News

Honda has unveiled the CR-Z Concept that stands for "Compact Renaissance Zero". Although it's hard to not notice how much it looks like a modern day or future Honda CR-X.

It has been rumored for quite a while that Honda is working on a new CR-X that could be out by the end of the decade.

This is definitely one of the best looking Honda concepts that we have seen in a while. What's also interesting is that under the hood of this new concept is a hybrid powertrain, which could be the identical to the Honda Civic Hybrid.

To some it appears racy. To others, gawky. About the only thing it doesn't do is fail to attract attention.

As a porky, old-fart, first impressions imparted by the English-built Civic "racer" did nothing to endear. The sports seats are unforgiving, especially getting in or out, the ride is dray-like and the modern cabin layout almost instantly inspires love or hate.

There's just something cool about driving a fast hatchback. A hatch is inexpensive, holds a lot of stuff, gets good mileage and has a reputation for being a sensible purchase. It's that economy car rep that makes driving a fixed-up one so much fun. Owners of traditional sports cars tend to underestimate the potential of little cars. That underdog spirit is pretty much what got this magazine started in the first place.

The first official pictures of the second generation Honda Fit (Jazz in Europe and other worldwide markets) slipped into the internet this morning. Details are scarce for the moment, but we can tell you that the 2008 Fit / Jazz is slightly bigger than the current model measuring at 3,900 mm in length (+55 mm or 2.2-inches) and 1,695 mm in width (+20 mm or 0.8-inches) while the wheelbase (2,500 mm) is increased by 50 mm or 2.0-inches.

Mugen has anounced a limited edition Civic for the Japanese Domestic Market which has a dramatic body kit among other performance upgrades.

The new kit starts with a triangulated front bumper, a carbon fibre grill, hood air extractors and continues down the side with simple lined sills. At the rear is massive wing and a front splitter which has an integrated LED brake light that's usually seen on the back on F1 cars.

The all-new Civic Type R comes equipped with a specially tuned 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine matched to a 6-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tires and large 17-inch front disc brakes contribute to the Civic Type R’s ability to push the performance envelope. Newly developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance while giving the wide and low form a more aggressive look. Front bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and other performance accessories contribute to an easier and more responsive drive.

"Enthusiasts have equated the name MUGEN with JDM Honda performance for decades, and with the introduction of the Civic Si Sedan, the time is right for the two companies to once again join forces," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "A MUGEN-tuned vehicle available directly from the factory provides the ultimate level of performance, quality and refinement in a specially-tuned car."

The club racer-inspired 2008 Honda S2000 CR Prototype making its world debut at the New York International Auto Show introduces a higher level of track-worthy performance and style to the S2000 roadster, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The S2000 CR will be available as an entirely new S2000 trim level when it goes on sale in the fall of 2007. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximize the S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance and feel. The factory-tuned roadster provides highly-aggressive suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction and an aerodynamic body kit dialed-in for reduced lift. An aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top as standard equipment.

An all-new, eighth-generation Civic should erase memories of the de-contented outgoing car, thanks in part to the forthcoming Scion-like Honda Jazz/Fit, which will relieve the price pressure from downmarket. A funky Europe-bound hatchback version of the new Civic will be shown at Frankfurt, shown here along with the U.S.-bound sedan and coupe.