How the VCM works in a 2008 Honda Accord V6 Engine

VCM = Variable Cylinder Management.

Here's how it works;

i-VTEC with 3-stage Advanced Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™)
The Accord’s available SOHC V-6 with automatic transmission includes i-VTEC with Advanced VCM. With the boost in fuel efficiency attributable to VCM, the larger and more powerful Accord V-6 with automatic transmission actually gets better fuel economy than its smaller, less powerful predecessor when tested with the same methodology.

VCM Operation
To help improve the fuel efficiency of the V-6 engine available with the 5-speed automatic transmission, the latest generation of Honda’s VCM is used. This is the first application of VCM on a non-hybrid Accord model. Unlike previous VCM systems that switched between three- and six-cylinder operation, the Accord’s system can operate on three, four or all six cylinders.

During start-up, acceleration or when climbing hills – any time high power output is required – the engine operates on all six cylinders. During moderate speed cruising and at low engine loads, the system operates just one bank of three cylinders. For moderate acceleration, higher-speed cruising and mild hills, the engine operates on four cylinders.

With three operating modes, the VCM system can finely tailor the working displacement of the engine to match the driving requirements from moment to moment. Since the system automatically closes both the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders that are not used, pumping losses associated with intake and exhaust are eliminated and fuel economy gets a further boost. The VCM system combines maximum performance and maximum fuel economy – two characteristics that don’t typically coexist in conventional engines.

VCM deactivates specific cylinders by using the VTEC (Variable Valve-Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system to close the intake and exhaust valves while the Powertrain Control Module simultaneously cuts fuel to those cylinders. When operating on three cylinders, the rear cylinder bank is shut down. When running on four cylinders, the left and center cylinders of the front bank operate, and the right and center cylinders of the rear bank operate.

The spark plugs continue to fire in inactive cylinders to minimize plug temperature loss and prevent fouling induced from incomplete combustion during cylinder re-activation.

The system is electronically controlled, and uses special integrated spool valves that do double duty as rocker-shaft holders in the cylinder heads. Based on commands from the system’s electronic control unit, the spool valves selectively direct oil pressure to the rocker arms for specific cylinders. This oil pressure in turn drives synchronizing pistons that connect and disconnect the rocker arms.

The VCM system monitors throttle position, vehicle speed, engine speed, automatic-transmission gear selection and other factors to determine the correct cylinder activation scheme for the operating conditions. In addition, the system determines whether engine oil pressure is suitable for VCM switching and whether catalytic-converter temperature will remain in the proper range. To smooth the transition between activating or deactivating cylinders, the system adjusts ignition timing, drive-by-wire throttle position and turns the torque converter lock-up on and off. As a result, the transition between three-, four-, and six-cylinder operation is unnoticeable to the driver.

2009 Honda Pilot Info Site Launched (Canada)

Honda Canada has launched a information site for the 2009 Honda Pilot and has a nice 360 degree 3D view of the exterior and the interior of the vehicle.

Here's the link to play around with;
http://hondapilot.ca/en/index.html

Honda Freed Official in Japan, Could it be a Eventual North American Vehicle?

Here's a nice article on the Honda Freed.

TOKYO -- Take a Honda Fit, move it up a class with new sheet metal, add two or three rows of seats and you're starting to get an idea of the Freed, Honda's innovative new mini minivan that's just launched in Tokyo.

Smaller than a Civic but with room to squeeze in up to eight people thanks to some highly astute packaging, the 1.5-liter, slant-nosed Freed is not headed for the United States anytime soon but might conceivably open up a new niche segment if it did, especially in light of skyrocketing gas prices and the American consumer's growing preference for smaller, fuel sippers.

While the Freed is nominally in the Fit ballpark, it's many times more versatile inside. Remarkably, this little Honda comes in five-, seven- and eight-seater configurations even though end-to-end it's a full 12 inches shorter than a Civic sedan.

Then there's the Freed's rakish, manga-like styling. On the streets of America's more happening cities that could really wow Gen Y and Z crowds and who knows, siphon off a few Scion buyers at the same time.

Japan Only -- For Now

The message from Honda, however, is that the Freed is a Japanese domestic model -- at least to start with. Replacing two quaint boxy multiwagons in Japan, the Mobilio and Mobilio Spike, it's been purposely designed to fit in with today's downsizing market trends and the nation's cramped parking lots.

How has Honda been able to package the Freed car so inventively? By starting out with a unique platform that mixes and matches elements of both Fit and Civic architecture. This new platform offers up a usefully low floor and comes with a wheelbase 2 inches longer than the Civic's.

The Freed at the same time is 2 inches narrower than a Civic but as much as a foot taller. So it's the classic Japanese tallboy and uniquely in its class can be ordered as a seven-seater with the option of two second-row captain's chairs.

