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Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Final Eight HBCU Bands Chosen for 10th Annual Honda Battle of the Bands
Following are the HBCU marching bands that will earn a $20,000 grant for their music education programs and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase:
Albany State University "Marching Rams Show Band" (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
Bethune Cookman University "Marching Wildcats" (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
Jackson State University "Sonic Boom of the South" (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
Prairie View A&M University "Marching Storm" (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
South Carolina State University "Marching 101" (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
Tennessee State University "Aristocrat of Bands" (Independent)
Virginia State University "Marching Trojan Explosion" (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
Winston-Salem State University "Red Sea of Sound" (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
For the eight winning bands, the journey to the Invitational Showcase involved months of practice and training, all in preparation for their Georgia Dome performances, where each band will have 12 dazzling minutes to showcase the musical excellence, distinctive style and superior showmanship that earned them a place in the 2012 Invitational Showcase. The Showcase bands are chosen via online voting, with votes by fans, students and alumni accounting for one-third of the selection criteria, and band directors and school presidents accounting for the balance of the selection process.
This year's event theme, "The Homecoming," reflects on the 10th anniversary of the Honda Battle of the Bands and calls for all HBCU marching band alumni, current HBCU students and the many fans of the event to meet in Atlanta for this special anniversary showcase event. The homecoming theme also highlights the importance of marching band culture to black college homecoming celebrations.
We are excited to be celebrating 10 years of the Honda Battle of the Bands as we continue to support the music education programs of our nation's HBCUs" said Marc Burt, senior manager, Office of Inclusion and Diversity for American Honda. "We hope that Black college marching band fans and alumni will attend this year's Invitational Showcase as we anticipate a great community turnout and even greater performances by the top eight HBCU marching bands."
The Honda Battle of the Bands website is the sole online destination and clearing house for all HBOB information, updates, polling status, photos and video footage, and is a one-stop resource for all questions about the program. Fans are encouraged to also follow Honda Battle of the Bands on Twitter (@the_honda) and to become a fan of the Facebook page (Honda Battle of the Bands) where they can share memories, photos and engage in trivia, and get updates on the 2012 program.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Upgraded 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid Offers New High-Tech Look, Improved Fuel Economy and More Features
The Insight’s city/highway/combined EPA fuel economy rating1 of 41/44/42 mpg, up from 40/43/41 on the prior model, continues to offer the highest EPA fuel economy rating of any new vehicle currently available with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting under $20,000.
The aerodynamically styled, five-passenger, five-door dedicated hybrid vehicle receives extensive changes inside and out for 2012. Exterior changes include a more distinctive grille design that introduces a thin, blue accent bar representative of the Insight’s high-tech hybrid identity. Restyled front and rear bumpers, along with changes under the vehicle, contribute to a 2-percent increase in aerodynamic performance. New designs for the headlight and brake light internal reflectors further complete the refreshed look. Insight and Insight LX models have new 15-inch wheel covers and the Insight EX has newly styled 15-inch alloy wheels. Slightly wider 185/60R15 tires, up from 175/65R15 tires on the prior model, contribute to confident driving performance.
The Insight’s interior refinements for 2012 include a reconfigured rear seat area for better leg and head room; a redesigned gauge cluster background with a more technically sophisticated appearance; reshaped center-console beverage holders that accommodate larger drinks; and a more supportive front armrest (Insight LX and EX).
The Insight LX has new, more premium seat fabric, while the Insight EX is upholstered with a combination of synthetic leather (new) and premium fabric. Rear-seat headroom improves by 0.6 inches with changes to the rear headliner shape and deeper sculpting of the rear seat cushion to improve rear passenger comfort. Rearward visibility improves with a more compactly mounted rear-wiper motor housing and a thinner rear spoiler that creates a larger viewing area out the lower back window. The Insight becomes quieter for 2012 with increased thickness to the vehicle’s existing noise-insulation materials and additional insulation panels in the cargo area.
Available on Insight EX models, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition2 receives several notable upgrades including the addition of a rearview camera. The system provides routing and guidance to individual addresses and more than 7-million points of interest within the continental United States. A 16-GB flash memory system replaces the 4.7-GB DVD-based system used on the prior model. The new system offers faster route calculation and includes FM traffic, a subscription-free service that alerts drivers to traffic conditions.
The Insight is powered by an Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) system comprised of a 1.3-liter i‑VTEC® gasoline 4-cylinder engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor. The combination develops 98 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 123 lb-ft. of torque at 1000-1700 rpm. For 2012, friction-reducing measures in the engine and the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) contribute to the new model’s increased fuel economy. A 10.6-gallon fuel tank provides an estimated maximum driving range exceeding 400 miles.
The Insight features the Eco Assist™ System, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback related to individual driving styles. Eco Assist can help drivers improve fuel efficiency, both by altering vehicle functionality and providing driver feedback, with fuel economy dependent on their given set of driving conditions. Pressing the ECON button can further enhance the efficiency of multiple vehicle systems: throttle control, CVT operation, idle-stop duration, air conditioning and cruise-control operation (if equipped). Eco Assist also provides feedback about driving style via a 3D-like background within the speedometer. The background changes colors from green to blue to reflect how efficiently or inefficiently the driver is accelerating or braking (green is more efficient).
Aerodynamic refinements for 2012 include changes to the shape of the engine bay underbody cover and the addition of air diffusers under the rear bumper to smooth airflow exiting behind the vehicle. The strakes ahead of the front wheels have been extended by 0.4 inches to better direct air around the wider front tires.
