Official release from world.honda.com:

TOKYO, Japan, May 16, 2013 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its decision to participate in the FIA^*1 Formula One (F1) World Championship from the 2015 season under a joint project with McLaren, the UK-based F1 corporation.

Honda will be in charge of the development, manufacture and supply of the power unit, including the engine and energy recovery system, while McLaren will be in charge of the development and manufacture of the chassis, as well as the management of the new team, McLaren Honda.

From 2014, new F1 regulations require the introduction of a 1.6 liter direct injection turbocharged V6 engine with energy recovery systems. The opportunity to further develop these powertrain technologies through the challenge of racing is central to Honda’s decision to participate in F1. Throughout its history, Honda has passionately pursued improvements in the efficiency of the internal combustion engine and in more recent years, the development of pioneering energy management technologies such as hybrid systems. Participation in F1 under these new regulations will encourage even further technological progress in both these areas. Furthermore, a new generation of Honda engineers can learn the challenges and the thrills of operating at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Commenting on this exciting development, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said:

“Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing. Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile racing series. The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1. We have the greatest respect for the FIA’s decision to introduce these new regulations that are both highly challenging but also attractive to manufacturers that pursue environmental technologies and to Formula One Group^*2, which has developed F1 into a high value, top car racing category supported by enthusiastic fans. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Jean Todt, the President of FIA and to Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of Formula One Group who showed great understanding and cooperation to help realize our participation in F1 racing. The corporate slogan of Honda is “The Power of Dreams”. This slogan represents our strong desire to pursue and realize our dreams together with our customers and fans. Together with McLaren, one of the most distinguished F1 constructors, Honda will mark a new beginning in our challenges in F1.”

Also, Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren Group Limited said:

“The names of McLaren and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula One, and, for everyone who works for both companies, the weight of our past achievements together lies heavily on our shoulders. But it’s a mark of the ambition and resolve we both share that we want once again to take McLaren Honda to the very pinnacle of Formula One success. Together we have a great legacy – and we’re utterly committed to maintaining it.”

Jean Todt, President of FIA said:

“I am very happy to hear about Honda’s important decision to return to Formula One with McLaren from 2015. The introduction of the new power train next year, in the form of a 1.6 liter, 6 cylinder engine with direct injection and energy recovery, is a very exciting challenge and demonstrates a vision for the future of the sport. I am sure that Honda will become a strong contender in the years to come. ”

Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One Group said:

“It is a great pleasure to see Honda back in Formula One. Their engine technology and passion for motor sports make them a natural Formula One contender.”

*1 Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile
*2 Formula One Group is the collective name for the multiple companies within the organization that manages the overall operation of Formula One racing, including Formula One Administration (FOA) that manages commercial rights and Formula One Management (FOM) that manages promotional and marketing activities.

History of Honda Participation in F1 Racing:

[Source: Honda]

Will Acura return as the official vehicle of S.H.I.E.L.D. in the upcoming Avengers spin-off Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.? Playing off the success of last year’s blockbuster The Avengers, a television series based on the agency S.H.I.E.L.D. lead by Agent Coulson is set to debut this fall on ABC. You may recall Acura has previously partnered up with Marvel in past films, providing vehicles for the agents and creating exposure for the brand.

Though no official announcements have been made, the S.H.I.E.L.D. MDX and TL make clear cameos in the recently released Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. trailer seen below.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is expected to premiere fall 2013 and will air Tuesdays at 8:00 pm on ABC.

[Source: MARVEL via YouTube]

Automotive media publications are now posting details on their roundtable discussion last week with Ted Klaus, chief engineer of the upcoming Acura NSX. Still unable to reveal specific details, Honda did shed some light on a few topics.

Key points:

• Performance will be benchmarked against a list of vehicles that include the Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C, Audi R8, Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette.
• Pricing will fall in the range of a Porche911/Audi R8.

Check out the links below for additional info:

Autoguide – Acura NSX an Affordable Ferrari Fighter: Chief Engineer
Temple of VTEC – NSX Project Update, Conference Call Notes
Autoblog - A conversation with Ted Klaus, chief engineer of the new Acura NSX
Autoguide – Acura NSX Still On Track For 2015, Will Be Built In Ohio
Motor Trend – Acura NSX Chief Engineer Opens Up About Upcoming Supercar
Autoweek – Acura NSX details emerge
Motor Authority – Acura NSX Chief Engineer Talks Performance, Ohio Production

Official release from acuranews.com:

Acura NSX Production Site Selected in Ohio

Located Near Honda’s R&D Center, Facility to Employ 100 Highly Skilled Associates

05/14/2013 – MARYSVILLE, Ohio

Acura today announced that the all-new NSX supercar will be produced at a new Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, a $70 million advanced production facility encompassing 184,000 square feet to be housed inside Honda’s former North American Logistics facility and located in the midst of Honda’s existing R&D and production engineering operations.

The site for the new production facility, which will be Honda’s third auto plant in Ohio, is only a few miles from the Honda R&D Americas, Inc. Ohio Center that is engineering the supercar for production and adjacent to Honda of America Mfg.’s Marysville Auto Plant. The Performance Manufacturing Center also is close to Honda Engineering North America, Inc., center for the development of new production technologies.

A part of Honda of America, the Performance Manufacturing Center will be a unique manufacturing operation that will employ approximately 100 highly skilled manufacturing associates drawn from within Honda’s existing operations in Ohio. In addition, associates at Honda’s engine plant in Anna, Ohio, will assemble the NSX powertrain.

“Thirty years ago, building cars in America was a big dream. Working together, here in Ohio and across North America we turned this dream into reality,” said Hidenobu Iwata, president & CEO of Honda of America and the head of Honda’s manufacturing operations in North America. “The location of this facility is in the midst of one of the greatest collections of engineering and production talent in the world. So it makes sense that we will renew the dream and build this high-tech, supercar in Marysville, Ohio.”

In addition to the plant location, Honda announced that Honda R&D Americas chief engineer Ted Klaus is leading the global team developing the new NSX, and Clement D’ Souza, associate chief engineer at Honda of America, is leading the team that will bring NSX to mass production in 2015.

“This new plant will be as unique as the vehicle we will build here,” said D’Souza. “In creating the plan for this plant, we looked closely at each process and determined the perfect blend of associate craftsmanship and technology to adopt a new approach to manufacturing.”

The Acura NSX Concept was on display at the event, attended by local community and government leaders, including Ohio Governor John Kasich, showcasing the NSX’s low and wide stance that will help fulfill the Acura brand product direction centered on the synergy between man and machine.

The new NSX is being developed by a global R&D team led by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. located in Los Angeles, Calif., and Raymond, Ohio. The NSX will feature a unique powertrain and body structure to provide an incredible driving experience. It will be powered by a mid-mounted V-6 engine mated to Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.

“We have a very clear understanding of the high customer expectations luxury buyers around the world have for a supercar, and our challenge is to exceed them and create new value for the customer,” said Klaus. “This new Performance Manufacturing Center will be key to this challenge.”

Once selected, the team of production associates at the Performance Manufacturing Center will begin training and establishing manufacturing processes that will be used to build the all-new NSX. The next generation NSX will be built exclusively at the all-new Performance Manufacturing Center. In addition to being sold in North America, the NSX will be exported to customers throughout the world.

The original Acura NSX was built at the Takanezawa Plant in Japan from 1990 until production moved to the Suzuka Plant in early 2004, where it was produced until 2005. Part of the Tochigi Factory, the Takanezawa Plant was the first manufacturing facility in the world to mass-produce an all-aluminum body and balance advanced production equipment with hands-on “craftsman” processes.

[Source: Acura]

2014 Acura ILX

Official release from acuranews.com:

2014 Acura ILX Luxury Sports Sedan Arrives With Host of New Standard Features, Providing More Content and Value for the Luxury Brand’s Gateway Sedan 

17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded seating, and enhanced audio and electronics all strengthen  the compact ILX’s luxury appeal

05/13/2013 – TORRANCE, Calif

The 2014 Acura ILX luxury sports sedan goes on sale tomorrow with a host of new standard features, further strengthening the gateway vehicle to the Acura brand. Introduced as an all-new model for the 2013 model year, the 2014 Acura ILX offers increased value on a luxury scale with eight new standard features to enhance its curb appeal, interior comfort and overall driving enjoyment.

