans, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has decided to test both two- and four-door versions of automobiles for 2009, and the results aren't always predictable.

For instance, the 2009 Ford Focus Coupe joins Volvo's 2009 C30 as a two-door vehicle that earns the agency's Top Safety Pick rating, yet the four-door Focus scored a lower Acceptable rating in previous IIHS side crash testing. Conversely, the 2009 Honda Civic flips those ratings with the newly-tested coupe garnering an Acceptable side crash score versus the sedan's Top Safety Pick rating.

While the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Scion tC and Volvo C30 all performed fairly well in both frontal and side crash testing, the tC was judged the poorest performer overall and was the only vehicle that failed to earn either a Good or Acceptable rating for rear crash protection. Check out the gallery of smashed-up coupes below and see the official press release after the break for additional details on the testing results.

Gallery: IIHS 2009 Two-Door Crash Tests

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS tests two-door coupes, ratings mostly positive

IIHS tests two-door coupes, ratings mostly positive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mugen Civic Type R hatchback restores former glory [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Videos, Hatchback, Honda

Mugen Honda Civic Type-R hatch - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda's Euro-market Civic Type R hatchback has been called out for being a successor that hasn't exactly succeeded. Seems a bit of the thrill is gone from the new car compared to the old one. Enter tuning firm Mugen, whose modifications to the Type R hatch should make it even better than it once was.

Not much is known about the changes in store. However, based on changes made for Mugen's Japan-spec Civic Type RR 4-door sedan, these pictures, and the fact that this car might take on the Renault R26.R, you can expect much: upgraded suspension and 18-inch wheels, giant front splitter and rear wing, huge exhaust, and a powerplant putting out 237 bhp and 160 lb-ft.

If the pictures don't lie, however, it looks like the bigger Brembo brakes might not appear, and the back seats will remain in place. You can check out the details for yourself in the high-res gallery below. Thanks to Ryan for the video

Gallery: Mugen Civic Type R Hatch

[Source: 4 Wheels News]

Continue reading Mugen Civic Type R hatchback restores former glory [w/VIDEO]

Mugen Civic Type R hatchback restores former glory [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: 2012 Honda Civic details circulate

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

According to an article in Mag-X (via Temple of VTEC), Honda is hard at work wrapping up the design for the next-gen Civic that's expected to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. As is customary from Honda, the Japanese, European and North American markets are all expected to get their own unique versions of the popular Civic, with Americans getting their preferred sedan and coupe bodystyles and the other countries each receiving differing takes on the hatchback theme.

As you would expect, there will be a hybrid version of the 2012 Civic, and it's again slated to get a 1.5-liter gasoline-powered engine mated to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology. This powerplant will reportedly be shared with the upcoming CR-Z hybrid hatchback where it will be available with either an automatic CVT transmission or six-speed manual.

Hopefully, we'll see how accurate all of this is when the Tokyo Motor Show rolls into town this October, where a production prototype of the 2011 CR-Z is expected to be shown. Thanks for the tip, Jason!

[Source: Mag-X via Temple of VTEC]

Rumormill: 2012 Honda Civic details circulate originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2008: Honda Civic HFP Concept adds enviro to Si Sedan

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Tuners, Sedan, Honda

Click above for high-res gallery of the Honda Civic HFP Concept

Honda's F1 team might not be about winning, but it is all about green and dreams of the Earth. In another triumph of race tech trickling down to the masses, Honda unveiled the Civic HFP Concept to show regular folks like you and me that we can have performance and good gas mileage. Developed by Honda Access America, the automaker's in-house factory accessories maker, the Civic HFP is based on the Civic Si Sedan and features a next-generation HFP body kit with additional aero enhancements, super light alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers, a super light HFP exhaust and upgraded HFP suspension. Honda doesn't mention what gas mileage you might expect from the HFP Concept, but we'd venture a guess that it's more fuel efficient than a stock Civic Si Sedan. You can read the press release after the jump and check out the gallery of live and official high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: 2009 Honda Civic HFP Concept

