Have a Great Halloween!

What's this fellow driver thinking? Can you come up with a caption for this picture?

A Closer Look: The All-New Honda Accord

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 The 2013 Honda Accord starts at $21,680 and is loaded with high-tech
standard features.

The release of the all-new 2013 Accord arguably marks the biggest launch in
Honda’s history, and the automotive giant is not holding anything back.
Coupled with a complete redesign and a whole slew of industry-leading
standard features, the ninth generation Accord is living up to the hype of
the media buzz surrounding its launch.

“The latest incarnation of the Accord represents the best value-per-dollar
of any vehicle on the market,” said Chris Kelly, who road tested the
all-new Accord for VehicleTests.com. “After seeing all the high-tech
standard features that come with the Accord, I got reverse sticker shock
because the car was so inexpensive with more technology and safety features
than a lot of luxury cars that are twice its price,” which is why
VehicleTests.com awarded the 2013 Honda Accord with its vaunted 5-Star
rating.

The 2013 Accord comes at starting price of $21,680 with an array of hi-tech
standard features, including a rearview camera and Expanded View Driver’s
Mirror. Other standard technologies include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone
interface, Multi-Information Display (i-MID), SMS text messaging function
and Pandora Internet Radio interface. These are just some of the reasons
for the high praise from VehicleTests.com, which produces independent
test-drive videos for consumers.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Citing "reverse sticker-shock" based on the vehicle's high-tech features
compared to its affordable price, VehicleTests.com awarded the 2013 Honda
Accord a 5-Star rating.

“After I spent the whole day driving the new Accord, I found myself missing
the great features it has once I got back into my own car,” adds Kelly.
“You get used to those features really fast.”

One of the features to which Kelly refers is the new Honda LaneWatch
blind-spot display, which enhances visibility of the passenger-side roadway
thanks to a camera that displays what is in your blind spot on the i-MID
screen. The Lane Departure Warning system uses cameras to make sure the
vehicle is aligned within the lines on the roadway and alerts the driver if
he or she is drifting. There is also Forward Collision Warning, which
alerts the driver if he or she is closing in too fast on the car ahead.

This new technology, coupled with the 2013 Accord’s standard safety
features, also contributed to its 5-Star rating from VehicleTests.com. The
vehicle comes with four-wheel anti-lock braking system, a total of six
airbags, including front and rear head airbags and dual front side-mounted
airbags. In addition, the Accord has emergency braking assist, electronic
brake force distribution, both a driver and passenger head restraint
whiplash protection system, stability and traction control and tire
pressure monitoring. Additionally, the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone
interface and SMS text messaging function allows for hands-free phone
usage, which means less distracted driving.

The 2013 Accord comes in eight different trim levels, from the standard LX
to the EXL, including the all-new Sport and top-of-the-line Touring models.
Engine options include the 2.4L four-cylinder with 185 horsepower and the
six-cylinder with 278 horsepower, which is more horsepower than the Lexus
ES, BMW 328i or Mercedes Benz C Class. However, more power doesn’t mean
less fuel economy. Due to its new Earth Dreams technology, the 2013 Accord
offers better gas mileage than previous Accords that had less horsepower.

While the all-new Accord has a lot more horsepower, the cabin was extremely
quiet during the road test. “Normal conversation volume measures in at 65
decibels,” says Kelly. “The new Accord measures in at an exceptional 56
decibels. It was amazing to see the amount of soundproofing that Honda put
into the vehicle.” Under the hood of the 2013 Accord, you’ll find a thick
soundproofing mat, which helps keeps most engine noise away from the cabin.
However, Kelly says that the Accord also features additional rubber gaskets
around the edges, which provides even more soundproofing.

As part of its road-test, VehicleTests.com drove the vehicle for 50 miles
on the highway at 60 miles per hour with cruise-control, in order to test
the fuel economy — listed at 35 miles per gallon. Kelly and his team found
that the Accord they tested actually exceeded the listed miles per gallon
by a good amount. However, he could not disclose the actual figures for
legal reasons.

The American-made Honda Accord has been one of the best selling cars in
history, which is one of the reasons why it has boasted the highest resell
value of any car in its class and has won many resell value awards from
Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.com. In fact, New York Honda dealers are
already celebrating its sales success - it is selling faster than any Honda
in history.