True, there is a plain vanilla two-row, five-seater version. But more adventurous and fun is the full-spec, three-row Freed with walk-through, a model that can take eight with the proviso that those in the third row are under 6 feet and don't mind cuddling up. Cleverly, that third-row bench splits 50/50 and folds up when not in use.

Twin powered sliding rear doors are standard-issue with the Honda Freed, which shares the Fit's impressive 1,496cc i-VTEC engine but produces a sparkier 118 horsepower.
Front-drive models get standard CVT transmission but with optional all-wheel drive that then switches to five-speed auto.

Freed Is Just Another Word
As for the name, Americans of a certain age may remember Allan Freed, one of the pioneers of rock n' roll from the '50s but that, you can be sure, has nothing to do with Honda's choice for the name.

No, Freed, we hear, has been coined from "freedom" or could be a derivation of "free" and "do. Either apply. Some see it as a pity that Honda ditched the Mobilio badge but with a new model, Honda top brass wanted a new name to match.

The final eyebrow raiser is the price. The Freed kicks off in Tokyo for the equivalent of $15,690 and so far as we can see, has no direct competitor. Honda plans to sell 4,000 units a month, which seems a pretty modest target. That's a quarter of what the Fit typically sells each month now in Japan.

Compact, clever and with many cabin tricks, the Freed's another crucial model to help Honda rebuild its Japanese domestic sales. It would seem at first sight too small, quirky and niche for North America, but then for a long time, they said exactly the same about the Fit and look what happened to that.

Source: http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/05/honda-freed-could-it-rock-n-roll-in-america.html

How the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan Works

This is Honda's hybrid answer. The Honda Civic hybrid showcases Honda's renewed commitment to Hybrid technology and gives drivers a environmentally friendly car without any compromise on style, performance or comfort.

Honda's Hybrid system is called Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). Developed in 1999 it was first launched in the 2 seat-er Honda Insight which gave an idea of how advanced it was - 83 miles per gallon on a combined cycle.

Hybrid is the combination of a gas engine with an electric motor. The electric motor is coupled to a powerful battery. The electric motor helps the engine by giving it a boost during acceleration and solely runs the car at idle to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. The battery that powers the electric motor charges itself up with regenerative energy from deceleration and braking. A regenerative brake is a mechanism that reduces vehicle speed by converting some of its kinetic energy into electrical energy. A brake pedal sensor sends a signal to the car's computer, activating systems whenever the driver applies the brake. This allows braking energy from the wheels to be stored as electrical energy in the high voltage battery for future use. Therefore the car never needs to be recharged from an external power supply. This regenerative brake assistance also extends the life of the brakes and their components as it reduces its workload appreciably.

The majority of the hybrid cars available in the market today aren't that good looking. And nobody wants to drive around in a car that looks like a deflated football. Honda engineers have taken note and engineered the components to enhance looks and more importantly, help achieve their primary targets.

The elegant styling combines a sweeping roof-line, a sharply raked windscreen and short overhangs that contribute to the vehicle's advanced mono-form profile. Superior aerodynamics is achieved by ultra-tight body panels that fit firmly around the monocoque frame. A chin spoiler and a lip spoiler are also designated to aid the aerodynamics by reducing turbulence beneath and behind the car. The low-drag alloy wheels are made specifically for the Civic Hybrid so to enhance the looks and reduce excess weight while the opposable windscreen wipers serve both styling and efficient cleaning purposes.

The fuel tank is made from an innovative six-layer polyethylene composite material that blocks fuel evaporation and saves weight. The front sub-frame which accommodates the engine and transmission is produced from hydro-formed elements for increased strength and rigidity. Special rubber floating mounts minimize the level of road and engine NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) entering the passenger cabin.

But it's not all about the looks. Honda's new IMA system gives out more power than a conventional 1.6-litre engine (115PS), but only uses the same amount of fuel as a 1.1-litre car. There's no ambiguous starting procedure or complicated operating system – it looks and drives like a modern, stylish saloon with a top speed of 115mph. The Civic Hybrid's engine took top honors for three successive years at International Engine of the Year "1 litre to 1.4 litre" size category award from 2002 through 2004 and the "Best Fuel Economy" category for 2003 and 2004.

The Civic hybrid is one of the safest cars in its class. It is equipped with ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) to achieve decent stability and high braking performance. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) assists the driver in maintaining maximum possible control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying braking either to the right or left wheels accordingly while controlling the throttle and brake systems simultaneously.

The Civic Hybrid uses multiple "load paths" to limit penetration of the car's structure by absorbing more of the crash energy if it encounters a collision. Whatever energy gets through is mitigated by the car's eight standard air bags. The Civic Hybrid has earned top safety rankings from NHTSA and IIHS. To help reduce pedestrian injuries in the event of a collision, the Civic Hybrid's bonnet and wing areas are designed to deform if contacted by the head of an adult or child pedestrian. Energy-absorbing collapsible bonnet supports, wiper arms and wing mounts are designed to allow a degree of deformation in an impact making this car very safe to travel in.