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Honda Civic HFP Concept adds enviro to Si Sedan

SEMA 2008: Honda Civic HFP Concept adds enviro to Si Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda rolls out low financing rates for best-selling Civic

Chris Shunk — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Honda

The Civic has been a pillar of the Honda lineup for decades, and high gas prices have made it even more important to the Japanese automaker's success here in the U.S. Back in May and June, Honda couldn't make enough Civics, but with the auto industry here in the States imploding, even Honda's little money maker needs incentives. Right now, buyers with good credit can pick up a brand new 2008 or 2009 Civic with 1.9% financing for 36 months or 3.9% APR for up to 60 months. All models except the GX are included in the offer, even the Civic Hybrid.

If you're not looking to buy a Civic, you can lease one for $1,999 down and $189 a month for 36 months. That's $1,100 cheaper than the previous offer of $2,799 down and $199 a month. Honda says the incentive offers are necessary in part because of lowering gas prices, and the Japanese automaker wants to continue to see Civics fly off dealer lots to keep its new Indiana factory humming. Honda dealers are also happy about the Civic deals in light of Toyota's 0% financing program on 11 vehicles, but they would like to see even more. Between 0% financing at Toyota and hefty discounts on 2009 Civics, we have all the evidence we need that U.S. auto market is completely screwed right now.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Civic

[Source: Nick Sells Hondas]

Honda rolls out low financing rates for best-selling Civic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2009 Honda Civic Coupe revealed in brochure

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Honda

Click above for gallery of the 2009 Civic Coupe

Just last week we revealed official images and specifications for the updated 2009 Honda Civic in sedan and hybrid body styles. Lest you coupe fans feel left out, we've finally found information on Honda's newish two-door in DX, LX, EX/EX-L and Si levels from a PDF brochure and the brand's U.S. website. As with the sedan, the front and rear of the Civic Coupe see the most change, though it'll take a trained eye to spot the differences out back. The front grille, though, looks more aggressive and sports a new honeycomb pattern, and the lower bumper has been redesigned with new air intakes. We likey. Also of note are the new clear turn signal lenses. On the inside, the available navigation system flips down to reveal a slot-loading CD player and inputs for digital audio cards, whatever those are. There's also a new USB music interface in the center console so you can just plug a flash drive full of tunes into the dash. A 140-hp, 1.8-Liter i-VTEC(R) engine powers the standard coupe and offers up to 36 highway mpg. Honda hasn't released any of this information through its media website, and the consumer website still isn't showing any 2009 Si models, so expect the big H to release more information on its '09 coupes in the coming weeks. In the meantime, take a look through our gallery below to chart all the changes. Thanks for the tip, Ricky!

Gallery: 2009 Honda Civic Coupe

[Source: Honda]

2009 Honda Civic Coupe revealed in brochure originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered Speculation: Next Euro Civic will look like Scirocco?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hatchback, Honda, Rendered Speculation

Keeping track of who's cribbing whose automotive designs is about to get even more difficult once Honda brings its new Euro Civic to market. If this rendering from Auto Express is to be believed, the new hatch is a certifiable stunner. That is due in large part to the fact it looks almost exactly like another stunner: the new Volkswagen Scirocco. Swap out the grille and the rear lights, and that Honda is... practically a VW.

The OSM concept at the British Auto Show was the appetizer for the next Euro Civic's looks -- there was simply more distance between it and That Other Hatch since the OSM had no top. Under the hood, though, Honda has vastly different plans: rumors include a 1.5-liter hybrid with 150 hp and a 2.0-liter for the Type R that could be assisted by an electric motor

The 2-door hatch will be a different proposition than the 4-door and aimed at a different buyer just like the current models in Europe. Not that it will make a difference to American buyers, because just like the car it (kind of) plays doppelganger to, the Civic hatch isn't coming to the U.S. Thanks for the tip, Colin!