Based on early reception, this vehicle is receiving — including the high
rating from VehicleTests.com — it looks like Honda’s problem is not going
to be market share because customers know a deal when they see one. With
industry-leading standard features, a shockingly low MSRP and more
technology and safety features than many more expensive luxury vehicles,
Honda may have a challenge keeping up with the demand in the market place.

“The new Accord is selling faster than any Honda in history,” said Rob
Sabbagh, President of the Tri-State Honda Dealers Association.

Courtesy of New York Daily News

Honda HPD Supercharged CR-Z Concept is the one we've been longing for

The staunchest Honda geeks among us have always wanted the CR-Z to be a great car, so they supercharged the sucker and ignored the hybrid aspect altogether.

The automaker's Honda Performance Division (HPD) has done just what enthusiasts – and more than a few tuners – have been expecting since the model's inception... they've made the CR-Z a lot quicker. The addition of the headlining supercharger as well as an intercooler, high-flow injectors and a recalibrated ECU have netted the car a total of 185 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. The suspension, wheel/tire package and and brakes have been revised to round out the performance offerings.

Honda is just calling this concept an "exploration of the performance potential of the CR-Z Sport Hybrid" for right now, but we'd vote (do we get a vote?) that they just break down and build the thing.

 

Courtesy of Autoblog

Some Tips on Minimizing the Risk of Your Vehicle Being Broken Into or Stolen

Keep it inside a locked garage with an armed guard and Doberman on duty! Or, drive a car that nobody would want to steal.

Seriously, there are some common sense precautions you can use to minimize the risk of your vehicle being stolen or broken into:

Never leave the keys in the ignition, and never leave the engine running while you run into a store or drop something off. You car might not be there when you come back, and you might even be issued a ticket for such stupidity!

Always lock your car, even when running short errands to the grocery store or leaving your car in your own driveway. A car thief will walk right up to an unlocked car in broad daylight, hop in and be gone in 30 seconds. Locking the doors won't prevent him from breaking into or stealing your car, but it will slow him down and may discourage him enough to pick on someone else's car.

Never leave valuables (purses, briefcases, radar detectors, money, portable electronic devices, leather coats, etc.) in plain view. They encourage thieves to break in and help themselves. Either take the valuables with you or lock them out-of-sight in the luggage compartment.

Avoid parking where you have to leave your keys with a valet or parking attendant. It's a simple matter to make a duplicate key and steal your car later. Use self-park facilities where possible.

Park in well-lighted areas, preferably where there are people and/or traffic nearby. This discourages casual thieves from breaking and entering.

If you're installing an expensive stereo system in your vehicle, think hard about getting a "pull-out" unit that can be removed for safe-keeping if you have to park the vehicle outside. Or at least buy a radio that has a theft-deterrent code that makes it inoperable if somebody rips it out of your dash.

 

Courtesy of Yahoo! Autos

Festive Friday: It's About Time!

What's your costume this year? Ever thought about dressing up your car, too?

It's the 12th Birthday of Our Robot Asimo!

In 1986, Honda engineers set out to create a walking robot. ASIMO is the culmination of two decades of humanoid robotics research by Honda engineers. ASIMO can run, walk on uneven slopes and surfaces, turn smoothly, climb stairs, and reach for and grasp objects. ASIMO can also comprehend and respond to simple voice commands. ASIMO has the ability to recognize the face of a select group of individuals. Using its camera eyes, ASIMO can map its environment and register stationary objects. ASIMO can also avoid moving obstacles as it moves through its environment.

ASIMO is the culmination of two decades of humanoid robotics research by Honda engineers. ASIMO can run, walk on uneven slopes and surfaces, turn smoothly, climb stairs, and reach for and grasp objects. ASIMO can also comprehend and respond to simple voice commands. ASIMO has the ability to recognize the face of a select group of individuals. Using its camera eyes, ASIMO can map its environment and register stationary objects. ASIMO can also avoid moving obstacles as it moves through its environment.

Let's all with him and everything he represents a happy birthday!

Be Sure To Take Advantage Of Our Savings!

Print off this coupon to receive free wiper blades and a one day car rental. Hurry, this expires October 31st!

