VIDEO: Aussie Honda Jazz Spots Poke Some Fun at Bodybuilders, Rappers and Others

Here are some amusing TV ads from Honda's creative Australian division. The spots were made to show off how practical, roomy and versatile the Honda Jazz is (known as the Fit in North America and Japan). So if you want to learn the answer to questions such as "How much Massive can you pack in a Honda Jazz?" and "How much Rap can you pack in a Jazz?", and don't mind watching 'iron boy' here in very tight speedos, hit the jump to check out the videos.

Via: USA Today

Honda gives away Original Civic Type R Mugen Concept to one Lucky Chap

Remember the red-colored Civic Type R Mugen Concept that Honda showed in the summer of 2009 before the model received the green light for a limited run of 20 units in the UK? Well, the one-off concept car that was used as a test-bed for the production model and which is worth over £60,000, was given away in a draw to celebrate Honda's participation in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The competition proved quite successful attracting more than 24,000 entries.

The winner of the prized 240PS Civic prototype was Jim Morgan from Manchester. The lucky man not only won the car but he also met Honda's BTCC drivers Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden who treated him to some fast laps around the circuit. He was also given a tour of the MUGEN workshops in Northampton.

"I still can't quite believe I've won this unbelievable concept car," said Jim. "To meet Matt and Gordon, rocket around Silverstone in a Type R, and talk to the guys who built my car was incredible! Seeing how this the Type R MUGEN was built really gives you a feel for how special it is: the guys at MUGEN have put everything they've got into this car."

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LA Show 2010: Honda Debuts Fit EV Concept, goes into Production in 2012

With hybrid models becoming more of a mainstream product for consumers these days, automakers are now turning their attention on the next 'green' frontier, all-electric cars. At the LA Auto Show, Honda lifted the covers off the all-new Fit EV Concept electric subcompact.And mind you, this is not your typical motor-show crowd gatherer as according to the Japanese automaker, the Fit EV Concept "hints strongly" at the direction and styling for the upcoming production Fit EV all-electric vehicle, which will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012.

Based on the current Fit [Jazz in Europe and other markets], the EV production model will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor. The battery can be recharged in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet, and less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet.

Honda says the Fit EV will have a top speed of 90 mph [145 km/h] and achieve an estimated 100-mile [160km] driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4 city cycle or 70 miles [112 km] when applying EPA's adjustment factor.

The Fit EV will make use of a 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid. The company claims that, in Econ mode, driving range can increase by as much as 17 percent, compared to driving in Normal mode, and up to 25 percent compared to driving in Sport mode. In Sport mode, Honda says that the electric motor generates performance similar to a vehicle equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

Aside from the electric drivetrain, the LA Show car features some distinctive styling features inside and out such as the LED headlights, a chrome front fascia, aerodynamic bumper, clear LED taillights and EV decals plus an eco-friendly gray bio-fabric on the seating surfaces.

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Report: Honda to kill Civic Nameplate in Japan

According to media reports, Honda's Civic will cease Japanese sales as soon as the current inventory is gone. This decision is said to be the result of increased demand for minivans and smaller cars, but that doesn't mean the Civic is going anywhere for you and me. Honda will continue to sell the entry-level compact, which is set to be replaced next year, in international markets where demand is still strong.

Honda's Civic has barely been able to stay afloat sales-wise in its domestic market, moving a scant 452 units in October. For now, Civics will continue to be built at Honda's plant in Suzuka, but that could end if the JDM demands more sexy Honda minivans and Kei cars.

At least the JDM Civic is going out with a bang thanks to those 1,500 examples of the Type-R Euro models.

By Phil Alex

Via: Nikkei

Popular Mechanics Compiles List of 1980s and 1990s Dreams Cars Priced under $6,000

Popular Mechanics has put together a list of 1980s and 1990s cars, which it claims, back then could be considered by many as "dream cars", but today can be found on eBay for under US $6,000. We can't say we fully agree with the term "dream cars" for some of PM's choices as they're not exactly the hottest vehicles ever made, but, hey, they represent some weird decades.