For more information on some other 'Green Cars' check out the link;
http://www.automotoportal.com/article/5-best-selling-green-cars

More Misc. Info. on the 2009 Honda Pilot

The Pilot's top-hinged tailgate design is improved with the addition of lift-up glass hatch for improved access to the cargo area. The glass hatch can be opened via the remote key fob (on the Pilot LX, EX, EX-L), a button on the top right side of the license plate garnish, or a button inside the vehicle located on the lower part of the driver's door. The tailgate glass incorporates an electric defogger system, activated by a button on the dash, along with an intermittent rear wiper and washer nozzle.

Every 2nd generation Pilot includes an integrated tow hitch as standard equipment. The Class III hitch supports a maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds (2,045 kg) on four-wheel-drive models and 3,500 pounds (1,590 kg) on the two-wheel-drive LX. To supplement the Pilot's towing capability, standard cooling equipment includes a high-capacity radiator with dual high-power fans, transmission cooler and power steering cooler. The Pilot 4WD's 4,500-pound (2,045 kg) rating is calculated to include up to four passengers and their cargo. Pre-wiring is included for trailer lighting and an electric brake controller. Pilot Touring models are equipped with a 7-pin trailer unit and harness.

The primary heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) controls are located on one easy-to-use panel in the centre instrument console and include individual controls for temperature, fan speed, vent selection (centre, floor and defogger vents), rear electric defogger and fresh or recirculated air. Independent control of the rear HVAC unit is standard. To maximize passenger comfort, the Pilot LX features a front and rear air conditioning system with air filtration. The controls for the rear zone are conveniently located on the rear of the front console.

Introducing, The 2009 Honda Pilot

Well, just got filled into what is going on with the Honda Pilot here in Canada, so Here goes;

There will be 6X Trim Levels;
2008 Honda Pilot LX 2WD
2008 Honda Pilot LX 4WD
2008 Honda Pilot EX 4WD
2008 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD
2008 Honda Pilot EX-L RES (DVD) 4WD
2008 Honda Pilot Touring

The new 2008 Honda Pilot is all around bigger, length, width, height, track, everything. New for 2009 will be that every trim level will get the Heavy-duty automatic transmission cooler, the Heavy-duty power steering cooler, and a integrated Hitch with a cover. The new Pilot can now tow 4,500 pounds on a 4WD model and 3,500 pounds on a 2WD model. All models come equipped with Hill Start Assist timer, which will stop the vehicle from rolling back when switching from brake petal to acceleration petal on a incline, great for pulling boats out of water! The brakes are also bigger and built for towing.

Under the hood (btw, the hood is much lighter now due to the fact that it is now all alluminum) is a 3.5 litre V6 SOHC i-Vtec engine that puts out 250hp and 253torque. The engine will also use the VCM II (Variable Cylinder Management) and will deactivate cylinders to run from 6 to 4 to 3 to maximize gas mileage. This will be like having 3X different engines under the hood. The engine is mated together with a nice 5 speed automatic transmission. Still only Regular fuel. Even though the Pilot is a little bigger and heavier, it is expected to maintain current fuel ratings.

The shifter is now located on the dash console as opposed to on the floor or attatched to the steering column, this makes it out of the way and gives more use of space. The console is massive. Honda has also adopted the 'One Touch Starter' from the Acura RL, you turn the key over just once and it will continue to crank until started for you (crank's for approx. 10 sec). Starting at the EX and up trim levels, Honda has also added Tri-zone Automatic Climate control. Tilt and Telescopic steering wheel is also added throughout the lineup.

Inside the front console between the front two seats is a nice big storage bin that also has a auxillary input jack for a i-pod or a mp3 player. There is also a USB connector in the Touring models only that will charge the i-pod and allow you to interact with the interface of the Navigation screen. You can also hook up normal memory sticks to the USB port as well. There is also a low wattage 110 AC outlet for small devices like a laptop or a Game system.

The rearview camera located in the rearview mirror makes it's way to the 2008 Honda Pilot EX-L and Touring models. The 2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L and up has this feature and is it a nice touch.

Apparently the 3rd row has alot more room, room enough for adults. You wouldn't know it by this photo, but I did see an adult sit in the back of one of these and he did look comfortable.

The 2008 Honda Pilot also features Honda's ACE body structure (Advanced Compatability Engineered) which will disperse the energy of a crash better than ever and also strengthens the roof line. The spare tire is located under the rear of the vehicle. 17" wheels on all models along with wider tires result in added traction to go along with the ABS, EBD, TC, and VSA.

The 3rd row headrests no longer have to come off in order to fold the seats down, they are integrated into the seat now. You'll notice on the base of the drivers side rear pillar that there is a side compartment with a handle, this will swallow a full 4.5 litre jug of washer fluid with room to spare, By The Way, 6.5 litres of washer fluid can now be held in the resevoir.

Where the 3rd row headrests were held before is now much larger and deeper and has approx. 79 litres of space, perfect for a small stroller or some golf clubs, not to mention what is in the photo. The tailgate on the Touring model is powered.

Other bits of info:

-The glass in the EX-L and the Touring models are called 'accoustic glass', which is 2 sheets of glass put together with a special resin sandwiched between to act as a sound dampener.

-Headlights Auto On/Off on ALL trim levels

-2nd and third row heating ducts.

-Moonroof with Tilt feature on Leather models only.

-XM Satellite radio on Leather models only.

-Touring model now has 2nd row heated leather seats.

Anyway I can't wait to see this now.

Green Cars that Automakers WON'T Sell You

Here's one that I didn't know about;

The new 2008 Honda Accord boasts an environmental first: a six-cylinder gasoline engine that's cleaner than many hybrid systems.

There's only one catch: You can't actually buy this ultra-green Accord, or the four-cylinder version that also produces near-zero pollution. That is, unless you live in California, New York or six other northeast states that follow California's tougher pollution rules. Only there can you buy this Accord, or the roughly two dozen other models that meet so-called Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle standards, PZEV for short.

Not only can't you buy one, but the government says it's currently illegal for automakers to sell these green cars outside of the special states. Under terms of the Clean Air Act—in the kind of delicious irony only our government can pull off—anyone (dealer, consumer, automaker) involved in an out-of-bounds PZEV sale could be subject to civil fines of up to $27,500.

So, just how green is a PZEV machine? Well, if you just cut your lawn with a gas mower, congratulations, you just put out more pollution in one hour than these cars do in 2,000 miles of driving. Grill a single juicy burger, and you've cooked up the same hydrocarbon emissions as a three-hour drive in a Ford Focus PZEV. As the California Air Resources Board has noted, the tailpipe emissions of these cars can be cleaner than the outside air in smoggy cities.

That's amazing stuff. But what's more amazing is how few people have a clue that the gas-powered, internal combustion engine could ever be this clean.

Naturally, no company wants to bring too much attention to a car that most people can't buy, unless it's Ferrari. And there's the catch. PZEV models are already available from Honda, Toyota, Subaru, VW, Volvo, Ford, and yes, GM. They're scrubbed-up versions of familiar models.

It's not all the fault of the car companies. The crazy quilt of environmental regulations is forcing carmakers to design and build two versions of the same cars. And it costs real money to make a car this green. So in states where there are no regulations to force their hand,automakers don't want to have to boost their prices for the green versions—or to simply eat the extra cost and make less profit.

Honda appears to be doing just that. It currently charges Californians and other green-staters about $150 extra for these solid-citizen models. But experts suggest that it costs carmakers closer to $400 a pop to install the gear.

Another issue: The PZEV cars don't get any better mileage than conventional versions. Would most self-interested Americans even pay a lousy 100 bucks for cleaner air that doesn't put fuel savings back in their pocket? "With hybrids, the selling point is fuel economy, so there's a dollar amount on that," said William Walton, Honda's product planning chief for U.S. cars. "We want to give people the cleanest vehicles we can produce, but how much are people willing to pay for clean air?"

As often as automakers express envy and resentment over Toyota's image, you might think Honda would be filming TV ads, erecting billboards, shouting from rooftops that the Accord is the world's cleanest six-cylinder car. In the green game that Toyota has played like a chess master, it seems like this is a lost opportunity for Honda, Nissan and the rest to siphon off some of Toyota's goodwill.

So give Honda's talented engineers credit for this clean-burning Accord. But give its marketing department a big, smoggy raspberry for keeping it a virtual secret—and keeping it off-limits to buyers in 42 states.

Source: http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=434502
By Lawrence Ulrich

400,000 Hybrids by 2012

Last year Honda sold just 55,000 Hybirds, the next four years Honda is looking to sell 400,000 Hybrids per year. A lofty but achievable goal, with the right product (ahem, Accord Hybrid [performance Hybrid or should they have come out with a Gas Miser Hybrid]). Toyota sold approx. 430,000 Hybrids last year. Honda plans on releasing three new Hybrids in the next few years, including a sports model and a family car.

Source: http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-targets-hybrid-sales-of-400000-per-year.html#more-6669

Car & Driver's 10 Closet Hogs, No Honda's

Car and Driver Magazine has a pretty cool article about 10 vehicles that have been 'hiding serious drinking problems'. No Honda's on this list, but I thought that some of you would appreciate the article none the less.

BY JARED HOLSTEIN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON KILEY AND THE MANUFACTURERS February 2008

It’s not just big trucks that get lousy fuel economy, either. The culprits of poor fuel economy are many, but common underlying causes include portly curb weights, older drivetrains, and the conscious exclusion of fuel-saving technologies to keep production and purchase prices down. Before you spend your money on a new car, make sure you pay attention to the equipment list, because with the wrong engine or transmission choice, heinous fuel economy is sometimes just a checkbox away.

2008 Saab 9-7X Aero
6.0-liter V-8, 4-speed auto, 4-wheel drive
Link; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/closet_gas_hogs_feature+page-2.html

2008 Jeep Wrangler
3.8-liter V-6, 4-speed auto, 4-wheel drive
Link; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/closet_gas_hogs_feature+page-3.html

2008 Jeep Liberty
3.7-liter V-6, 4-speed auto, 4-wheel drive
Link; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/closet_gas_hogs_feature+page-4.html

2008 Saturn VUE XE
3.5-liter V-6, 6-speed auto, 4-wheel drive
Link; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/closet_gas_hogs_feature+page-5.html

2008 Pontiac G6 GT Convertible
3.9-liter V-6, 4-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Link; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/closet_gas_hogs_feature+page-6.html

2008 Mazda RX-8
1.3-liter 2-rotor, 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Link; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/closet_gas_hogs_feature+page-7.html

2008 Mazda CX-7
2.3-liter inline-4, 6-speed auto, 4-wheel drive
Link; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/closet_gas_hogs_feature+page-8.html

2008 Volvo S80
3.2-liter inline-6, 6-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Link; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/closet_gas_hogs_feature+page-9.html

2008 Pontiac Solstice/2008 Saturn Sky
2.4-liter inline-4, 5-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Link; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/closet_gas_hogs_feature+page-10.html

Anything on E85
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/closet_gas_hogs_feature+page-11.html

Car and Driver Magazine Comparison Test; North America's Favourite Sedans

The Buzzard-and-Baloney Brigade - Comparison Test
We compare seven of America’s most popular family sedans, searching for value and verve, and whether there’s really any meat in the middle.

BY JOHN PHILLIPS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON KILEY March 2008
1st Place: 2008 Honda Accord EX Sedan
In its 32-year existence, the Accord has landed on C/D’s 10Best Cars list 22 times. We must have cost Honda a pile of cash in trophy cases alone. In this group, our Accord carried the highest base price, but it was because we wanted to sample the 190 horsepower that comes with the EX, rather than the base LX’s 177. It paid off. Our test car was the second quickest to 60 mph.
The Accord’s essential goodness, however, doesn’t derive from power alone. Even with the standard stability control chipping away, our EX was also the fastest through our lane-change test.

Honda has simply nailed the econosedan formula, and it isn’t just a matter of building the highest-revving engine, the most competent suspension, and the most ergonomic interior. The trick is getting every component talking openly and honestly to every other component. It’s that sonorous mechanical interplay that lends the Accord its agility and charm. Throttle tip-in reminds us of a BMW 3’s, and there’s steady power delivery right up to 7100 rpm. Steering heft and linearity are spot-on, although some of us noted that this new rack doesn’t transmit road textures as clearly as did its forebear. The taut-yet-frictionless chassis makes up for it, however, posting regular updates on available grip. The brakes are easy to modulate. The thin A-pillars let you see around turns. In short, no car in our cast was as eager to establish a friendly rhythm when the roads got tricky.

Although the Accord was tied with the Avenger for loudest idle, it was merely a matter of our microphones registering quantity of sound versus quality.

Like the Sonata, the Accord is now officially a large sedan, with the extra room paying dividends abaft. For two or three adults, the rear seat proved the most spacious in this group. But try it yourself—the seatback is steeply reclined. We loved the three-tier dash, whose bulges and contours place all secondary controls at your fingertips. Which is lucky, because the center stack—ahem—contains 34 buttons.

We wish the Accord came with a manumatic, but you can shift manually by pulling straight back from D, to D3, to 2, to 1. Left to its own devices, the five-speed is prescient about holding lower gears on downhill grades and during spirited driving.

Like its predecessors, this latest Accord contains real meat in the middle. And that ain’t no baloney

Highs: Telepathic interplay among chassis, engine, and transmission.
Lows: Needlessly complex center stack, could use more steering feel.
The Verdict: Another Accord? We’ve pretty much run out of nice things to say.

2nd Place: 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5S Sedan
Write up; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/the_buzzard_and_baloney_brigade_comparison_test+page-7.html
Highs: Drag-strip king, a real corner carver, a Mosler vault of a platform.
Lows: CVT not to everyone’s liking, no stability control, dour cockpit.
The Verdict: True dual personality—fun in the hills, serene on the interstates.