The 2013 Honda Accord Coupe: Style and science all in one.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Great Car Battery Maintenance Tips

Owning jumper cables is like owning a truck. When you own a truck, people seem to cozy up to you when they are moving. When you own jumper cables, you're suddenly like Batman but for dead batteries. You might as well give your friends a Jumper Cables Signal that they can point at the cloudy sky in times of crisis. With great power comes great responsibility, I guess. (And now I am mixing metaphors.)

Car batteries are full of toxic chemicals and have to be dealt with specially when they die. The green thing to do is to squeeze as much life out of them as possible and decrease the overall amount of batteries that you are going to need in your lifetime. Here are some tips for that.

1. Park in a Garage

A thoroughly insulated garage will keep your battery warm in the winter. Skip heated garages. They will rust your car.

2. Keep Your Battery Clean

Remove the clamps and clean away grease, dirt and oxidation. A filthy battery connection will weaken the charge.

3.Insulate Your Car Battery

If you don't have an insulated garage, you can always insulate the battery. It's a cheap way to protect the battery.

4. Recharge it with Solar

You can purchase an inexpensive solar charger for your car battery. The charger refills your battery's charge with solar energy. Combo this device with a monitor so you don't overcharge the battery.

5. Add Distilled Water

If you're stretching the life of a conventional battery, you may have to add some water to it. Here is how this is done.

6. Secure the Battery

If your battery is jiggling around, it could tip over. A loose battery bashing against other parts of your engine is bad. Battery acid spilling all over your motor is also bad. Keep the battery tray clean. Make sure the battery sits correctly.

Courtesy of How Stuff Works

From Start to Finish - How Accords are Built

 

Have you ever wondered how a car comes together? Honda's auto production plant in Marysville, Ohio, welcomes you inside to find out how a Honda Accord goes from rolls of steel to a shiny new vehicle ready to provide a fun-driving experience. In between, you get a chance to see how thousands of Ohioans make it happen every day.

Honda Accord "Cash Car" Hits New York, Chicago, Phoenix and L.A. Starting This Week in Contest Hosted by Ben Bailey of "Cash Cab"

As a part of the comprehensive marketing launch surrounding the all-new 2013 Accord, Honda kicks off the first-ever Accord Cash Car competition event Saturday, Oct. 6 in New York City's Times Square, to be followed by appearances in Chicago, Phoenix and Los Angeles. The interactive Accord Cash Car promotion allows participating contestants to trade knowledge of the all-new 2013 Honda Accord's innovative new features for cash prizes and the chance to win a 2013 Honda Accord.

Hosted by Emmy-winning stand-up comedian and television personality Ben Bailey of "Cash Cab" fame, the fun and entertaining Accord Cash Car events will see participants teaming up to answer a series of questions related to the innovative new features on the 2013 Honda Accord. Correctly answering questions can earn participants cash prizes, and each contestant will also be entered for a chance to win an all-new 2013 Honda Accord.

This initiative by Honda is designed to raise awareness among consumers of the numerous advanced technologies and ample standard features found in the 2013 Honda Accord. The Accord Cash Car marketing program is geared to show consumers that the completely redesigned, ninth-generation Accord is not a one-spec machine, but the total package of luxury, safety, efficiency, agility and technology which makes it the smartest choice in its ultra-completive segment.

"With an innovative, fun-to-drive product like the all-new 2013 Honda Accord, we wanted to create an exciting, innovative contest to help people experience it," said Mike Accavitti, vice president of automotive marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.  "Accord is the new value leader in the mid-size class because it excels in all areas and the Accord Cash Car promotion will bring that story to life."

The Accord Cash Car events kicked off Saturday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. in New York City's Times Square, and featured an outdoor set replete with several models of the all-new 2013 Honda Accord. The six-hour event allowed multiple sets of three-person teams to participate as contestants each hour, with their shot at the cash awards broadcast live to attendees on a large-screen display. After the New York City event, the Accord Cash Car event moved to: Chicago's Navy Pier Gateway Park on Saturday, Oct. 20; the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix on Saturday, Nov. 3; and the Hollywood & Highland Central Courtyard in Los Angeles next to the Kodak Theater on Nov. 10.

Courtesy of Honda

Given Satisfaction Causes Gotten Satisfaction. Thank You To Our Loving Customers!

