honda

With all the emphasis on eco-friendly cars at recent auto shows, we didn't expect to see so many performance cars in New York.

But many automakers had souped-up versions of existing models on display, giving driving enthusiasts something to enjoy. Mercedes-Benz had an AMG version of its E-class and BMW made the X6 into an M. VW launched the new GTI and Nissan NISMO'd its 370Z. Honda even showed up with a Mugen-equipped Fit.

Honda and Mitsubishi showed off dog-friendly concept cars at the 2009 New York auto show. The Honda version, built on its Element model, is slated to be offered as a trim option this fall. Honda of North America got the idea for the concept after the pet-friendly Honda WOW was shown at the Tokyo auto show. This concept generated so much interest in the U.S. that Honda developed the idea of making an Element specifically for pet-owners. Mitsubishi had a less-developed concept on display built in its Outlander SUV.

Live from the 2009 New York auto show, Honda has created a concept of its Element crossover that is "dog friendly," with features such as a rear-access ramp, a spill-proof water bowl, and safety netting.

In the battle of the ultimate hybrid, whose green will reign supreme? The new Prius and the Honda Insight go head-to-head in this Web video. The reviewers look at handling, design, miles per gallon, and overall value. Although the Insight has a lot of personality and is less expensive, the reviewers picked the Prius.

We're not just moving toward the day when robots can do everything for us. We're apparently moving toward the day when we can just think about what we want done, and get it (almost) presto.

Japan's Honda Research Institute and precision-equipment manufacturer Shimadzu on Tuesday demonstrated a rather mind-boggling technology that lets humans control a bot through thought alone--thus taking the pesky button pressing, voice commands, and remote controls out of the equation.

But don't start trying to telepath your Scooba into writing your doctoral thesis just yet. For now, researchers are focusing on getting the … Read more

Toyota confirmed the rumors circulating that the company planned to build a cheap, fuel-efficient hybrid to compete directly with the Honda Insight. The plans were announced in an interview given by Akihiko Otsuka, chief engineer for the 2010 Prius, to Japan's Nikkei newspaper.

The Yaris Hybrid is expected to retail for under $20,000 and be on sale in Japan as early as 2011. Currently, the most expensive conventional gasoline engine model tops out at $15,880. The 2009 Yaris is equipped with a four-cylinder 1.5-liter engine, and the four-speed automatic achieves 29 mpg in the city and … Read more

Paving the way for the so-called Hydrogen Super Highway, California Fuel Cell Partnership released a roadmap that details plans for 46 retail hydrogen fueling stations in six targeted California communities by 2014. Hydrogen is considered to be the holy grail of clean transportation because Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV) emit only water when driven, but a lack of infrastructure is one of the major roadblocks to this advancement.

"By 2017, automotive manufacturers plan to place 50,000 zero-emission fuel cell vehicles in customer hands. FCVs will provide the performance, durability, driving range, and comfort that customers want, and meet the nation's need for a domestic fuel that is better for the environment," said Catherine Dunwoody, CaFCP's executive director in a press release.

For the moment, only six of the state's 26 hydrogen refueling stations are open to the public. Most are privately owned and operated for corporate fleet or testing vehicles. The CaFCP gave details for the cost of building 40 stations by 2012, which is projected to be $181.5 million and is expected to be funded largely by the government to incentivize the industry to begin the transition to hydrogen. … Read more

Cadillac offers wireless Internet in the CTS, sporty hybrids on the way from Honda and Toyota, gadgets that do a virtual repo when you miss a payment, and a very slick little car PC.

• Cadillac rolls out in-car Internet access

• New way to make scratch healing paint

• Stealth PC great for the car

• How GPS can make a car use less fuel

• TomTom map update service

Probably the only race that Buick and Jaguar would finish in a tie is the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS), but both are on the top of the leader board this week. Each rank highest in vehicle dependability in a tie. Buick improves from a sixth-place ranking in 2008, while Jaguar improves from 10th place. Following in the top-five rankings this year are Lexus, Toyota and Mercury.

Toyota garners five segment awards for the Highlander, Prius, Sequoia, Solara, and Tundra. Lexus follows with four segment awards for the ES 330 (in a tie with the … Read more