Month: April 2017

2017 Honda Civic Si most powerful in maker’s history

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The first ever turbocharged Honda Civic Si. American Honda Motors 2017

On first look the 10th generation 2017 Honda Civic Si is the maker’s most powerful and refined mainstream compact performance car offered to date.  And frankly, the turbocharged horsepower and torque numbers are but a small part of what makes this Civic Si. a dynamic performer.

1.5 Liter turbocharged 4 cylinder VTEC engine, limited slip diff, 6-speed manual

What makes 2017 Honda Civic Si the most powerful Si offering in Honda history is the torque characteristics of the manufactured in America alloy block and head EarthDreams turbocharged VTEC engine. According to our friends at Honda engineering, maximum torque comes on at 1850 RPM (just a tad above idle) and stays there through 4800 RPM.

When this engine characteristic is combined with Honda’s short-throw 6-speed manual transmission, and limited slip differential, it’s magic time! Honda-Torque News: Read more about 2017 Civic Si here.

Honda improves ride dynamic with electronic “drive mode’ reactive dampening (shocks)

Well, I won’t be driving Civic Si until mid May, so , I won’t expand on the ride quality today. However, I’ve sat behind the wheel of the reinvented 2017 Civic Si, and can attest to not only the historically correct Si color scheme, but the comfort of the high bolstered driver’s seat, visual appeal of the red-light dash array, perforated race-like foot pedals, and the roomier, comfortable accommodation of the 10th generation Civic platform derived interior. No shortcuts noted, this Civic looks quality!

Taking it back a notch. We look in on HondaPro Jason

Our “go-to” Civic Si expert is no other than Jason Richmond, A.K.A. HondaPro Jason. A proud Civic Si owner, Jason’s very excited as to the new found power, assumed approved handling, and uptick segment bench setting refinement discovered through Honda’s latest and greatest Civic Si. Take a look at Jason’s Project Orange here.

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9th generation Civic Si Vs 10th generation Civic Touring.

Although American Honda Motors has not announced exacting dealership date of arrival or prince-point, I believe we’ll see 2017 Civic Si arrive sometime in late May 2017, with an MSRP hovering very close to $25,000. Si will be available in performance coupe and sedan variants. One engine, one transmission, oversize brakes, and limited slip front differential. Personally, I can’t wait to drive it!

 

 

Honda heads to New York with 2017 Clarity electric car trio

 

 

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2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. Photo Attributions Parks McCants 2017

It’s good to have choices, and that’s what Honda offers discerning auto industry insiders and consumers at 2017 N.Y.I.A.S. This week in New York City,  Honda debuts a trio of 2017 Clarity electric cars, more electrification choices than any other mainstream auto manufacturer on the planet.

With great buzz surrounding the showing of the first Type-R to wear the Honda label in New York, as well as the Civic Si duo, a bit of air may be let out of the bag that is the advancement of Honda electrification.

Currently, as reported by yours truly at Honda-Torque News, 2017 Clarity currently drives the streets of California as a lease-only hydrogen fuel cell generated stand alone electric car.  I recently drove Clarity FCV on the streets of Santa Barbara. Loved it!

Clarity FCV, BEV or plug in hybrid

Honda public relations tells us that they anticipate the 5-passenger 4-door 2017 Clarity plug-in hybrid sedan to be the best seller in this trio. With internal combustion charge-co generation, and extended plug-in electric only drive range (estimated 40 + miles,) Sedan or not, 2017 Clarity hybrid electric will be a Honda market sales leader.

Clarity BEV panned for 80 mile between charge drive range 

The two electric drive range extremes in the 2017 Clarity lineup is the 360 miles driven between 3-minute hydrogen refueling stop, and the stated 80 miles in-city drive range of the Clarity battery electric. Honda claims that previous Fit EV leasees have no problem with Clarity BEV range. Could be, I’ve yet to speak with a Fit electric fan.

As the market transitions back to large SUVs

There’s more than just a slight undercurrent sweeping a quickly transitioning auto market away from fuel efficient, sub compacts, compacts, and yes, entry level electric cars and crossovers. Although a slight uptick in electric vehicle sales was recorded in 2016, the general trend is consumers opting for gasoline motivated, relatively thirsty, premium or luxury SUVs. The bigger the better. Non the less, Honda takes the long view while embracing the sustainable future of auto-electrification.

2017 Acura MDX hybrid and more

We recently drove 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid and walked away smiling, despite a torrential downpour.  Honda talks of adapting the Clarity platform for light truck duty,perhaps Honda fans will see a hybrid Pilot in the not too distant future, perhaps.