"I am extremely satisfied with my experience in O'hare Honda. Stan was really friendly and of great help to us and I would admit that it was only because of his help that I was able to get my dream car from this dealership.

For all the people out there who are looking for good dealership, I would personally recommend O'hare Honda and especially Stan to you.

Thank you O'hare Honda for all the help!"

- Mary

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: 9 Ways to Increase Gas Mileage

Improving fuel economy not only saves drivers money, it also benefits the environment by releasing fewer emissions into the air and reduces a nation's dependence on oil and oil imports. Reducing the amount of driving we do - by carpooling, using public transportation and combining trips - has the greatest effect on how much gas each person uses. That said, there are many ways to improve fuel economy when we do drive. These primarily involve driving more efficiently and making sure our cars are properly maintained.

Drive More Efficiently

Our driving habits have a significant impact on fuel efficiency:

1. Go Easy on the Pedals
Speeding, braking and rapid acceleration waste gas. Depending on the type of vehicle, poor driving habits can negatively affect fuel economy between 5% and 33%. Based on the current national average of $3.12 per gallon (for regular gasoline), driving sensibly, and not like a race car driver, can lead to an equivalent gas savings of between 16 cents and $1.03 per gallon.

2. Slow Down
Gas mileage decreases above 60 miles per hour. According to fueleconomy.gov, for every five miles per hour that exceeds 60 mph, drivers pay an equivalent of about 24 cents more for each gallon of gas. While each vehicle has its own optimal speed for fuel efficiency, speeding can result in 7% to 23% reduced fuel economy. Driving at slower speeds can save 21 to 71 cents per gallon.

3. Leave Extras at Home
An additional 100 pounds in your car can reduce gas mileage by up to 2%. The reduction is relative to the vehicle's weight: Smaller vehicles are more affected by increased weight than larger ones. For every 100 pounds in extra weight, plan on spending up to 6 cents more per gallon.

4. Use Cruise Control (When Appropriate)
According to Edmunds.com, using cruise control under appropriate conditions (avoiding use during especially hilly terrain) can improve fuel economy by up to 14%. That's a savings of about 43 cents per gallon.

5. Turn off the Car
Idling gets zero miles per gallon and collectively consumes several billion gallons of fuel per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The California Energy Commission (CEC) advises that vehicles should be turned off if the expected wait will be longer than 10 seconds, since an idling vehicle can burn as much as one gallon of gas each hour. Turning the car off can save about 5 cents per minute.

6. Check Tire Pressure
A little bit of vehicle maintenance can go a long way in improving gas mileage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 1.25 billion gallons of gasoline - approximately 1% of total consumption - are wasted each year on underinflated tires. Tires can lose about 2 pounds per square inch (psi) per month. Each tire that is underinflated by 10 psi reduces fuel economy by about 3.3%. Four tires that are underinflated by 10 psi, then, would reduce a vehicle's fuel economy by a substantial 10% at an added cost of 31 cents per gallon.

Follow the guidelines in your vehicle's owner's manual (these recommendations also appear on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb) - and not what is stamped onto the tire itself.

7. Replace Spark Plugs
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence indicates that bad spark plugs can decrease fuel economy by up to 30%, and can cost drivers up to about 94 cents per gallon at today's prices. If a car's gas mileage suddenly drops, there's a good chance it's because of misfiring spark plugs.

8. Check Alignment
Misaligned tires drag instead of roll freely. Improper alignment can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 10% - about 31 cents per gallon. In addition, the tires can wear out more quickly. Tires that are out of balance (symptom: vibration in the steering wheel) can cause uneven tire wear, which can result in lower gas mileage. Tires should be balanced and rotated according to the vehicle's owner's manual to improve tire performance and fuel economy.

9. Fill Your Tank Early in the Morning - or Late at Night
Fuel is dispensed by volume. If you fill your tank when it is coolest outside - early in the morning or late at night, and avoid the heat of the day - the fuel will be more dense. As a result, you will get more gas for the same amount of money.

Good for You, Good for the Environment
Reducing the amount of driving we do, whether it's by carpooling or foregoing an unnecessary trip, is perhaps the most effective way to decrease the amount of gas that each person uses and make fill-ups at the gas station last longer. Proactive steps can be taken to improve fuel efficiency by paying attention to and changing gas-guzzling driving habits, and following a vehicle's maintenance schedule. Improved gas mileage is good for you, good for your car and good for the environment.