The ILX is the only luxury model on the top ten list of Generation Y car shoppers according to J.D. Power and Associates, and the 2014 ILX gets upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels, while the interior receives new leather seating surfaces and leatherette door liners, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera.  The ride experience is further enhanced by a new audio-system subwoofer and an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system that are standard features on the 2014 ILX, which starts at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price* (MSRP) of $26,900, an increase of just $1,000.

Two advanced powertrain choices are available for 2014 ILX, with a standard 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower. Paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, it has an EPA ** city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 24/35/28 mpg. For a more dynamic driving experience, the ILX can be equipped with a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission matched to a 2.4-liter engine generating 201 horsepower, and earning an EPA ** city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 22/31/25 mpg. Information on the 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid will be announced at a later date.

The ILX uses 59 percent high strength steel (HSS) in its body structure for enhanced protection and chassis rigidity. The chassis utilizes an advanced, fully independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension system and Acura signature Amplitude Reactive Dampers, which offer superior ride comfort and precise handling. In addition, Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) is used for excellent steering feel and improved fuel efficiency.

The high-quality, well-appointed interior is smart, spacious and sporty. It offers a number of convenient features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, along with Pandora® interface and SMS text message function for easy connectivity. As before, a Premium Package and Technology Package are both available.

Acura’s belief in “Safety Through Innovation” is the foundation for the brand’s commitment to leadership in safety, and accordingly the ILX has a wide range of standard active and passive safety features, including Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. It received a 2013 TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), attaining a score of GOOD in all four Institute tests, including the rigorous roof-strength test.

The Acura ILX is manufactured exclusively at the company’s state-of-the-art Greensburg, Indiana plant using U.S. and globally sourced parts.

[Source: Acura]

Acura fans, here’s your chance to get some answers on the highly anticipated Acura NSX. Acura will open the floor with a Q&A Twitter session on Tuesday May 14th at 1 PM EDT/10 AM PDT.

“Get all your NSX questions ready Acura fans! We will be hosting a live Twitter Q&A with the lead engineer of the all new NSX next Tuesday (5/14) at 10 AM PDT. As the launch is still a couple years away, somethings like price and specific specs are still undisclosed, but we’ll be discussing the legacy of the NSX, the Sport Hybrid system, the goals of the development team and how the NSX fits into the supercar competitive set. Follow @Acura_Insider on Twitter and ask your questions using #AcuraNSX!”

[Source: Acura_Insider]

Yes, fog lights will be available on the 2014 Acura MDX but as an option. Here is a list of optional accessories for the 2014 Acura MDX pictured above:

• LED Fog Lights
• 19″ Alloy Wheels
• Roof Rails with Crossbars
• Body Side Molding
• Sport Running Boards
• Front Sport Bumper

Visit acura.com for a closer look.

[Source: Acura]

Official release from acuranews.com:

05/02/2013 – LINCOLN, Ala

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley joined more than 1,500 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) today to celebrate the start of mass production of the all-new 2014 Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

HMA is now the exclusive global production source of the Acura MDX, along with key Honda light truck models, including the Odyssey minivan, the Pilot sport utility vehicle and the Ridgeline pickup. HMA also builds the V-6 engines that power each model.  The 2014 Acura MDX features an all-new Earth Dreams Technology direct injection V-6 engine going into production in North America for the first time.

“Today, we celebrate a new Alabama-made vehicle, fueled by the pride of Honda associates who are committed to exceeding the expectations of our Acura customers,” said Tom Shoupe, HMA president.

Designed, engineered and developed in the U.S., the seven-passenger Acura MDX has long been a benchmark vehicle in its segment and Acura’s top-selling vehicle for the past year. Built on a completely new platform, the redesigned 2014 MDX offers improved ride comfort, a more versatile and luxurious cabin, class-leading fuel economy and enhanced dynamic performance.