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Next Euro Civic will look like Scirocco? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Officially Official: Honda unveils updated 2009 Civic

John Neff — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Honda

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Civic LX-S

Just last weekend we brought you some leaked scans revealing the new face of the 2009 Civic, and today Honda makes it official by revealing all the changes made to its popular small car. As we've already learned, exterior changes include a new front bumper cover that reshapes the bottom curve of the grille and features three prominently placed, more traditional looking air intakes in place of the single large opening on 2008 and prior models. Honda also claimed it messed around with the color combinations of the headlights and taillights, but damned if we could tell. There's also new alloy wheels for the EX, EX-L and Si models, and the latter pocket rocket gets standard fog lamps, as well. The only other exterior change is a new piece of chrome that's been placed above the rear license plate holder. Finally, Honda has added two new trim levels: the LX-S that comes with alloy wheels and sporty trim and DX Value Package that gets standard AC and an unspecified audio system.

2009 Civics will also offer Bluetooth for the first time on models equipped with navigation systems, and the EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si get a new USB port to plug in digital audio players. Honda has also chosen to make stability control, or what it calls Vehicle Stability Assist, standard on these models only.

We've got Honda's full press release after the jump if you think we're making all this up, and high-res galleries of the new '09 Civic LX-S and Civic Hybrid below.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Civic

Gallery: 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

Continue reading Officially Official: Honda unveils updated 2009 Civic

Officially Official: Honda unveils updated 2009 Civic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Skunk2 project EP3 Honda CivicRR up for sale

Merritt Johnson — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:46:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Hatchback, Honda

Click the picture above for a high-res view.

Aftermarket parts manufacturer Skunk2 has been churning out go-fast bits for Hondas since the mid 1990s. Initially named Skunkworks, the company's extensive racing efforts and an R&D facility only found in the dreams of most engineers have rocketed it to the forefront of today's sport compact market. Skunk2 is ready to move into the future and is seeking to offload its project EP3 Honda Civic RR in order to make room for something new. Built to show that the Japanese tuners could be beaten at their own game, and loaded with every possible item in the Skunk2 catalog, the ride carries an asking price of $17,000.

The project exclusively uses U.S. domestic market parts. The motor, built with Wiseco pistons, forged Cunningham rods and various Skunk2 components, churns out 254 hp and 190 ft-lbs of torque at the wheels. For the most part, the mods are limited to the performance and interior upgrades, though a few Civic Type R body trim pieces (technically UKDM) and lightweight Volk wheels (apparently domestic distribution counts as USDM) also find their way onto the car. No gaudy shopping cart rear wings or excessively louvered hoods for this rice burner. Check out the gallery for more EP3 images.

Gallery: Skunk2 EP3 Honda Civic RR

[Source: Skunk2]

Skunk2 project EP3 Honda CivicRR up for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aerodynamics is not worth this...

Chris Shunk — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:37:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green, Technology, Hatchback, Honda

Click the image above to see more photos of Franken-Civic

Car mods and great fuel economy are frequent topics here at Autoblog, but pair the two and sometimes they go together about as well as milk and whiskey. One gentlemen has modded his 1992 Honda Civic to achieve an alleged 85 mpg at 70 mph, but he had to beat the vehicle with a 500-lb ugly stick to get the job done. The would-be engineer used coroplast and aluminum (not papier-mâchié, as it would appear) to add a "front spoiler", underbody cover, wheel covers, and a missile-like "boat tail." We're not sure why the muffler is wearing a codpiece, but this guy seems to know what he's doing, so we'll give him the benefit of the doubt. The end results of the modifications are Prius-destroying fuel economy, very little drag, and zero chance of ever getting a date while driving it.

We do have to give props where props are due, however. If the fuel savings are legit, this rolling tribute to ugly is very impressive. The liftable wheel covers and inverted side mirrors are clever touches, as is the stow-n-flow storage compartment beneath the boat tail floor. In all, it's an interesting science experiment, but this Franken-Civic is more likely to elicit shrieks of horror than looks of awe.

[Source: Ecomodder.com via AutoblogGreen]

Gallery: Franken-Civic

Aerodynamics is not worth this... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments