Car and Driver: 2012 Honda CRV

2012 Honda CR-V Spy Photos - Future Cars

Honda continues its trend of gentle evolution with the next-gen CR-V.

BY JUSTIN BERKOWITZ, PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT WHITLEY AND THE MANUFACTURER
May 2011

A fearless Car and Driver reader in Washington, D.C., snapped this picture of the next-generation Honda CR-V crossover, which will debut this fall. The vehicle looks ready for production, wearing its own sheetmetal (rather than the modified body of an existing Honda model) with the badge buried in tape on the tailgate.

Like other Japanese auto companies, Honda is as tight-lipped as can be about its future products. We’re left to use recent history and this photo to determine that the next CR-V will represent a gentle update to the current car, rather than a radical redo.

Figure on a naturally aspirated four-cylinder being the only engine available. It should displace 2.4 liters like today’s CR-V engine, and we expect it to make between 180 and 200 hp—although the number may be closer to the bottom end of that range. Fuel economy also should improve slightly; in front-drive spec, the current model is rated for 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. (All-wheel-drivers are rated for 21/27.)

If there are any major changes to the upcoming CR-V, it could be in the seating layout. Until now, every CR-V has been a strictly five-seat affair. Given the long rear overhang of the car in this photo, however, it looks like there just might be room for a small third row of seats for short-legged passengers. Toyota sells a three-row RAV4, but most others in the segment serve a maximum of five.

Few would call the CR-V in its present form a pulse-raising vehicle, but it’s a staple for Honda, offers good driving dynamics, and is a sensible choice for more than 200,000 Americans per year. Even without concrete details on the next-generation CR-V, we feel confident saying it will maintain the current car’s sales success. We expect the 2012 CR-V to debut at the Los Angeles auto show this November.

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/spied/11q2/2012_honda_cr-v_spy_photos-future_cars

Car and Driver: 2012 Honda CRV

2012 Honda CR-V Spy Photos - Future Cars

Honda continues its trend of gentle evolution with the next-gen CR-V.

BY JUSTIN BERKOWITZ, PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT WHITLEY AND THE MANUFACTURER
May 2011

A fearless Car and Driver reader in Washington, D.C., snapped this picture of the next-generation Honda CR-V crossover, which will debut this fall. The vehicle looks ready for production, wearing its own sheetmetal (rather than the modified body of an existing Honda model) with the badge buried in tape on the tailgate.

Like other Japanese auto companies, Honda is as tight-lipped as can be about its future products. We’re left to use recent history and this photo to determine that the next CR-V will represent a gentle update to the current car, rather than a radical redo.

Figure on a naturally aspirated four-cylinder being the only engine available. It should displace 2.4 liters like today’s CR-V engine, and we expect it to make between 180 and 200 hp—although the number may be closer to the bottom end of that range. Fuel economy also should improve slightly; in front-drive spec, the current model is rated for 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. (All-wheel-drivers are rated for 21/27.)

If there are any major changes to the upcoming CR-V, it could be in the seating layout. Until now, every CR-V has been a strictly five-seat affair. Given the long rear overhang of the car in this photo, however, it looks like there just might be room for a small third row of seats for short-legged passengers. Toyota sells a three-row RAV4, but most others in the segment serve a maximum of five.

Few would call the CR-V in its present form a pulse-raising vehicle, but it’s a staple for Honda, offers good driving dynamics, and is a sensible choice for more than 200,000 Americans per year. Even without concrete details on the next-generation CR-V, we feel confident saying it will maintain the current car’s sales success. We expect the 2012 CR-V to debut at the Los Angeles auto show this November.

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/spied/11q2/2012_honda_cr-v_spy_photos-future_cars

Car and Driver: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country vs. Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Toyota Sienna - Comparison Tests

Really comprehensive article with a ton of pics (follow the links) that take you right there....
Family Planning: Minivans throw fashion to the wind. But nothing can match their kid-hauling utility.
BY MICHAEL AUSTIN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARC URBANO April 2011

Guess what? Minivans are still uncool. Automakers know this. Even the latest ads for the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna acknowledge the squareness of the segment. Sales have stabilized at about 500,000 units per year since tragically hip moms and dads fled to crossovers.

As a mature segment with little potential for growth, minivans are getting comfortable with their squareness. For evidence, we direct your attention to the new Nissan Quest, which not only acknowledges its one-box silhouette but drapes a metaphorical trench coat over the whole thing.
So minivans are cool with being uncool. Can we move on? The premise remains the same as before: Maximize people and cargo space, and forget about the styling. Driving dynamics get second billing. The point is to get you and your kids (or, for aging boomers, your dogs) to and from every destination with the least amount of hassle and the most comfort.

The newest in our assembled quartet is the Nissan Quest, back after a two-year hiatus. Now based on the company’s D platform (shared with the Altima, Maxima, and Murano), the Quest is similar to the Japanese-market Elgrand. For 2011, the Chrysler Town & Country (and its sibling, the Dodge Grand Caravan) gets freshened exterior and interior styling, a retuned suspension, and—most important—a new 283-hp V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic, which replaces all three previous powertrain offerings.

The Odyssey and the Sienna are also new for the 2011 model year, but both offer carry-over engines lashed to new six-speed automatics (available only in Touring trim on the Honda).

There’s a lot of common ground among this set. All four are powered by 24-valve V-6 engines, with only 35 horsepower separating the strongest (Chrysler) from the weakest (Honda). In the top-of-the-line trims we specified for our test group, each minivan comes with power side doors and a power rear hatch. They all offer some sort of flat load floor when the seats are folded and/or removed.

It’s worth noting that although the vans tested here all ring in at about $40,000, each can be had for closer to $30,000. The price of the Sienna, the highest in this test, drops as low as $25,370 for a base four-cylinder model.

In light of the targeted use of these vehicles, we focused on the passenger compartments as much as we did on behind-the-wheel impressions. We watched Team America: World Police multiple times in an effort to evaluate the rear-seat entertainment systems. We also wore a pregnancy-simulation vest while examining each minivan for ease of child-seat installation. And yes, we left some small part of our dignity behind these sliding doors.

4th Place: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited
Highs: Barcalounger second-row seat, two glove boxes, parking-lot friendly.
Lows: Cheesy-looking fake wood, light on refinement, bland as a Camry.
The Verdict: Looks great on paper but fails to inspire in person.
Full review of the Toyota;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q1/2011_chrysler_town_country_vs._honda_odyssey_nissan_quest_toyota_sienna-comparison_tests/2011_toyota_sienna_limited_page_2

3rd Place: 2011 Nissan Quest LE
Highs: Funky styling, tight turning radius, comfortable front seats.
Lows: Low-rent center-console plastics, only one 12-volt power port in front.
The Verdict: Not the Holy Grail of minivans but headed in the right direction.

For the full review on the Nissan;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q1/2011_chrysler_town_country_vs._honda_odyssey_nissan_quest_toyota_sienna-comparison_tests/2011_nissan_quest_le_page_3

2nd Place: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country Limited
Highs: Sporty steering, balanced chassis, high level of refinement.
Lows: Underwhelming engine power, dowdy exterior styling.
The Verdict: Chrysler fixed everything that was wrong and kept everything that was right.

For the full review on the Dodge;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q1/2011_chrysler_town_country_vs._honda_odyssey_nissan_quest_toyota_sienna-comparison_tests/2011_chrysler_town_26_country_limited_page_4

1st Place: 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
Highs: Excellent ergonomics, seating for eight, trick folding third row.
Lows: Slow and numb steering, contrived exterior styling.
The Verdict: Good for drivers, great for passengers.

For the full review on the Honda;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q1/2011_chrysler_town_country_vs._honda_odyssey_nissan_quest_toyota_sienna-comparison_tests/2011_honda_odyssey_touring_elite_page_5

Car and Driver: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country vs. Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Toyota Sienna - Comparison Tests

Really comprehensive article with a ton of pics (follow the links) that take you right there....
Family Planning: Minivans throw fashion to the wind. But nothing can match their kid-hauling utility.
BY MICHAEL AUSTIN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARC URBANO April 2011

Guess what? Minivans are still uncool. Automakers know this. Even the latest ads for the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna acknowledge the squareness of the segment. Sales have stabilized at about 500,000 units per year since tragically hip moms and dads fled to crossovers.

As a mature segment with little potential for growth, minivans are getting comfortable with their squareness. For evidence, we direct your attention to the new Nissan Quest, which not only acknowledges its one-box silhouette but drapes a metaphorical trench coat over the whole thing.
So minivans are cool with being uncool. Can we move on? The premise remains the same as before: Maximize people and cargo space, and forget about the styling. Driving dynamics get second billing. The point is to get you and your kids (or, for aging boomers, your dogs) to and from every destination with the least amount of hassle and the most comfort.

The newest in our assembled quartet is the Nissan Quest, back after a two-year hiatus. Now based on the company’s D platform (shared with the Altima, Maxima, and Murano), the Quest is similar to the Japanese-market Elgrand. For 2011, the Chrysler Town & Country (and its sibling, the Dodge Grand Caravan) gets freshened exterior and interior styling, a retuned suspension, and—most important—a new 283-hp V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic, which replaces all three previous powertrain offerings.

The Odyssey and the Sienna are also new for the 2011 model year, but both offer carry-over engines lashed to new six-speed automatics (available only in Touring trim on the Honda).

There’s a lot of common ground among this set. All four are powered by 24-valve V-6 engines, with only 35 horsepower separating the strongest (Chrysler) from the weakest (Honda). In the top-of-the-line trims we specified for our test group, each minivan comes with power side doors and a power rear hatch. They all offer some sort of flat load floor when the seats are folded and/or removed.

It’s worth noting that although the vans tested here all ring in at about $40,000, each can be had for closer to $30,000. The price of the Sienna, the highest in this test, drops as low as $25,370 for a base four-cylinder model.

In light of the targeted use of these vehicles, we focused on the passenger compartments as much as we did on behind-the-wheel impressions. We watched Team America: World Police multiple times in an effort to evaluate the rear-seat entertainment systems. We also wore a pregnancy-simulation vest while examining each minivan for ease of child-seat installation. And yes, we left some small part of our dignity behind these sliding doors.

4th Place: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited
Highs: Barcalounger second-row seat, two glove boxes, parking-lot friendly.
Lows: Cheesy-looking fake wood, light on refinement, bland as a Camry.
The Verdict: Looks great on paper but fails to inspire in person.
Full review of the Toyota;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q1/2011_chrysler_town_country_vs._honda_odyssey_nissan_quest_toyota_sienna-comparison_tests/2011_toyota_sienna_limited_page_2

3rd Place: 2011 Nissan Quest LE
Highs: Funky styling, tight turning radius, comfortable front seats.
Lows: Low-rent center-console plastics, only one 12-volt power port in front.
The Verdict: Not the Holy Grail of minivans but headed in the right direction.

For the full review on the Nissan;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q1/2011_chrysler_town_country_vs._honda_odyssey_nissan_quest_toyota_sienna-comparison_tests/2011_nissan_quest_le_page_3

2nd Place: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country Limited
Highs: Sporty steering, balanced chassis, high level of refinement.
Lows: Underwhelming engine power, dowdy exterior styling.
The Verdict: Chrysler fixed everything that was wrong and kept everything that was right.

For the full review on the Dodge;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q1/2011_chrysler_town_country_vs._honda_odyssey_nissan_quest_toyota_sienna-comparison_tests/2011_chrysler_town_26_country_limited_page_4

1st Place: 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
Highs: Excellent ergonomics, seating for eight, trick folding third row.
Lows: Slow and numb steering, contrived exterior styling.
The Verdict: Good for drivers, great for passengers.

For the full review on the Honda;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q1/2011_chrysler_town_country_vs._honda_odyssey_nissan_quest_toyota_sienna-comparison_tests/2011_honda_odyssey_touring_elite_page_5

Car and Driver: Honda Civic Si Coupe and Civic Sedan Concepts - Auto Shows

And now for car and driver's take....

This pair of Detroit concepts point directly to the next-gen 2012 Civic, which will come in regular, Si, hybrid, and natural-gas versions.
BY TONY SWAN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK M. HOEY AND THE MANUFACTURER January 2011

The Honda Civic, a perennial compact bestseller, is being readied for a major makeover, and this is essentially what the coupe and sedan will look like when they go on sale this spring as 2012 models. We say essentially, because the cars unveiled at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit—coupe and sedan body styles—were presented as concepts.

This is typical Honda preview tease, but aside from the 19-inch wheels and some minor exterior trim, the concepts are very faithful representatives of the production cars’ styling. Clearly, Honda was going for an evolutionary take on the current Civic’s shape. Also typical of Honda preview, very little substance accompanied the showbiz reveal ceremony. No specifications, no price info.

Insider Tips and Guesstimating
However, we do have some insider hints regarding these preview princesses, as well as some educated guesses. Honda verified that these cars will actually be slightly smaller than the old models, and lighter, too; our guesswork has us figuring on updates in chassis rigidity, improved aerodynamics, improved crashworthiness, more refinement, and continued high marks for fun-to-drive.

What we do know about powertrains and model availability: The sedan and coupe will both be available in workaday variants, and the Si coupe concept shown here clearly heralds the return of that hopped-up model. Honda also said that the 2012 Civic sedan will come in three additional flavors: Si, hybrid, and natural-gas.

The hybrid will upgrade to lithium-ion batteries (from NiMH) and the latest version of Big H’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, and the availability of the natural-gas Civic GX will be broadened to cover the entire country. (The current GX is available only in Oklahoma, Utah, New York, and California.) No detail was given on the base or Si models’ i-VTEC gas engines or transmissions, although Honda did say they’d be more fuel-efficient. We figure on evolutionary changes yielding small power increases, plus five- and six-speed manual transmissions and a new six-speed automatic in place of the old five-speeder.

It will be a while before Honda reveals any pricing info, but we estimate a base sticker of about $17,000 for the entry sedan and coupe, soaring to over $25K for top-spec trims. Hot-rod Si models will probably start at a little over $23,000.

This will be the ninth generation of Honda’s Civic line, which dates to 1973. Although it constantly battles Toyota’s Corolla in the compact sales charts, the Civic’s blend of thrifty operation, durability, innovation, value, and lively dynamics have made it a long-time Car and Driver favorite and a five-time 10Best winner. We’re looking forward to seeing if this latest one picks up the mantle.

Source;

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q1/honda_civic_si_coupe_and_civic_sedan_concepts-auto_shows

Car and Driver: Honda Civic Si Coupe and Civic Sedan Concepts - Auto Shows

And now for car and driver's take....

This pair of Detroit concepts point directly to the next-gen 2012 Civic, which will come in regular, Si, hybrid, and natural-gas versions.
BY TONY SWAN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK M. HOEY AND THE MANUFACTURER January 2011

The Honda Civic, a perennial compact bestseller, is being readied for a major makeover, and this is essentially what the coupe and sedan will look like when they go on sale this spring as 2012 models. We say essentially, because the cars unveiled at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit—coupe and sedan body styles—were presented as concepts.

This is typical Honda preview tease, but aside from the 19-inch wheels and some minor exterior trim, the concepts are very faithful representatives of the production cars’ styling. Clearly, Honda was going for an evolutionary take on the current Civic’s shape. Also typical of Honda preview, very little substance accompanied the showbiz reveal ceremony. No specifications, no price info.

Insider Tips and Guesstimating
However, we do have some insider hints regarding these preview princesses, as well as some educated guesses. Honda verified that these cars will actually be slightly smaller than the old models, and lighter, too; our guesswork has us figuring on updates in chassis rigidity, improved aerodynamics, improved crashworthiness, more refinement, and continued high marks for fun-to-drive.

What we do know about powertrains and model availability: The sedan and coupe will both be available in workaday variants, and the Si coupe concept shown here clearly heralds the return of that hopped-up model. Honda also said that the 2012 Civic sedan will come in three additional flavors: Si, hybrid, and natural-gas.

The hybrid will upgrade to lithium-ion batteries (from NiMH) and the latest version of Big H’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, and the availability of the natural-gas Civic GX will be broadened to cover the entire country. (The current GX is available only in Oklahoma, Utah, New York, and California.) No detail was given on the base or Si models’ i-VTEC gas engines or transmissions, although Honda did say they’d be more fuel-efficient. We figure on evolutionary changes yielding small power increases, plus five- and six-speed manual transmissions and a new six-speed automatic in place of the old five-speeder.

It will be a while before Honda reveals any pricing info, but we estimate a base sticker of about $17,000 for the entry sedan and coupe, soaring to over $25K for top-spec trims. Hot-rod Si models will probably start at a little over $23,000.

This will be the ninth generation of Honda’s Civic line, which dates to 1973. Although it constantly battles Toyota’s Corolla in the compact sales charts, the Civic’s blend of thrifty operation, durability, innovation, value, and lively dynamics have made it a long-time Car and Driver favorite and a five-time 10Best winner. We’re looking forward to seeing if this latest one picks up the mantle.

Source;

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q1/honda_civic_si_coupe_and_civic_sedan_concepts-auto_shows

Car and Driver: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon - First Drive Review

A charming new chapter in the station wagon revival.
BY TONY SWAN December 2010

At first glance, a traditional mid-size station wagon is unexpected from a company that’s scoring its best sales numbers with a crossover, the MDX. Considering there hasn’t been a conventional wagon in the U.S. Honda and Acura lineup since the fifth-generation Accord, which ended its run at the conclusion of the 1997 model year, the TSX wagon seems even more surprising.

But Acura knows not all the young, affluent small-family types out there are smitten with crossovers. There are at least a half-dozen traditional station wagons in the entry premium category—base prices range from about $30,000 to $40,000—and there’s potential for great growth if, well, if people would just realize how much better wagons are than SUVs.

Sport with a Small S

Acura didn’t create this car from scratch. Like the TSX sedan, the new wagon is a luxed-up version of the European Honda Accord. But there’s an asterisk. Unlike the sedan, which has charmed C/D staffers through two generations now, the wagon comes up a little short on the sporty score sheet. Agile: check. Competent: check. Quick, communicative steering: check. Excellent brake-pedal feel: check. No surprises: check. Comfort, quiet operation, and lots of standard features: check, check, and check.

Acceleration: not so fast. When it goes on sale December 21, the TSX wagon will offer a single powertrain—the base 201-hp, 2.4-liter four mated with a five-speed automatic. No manual transmission option. No V-6 option. With its modest torque, the 2.4-liter four isn’t an engine that’s likely to provoke acceleration brownouts or smoky burnouts. Paired in the sedan with the six-speed manual gearbox, a very slick unit in the best Honda tradition, it provides acceptable go amplified by the pleasure of engaging the right gear for the rather narrow power band.

Bolted to the automatic, though, the four-cylinder produces forward progress that’s distinctly more deliberate. And adding mass to the equation—Acura lists the wagon’s curb weight at 3599 pounds, 129 more than the four-cylinder automatic sedan’s and 199 more than the manual sedan’s—doesn’t make the going any quicker. Two-lane passing requires careful planning, and it’s hard to see the wagon as a weapon of choice for the free-for-all commuter.

If the absence of a manual transmission is disappointing, Acura’s rationale is hard to dispute. For one, even though most of the wagon’s major competitors offer do-it-yourself shifting, the take rate for the manual TSX sedan has dwindled to less than 3 percent, according to Acura. Second, Acura’s business case for the wagon is tentative—4000 units for 2011—making it important to keep the build orders simple. Four of the car’s prime competitors offer traction at both ends, but Acura has no plans to offer all-wheel drive on the TSX sedan or wagon.

The Good News

Although blistering performance may not be part of the deal, there is nevertheless a lot about the car to like. The wagon is 3.6 inches longer than the sedan and delivers far more cargo capacity. There are 26 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a flat load floor, several tie-down points, and more storage under the floor. With the seats folded flat, the cargo well expands to 61 cubic feet, as good as anything in this class and bigger than most.

And, like other Acuras, the TSX wagon is well equipped. The base price of $31,820—that’s near the low end of the competitive spectrum and $1350 more than a sedan—includes a satisfying array of standard luxo features. There’s only one option, the Technology package, which adds $3650 to the sticker and navigation and ultra-high-end audio to the equipment list. The wagon is a tad thirstier than the four-cylinder sedan—22 mpg city and 30 highway, according to the EPA, versus 22/31—but is still near the top of the competitive charts.

The final plus: This is arguably the best-looking member of the TSX lineup and is close to the Audi A4 for visual leadership in the class. Acura has toned down the TSX’s lamentably beaky chrome grille for 2011, and the canted rear hatch adds a zoomy look to the package in addition to enhancing rear cargo access. A manual-transmission choice would make the station wagon more entertaining in our view, but the other TSX virtues are intact—and simply being a station wagon is a virtue unto itself.

Source (with a ton of pic's);
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q4/2011_acura_tsx_sport_wagon-first_drive_review

Car and Driver: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon - First Drive Review

A charming new chapter in the station wagon revival.
BY TONY SWAN December 2010

At first glance, a traditional mid-size station wagon is unexpected from a company that’s scoring its best sales numbers with a crossover, the MDX. Considering there hasn’t been a conventional wagon in the U.S. Honda and Acura lineup since the fifth-generation Accord, which ended its run at the conclusion of the 1997 model year, the TSX wagon seems even more surprising.

But Acura knows not all the young, affluent small-family types out there are smitten with crossovers. There are at least a half-dozen traditional station wagons in the entry premium category—base prices range from about $30,000 to $40,000—and there’s potential for great growth if, well, if people would just realize how much better wagons are than SUVs.

Sport with a Small S

Acura didn’t create this car from scratch. Like the TSX sedan, the new wagon is a luxed-up version of the European Honda Accord. But there’s an asterisk. Unlike the sedan, which has charmed C/D staffers through two generations now, the wagon comes up a little short on the sporty score sheet. Agile: check. Competent: check. Quick, communicative steering: check. Excellent brake-pedal feel: check. No surprises: check. Comfort, quiet operation, and lots of standard features: check, check, and check.

Acceleration: not so fast. When it goes on sale December 21, the TSX wagon will offer a single powertrain—the base 201-hp, 2.4-liter four mated with a five-speed automatic. No manual transmission option. No V-6 option. With its modest torque, the 2.4-liter four isn’t an engine that’s likely to provoke acceleration brownouts or smoky burnouts. Paired in the sedan with the six-speed manual gearbox, a very slick unit in the best Honda tradition, it provides acceptable go amplified by the pleasure of engaging the right gear for the rather narrow power band.

Bolted to the automatic, though, the four-cylinder produces forward progress that’s distinctly more deliberate. And adding mass to the equation—Acura lists the wagon’s curb weight at 3599 pounds, 129 more than the four-cylinder automatic sedan’s and 199 more than the manual sedan’s—doesn’t make the going any quicker. Two-lane passing requires careful planning, and it’s hard to see the wagon as a weapon of choice for the free-for-all commuter.

If the absence of a manual transmission is disappointing, Acura’s rationale is hard to dispute. For one, even though most of the wagon’s major competitors offer do-it-yourself shifting, the take rate for the manual TSX sedan has dwindled to less than 3 percent, according to Acura. Second, Acura’s business case for the wagon is tentative—4000 units for 2011—making it important to keep the build orders simple. Four of the car’s prime competitors offer traction at both ends, but Acura has no plans to offer all-wheel drive on the TSX sedan or wagon.

The Good News

Although blistering performance may not be part of the deal, there is nevertheless a lot about the car to like. The wagon is 3.6 inches longer than the sedan and delivers far more cargo capacity. There are 26 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a flat load floor, several tie-down points, and more storage under the floor. With the seats folded flat, the cargo well expands to 61 cubic feet, as good as anything in this class and bigger than most.

And, like other Acuras, the TSX wagon is well equipped. The base price of $31,820—that’s near the low end of the competitive spectrum and $1350 more than a sedan—includes a satisfying array of standard luxo features. There’s only one option, the Technology package, which adds $3650 to the sticker and navigation and ultra-high-end audio to the equipment list. The wagon is a tad thirstier than the four-cylinder sedan—22 mpg city and 30 highway, according to the EPA, versus 22/31—but is still near the top of the competitive charts.

The final plus: This is arguably the best-looking member of the TSX lineup and is close to the Audi A4 for visual leadership in the class. Acura has toned down the TSX’s lamentably beaky chrome grille for 2011, and the canted rear hatch adds a zoomy look to the package in addition to enhancing rear cargo access. A manual-transmission choice would make the station wagon more entertaining in our view, but the other TSX virtues are intact—and simply being a station wagon is a virtue unto itself.

Source (with a ton of pic's);
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q4/2011_acura_tsx_sport_wagon-first_drive_review

Honda Accord and Fit Receive Car and Driver Magazine's "10Best Cars" Awards

Car and Driver magazine has named the 2011 Honda Accord and the 2011 Honda Fit as two winners of its prestigious and highly competitive, annual "10Best Cars" award. Now in its eighth generation, the Accord has achieved "10Best" status 25 times in the 29 years that Car and Driver editors have been conducting the competition, more than any other vehicle in the award's history. The Honda Fit has been honored with 10Best status in each of the five years that it has been on sale in the United States.

"The Car and Driver '10Best' awards are among the most coveted awards in the industry," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "These awards recognize the company's ongoing emphasis on performance, quality and safety, and Honda is honored to have its vehicles regarded so highly over the years."

Honda Car and Driver "10Best" Award History

Accord
2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1994,1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983

Civic
1996, 1991,1990, 1989, 1988

CRX
1988, 1985

Fit
2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007

Prelude
1998, 1997, 1996, 1995,1994,1993, 1992, 1986, 1985, 1984

S2000
2004, 2002, 2001, 2000

Source;

http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-accord-and-fit-receive-car-and-driver-magazine-s-10best-cars-awards

Honda Accord and Fit Receive Car and Driver Magazine's "10Best Cars" Awards

Car and Driver magazine has named the 2011 Honda Accord and the 2011 Honda Fit as two winners of its prestigious and highly competitive, annual "10Best Cars" award. Now in its eighth generation, the Accord has achieved "10Best" status 25 times in the 29 years that Car and Driver editors have been conducting the competition, more than any other vehicle in the award's history. The Honda Fit has been honored with 10Best status in each of the five years that it has been on sale in the United States.

"The Car and Driver '10Best' awards are among the most coveted awards in the industry," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "These awards recognize the company's ongoing emphasis on performance, quality and safety, and Honda is honored to have its vehicles regarded so highly over the years."

Honda Car and Driver "10Best" Award History

Accord
2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1994,1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983

Civic
1996, 1991,1990, 1989, 1988

CRX
1988, 1985

Fit
2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007

Prelude
1998, 1997, 1996, 1995,1994,1993, 1992, 1986, 1985, 1984

S2000
2004, 2002, 2001, 2000

Source;

http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-accord-and-fit-receive-car-and-driver-magazine-s-10best-cars-awards

Car and Driver: 2010 Editors Choice Awards

Are you in the market for a new car or truck? Now you can see what we at Car and Driver would choose to drive if we were shopping for new wheels today. We conducted rigorous instrumented testing and editorial evaluation of hundreds of 2010 model-year vehicles, including all the Editors' Choice picks and their competitors.

These alphabetical lists aren’t static. We will adjust our rankings continuously to reflect the merits of new vehicles as they come on the market, providing a real-time look at what we consider to the top entries in any given market segment. To that end, you may notice that we’ve marked several vehicles as Ones to Watch. Those are vehicles we have yet to either fully test or directly compare against the competition, but that we feel show a lot of promise.

Winners are chosen based on three criteria: practicality, value, and driver satisfaction, and they highlight our editors’ favorite rides in 20 vehicle categories, ranging from small cars to family sedans to exotic sports cars—and more. Click on a vehicle name below to go directly to our comprehensive Buyer’s Guide, where you can get full specs, pricing, capsule reviews, and more on every vehicle chosen as a 2010 Car and Driver Editors' Choice.


SMALL CARS
Honda Civic
Honda Fit
Mazda 3
Nissan Versa
Volkswagen Golf

FUEL SIPPERS
Ford Fusion hybrid
Honda Fit
Honda Insight
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Jetta TDI

ENTRY LUXURY
Acura TSX
Audi A4
BMW 3-series
Cadillac CTS
Infiniti G37

FAMILY SEDANS
Chevrolet Malibu
Honda Accord
Ford Fusion
Mazda 6
One to Watch: Hyundai Sonata (2011)

SPORTS SEDANS
BMW M3
Cadillac CTS-V
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
Porsche Panamera

SUPERCARS
Bugatti Veyron 16.4
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Ferrari 458 Italia
Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

LUXURY SEDANS
Audi A6
BMW 5-series
BMW 7-series
Mercedes-Benz S-class
Infiniti M (2011)

PERFORMANCE COMPACTS
BMW 1-series
Chevrolet Cobalt SS
Mazdaspeed 3
Subaru Impreza WRX
Volkswagen GTI

CONVERTIBLES
Audi A5/S5
BMW 1-series
BMW 3-series/M3
Ford Mustang
Mercedes-Benz SL-class

AMERICAN MUSCLE
Cadillac CTS-V
Chevrolet Camaro
Dodge Challenger SRT8
Ford Mustang GT
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

SPORTS CARS
Audi TTS
Chevrolet Corvette
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Nissan 370Z
Porsche Boxster

PREMIUM COUPES
Audi R8
BMW M3
Maserati GranTurismo
Porsche Cayman
Porsche 911

TRACK STARS
Chevrolet Cobalt SS
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR
Lotus Elise/Exige
Nissan GT-R

SUPERCARS
Bugatti Veyron 16.4
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano
Ferrari 458 Italia
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

SMALL SUVs
Chevrolet Equinox
Honda CR-V
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen Tiguan

MID-SIZE SUVs
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Mazda CX-9
Nissan Murano
One to Watch: Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011)

LARGE SUVs
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
Ford Expedition/EL
Ford Flex
Nissan Armada
Toyota Sequoia

LUXURY SUVs
Acura MDX
Audi Q5
BMW X5
Land Rover Range Rover
Mercedes-Benz GL-class

PICKUPS
Chevrolet Silverado
Dodge Ram
Ford F-150
Honda Ridgeline
Nissan Titan

VANS
Ford Transit Connect
Honda Odyssey
Mazda 5
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Toyota Sienna

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09q4/2010_editors_choice-awards

Car and Driver: 2010 Editors Choice Awards

Are you in the market for a new car or truck? Now you can see what we at Car and Driver would choose to drive if we were shopping for new wheels today. We conducted rigorous instrumented testing and editorial evaluation of hundreds of 2010 model-year vehicles, including all the Editors' Choice picks and their competitors.

These alphabetical lists aren’t static. We will adjust our rankings continuously to reflect the merits of new vehicles as they come on the market, providing a real-time look at what we consider to the top entries in any given market segment. To that end, you may notice that we’ve marked several vehicles as Ones to Watch. Those are vehicles we have yet to either fully test or directly compare against the competition, but that we feel show a lot of promise.

Winners are chosen based on three criteria: practicality, value, and driver satisfaction, and they highlight our editors’ favorite rides in 20 vehicle categories, ranging from small cars to family sedans to exotic sports cars—and more. Click on a vehicle name below to go directly to our comprehensive Buyer’s Guide, where you can get full specs, pricing, capsule reviews, and more on every vehicle chosen as a 2010 Car and Driver Editors' Choice.


SMALL CARS
Honda Civic
Honda Fit
Mazda 3
Nissan Versa
Volkswagen Golf

FUEL SIPPERS
Ford Fusion hybrid
Honda Fit
Honda Insight
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Jetta TDI

ENTRY LUXURY
Acura TSX
Audi A4
BMW 3-series
Cadillac CTS
Infiniti G37

FAMILY SEDANS
Chevrolet Malibu
Honda Accord
Ford Fusion
Mazda 6
One to Watch: Hyundai Sonata (2011)

SPORTS SEDANS
BMW M3
Cadillac CTS-V
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
Porsche Panamera

SUPERCARS
Bugatti Veyron 16.4
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Ferrari 458 Italia
Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

LUXURY SEDANS
Audi A6
BMW 5-series
BMW 7-series
Mercedes-Benz S-class
Infiniti M (2011)

PERFORMANCE COMPACTS
BMW 1-series
Chevrolet Cobalt SS
Mazdaspeed 3
Subaru Impreza WRX
Volkswagen GTI

CONVERTIBLES
Audi A5/S5
BMW 1-series
BMW 3-series/M3
Ford Mustang
Mercedes-Benz SL-class

AMERICAN MUSCLE
Cadillac CTS-V
Chevrolet Camaro
Dodge Challenger SRT8
Ford Mustang GT
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

SPORTS CARS
Audi TTS
Chevrolet Corvette
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Nissan 370Z
Porsche Boxster

PREMIUM COUPES
Audi R8
BMW M3
Maserati GranTurismo
Porsche Cayman
Porsche 911

TRACK STARS
Chevrolet Cobalt SS
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR
Lotus Elise/Exige
Nissan GT-R

SUPERCARS
Bugatti Veyron 16.4
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano
Ferrari 458 Italia
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

SMALL SUVs
Chevrolet Equinox
Honda CR-V
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen Tiguan

MID-SIZE SUVs
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Mazda CX-9
Nissan Murano
One to Watch: Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011)

LARGE SUVs
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
Ford Expedition/EL
Ford Flex
Nissan Armada
Toyota Sequoia

LUXURY SUVs
Acura MDX
Audi Q5
BMW X5
Land Rover Range Rover
Mercedes-Benz GL-class

PICKUPS
Chevrolet Silverado
Dodge Ram
Ford F-150
Honda Ridgeline
Nissan Titan

VANS
Ford Transit Connect
Honda Odyssey
Mazda 5
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Toyota Sienna

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09q4/2010_editors_choice-awards

2009 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

2009 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

2009 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Specification

- 5,999 cc 6.0 liters V 12 front engine with 92.0 mm bore, 75.2 mm stroke, 11.2 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel 91 and petrol
- Fuel consumption: EPA 08 city (mpg): 11, highway (mpg): 15, combined (mpg): 12, 535 and 332
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 27.7 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 23.1
- Power: 462 kW , 620 HP SAE @ 7,600 rpm; 448 ft lb , 607 Nm @ 5,600 rpm

2010 Honda Accord

2010 Honda Accord Performance & Efficiency Standard Features

Engine: 2.4L in-line 4 double overhead cam with VVT ( 10.5 :1 compression ratio ; four valves per cylinder)

-

Fuel: unleaded ( 87 octane)

-

Fuel consumption: city= 21 (mpg); highway= 31 (mpg); combined= 25 (mpg); vehicle range: 462 miles

-

Multi-point injection fuel system

-

18.5 gallon fuel tank

-

Power: 177 HP ( 132 kW) @ 6,500 rpm; 161 ft lb of torque ( 218 Nm) @ 4,300 rpm