The 2013 Honda Accord Sedan LX: Enough Options For Everyone.

Stylish, sophisticated and high-tech, the all-new 2013 Accord Sedan LX has a set of standard features that are unmatched in its class. Including Eco Assist™, a rearview camera, and i-MID--which brings Pandora® compatibility, Bluetooth® and SMS texting to you.

The 2013 Honda Accord Sedan LX: Truly advancing the standard.

Honda offers $3,000 discounts on natural-gas Civic

As if paying a little more than $2 a gallon for fuel isn't enough inducement, Honda is throwing $3,000 on the hood of its natural-gas powered Civic sedans.

It will come in the form of a $3,000 debit card good for buying natural gas at the Clean Energy chain of fueling stations.

Honda doesn't sound terribly desperate to sell natural gas-powered Civics here. It's already selling more than it has in the past. And the gas-price shock in California, which has seen gasoline hit $5 at many stations this week, certainly will help sales.

Despite the natural-gas boom in the U.S. -- and resulting drop in price -- Honda remains the only maker producing natural-gas powered sedans. It was named Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal. The Civic is made on the same line as the gasoline-powered version in the Midwest.

Honda says natural gas prices vary at Clean Energy stations, but that the price was equal to $2.19 per gallon of gasoline in Anaheim, Calif., this week. That's half the price of a gallon of self-serve regular.

"With gas prices spiking in California, Civic Natural Gas vehicles sales at an all-time high, and the public gaining greater awareness of the benefits of using natural gas, we believe this a great time to launch our fuel card promotion with our partner Clean Energy," said Steve Center, vice president of the American Honda Environmental Business Development Office, in a statement.

The natural-gas giveaway will go a long way to closing the price gap between the natural-gas Civic and its conventional cousin. The natural-gas Civic starts at $26,305. That's $5,650 more than the Civic EX, the gasoline-version that best compares to it in terms of features.

In order to get the gas card, buyers need to purchase their CNG-powered Civic by Jan. 2.

 

Courtesy of USA Today

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Winter Tips To Keep You Content

Perhaps the first frosts have already coated your windshield, forcing you to dig out the scraper. As you adjust to the coming chill, give a thought to your ride, and check out these nine tips that will keep your car rolling smoothly through winter’s challenges.

---

We’re assuming you've covered the basics (such as the scraper!) and are up-to-date on your car’s regular scheduled service. Don't postpone that -- an annoyance in summer can be a hazard that strands you in the winter.

 

Don't make compost in your car

As you tackle fall's bounty on your lawn, leave some energy for removing the leaves that find their way into your vehicle.

Leaves, twigs and other organic matter can cause havoc with gutters on your house -- and the equivalent on your car. When debris builds up in areas of your car where water is supposed to flow out, you can get leaks or corrosion.

The air plenum near the windshield is a classic spot where this can happen.

If you have a sunroof, open it up and poke around in there, too. Sunroofs have drains that flow water that sneaks past the seals down to the ground. Leaf gunk in there can make for wet headliners or worse.

Less common, but more problematic: Animals may make nests in the engine compartment or airbox. You may need a mechanic and an animal trapper to fully solve this problem

 

Consider winter tires

So-called "all-season" tires have been on the market for decades. Coupled with front-wheel-drive and anti-skid systems, they have allowed many folks to avoid mounting a true snow tire for the winter months. But there are two trends in tires you should be aware of:

1) Styling priorities have led to manufacturers fitting wider, low-profile tires on a variety of cars. Wide and low profile, on balance, makes a tire worse in the snow. Pressures to improve tire fuel economy have also worked against the snow utility of all-seasons.

2) Winter tires have improved their behavior from the era of knobby snow tires. New tread patterns and rubber compounds make them quieter on dry roads, yet even more effective on frozen stuff.

If you choose to go with winter tires, note that vendors such as The Tire Rack and Discount Tire Direct offer packages with the tires already mounted on a new set of wheels. Switching the entire wheel for the winter is more cost-effective than having two sets of tires mounted on your existing wheels twice a year.

 

Wipers for winter

Fog, snow and rain will cut down your visibility in winter.