3rd Place: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT Sedan
Write up; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/the_buzzard_and_baloney_brigade_comparison_test+page-6.html
Highs: Elegant cockpit, superb engine isolation, a handsome lad.
Lows: A little heavy, needs more than four gears, fat A- and C-pillars.
The Verdict: The best four-cylinder mainstream car GM has ever built.

4th Place: 2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited Sedan
Write up; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/the_buzzard_and_baloney_brigade_comparison_test+page-5.html
Highs: Soothing interstate cruiser, pillowy ride, delectable manumatic.
Lows: Too much body roll, could do with a stiffer platform.
The Verdict: One foot deeper into Honda Accord territory.

5th Place: 2009 Toyota Camry LE Sedan
Write up; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/the_buzzard_and_baloney_brigade_comparison_test+page-4.html
Highs: Eerily quiet, Lexus-like switchgear, limousine ride.
Lows: Early understeer, too much body roll, plastic hubcaps.
The Verdict: Practical and tranquil but not much of a dancer.

6th Place: 2008 Ford Fusion SEL Sedan
Write up; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/the_buzzard_and_baloney_brigade_comparison_test+page-3.html
Highs: Sharp styling, leather interior, thoughtful ride-and-handling trade-off.
Lows: Too little power and a transmission that spoils the party.
The Verdict: Right face, wrong drivetrain.

7th Place: Dodge Avenger SXT Sedan
Write up; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/the_buzzard_and_baloney_brigade_comparison_test+page-2.html
Highs: Good fuel economy, easy-to-read gauges, inexpensive.
Lows: A festival of NVH, hard interior surfaces, feels insubstantial.
The Verdict: A mid-size sedan relying almost entirely on its sticker price.

Honda is Investigating ways of Recapturing Heat Energy Lost for more Efficient Hybrids

Honda is investigating ways of recapturing heat energy lost through a car’s exhaust to help generate electricity and power an electric Motor for a new generation of ultra-efficient hybrid cars. Conventional internal combustion engines waste a lot of energy in creating heat, but by applying a ‘Rankine cycle,’ a process where hot exhaust gases are used to heat up a water reservoir and create steam to spin a turbine, electricity can be generated. This electricity can then be used to charge up an array of batteries and help power a Hybrid Electric powertrain.

Engineers have been using a Honda Stream as their test vehicle, a compact crossover sold in Japan and parts of Europe powered by 2.0L direct-injection petrol four-cylinder. The car was fitted with a new cylinder head with insulated exhaust ports, an evaporator built into the catalytic converter, a high-pressure water reservoir plus a generator and condenser. Maximum power available from the volumetric expander was as much as 32kW and maximum thermal efficiency of the unit is rated at 13% at 23kW.

Initial tests show that a car travelling at a constant speed of 100km/h and can improve thermal efficiency of the engine by 3.8%. In the U.S. highway cycle, the Rankine cycle system regenerated three times as much energy as current regenerative braking units. At a recent hybrid vehicle press event in San Diego, Honda officials said the design would need to see higher efficiencies achieved if were ever to enter production.

Source;
http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/honda/honda-investigating-rankine-cycle-to-power-hybrids/

2009 Acura TSX / Euro Accord

The 2009 Acura TSX will be introduced during the New York International Auto Show media days which occur on March 19th and 20th.

The Euro Accord will be offered with three high-tech engines, all of which are compliant with stricter Euro 5 emissions regulations. The first is the second-gen i-Dtec engine producing around 148 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque at just 2,000 rpm. This will be the same motor that Honda introduces as its first diesel for the U.S. market in the Acura TSX, and we can't wait. Europeans also get their choice of a 2.0L i-VTEC producing 154 horsepower and a 2.4L four-cylinder producing nearly 200 hp and 172 foot pounds of torque. All three engines can be mated to a 6-speed manual, while the gas engines get optional 5-speed automatics, as well.

Car & Driver Magazine Small SUV Comparison

9X SUV's. The Ford Escape VS Honda CR-V VS Hyundai Tucson VS Jeep Liberty VS Nissan Rogue VS Mitsubishi Outlander VS Saturn Vue VS Suzuki Grand Vitara VS Toyota RAV4. This is a pretty cool comparison, comparing the different vehicles 'off-road' worthiness! A few surprises here.

1st PLACE: 2008 Toyota Rav4 4X4 4cylinder

Highs: Spacious back seat, Toyota ergonomics, Toyota resale value.

Lows: Noisy at WOT, needs a fifth gear, ought to come with alloy wheels.

The Verdict: Chassis, drivetrain, and body all speaking the same language.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14481/2008-toyota-rav4-4x4.html

2nd PLACE: 2008 Honda CRV EX 4WD 4cylinder

Highs: Amazing fit and finish, a cockpit as cheerful as an Easter hat.

Lows: Odd-looking nose, could use a manual lock for the rear axle.