Just be sure that you can mend a thing or two under the hood, otherwise you should be wary or better yet, increase your budget. Hit the jump to read about the cars that made it into Popular Mechanic's list and why not, tell us what your choices would be from the era with a budget up to $6,000.

1984-1986 Chevrolet Corvette

When it was launched in 1983, the C4 was the first all-new Corvette since 1963. No wonder customers were eager to get their hands on it.

It had sleek lines, good handling and a modern interior, with an electronic dashboard, signaling that Chevrolet took a big step forward compared to the previous generation. However, the Cross Fire Injected 5.7-liter V8 and 4+3 overdrive manual transmission weren't so good, which explains why these days you can buy one for as low as US $3,000.

Starting with the '85 model year, GM offered the better L98 Tuned-Port Injected V8, capable of 235 hp (175 kW). A well kept one sells these days for a little over 5,000 dollars, which is money well spent if you factor in the sex appeal of a C4.

1982-1990 Porsche 944

Introduced in 1982, the 944 was basically, a wide-body 924. It was way better than the latter, mostly because it had a proper Porsche engine. The Germans took the 928's V8 and cut it in half, thus creating the 2.5-liter four-pot, rated at 150 hp (112 kW).

The zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint took 8.3 seconds, a decent performance by '80s standards. Handling wasn't bad either, as the 944 had a rear-mounted transaxle setup.

The best part is that virtually all models can be had cheap nowadays. A 1986 variant, with up to 100,000 miles, sells for around $5,600 and even a fabulous 247 hp (184 kW) 944 Turbo can be bought for about $7,000. True, it's over the budget, but still a bargain and a true driver's car.

1985-1993 Ford Mustang 5.0

It arrived after the mediocre Pinto-based Mustang II and used the all-new Fox platform, designed by Jack Telnack. One of the most memorable variants, the GT, boasted the now-iconic 5.0-liter H.O. V8, initially with 157 hp (117 kW). The performance increased over the years, first to 175 hp (130 kW) in 1983, then to 210 hp (157 kW) in 1985.

The "arms race" continued in 1986 too, as the introduction of port fuel injection further upped the power, this time to 225 hp (168 kW). The Mustang 5.0 put all of these ponies to good use, as it was capable to accelerate from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 6.5 seconds. That's a good performance even today.

There are tons of 5.0 Mustangs around, so finding a good one for under $6,000 is a piece of cake. Popular Mechanics saw a solid 1990 GT on eBay, with only 89,000 miles, for just $3,900.

1991-2000 Lexus SC400

Lexus hasn't been around for a long period of time, so, aside the LF-A supercar, not many of its models can be considered true collectibles. Still, Popular Mechanics thinks that the SC400 coupe has the best shot of becoming one. Featuring a forward-looking design, it was a strong competitor in its class, going head to head with the German rivals.

It used the very reliable 4.0-liter V8, good for 250 hp (186 kW), shared with the range-topping LS400. In 1998 it received variable valve timing, which bumped output to 290 hp (or 216 kW). This later version could reach 60 mph in 6 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph.

Being solid, well engineered cars, means that even older ones tend to be in good shape, so, for example, you can have a 1992 model for as low as $4,550.

1997-2001 Honda Prelude

Five generations of Honda Preludes have seen the light of day since 1978, the most interesting being the fifth and last one, launched in 1997. It was a good balance of styling, power and handling, featuring a 2.2-liter 195 hp (145 kW) four-cylinder engine, mated to five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The highlight of the Prelude was the advanced Active Torque Transfer System of the Type-SH, capable of sending more power to the outside front wheel, thus reducing understeer.

You should go for the Type-SH (as in Super Handling), a good one, with 63,000 miles, costs around $5,150 on eBay.

1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Turbo and GSX

The 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse had a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 195 hp (145 kW). Codenamed 4G63T, it was the same four-pot mill that since then has seen action in most Evos and, in GSX trim, sent its oomph to all four wheels.