Standard safety features on all Insight models include dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbag system; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD); driver’s and front-passenger’s active head restraints; and a front body structure designed to mitigate pedestrian injuries. The Insight also features Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which provides improved occupant protection and crash compatibility between vehicles of different sizes and ride heights in frontal crashes.
The 2012 Insight is offered in three distinct models. The value-oriented base model, simply designated as "Insight," is well equipped with a 160-watt, two-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, power windows, remote entry and more.
The Insight LX adds a four-speaker audio system, USB audio interface, armrest console, floor mats and a security system. New for 2012, the LX has map lights and steering wheel audio controls.
The Insight EX adds alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an audio system with six speakers, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and much more. For 2012, the EX gains Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®3, automatic headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The Insight EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and rearview camera.
New exterior colors include Frosted Silver Metallic and Truffle Pearl, which replace Clear Sky Blue and Crimson Pearl.
Insight accolades include J.D. Power and Associates "Highest Ranked Compact Car in Initial Quality in a Tie" in their 2011 Initial Quality Study SM (IQS) (the Insight tied with the Civic). The IQS names the highest performers within the first 90 days of vehicle ownership. And for the past three consecutive years, the Insight was named a Top 10 Green Car by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com4. The Insight was also named one of the "Greenest Vehicles of 2011" by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
Honda is a leader in developing cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicle technologies, including the original Honda Insight, introduced as America’s first mass-produced hybrid car in December 1999. Honda is also a leader in the development of advanced alternatives to gasoline, including the zero-emission, hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel-cell electric car, the world’s most-advanced production fuel cell automobile.
Honda’s diverse lineup of environmental vehicles also includes the Civic Natural Gas sedan, the only retail CNG passenger vehicle currently available from any automaker in the U.S., and three distinct gasoline-electric hybrid models: Civic Hybrid, CR-Z sport hybrid and Insight hybrid.
Honda was named America's "Greenest Automaker" for the fifth consecutive time by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) in late 2010. The award is earned by the company with the lowest combined score of its smog-forming and greenhouse gas emissions (primarily CO2) in its U.S. automobile fleet. Honda has led the UCS rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since the first UCS study in 2000, marking a decade of Honda leadership in reduced vehicle emissions. Honda earned the recognition with an industry-best score based on model year 2008 data, the latest available for analysis.
Courtesy of Honda
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
We would like to thank Claude for writing this review. Way to go team!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
2012 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Promotes Performance and Fuel Economy
The CR-Z is available in two models – the well-equipped CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more.
The CR-Z EX adds High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System3 with voice recognition.
Technological Sophistication Inside and Out
The exterior’s “one-motion” wedge form begins at its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance. A side profile with a deeply inset beltline adds a dynamic element, while the short wheelbase and large, wide front grille accent the vehicle’s athletic look. Exterior colors include Crystal Black Pearl, Milano Red Pearl, North Shore Blue Metallic (exclusive to CR-Z), Premium White Pearl and Storm Silver Metallic.
A high-tech appearance and intuitive controls define the interior. Instrument panel meters illuminate with a three-dimensional blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. Set against textured black materials and aluminum-style trim accents, the upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wraparound cockpit environment. Premium sport-oriented seats are designed to provide firm lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space, and a hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.
The CR-Z features a six-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack for connection to a portable audio player, and all models include a USB audio interface4 for connecting an iPod5 or other compatible audio device. Other audio features include speed-sensitive volume control and CD/MP3 text readout. The radio data system shows supplemental programming information from participating radio stations while also offering search-by-genre capability (not available on the CR-Z EX with navigation).
The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™3 is available on the CR-Z EX model and features a 6.5-inch display. The navigation system database includes more than 7-million points of interest and integrates the audio system. The voice recognition feature is capable of inputting numbers, street names and cities, in addition to more than 600 commands. Data storage is via a single DVD that contains information for the entire United States.
Performance and Efficiency
The CR-Z hybrid powertrain is a unique variation of Honda’s original IMA technology , which originally debuted on the 2000 Honda Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available for sale in North America. The system utilizes a four-cylinder, 16-valve, single-overhead cam engine with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system’s DC brushless electric motor. The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower at 6000 RPM and 128 lb-ft. of torque at 1000 to 1750 RPM (123 lb-ft. at 1000 to 2000 on CVT-equipped models).
The 10-kilowatt electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency. When starting on steep inclines from a stop with the manual transmission, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch.
EPA-estimated fuel economy6 is 35/39/37 city/highway/combined mpg on CVT-equipped models and 31/37/34 city/highway/combined mpg on manual models. The CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).
Three-Mode Drive System
Activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel, the three-mode drive system allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles:
- Sport mode enhances engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist.
- Normal mode standardizes steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning settings.
- Econ mode can increase the potential for enhanced fuel efficiency by optimizing throttle angle for smooth acceleration, lower engine rpm and limiting power and torque by approximately 4 percent (except at wide-open throttle). It can also reduce the air conditioning’s overall load on the engine and modify the cruise control to operate more efficiently.
Safety by Design
The CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include: standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS); a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.
Sport-Tuned Chassis
The front MacPherson strut and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension are tuned to provide a sporty driving experience. All models are equipped with 16x6-inch aluminum wheels with 195/55R16 86V tires, while accessory 17x7 alloy wheels with 205/45R17 84V tires are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area further contribute to a low center of gravity and responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves efficiency.
Warranty
The 2012 Honda CR-Z is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.
Press Release and photo via Honda
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
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