The New Honda Civic Si Coupe

Widely considered the prototypical modern sport compact car, the newly-updated 2009 Honda Civic Si Coupe, available also as a sedan, epitomizes 4-cylinder performance in an era when fuel prices have made large-displacement performance vehicles less practical. The Honda Civic Si Coupe upshifts into 2009 with revised styling and new features that include standard integrated fog lamps, USB Audio Interface, and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® on models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Activation.

"As the high-performance derivative of one of our cornerstone models, the Honda Civic Si Coupe is truly the hot rod of the Honda line-up," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "It's a recipe that calls for lightweight agility and high-output 4-cylinder power in an efficient overall package that we've made even more compelling for 2009."

The Honda Civic Si Coupe serves as the performance halo for the Civic nameplate placing a premium on fun-to-drive character with a high-revving, 197-horsepower, 8000 rpm redline, 2.0 liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine; 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission; and a helical-type, limited-slip differential for enhanced traction in high-performance driving situations.

The Honda Civic Si Coupe enhances the performance potential of the Civic architecture. Exclusive sport suspension highlights consist of firm spring, damper and stabilizer bar tuning along with exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels and high-performance P215/45 R17 87V tires. Exterior appointments include a rear deck lid spoiler (low profile on sedan) and front and rear Si emblems.

The interior design provides a performance-driving environment with Si-exclusive firmly-bolstered synthetic suede seats with red stitching, red backlit gauges, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.

The interior's two-tier instrument panel conveys a futuristic design with quick-reference meter positioning and includes a rev-limit indicator light. A leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel column is standard, along with a leather-wrapped aluminum shift knob. The 7-speaker, 350-watt premium audio system features a subwoofer, Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC), MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio input jack, USB Audio Interface and XM® Satellite Radio for navigation-equipped models. The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files.

Additional features include a 60/40 split folding rear seat, one-touch power moonroof, red ambient console lighting, keyless entry with security system, power windows, power locks, a dual trip meter odometer and a Maintenance Minder™ indicator. The voice-activated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available and includes Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a wireless telephone interface that works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via steering wheel-mounted controls.

Every 2009 Civic integrates a wide array of standard safety technologies starting with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS).

Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the likelihood of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with automatic-tensioners and load limiters, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.

Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) provides launch, oversteer and acceleration-understeer control by modulating engine power and/or applying brake pressure independently to each wheel. VSA can be manually deactivated if conditions warrant it.

The New Honda Odyssey

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the sales in Japan of the all-new Honda Odyssey starting October 17th, 2008. The fully remodeled Odyssey features a low-floor and low center-of-gravity package that enables a low profile roofline and performance beyond ordinary minivans together with a spacious cabin. The new Honda Odyssey is also equipped with advanced safety technologies, including the new Multi-view Camera.

Designed around the concept of emotive quality that will move all who experience it, the new fourth generation Honda Odyssey provides an advanced fusion of the human/machine interface, a liberated feeling for all occupants, and a distinctive presence. So, the all-new Odyssey was developed with the goal of generating strong feelings in every circumstance: riding in it, driving it, and looking at it.

To fulfill customer expectations for excellent fuel economy related to growing awareness of environmental issues, the all-new Honda Odyssey is equipped with a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engine and torque converter-equipped CVT, a combination that enables the vehicle to achieve both superior performance and class leading fuel economy of 13.2km/L. Moreover, the all-new Odyssey features DBW (drive-by-wire) control and an ECON mode which improves fuel economy by applying collaborative control of the CVT and air conditioner to reduce engine load.

Exterior design

• The exterior is designed around a concept of sensual dynamism, with richly contoured surfaces to express both dynamism and solidity for conveying elegance and power.
• The front view features sharp graphics, with headlights flowing out from the chromed bumper center portion and a sculpted V-line extending up over the hood from the front grill to impart a sense of speed and power. The narrow headlights add an intrepid feel.
• The side view features a fluid silhouette with a one-motion line from front nose to roof end. This combines with the strongly contoured surface in an expression of sleekness and power.
• For the rear view, the cabin has been strongly tapered and the rear window rounded to impart a compact feel for the cabin. Horizontally oriented rear combination lights add a feeling of breadth.
• The voluptuous body contours are further highlighted with a super platinum coating.
• Six color variations are available, including two new colors.

Interior design

• The interior is designed to achieve an advanced feel in a refined and comfortable space.
• The double-layered, gently sculpted instrument panel imparts a feeling of comfort and spaciousness.
• The 3D self-illuminating gauges and indicator lamps are laid out around the centrally positioned speedometer in a 3D arrangement and grouped into functional zones for instantaneous recognition.
• The audio, climate control, and navigation controls are positioned for easy operation in a highly intuitive center panel.
• The front seat cushions employ low-resistance urethane for low fatigue and an outstanding hold.
• A telescopic & tilt steering mechanism helps maintain the optimum driving position.
• Power train
• The 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine combines outstanding fuel economy with powerful performance, featuring class-topping 13.2km/L and strong, torquey response at all speed ranges.
• The torque converter-equipped CVT combines outstanding fuel economy with smooth and seamless acceleration, for a more comfortable driving feel in a wide range of situations.
• Efficiency improvements and weight reduction in the engine and transmission have helped boost fuel economy, while ECON mode supports even more economical operation.
• Utility
• The second-row seats feature a three-way split back that allows the left, right, and center seatbacks to be independently folded down, allowing a variety of seating arrangements with a single action.
• The third-row seats employ an under-floor storage mechanism to create a flat, easy to use luggage space.
• The tailgate has been made thinner and shaped to secure more luggage space than the previous model. The luggage space is even easier to use, with a flat floor and a flexible luggage board that extends all the way to the backs of the second-row seats when the third-row seats are stowed.