For the second generation, launched in 1995, the Japanese maker also used the 4G63T, albeit with more power (210 hp or 157 kW). Exterior changes were made, making it a more modern presence, and it had a bigger interior, too.

As they could be easily tuned to 300 hp (224 kW), most surviving Eclipses are pretty beat up. High mileage, first generation cars are fetched for about half of the six thousand dollar budget, but solid cars, like a '97 GSX with 130,000 miles, sell for $5,998.

1989-1998 Nissan 240SX

With the 240SX, Nissan wanted to offer an affordable rear-wheel-drive sports car. Launched in 1989, it had a 2.4-liter engine under the bonnet, producing just 140 hp (104 kW). In 1991, this was increased to 155 hp (116 kW) by adopting a four-valve head. It's obvious that it wasn't immensely powerful, but, still, it was great to drive.

The second generation came in 1995 and it was larger and torsionally stiffer, which improved handling even more. Owners quickly adopted Japanese domestic market performance parts, including turbocharged engines, such as the Nissan SR20DET or the RB20DET, the latter sourced from the legendary Skyline.

Like the Eclipse, the 240SX was also widely used for track racing or drifting, so finding a well-kept example can be tricky. Popular Mechanics found a decent 1989 240SX (with automatic transmission and 62,491 miles on the odometer) up for sale for an even $5,000.

1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ

Featuring a unibody construction, with solid axles, four-wheel-drive and two- or four-door body styles, the Jeep Cherokee was quite a capable off-roader. Furthermore, equipped with the optional tow package, it could even handle 5,000-pound trailers.

The 4.0-liter inline-six engine delivered 190 hp (142 kW), enough to help it reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in 8 seconds. A top-notch two-door XJ, with 106,000 miles and five-speed manual, sold on eBay for $4,200.

1970-1993 Alfa Romeo Spider

The Italian designers drew such beautiful lines for the Spider that Alfa Romeo was able to sell the small roadster virtually unchanged for 27 years. But good looks are deceiving, as even the more powerful variants of the 1980s had only 115 hp (86 kW) under the hood. However, they more than made up for this shortcoming by being fun to drive.

Some say that the Spider was, in many respects, like the Mazda Miata, minus one: the reliability.

In this case, older cars tend to be more expensive, as they're thought to be "more delicate and pure". Still, a 1986 Spider Veloce with 104,000 miles sold on eBay for just $4,251. That's an acceptable price for such an inspiring car, but buyers are advised to thoroughly check them out and only opt for regularly driven and maintained ones.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Popular Mechanics

SEMA 2010: Honda Shows Accord Crosstour HFP Concept and Accord Coupe HFP

On display alongside the twelve modified CR-Z sport hybrid coupes at Honda's SEMA Show booth, are the HFP (Honda Factory Performance) prepared Accord Crosstour study and Accord Coupe models.

The crossover version of the Accord is a demonstration concept only fitted with a body kit and blacked out front grille, a prototype lowered HFP sport suspension, alloy wheels, color-matched door handles and special black-out door sash trim. Honda did not say when or if these components will be offered for sale.

The 2010 Accord Coupe, on the other hand, comes equipped with already available dealer-installed parts including front and rear aprons, side skirts and multispoke alloy wheels.

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SEMA 2010: Honda CR-Z Hybrid Tuning Galore [45 Photos]

As promised, here are the rest of the tuned CR-Z hybrids featured in the Honda booth at the 2010 SEMA Show [click for the Mugen version and for Honda's concept studies]. If you follow the break, you can find the CR-Z in a variety of tunes ranging from Honda's own subtly accessorized HFP (Honda Factory Performance) model to Wraptivo's HKS supercharged prototype. Scroll down and tell us which one grabbed your attention the most.