The Verdict: Dynamically a TKO. A tsunami of quality, verve, and value.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14480/2008-honda-cr-v-ex-4wd.html

3rd PLACE: 2008 Nissan Roque SL AWD 4cylinder

Highs: Go-get-’em handling, steering, and acceleration.

Lows: Grim rear visibility, nervous off-road, somber interior.

The Verdict: A stunning example of extracting the most from the least.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14479/2008-nissan-rogue-sl-awd.html

4th PLACE: 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander SE 4WD 4cylinder

Highs: Clever liftgate, carlike on pavement, hauls a lot o’ stuff.

Lows: Cheap-looking interior, gritty engine noise, vague steering.

The Verdict: Crisp exterior styling but dynamically bland.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14478/2008-mitsubishi-outlander-se-4wd.html

5th PLACE: 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD XSport 6cylinder

Highs: Strong in the muck, macho styling, as solid as a tank.

Lows: Cramped interior, noisy at idle, somber and soulless cockpit.

The Verdict: A mini SUV with the heart of a Hummer.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14477/2008-suzuki-grand-vitara-4wd-xsport.html

6th PLACE: 2008 Saturn Vue XE AWD 6cylinder

Highs: Luxo interior, soothing interstate cruiser, Euro suspension tuning.

Lows: Daggerlike lumbar supports, smaller inside than it looks.

The Verdict: A handsome lad who is 400 pounds overweight.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14476/2008-saturn-vue-xe-awd.html

7th PLACE: 2008 Ford Escape XLT AWD ?cylinder

Highs: Open and airy cockpit, an accomplished long-distance cruiser.

Lows: Needs more isolation from road noise, could use a fifth gear.

The Verdict: Honest and attractive, but the freshening didn’t go far enough.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14482/2008-ford-escape-xlt-awd.html

8th PLACE: 2007 Hyundai Tucson Limited 4WD 6cylinder

Highs: Vaultlike platform, a bull in the mud, a brand name with cachet.

Lows: Cramped seats and footwells,too heavy, dismal fuel economy.

The Verdict: Happy in the mountains of Montana, unhappy on errands in Minneapolis.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14475/2007-hyundai-tucson-limited-4wd.html

9th PLACE: 2008 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 6cylinder

Highs: Vaultlike platform, a bull in the mud, a brand name with cachet.

Lows: Cramped seats and footwells,too heavy, dismal fuel economy.

The Verdict: Happy in the mountains of Montana, unhappy on errands in Minneapolis.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14474/2008-jeep-liberty-limited-4x4.html

Interesting read.

BTW: Here is a link to the overall scores;

http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/download/TinyUtes_final.pdf

DB Walkaround; 2008 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan -PART TWO-

The 2008 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan -Part TWO-

Features, Advantages, and Benefits

Honda has raised the bar as far as what the Honda Civic comes with for features. Let's start with the basic features that most cars have and move on from there.

The 2008 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan comes with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission, yeah, that's right a 5-speed automatic transmission. I am not saying that this is unique to Honda, but I will say it is pretty unique to a 4 cylinder engine, most manufacturer's give you a 4-speed automatic (almost all give you a 5-speed manual). By having the extra gear to kick into, when you are at higher speeds (hwy) you will idle lower, making for a quieter engine/quieter ride and rpm's are lower so you conserve gas (check it out, at around 110km's/hr, the idle sits just over 2,000/rpm's - most vehicles will be at or over 2,500/rpm's).

The air conditioning unit comes with a micron filter which works like a heppa filter on a vaccum, filtering out alot of the debris in the air, this helps those out with alergies, etc. The Civic comes with both a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, which means that not only will the steering wheel tilt up and down - but it will also move in and out. This is great for people of my body type. I am not the tallest guy in the world (5'8") and what height I do have is in my legs, so when I sit in a seat I sit further back because of my longer legs, so I find I end up reaching a bit for the steering wheel. By having the telescoping steering wheel, I can move it closer to me (in/out) so I don't have to compromise my seating position, which makes for a more comfortable ride. Electronic Cruise Control is on the car, so you can comfortably set your speed and rest your foot on a long drive or for you 'lead-foots'. The full power group is included on this trim, power windows, power door locks, power heated side door mirrors, and a power moonroof with the tilt feature, all convenience features made to make life easier!

The audio is something pretty good for a factory deck. In most cases it is made by Alpine (I have seen decks made by Panasonic as well), I don't know why they don't brag about this, Alpine and Panasonic make good electronic's. The decks will play most +/- burnt CD's and mp3 files. There is also an auxillary jack located below the power outlet to plug in a i-pod or mp3 player, all you have to do is get a 'stereo cable' (has two male ends that look like the end of a earphone cable). It will not charge your i-pod at the time and you have to use your i-pod to control the songs etc., however you can get what's called an 'i-link' from Honda where you can do both.

