Honda exits F1 !!

Honda pulled out of Formula One on Friday, dealing a major blow to the sport and ending a dream for Japan's number two car maker.

Amid slumping car sales triggered by the global economic crisis Honda were no longer willing to invest in the Formula One team with an estimated annual budget of $500 million. Return of Honda to the sport could take time and that there are no plans to continue as an engine supplier.

The Japanese manufacturer CEO said that the 2008 season will be last one for Honda in Formula One. Honda has been racing in Formula One since 2000, initially collaborating with BAR for developing the race cars. In 2006 the company switched and started developing the race cars on its own and racing with a 100% Honda owned team. In the same year Honda managed to get a Grand Prix victory.

Honda also announced that it considers selling the Honda Racing F1 Team and its engine supplier, Honda Racing Development. The market depression is showing its colors all over the place. There are more surprises ahead, if the market fall continues.

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No Need To Bend Your Knees : Honda's Walking Assist Device

Are you suffering from arthritis ? or having weak leg muscles ? Do you have problem in walking ? HEY!! you are not visiting a Health Blog, its still Cars On rOll. Well... I wish you don't have any of those physical ailments but still if you are suffering from any one of them or your family member, then here is a solution - the new Honda Walking Assistance Device.

This device will help you out with your damaged muscles or knee problems. It aims to reduce the load on the user's legs while walking, going up and down the stairs, and also while sitting in a semi-crouching position. Here are the device's specifications :

Weight - 6.5 kg
2 Electric Motors
1 Lithium ion Battery

The structure consists of : seat, frame, and shoes, and the user can put it on by simply wearing the shoes and lifting the seat into position.

Working : Honda developed a unique mechanism where the seat and frame follow the movement of the body and legs. The assisting force will be directed toward the user's center of gravity, just as with human legs, which enables the device to provide assistance in various movements and postures like walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position.

One of the prominent feature in this device is that the user can utilize it without need of a belt to fasten the device to their body.

The main target as Honda earlier said are the elderly people and people undergoing rehabilitation who need support for their leg muscles and joints.

Honda began research this walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide more people with the joy of mobility. The experiment was first demonstrated at the BARRIER FREE 2008 in Japan. And apparently employs some of the same technology developed by Honda for its ASIMO robot.

Here is a demonstration video of the Robot legs for humans :



So, a pair of artificial knees are not so bad, if you get the advantage of mobility :) And not to forget it extends the life of your limbs too. Yet another leap in science & technology. The robots seems to get more into our lives, making it easier and more sophisticated. Hope it doesn't go the iRobot way !!

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Honda Odyssey release 2009

Honda released the new 2009 Honda Odyssey on the Japanese market. The 2009 Honda Odyssey comes with a new 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine that's coupled with a torque converter-equipped CVT which offers better performance and a lower fuel consumption (13.2km/L).

The 2009 Honda Odyssey also comes with DBW (drive-by-wire) control and an ECON mode. The ECON mode of the 2009 Honda Odyssey improves fuel economy by applying collaborative control of the CVT and air conditioner to reduce engine load.

The 2009 Honda Odyssey has a lower center of gravity which offers better comfort and handling. It also include the Multi-view Camera System and a special mobility-assisted version that has a lift-up front passenger seat.

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Honda City enters into Third Generation with a New face!

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, unveiled its all-new third generation Honda City with a completely new design. This is Honda's third sedan launch after huge sale of its Honda City(older) and Honda Civic. In a market where looks play a vital role in the success of a product, it was a gamble which paid off.

The new Honda City comes with a 1500 cc i-VTEC engine, with both automatic and manual transmissions. It will be available in 6 colours – Habenero Red Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Bold Beige Metallic, Tafetta White and Crystal Black Pearl

The third-gen Honda City is 5mm longer, 5mm wider and 15mm lower than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended by 100mm, which means a more spacious cabin and better handling characteristics at higher speeds.

The interiors of the car look very attractive with the advanced looking meter design and soothing color contrasts of the new City promises its consumers with a stylish, spacious and comfortable lounge.

The price tag is of Rs 7.7 lakh and Rs 8.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Honda hopes that the new City would help the company arrest the ongoing sales decline in the Indian car market and improve sales.

The upcoming Fiat Linea could offer some substantial competition to the new Honda City - but the details and trim levels of that car remain to be seen. And in pure brand name stakes, FIAT does not hold a candle to Honda in the Indian market.

Overall the new Honda City is a great car, priced well, well-specified and launched at the right time to tempt those who were considering an SX4, or even those who were eyeing the recently launched Corolla Altis.

Currently, Honda City is being produced in seven countries and sold in 39 countries across the world. Bookings for the new City have started at all Honda dealers in the country, and deliveries will start in November this year.

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Honda Jazz

Honda Siel Cars India Ltd enters the Indian small car segment in 2009 with Jazz. Honda’s Jazz is known as ‘Fit’ in Japan. The car is scheduled to roll out of the new plant in Rajasthan next year. The car will be Honda’s answer to Swift, Getz, Aveo U-VA, Fabia, Indica, Fusion (and by the time Jazz is here, Grande Punto will already be on the roads.) So that’s a lot of competition!

The indian jazz will be powered by a 1.2 litre engine. A new diesel unit and a hybrid unit may also join the jazz lineup. Jazz share the seats with accord and its steering wheel resembles civic. Alloy wheels and ellipsoidal glass area decorates the Jazz side. Jazz taillamp is the pure attraction it blends with the rear. Besides, comfy Jazz will suit your space needs. It is expected to be priced in the Rs 5 to 6 lakh range.
Once a small car like the Jazz enters the Indian automobile market, Honda would have a car in every category. Honda already has the Honda City ZX and other variants in the mid-size saloon market, The Honda Civic as a larger saloon, The Honda Accord in the luxury segment and the Honda CR-V as a city crossover SUV.
Jazz styling, flexibility and the economy is wowed by customers all over the world(20 lakhs jazz sold over 115 countries). Honda hopes to generate a similar wave in India.

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Honda CR-V 2008

Honda initially launched its car-based CR-V model in compact SUV market in 1997 . Its mission was simple: to offer a distinct alternative to the prevailing mainstream mid- and full-size large SUVs. With its car-based design, four-cylinder engine and sedan-like ride and handling, the CR-V was an instant hit. One of the country's best-selling compact SUVs was then completely redesigned for 2007. This 2008 model gets no major modification, though.

This five-passenger crossover is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Trim levels include LX, EX, and top-line EX-L with leather upholstery. All have a 166-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 1500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system is available on EX-L. For 2008, EX-L models gain a power driver seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The 2008 Honda CR-V ranks top amongst the affordable SUVs. The CR-V's high ranking is based on its excellent combination of a practical interior and a reputation for safety and reliability in its class.

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