Check your wiper blades, which have a lifespan of about a year. If your car doesn’t have the newer "beam blade" style wipers, consider a pair, especially for the winter months. The beam style blades don't have an external spring to freeze up.

When snow or other freezing precipitation threaten, pop your wipers up when you park so they're not touching the windshield. This little trick will make it easier to scrape your windshield and reduce the chance that you burn out the wiper motor by having them turn on while the blades are frozen in place.

 

Is your battery juiced?

Winter puts more stress on your battery, particularly if you park your car outdoors.

Avoid the sinking feeling of hearing nothing when you hit the ignition with a proactive check of your battery and charging system now. Repair shops don't usually charge very much to load-test your battery, and some car-parts stores will do it for free.

If you find out your battery's going south, you can replace it at your convenience, instead of being at the mercy of whomever your dead car’s been towed to. Note that some big-box stores such as Costco offer a good price on batteries for those of you willing to change one yourself (not usually all that hard, though batteries are heavy.) This is many people’s first thought when it comes to winter car care. "Flush and fill" promotional signs abound at service stations as the weather cools.

But chances are good your engine coolant (a better name for it) is just fine for the winter ahead. If you’ve followed your car’s service schedule regularly, give this pitch a pass. Most newer cars have been fitted with coolants that can last as long as five years or 150,000 miles. Read your owner's manual.

If you’ve missed a service interval or have another reason to doubt your coolant, go ahead and have it "flushed and filled." Just make sure your mechanic uses a compatible coolant to refill your car. Some coolants, such as Prestone's Extended Life, work for any car.

If your car has moved to a much colder climate and you’re concerned that your coolant might not be up to the deep freeze, you can check its effectiveness with a simple, under-$10 tester from the car-parts store.

Check your tire pressure

Here are two good reasons to get down there with the gauge and unscrew the valve caps as the weather cools:

1) Tires lose a pound of pressure for every drop of 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) An underinflated tire won't "bite" through snow down to the pavement as well as one at pressure. It's similar to hydroplaning on water -- and just as dangerous.

Don’t forget to put the valve caps back on when you're done. Letting in moisture, which then freezes, could let the valve core leak out air.

 

Survival kit (of some sort)

Everyone should have a space blanket in the car, tucked in the glove compartment or some other storage space in reach of the driver.

The most complete survival kit in the world won’t do a bit of good if you're upside down in a car you can’t get out of and the kit’s in the trunk.

The shiny space blanket's ability to keep you warm could be a lifesaver -- and it takes up virtually no space and costs less than $10.

Next things we’d add:

•Whistle
•Plastic bag for gathering snow for water
•Plumber's candle & lighter
•Single-edged razor blade (cut up your upholstery for insulation)
•Empty metal soup can (for melting snow with the candle)

You can -- and perhaps should -- keep going (some people suggest packing a wordy novel). The more rural and remote your roads, the more you’ll want.

Wax your lights

Okay, we admit it's a little detail, but in winter’s gloom and short days, every last lumen you can squeeze out of your headlamps is going to improve your safety.

Here's an easy two-minute drill: Make sure the headlamps are clean of dirt, rub car wax (any type will do) on the lamps, let it dry and buff it off. And then apply a second coat. For bonus points, do the taillights.

The slippery surface you leave behind will be less likely to build up an "icicle" coat when road slush refreezes on your car -- and will make it easier to remove it if it does.

Courtesy of Kiplinger

Welcome to Camp Honda

Most sponsors at the Little League World Series set up a booth. Honda set up an entire baseball camp. Can we make the downtime between games just as exciting as the games themselves? Let's see what happened.

Honda finds the right fit with Fit EV

Welcome the 2013 Honda Fit EV to the electric vehicle marketplace, which boasts a world-leading energy efficiency of 29kWh per 100 miles and a gasoline miles per gallon equivalent of 118 MPGe (combined city/highway, adjusted).

The Fit EV is capable of delivering an EPA-certified unadjusted driving range of 132 miles on a single charge. The adjusted combined city/highway EV range posted on the new fuel economy label is 82 miles, an ideal range for urban driving and medium-range commuting.

The Fit EV draws its motive force from a 20-kilowatt hour, lithium-ion battery and a 92-kilowatt coaxial electric motor/gearbox. The high-density electric motor, similar to the unit that drives the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, delivers excellent efficiency and power while remaining quiet at higher speeds.