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[From Honda Press Release]

Company Name: Bisimoto Engineering
Name of Vehicle: Bisimoto 2011 CR-Z

Bisimoto Engineering is known worldwide for awe-inspiring street, show and race vehicles. With no fear of the unknown, Bisimoto is always on the cutting edge of automotive technology. The Bisimoto 2011 CR-Z was no exception with a 533+ hp turbocharged hybrid powerplant, which retains the drivability, reliability and eco-friendly nature of the original engine.

Powertrain Modifications:
Bisimoto built 1.5L LEA1 engine
Bisimoto valvetrain, rods, turbo kit, intake gasket, and level 2.4 camshaft
Arias Pistons
AEM EMS
Torco Oils
Turbonetics Billet turbocharger, blow-off and intercooler
Golden Eagle sleeved block
Griffin Radiator
Supertech valves
Kinsler fuel rail, filter and injectors
ARP head studs
K&N Oil filter
Portflow custom head
Custom Bisimoto 70mm throttle body

Chassis/Suspension Modifications:
Steen 6-point roll cage
Progress coil-over suspension and sway bar
Bisimoto-Savini 18x9 wheels
Falken 225/40-18 tyres
Bisimoto-spec Action 2MS Clutch
Buddy club racing steel lug nuts
Stoptech brakes

Exterior Modifications:
Gatorwrap custom laminated body wrap
Type 2 graphics
Bisimoto-VIS carbon fibre hatch and wing
Burns Stainless muffler

Interior Modifications:
Buddy Club P1 racing seats and harness
L&T interior paint
Bisimoto reservoir socks
Rywire harness

Company Name: DSO Eyewear
Name of Vehicle: The DSO 2011 CR-Z Sport Hybrid Tuner

DSO Eyewear's Chris Mangum Created a Unique CR-Z with Aggressive lines enhanced with striking custom two tone paint with Carbon fiber and black accents. The CR-Z is influenced by West Coast automotive culture with large 19" wheels, Low stance Leather and Suede appointed interior with painted matching accents. The CR-Z features an All-Star line up of accessories from the highest caliber aftermarket companies in the world.

Power Train Modifications:
HKS: Silent Hi-Power fully polished stainless steel exhaust system
HKS: Racing Suction Reloaded Intake system
Odyssey: "The Extreme Battery"
Amsoil: 0–30 Oil Dominator motor oil

Chassis/Suspension Modifications:
Brembo: Gran Turisomo brake system
HKS: Hipermax III adjustable suspension series
Eibach: Performance Tuned Sway Bars

Exterior Modifications:
BASF: Supplied Onyx HD paint in custom Pearl White and matched Storm Silver with Deep Black accent color. Finished with three wet coats of R-Ms DC5800 urethane clear coat.
L & G Enterprises: Applied and finished paint.
Continental Tire: Extreme Contact DWS tires. 225/35ZR19s Front 235/19ZR19 Rear
Axis Wheels: Evolve wheel from the EXE wheel line fitted 19"x8.5"
T-REX Grills: Custom-made Upper Class Mesh Grill constructed from 0.105" fine wire, Powder coated sinister satin matt black. Upper class mesh was also used in the Hood, front air dam and rear diffuser.
PIAA: D2S 6600K HID Bulbs (low beam), 9005 Extreme White Bulbs (high beam),
Plasma Ion H11 bulbs fog lamp bulbs PForza Hybrid Wiper Blades (26" & 20") Hyper Tera LED Dome Light Bulbs.
Seibon: Carbon Fiber dual vented hood with fiberglass liner and Rear diffuser.

Interior Modifications:
Katzkin Leather Interiors: Midnight Tuscany Leather with silver suedzkin inserts appointed with white contrast stitching fitted over front seats. Interior appointed items were covered in Silver Suedezkin with Tuscany accents. The complete Headliner, pillars, door panel inserts were covered in Suedezkin.
Painted Interior Parts: L&G /BASF painted selected interior parts in matching black contrast to tie in the exterior theme.
Rockford Fosgate: Rockford 3Sixty.2 digital signal processor was chosen for factory navigation head unit integration. The 3Sixty.2 transfers 153 bands of adjustable signal to two Power series amps. The T400-4 amplifier provides 400 watts of RMS power to the NEW Rockford Fosgate Power series full-range separates, T1652-S. The bottom end in this system is provide by the T1000-1bd amplifier paired with two P2 Punch 10" subwoofers, delivering a 1000 watt bass.