“What a beautiful vehicle we have created together,” said Jim Keller, chief engineer for the 2014 Acura MDX at Honda R&D in Raymond, Ohio. “Today we celebrate not a finish line, but a starting line. Our race is just beginning, and to win this race takes a constant and committed focus on quality and on the customer.”

The 2014 MDX, which will go on sale at Acura dealers nationwide in the coming weeks, is also designed to achieve the highest available safety ratings, and will be offered for the first time in a more affordable and even more fuel-efficient two-wheel-drive configuration. Pricing information will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

About Honda Manufacturing of Alabama
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama began production in 2001 with the Honda Odyssey minivan and now produces four vehicles and V-6 engines at its $2 billion facility in Lincoln. Using domestic and globally sourced parts, cumulative production in Alabama is now nearing three million vehicles and engines. HMA has invested almost $400 million during the past 24 months and has hired an additional 400 associates in both process and professional positions. HMA has also increased its production capacity by 40,000 units to a total of 340,000 vehicles and V-6 engines each year and now employs more than 4,000 associates.

About Honda Operations in North America
Honda now operates 14 major manufacturing facilities in North America, producing a wide range of Honda and Acura automobiles, automobile engines and transmissions, Honda all-terrain vehicles, and power equipment products such as lawn mowers, mini-tillers and general purpose engines, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Seven Honda auto plants in the North American region, including four in the U.S., have the capacity to produce 1.63 million automobiles each year. In 2012, 90 percent of the Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were produced in North America. This will increase to 1.92 million vehicles per year in 2014, when the sales percentage of locally produced automobiles is expected to rise to more than 95 percent.

[Source: Acura]

2014 Acura ILX Dynamic

For a brand that often takes pride in the available tech in its models, many were puzzled when they learned Acura did not offer a navigation package in the sportier, 2.4-liter 6-speed manual ILX. That changes for the 2014 model year ILX, as Acura Canada has just released details on the new Dynamic ILX.

Previously, Acura Canada’s Dynamic package was the equivalent of the ILX 6-Speed Manual with Premium Package, but for 2014 it adds Acura Navigation, HomeLink, and Acura/ELS Surround Sound. Or if you want to think of it another way, the ILX Tech gets offered with a 2.4-litre and 6-speed manual:

“For driving enthusiasts seeking luxury, ILX Dynamic shifts expectations. We’ve taken the ILX Tech and made it a high performance thrill thanks to a 2.4-litre, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. torque and a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Metal racing pedals round out the package and remind you of the perfect balance of luxury and performance in the ILX Dynamic.”

No word yet on other changes, but we would hope the US will also follow suit with this package.

[Source: Acura Canada]

Official release from acuranews.com:

Honda April Sales Up on CR-V Monthly Sales Record; All-New RLX Flagship Sedan Bolsters Acura Sales Gain

Both Honda and Acura gains driven by record light trucks sales

05/01/2013 – TORRANCE, Calif.

American Honda today reported April 2013 U.S. sales of 130,999 units, an increase of 7.4 percent compared with April 2012 (up 3.1 percent based on the Daily Selling Rate, or DSR*). The Honda brand posted April 2013 sales of 117,100 units, an increase of 6.6 percent compared with April 2012. Acura U.S. April sales of 13,899 units increased 14.2 percent compared with April 2012.

Acura

• Sales of the all-new luxury flagship RLX sedan strong with 400 units in its first full month, as dealer inventory builds

• RDX sets its twelfth-consecutive monthly sales record, up 106.0 percent from last April, and is the top-selling Acura model in April with sales of 4,088 units

• Acura sets an April truck sales record, with total Acura year-to-date sales up over 13 percent

“With a full year of record sales growth, the RDX is a resounding success,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura Sales. “Continued record-breaking sales of the RDX is laying a solid foundation for the new RLX and MDX Acura models launching this year.”

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 25 days for April 2013 and 24 days for April 2012. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 101 days for 2013 and 101 days for 2012. All other percentages in release are unadjusted; see table for adjusted DSR figures.

[Source: Acura]