Off-the-line response and acceleration times are comparable to those of a 2.0-liter or larger internal-combustion vehicle of similar size.

The system is made up of several innovative features, including a three-mode drive system adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid. The system allows the driver to select between Sport (92 kW), Normal (75 kW) and Econ (47 kW). In Sport mode, quick acceleration adds to the Fit EV's fun-to-drive nature, while in Econ mode, the practical driving range may be increased compared to driving in Normal mode. Other energy-saving features include a new regenerative braking system and a highly efficient all-electric climate control system.

A 6.6 kW, onboard, 32-amp charger allows for convenient recharging of the Fit EV with a 240-volt circuit in less than three hours. Honda has partnered with Leviton as the preferred Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) charging supplier, so owners can easily equip their home with a 240-volt charging station. When using a 120-volt household current, a full recharge takes less than 15 hours.

The Fit EV has a 12-volt electrical system and battery like a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle for operating typical items like lighting, climate control, audio system and other features. The main lithium-ion powertrain battery charges the 12-volt battery through an on-board DC/DC converter.

The compact Fit EV shares its basic design and engineering features with the gasoline-powered five-door, five-passenger Fit and Fit Sport, but has aerodynamic upgrades and unique styling cues that set it apart, including a revised and more efficient front end, grille area and lower fascia. The aerodynamically shaped rocker panels connect to the full-flat underbody for additionally enhanced aerodynamic performance. The redesigned rear spoiler and lower fascia further reduce aerodynamic drag.

Driving the 2013 Honda Fit EV is a complete blast. The power and torque are instantly responsive to nailing the electronic throttle. It delivers quicker off-the-line acceleration than one would expect.

The Fit EV was impressive in all three modes of its Dynamic Electric Drive, with Sport obviously delivering the highest fun factor, with the best performance (but lower efficiency). In addition to impressive acceleration, the Fit EV proved to be incredibly stable, while delivering a compliant and comfortable ride.

Only 1,100 of these little blue pocket rockets will be released over the next two-year period, and they will only be available initially through a three-year lease contract program to qualifying residents of California and Oregon. Five pre-selected market locations on the East Coast will be added in the future.

 

Courtesy of SFGate

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Windshield Wipers

Ah, windshield wipers. Like so many indispensable things in life, we tend not to appreciate them until they’re gone. But what if all drivers had a basic understanding of the wonderful world of wipers, enabling them to identify problems early and choose replacements wisely? We like that idea. Accordingly, we’ve put together a crash course that should bring your knowledge up to speed. Your automotive windows to the world require dependable wipers, so let’s learn more about these unsung heroes. 

Wiper Maintenance
The most important thing you can do for your current wipers is check their performance on a regular basis. Are they skipping or squeaking and leaving streaks on the windshield? Do you consistently notice rivulets that evade their sweep? Do they leave a film of moisture on the glass instead of wiping it clean and clear? If so, try cleaning the blades with a shop towel or sponge, and see if that helps. Remember, all it takes is one rainstorm or blizzard to turn worn-down wipers into serious safety hazards. You need to be able to depend on your wipers in the worst conditions, and that starts with being mindful of how they’re working every time you switch them on. By the way, don’t forget about your rear wiper, if you have one; it’s there for a reason, and it can be just as important as the ones in front.

 

Now, suppose you live in a temperate climate with little precipitation—or perhaps there are lingering signs of the dry season. You should still perform periodic inspections of your wiper blades, regardless of the weather. Is the rubber deteriorating? Can you see spidery cracks forming on the surface? If so, test your wipers immediately by spraying windshield-washer fluid and wiping it off, following the guidelines above for evaluating their performance. Even if your blades look great, it’s not a bad idea to do the spray-and-wipe test every week or two. You don’t want to wait for your wipers to go to pot before replacing them, so stay ahead of the curve and monitor their status year-round.

 

Buying New Wipers
Fortunately, wipers generally aren’t very expensive, so the “Better safe than sorry” approach won’t hurt your wallet here. As such, we recommend replacing your wipers if you have any reason to believe that they’re not up to snuff. Here are some general guidelines for the wiper-shopping process.