Misc:
Escort Inside: PASSPORT 9500ci Custom Installed Radar and Laser Defense System
Star Shield Armor: Invisible bra
Coverking: Stain Stretch custom interior car cover and floor mats
Enfotrace: GPS Tracking System keeps tabs of the location in real-time online via Enfortrace website interactive tracking program.
Mothers: Polishes – Waxes – Cleaners
Honda Genuine Accessories: LED-Illuminated Doorsill Trim, Front lip Spoiler, Tailgate Spoiler painted in black bodyline accent color. To set the rear of the CR-Z the Rear Diffuser design was re-worked in carbon fiber.

Company Name: Eibach Springs, Inc.
Name of Vehicle: Eibach Springs 2011 CR-Z

"Green Meets Go. Who knew saving our planet could be so fun?" The basic concept of Eibach's build was a vehicle that could be driven 100+ miles a day, get incredible mileage and still be a lot of fun and look good. This CR-Z will be a daily driver for an Eibach employee but also has the performance and tuning to be used for weekend track events 2-3 times a month.

Powertrain Modifications:
Custom K&N intake
Custom Magnaflow exhaust

Chassis/Suspension Modifications:
Eibach Pro Street-S coilovers
Custom roll bar by Rally Innovations

Exterior Modifications:
C-West front spoiler
C-West rear diffuser
C-West side skirts
MUGEN rear spoiler
Work Emotion 11R 17x8 Wheels
Work Lugnuts
Toyo R888 Tires
Vinyl wrap by Rally Innovations

Interior Modifications:
Sparco Fighter bucket seats
Sparco steering wheel
Sparco harnesses

Company Name: Fortune Motorsports / Tjin Edition
Name of Vehicle: Fortune Samurai Gold 2011 Honda CR-Z

Warren Shim-Quee of Fortune Motorsports has teamed up with Tjin Edition to build the ultimate Honda CR-Z. The company's goals were to build an eco-friendly, fun daily driven Honda CR-Z. The Fortune Motorsports Honda CR-Z was built in conjunction with American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and some of the best manufactures in the industry. The Fortune Motorsports Honda CR-Z has been completely transformed by JD Motorsports into the ultimate daily driver, which will not only turn heads on the road, but also at shows across the Country.

Powertrain Modifications
MagnaFlow Performance exhaust system
Toucan air filter

Chassis/Suspension Modifications

Air Lift fully digital air suspension
ADV.1 ADV10 Track Spec Wheels
225/35/18 235/35/18 Falken Ziex Tires
Custom Baer T4 big brake calipers and rotors

Exterior Modifications

HKS Kansai front short lips
DuPont Samurai Gold Paint
Wraptivo Vinyl Wrap (hood and roof)
Webasto sunroof
Light WurkZ LED headlights
Honda Access window visors
Trent Trick Upholstery billet bolts
Custom Tjin Edition emblems
Ignited Performance HID's

Interior Modifications

Zeal Function Bucket seats
Gene Tjin diamond stitched interior
Status Racing harnesses
Ractive shifter and pedals
Duerstock Harness Bar
Image Dynamics 6" mid range speakers
Image Dynamics Subwoofer
Auto Meter / STACK Gauges

Company Name: Konig Wheels
Name of Vehicle: Konig Wheels 2011 CR-Z

The "Green" essence is being interwoven into mainstream living. Younger generations are embracing a cleaner lifestyle. This change doesn't mean that they'll give up cars. They'll just make cleaner choices. The Konig CR-Z is an illustration of embracing an active lifestyle while living cleaner! Rolling around the streets in a slightly lighter, much cleaner, more powerful, precisely handling car that can stop on a dime is nice, but being able to jump out of that car and right onto your bmx bike or skateboard is what it's all about. Turn the music up, plug in your external speaker and enjoy your tunes while doing what you love!