The first thing that you will be drawn to when you step inside of the car is the new 'heads up' display. You'll notice that all of your most commonly used guages are always within your front periferal vision, you do not have to peek through the steering wheel in order to see what the speed, gas, or oil temperature is at. The more your eyes are on the road the safer you'll be. You really have to hand it to Honda for putting together such a dramatically different dash together than ever before (competitor's included), they could have kept turning out the same old stuff and still sold a whack of cars.

The middle armrest actually can be pulled forward to give you more of an armrest (or is some cases of sitting closer to the dash a armrest at all). Inside of the armrest is a generous storage compartment that will fit 10X CD cases and also has another power outlet for a cel phone. This extra power outlet gives you 2X in all. The nice thing about the power outlet being tucked away in the armrest/storage compartment is that when you charge your cel phone in the armrest it will be out of sight, so if you stop for a coffee at 7-Eleven (http://www.7-eleven.com/) a thief doesn't pass by, sees it and does a smash and grab. Plus, having the cel phone out of the way while you are charging it, you won't have all the cables in the way of the shifter.

Exclusive to the 2008 Civic EX-L's is the Leather with heated front seats. If you have kids or pets, leather is easier to keep clean than cloth. There is a manual height adjustable seat as well, perfect for me being long in the leg, so I can 'pump it up'.

DB Walkaround; 2008 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan -PART ONE-

The 2008 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan -Part ONE-

Introduction

This is the second from the top of the line Civic Si that is available in Canada (and US). The 'L' in EX-L stands for Leather. This is the first year for a Leather model in Canada, techinically speaking it was previously called an Acura CSX in Canada which was not available in the US, sold in Canada Only. This bodystyle was first introduced in the 2006 model year, where it became a significant upgrade from the previous 2001-2005 generation. Honda wanted the Civic to have a more 'upscale' look and feel to it and they 'borrowed' design cues from various successful vehicles. (Acura and BMW come to mind). In its first year on the market, the eight generation Civic was recognized as the NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) Car of the Year, the Motor Trend Car of the Year and the AJAC (Automotive Journalists Association of Canada) Car of the Year.

Under the Hood

All Civic's (excluding the Si model) are powered by a 4 cylinder 1.8 litre SOHC i-vtec engine which produces 140 horse power. A key component to the Honda engine is the i-vtec. This stands for I=Intelligent, V=Variable, T=Timing, E=Electronic, C=Control. Now the 1.8 litre is small compared to some other 4 cylinder engines (2.0 or 2.3 litre's in some cases), but it is able to produce a very 'spirited' experience (don't get me wrong, you won't mistake it for a large V6, but it will give a small V6 a run for its money). Basically manufacturer's have two schools of thought with regards to generating power out of an engine, one being build a bigger engine (hence go from a 1.8 litre to a 2.0 or 2.3 litre), the second is making that engine work more efficiently/effectively. The latter is what Honda subscribes to with the i-vtec and vtec engines. Here is a quick analogy to help better understand how i-vtec works; picture 2X baskets, one filled with tennis balls, the other empty, you have a shovel to move tennis balls from the full basket to the empty one. The shovel represents your engine, the tennis balls represent the power generated. To generate more power/move more tennis balls from the full to the empty basket, you could A) make a bigger shovel or B) make that smaller shovel move faster. 'B' is what the Honda i-vtec does.

Starting with the 2006 model year, Honda has switched from Timing Belts to Timing Chains, which means there is one less thing you have to do to maintain your Honda Civic. In previous Civic's if a Timing Belt went, you would be looking at a hefty repair and could destroy your engine, so you change it every 5yrs or 100,000km's. The Timing Chain should go for the life of the vehicle, but if it does go, it is only the chain that is effected.

You will notice that all of the fluid canisters (washer fluid, engine coolant, power steering fluid, and power braking fluid) are in clear plastic containers. So, if you're the type of person interested in where your fluid levels are before you take off on a long trip, you can do so with ease. You will also notice that a fuse box is located under the hood on the passenger side (a triangular container). Most fuse boxes are located under the steering wheel and is hard to get at and see, especially if the fuse to the lights is the one out (murphy's law!), Honda has the more obscure ones still under the steering wheel, but the more common ones are located under the hood. The whole idea behind this is so that when a fuse goes, it's more accessable and you can pull up to a street lamp to see if it is dark out.

Introducing, The DB Walkaround

I will be reviewing/going over a specific car in great detail. I will start with Honda (for pretty obvious reasons) and eventually moving onto other brands and vehicles.

Here are the sections that I will cover in depth;

-Introduction
-Under the Hood/Performance
-Features, Advantages and Benefits
-Safety
-Economy (gas mileage, etc.)
-Other (little known facts, etc.)
-Competitors

I may add other sections as we go. So stay tuned (pun intended), the first one will be within the next 48 hours.

BTW: Anything you can add in the comments section would be appreciated.