 

The first rule is to buy the entire assemblies, not just the blades themselves. Yes, it’s typically possible to keep your old assemblies, yank out the old blades, and shoehorn in new ones—and you don’t want to do that. Like we said, wipers are pretty affordable, so do your car a favor and start with a fresh set. We should add that there’s a new one-piece wiper design called “beam blade” that seamlessly integrates assembly and blade, so if you’ve got that kind, blade-only replacement isn’t even an option.

 

Second, make sure you’re getting the correct wiper specification for your car. Like most auto parts, wipers come in different shapes and sizes. It may sound trivial, but we’ve heard stories of mismatched wipers flying off their mounts at the worst possible time. Although your mechanic or auto-parts advisor should know what your car needs, it’s always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual as well, just to be safe.

 

Finally, don’t skimp on quality. Generic-brand wipers are cheaper, of course, but they can wear out in as little as a month or two of consistent use. If your manufacturer recommends a particular brand—German automakers often prefer Bosch wipers, for example—we say go for it. Otherwise, ask your trusted mechanic who knows your make and model inside and out. Don’t pay later to replace cheap wipers; pay now for a high-quality set, and you’ll reap the benefits down the road.

 

Courtesy of DriverSide.com

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Windshield Wipers

Ah, windshield wipers. Like so many indispensable things in life, we tend not to appreciate them until they’re gone. But what if all drivers had a basic understanding of the wonderful world of wipers, enabling them to identify problems early and choose replacements wisely? We like that idea. Accordingly, we’ve put together a crash course that should bring your knowledge up to speed. Your automotive windows to the world require dependable wipers, so let’s learn more about these unsung heroes. 

Wiper Maintenance
The most important thing you can do for your current wipers is check their performance on a regular basis. Are they skipping or squeaking and leaving streaks on the windshield? Do you consistently notice rivulets that evade their sweep? Do they leave a film of moisture on the glass instead of wiping it clean and clear? If so, try cleaning the blades with a shop towel or sponge, and see if that helps. Remember, all it takes is one rainstorm or blizzard to turn worn-down wipers into serious safety hazards. You need to be able to depend on your wipers in the worst conditions, and that starts with being mindful of how they’re working every time you switch them on. By the way, don’t forget about your rear wiper, if you have one; it’s there for a reason, and it can be just as important as the ones in front.

 

Now, suppose you live in a temperate climate with little precipitation—or perhaps there are lingering signs of the dry season. You should still perform periodic inspections of your wiper blades, regardless of the weather. Is the rubber deteriorating? Can you see spidery cracks forming on the surface? If so, test your wipers immediately by spraying windshield-washer fluid and wiping it off, following the guidelines above for evaluating their performance. Even if your blades look great, it’s not a bad idea to do the spray-and-wipe test every week or two. You don’t want to wait for your wipers to go to pot before replacing them, so stay ahead of the curve and monitor their status year-round.

 

Buying New Wipers
Fortunately, wipers generally aren’t very expensive, so the “Better safe than sorry” approach won’t hurt your wallet here. As such, we recommend replacing your wipers if you have any reason to believe that they’re not up to snuff. Here are some general guidelines for the wiper-shopping process.

 

The first rule is to buy the entire assemblies, not just the blades themselves. Yes, it’s typically possible to keep your old assemblies, yank out the old blades, and shoehorn in new ones—and you don’t want to do that. Like we said, wipers are pretty affordable, so do your car a favor and start with a fresh set. We should add that there’s a new one-piece wiper design called “beam blade” that seamlessly integrates assembly and blade, so if you’ve got that kind, blade-only replacement isn’t even an option.

 

Second, make sure you’re getting the correct wiper specification for your car. Like most auto parts, wipers come in different shapes and sizes. It may sound trivial, but we’ve heard stories of mismatched wipers flying off their mounts at the worst possible time. Although your mechanic or auto-parts advisor should know what your car needs, it’s always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual as well, just to be safe.

 

Finally, don’t skimp on quality. Generic-brand wipers are cheaper, of course, but they can wear out in as little as a month or two of consistent use. If your manufacturer recommends a particular brand—German automakers often prefer Bosch wipers, for example—we say go for it. Otherwise, ask your trusted mechanic who knows your make and model inside and out. Don’t pay later to replace cheap wipers; pay now for a high-quality set, and you’ll reap the benefits down the road.

 

Courtesy of DriverSide.com