Powertrain Modifications:
Weapon-R Cold Air Intake
Weapon-R Performance Exhaust
Weapon-R Race Header

Chassis/Suspension Modifications:
Konig - Milligram 18x8.5 Lightweight FRT Technology Wheels
Neuton 225/40R18 UHP Tires
Eibach Lowering Springs
Wilwood 4 Piston Front & 2 Piston Rear Brakes
Weapon-R Lower chassis brace

Exterior Modifications:
Vision Auto Dynamics Aero Lip Kit
BASF – Paint and Materials
Santini Paint & Body – Paint Work
Thule – Bike Rack
DK Bikes – BMX Bike
Seibon Carbon Fiber Hood

Interior Modifications:
Sparco Chrono Road Seats
Alpine Head Unit
Kicker Audio – Speakers- (4) 6.5" RS65.2 Components,
Kicker Audio – Subwoofers: (2) 8" Solo Baric S8L5, (1) 8" CVT Shallow Mount
Kicker Audio – Amplifiers: (1) ZX700.5 4 Channel, (1) IX1000.1 1000 watt Mono, (1) IX500.4 4 Channel amp
Kicker Audio – All Wiring, Terminals, Connectors
Custom Skateboard Rack / Cooler / Trunk Design by Tim Willis & Whitfield Racing

Company Name: Wraptivo - Designer Car Wraps by Meguiar's
Name of Vehicle: Wraptivo 2011 CR-Z Type-F Concept
Project Builders: Street Concepts, HKS, SPD MetalWorks, Evasive Motorsport
Project Director: RJ de Vera

The goal for the Wraptivo™ Honda CR-Z Type-F Concept is to evoke the notion of fun, which lies at the core of the CR-Z DNA while also giving a nod to the spirit and Honda heritage of the CR-Z. The vehicle is wrapped with Wraptivo™ Matte Black and Carbon Black Film while small accents are left in gloss black. The CR-Z acts as a canvas for Wraptivo -designer car wraps by Meguiar's to showcase its vehicle wrap options and give customizers a preview of how they can take advantage of this technology as a new way to protect their factory paint while also having the ability to easily change the look of their vehicle.

Exterior Aesthetics
Wheels: Volk Racing G2 Wheels – 18x8.5 (+44)
Tires: BF Goodrich g-force Super Sport AS – 215/35 18
Exterior: Honda Genuine Accessories Front Chin
Honda Genuine Accessories Side Skirts
Honda Genuine Accessories Rear Diffuser
Rando/Tracy Sports Front Lip
Rando/Tracy Sports Side Sills
Rando/Tracy Sports GT Wing
Color: Wraptivo Matte Black Designer Car Wrap (body)
Wraptivo Carbon Black Designer Car Wrap (roof and partial hood)
Gloss Black Side Mirrors and Roof Trim

Interior Aesthetics
Seat: Recaro Sport Bucket Seats (Red)
Accessories: HKS Limited Edition Shift Knob
Misc: Honda Genuine Accessories Center Arm Rest
Honda Genuine Accessories Compass Rearview Mirror
Honda Genuine Accessories CR-Z illuminated Door Sills
Alcantara Covered Panels

Performance
Exhaust: HKS Silent Hi-Power Exhaust System
Supercharger: HKS GTS4015 Prototype Supercharger Kit
HKS GTS 4015 Supercharger
HKS F-Con IS with OS-C Fuel Management System
HKS Super Megaflow Reloaded Intake
Upgraded Injectors
Brakes: Lightweight Performance Brakes by Brembo
Suspension: Full Coilover Suspension by Tein
MISC: HKS Super Fire Racing Spark Plugs
HKS Radiator Cap
HKS Oil Filler Cap