Body

• Improved joint efficiency at the upper and lower front pillar ends and other innovations result in a frame construction with outstanding rigidity. Optimized front/rear rigidity balance and stronger joints throughout also contribute greater dynamic rigidity.
• Strong, lightweight, high-tensile steel has been effectively deployed along with a larger cross-sectional area to allow the use of thinner materials while ensuring efficient strengthening.
• Road and wind noise have been kept to an absolute minimum by reducing sources of noise and vibration while making the body and chassis more rigid throughout to effectively prevent the vibrations caused by engine and road noise from reaching the cabin. Damping and absorption materials are also strategically located to block out unwanted noise.

Chassis

• The low center-of-gravity chassis combines nimble handling with a comfortable ride for all occupants.
• In the front, a double-wishbone suspension delivers outstanding straight-line stability and ride comfort.
• In the rear, the reactive-link, double-wishbone suspension achieves a compact design that significantly contributes to the low-floor platform.
• A more compact powertrain and innovative body design secure ample tire turning angle to achieve an outstanding, class-leading minimum turning radius of 5.4m.

Driver support functions

• Active Cruise Control (ACC) and the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) help alleviate the burden on the driver during highway driving. Availability varies depending on the type.
• All types come equipped standard with Motion Adaptive EPS, which works in concert with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) to provide steering assistance for more stable vehicle control.
• Camera images are displayed on the navigation screen to reduce blind spots around the vehicle and facilitate smoother parallel and garage parking, as well as enhancing feelings of safety and security when driving along narrow roads or approaching 3-way intersections where visibility is poor. The Multi-view Camera System is available as a factory option on all types.

Safety

• The vehicle's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body provides a higher level of protection to vehicle occupants while also helping to mitigate impact on the other vehicle in a collision.
• The vehicle is also designed to mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision, particularly to the head and legs, thanks to the use of impact-absorbing structures.
• The Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) with E-Pretensioners (driver and front passenger seats) helps anticipate collisions and mitigate injuries and vehicle damage should an accident occur. Availability varies depending on the type.
• A side-curtain airbag system helps mitigate head injuries due to a side collision in all three rows. Availability varies depending on the type.
• ISO FIX-compatible child seat anchoring bars and tether anchors (left and right second-row seats) are standard on all types.

Environmental performance

• All models are certified by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as having emissions levels 75% lower than what is required by 2005 standards.
• The M, L, and Li FWD types exceed Japanese government fuel economy standards for 2010 by 25%; the M, L, and Li 4WD types by 10%; and the Absolute by 5%.

The New Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is among an elite group of sport utility vehicles that helped elevate the "crossover" segment in the last decade by introducing a combination of smooth ride comfort, accommodating interior packaging and overall efficiency that traditional SUVs lacked. The Pilot's unit body construction and fully independent suspension helped transform the SUV segment by enhancing ride quality, earning top crash safety ratings, creating more interior space and increasing fuel efficiency. The original Pilot provided a recipe for success with features eventually imitated by the competition like a standard third row seat, decision-free four-wheel drive and an easy-to-configure interior.

The second generation of the Honda Pilot seeks to improve on the popular Honda SUV formula by adding more SUV-rugged aesthetics, more on-road refinement and enhancing interior functionality. Designed around the concept of an "intelligent adventure vehicle" with the practical needs of a family in mind, the eight-passenger Pilot provides bolder SUV styling, more clever and more accommodating interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience.

Powertrain

The Honda Pilot is designed to provide a comfortable, confident and fun driving experience with plenty of power to match its capabilities as an eight-passenger SUV with off-road capabilities and up to 4,500-pound towing capabilities (4WD). For 2009, Honda engineers prioritized fuel efficiency for the all-new Pilot and applied the latest generation of the company's Variable Cylinder Management technology to all models. Low emissions, a broad torque curve and low maintenance were also key development targets.

The Honda Pilot is powered by an advanced 3.5-liter 24-valve i-VTEC, V-6 engine mated to an electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic transmission. Peak engine output is 250 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 253 lb-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm. The "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC®) valvetrain technology with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) allows the V-6 engine to operate in six-cylinder mode for power and four- and three-cylinder modes for efficiency. The Pilot meets California's stringent Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV-2) exhaust emissions standards. A fully-automatic Variable Torque Management 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4) is available on all models and delivers seamless "decision free" application of four-wheel drive when needed.

Safety

Honda has consistently challenged itself to pursue vehicle safety as part of its core business strategy. The company seeks to provide a high level of occupant protection and pedestrian injury mitigation in all of its cars and trucks through a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety. This process benefits all new Honda vehicles - regardless of size or price - while also increasing compatibility with other types of vehicles in a frontal collision.

The 2009 Honda Pilot exemplifies the Honda approach to safety. Every Honda Pilot incorporates side-curtain airbags and dual-chamber, front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and active front seat head restraints that are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision.

An Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE®) body structure in the front of the vehicle, now added to Honda Pilot for the first time, makes the new Pilot highly effective at absorbing the energy of a frontal crash and helps minimize the potential for under-ride or over-ride situations that can occur during head-on or offset-frontal impacts with a significantly larger or smaller vehicle. Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with brake assist are standard equipment on every Honda Pilot.

Additional standard safety features include dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, front seatbelts with automatic-tensioning systems and load limiters, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment. A class-leading total of four Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) positions provide rigid attachment points for up to four child seats.