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Honda unveils 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon lineup

Alex Nunez — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Japan, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Sports Modulo S2000 Concept and friends

Detroit's not the only auto show kicking off on January 11. The annual Tokyo Auto Salon (think "Japanese SEMA") also kicks off this Sunday, and Honda has announced the vehicle lineup it'll display at Makuhari Messe. The two headliners are the Sports Modulo S2000 and Fit concepts. The former is a somewhat ghastly take on Honda's two-seat sports car, with a face that belongs in an aquarium and side cladding straight from a '90s Pontiac stylist's wildest fantasies. Inside, the Sports Modulo S2000 Concept is actually very nice, with swanky brown leather adorning a variety of surfaces. It still doesn't atone for that clock-stoppingly ugly body kit, though. Read on for some brief commentary on a pair of other concepts headed to the show, and check out the gallery below for the complete model rundown.

Gallery: Honda at Tokyo Auto Salon 2009

Continue reading Honda unveils 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon lineup

Honda unveils 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leakage: Honda Insight coming to Japan with Sporty Modulo trim

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Green, Honda

Click above for more shots of the leaked 2009 Honda Insight brochure

As is so often the case these days, some early details regarding Honda's upcoming Prius-fighter have leaked out before the hybrid's official unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show. Included among the surprises is a Modulo-trimmed Insight featuring a full set of body mods from Honda's accessory catalog in Japan. We can't be sure if any of those bits will come Stateside (we're not betting on it), but it wouldn't be surprising if we got three trim levels similar to what's slated to be available in Honda's home market of Japan. We could get a base DX trim along with an up-level LX edition and a sportier EX model with such tasty bits as a paddle-shifted CVT automatic transmission and navigation system with 7-inch screen.

With just 88 horses underhood along with an additional 14 from the hybrid's electric motor, don't expect the Insight to be a tire scorching performer, as its true calling with be in delivering the best fuel economy possible. In Japanese testing, the Insight has scored over 70 miles-per-gallon, which may be lower than what the Prius was able to register, but the Insight is also expected to cost several thousand dollars less than its rival.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Insight leaked JDM brochure

[Sources: Temple of VTec, Insightman via Carscoop]

Leakage: Honda Insight coming to Japan with Sporty Modulo trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Inspire Modulo Concept

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, Holden, Tokyo Auto Salon

UPDATE: New images added to the gallery.

click above for more high-res images of the Honda Inspire Modulo Concept

The recently released Honda Inspire may be little more than a JDM version of the U.S.-market Accord, but Honda has infused the staid sedan with a healthy dose of bespoke kit for the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon.

The Inspire Modulo Concept comes equipped with a new front and rear bumper, revised grille and Transformer-esque headlamps, along with some aluminum trim and 19-inch, seven-spoke wheels wrapped in 245/40 R19 rubber. The interior gets a combination of orange leather and black crocodile skin, with an independent audio system for all four passengers, and a duo of LCD screens mounted behind the front seats. It's a clean package that combines a healthy amount of luxury with a small bit of sport, but we doubt crocodile hide will be on the options list of most Japanese Honda dealers.

[Source: Honda, Carview]

Gallery: Honda Inspire Modulo Concept

Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Inspire Modulo Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

UPDATE: New images added to the gallery.

click above for more high-res images of the Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R

Honda is bringing a trifecta of tricked-out, Modulo-fettled concepts to the Tokyo Auto Salon, and this Civic Type-R takes the track-ready nature of the base model to the next level.

The concept is fitted with 19-inch Modulo wheels wrapped in 225/35 R19 R-compound tires and a revised suspension, along with a new front fascia, rear bumper, side skirts and wing. The checkered livery speaks to its track-friendly nature, but the inside of the Civic Type-R is what gains the most attention. Honda replaced several interior panels with carbon fiber components and fitted custom Recaro seats, a new dash display and an F1-inspired steering wheel with integrated shift lights. It's function following form with a perfect blend of track-ready gear and street-legal mods. We likey.

[Source: Honda, Carview]

Gallery: Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R

Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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