siegen

While I think Honda may have been a bit overzealous saying the Legend/RL would be faster than the Audi and BMW (according to that video), the SH-AWD system was not at fault for the slow lap time. If you did watch that video, he clearly states the soft suspension is at fault for the slow lap time. Also, if you look up the stats for the cars it was tested against, while having less powerful V6's, the BMW 530i weighs in 500 lbs less and is RWD only. It's a no brainer that it would be quicker. The Audi weighs in the same as the Legend/RL, but like the BMW, has more sport oriented suspension. Another advantage to the BMW and Audi is they have 6 speed transmissions. I'm amazed the Audi was only 1 second slower than the BMW, that's odd.

Full Article Unfortunately the article doesn't say exactly what competing models were used, and doesn't include times or specs to back up the claims. But it's from Canada, and Canadians don't lie, so it's probably pretty accurate.

25mpg doesn't seem too good. That may not be very fair though, considering there are only 4 people who have submitted their mileage. If you're going to get a hybrid SUV, might as well go with the Escape hybrid, which averages 32mpg.

www.vtec.net has a lot of Civic Si owners and has a very good community. One word of advice, stay away from honda-tech.

echo......

It gets better mileage than the 4cyl model, yet it's faster than the V6 model. It also comes fully loaded with everything already on the EX-L V-6 Accord, plus a lip kit and spoiler. Including the $1,300 tax credit, it's only $2k more than the EX-L V-6 model. Does that make it worth it? I don't know, maybe. Again, hybrids aren't really worth it in my opinion.

I was comparing it to its 2.4L 4cyl competition. Why pay $2-3k more when it's only going to get a couple more MPG?

The Accord hybrid uses a much larger engine and still achieves the same mileage. Yes, it is more performance oriented. Regardless of cost, the mileage in the Aura hybrid is underwhelming, even if it is so cheap. Why not just make a regular 2.4L Aura and call it the greenline? Then they could sell it for $16-17k and it would only get 1-2mpg less in the real world than this hybrid. Why would anyone buy an Accord hybrid? I don't know, why would anybody buy any hybrid?

Mileage seems underwhelming for a hybrid, even if it is a mild hybrid. The Accord V6 hybrid is also rated to 28/35. It is a lot more expensive, but is also a mild hybrid system and performance oriented. The full hybrid Camry 2.4L is rated to 40/38. Is the Aura hybrid using the same EPA standards? Unless the Aura hybrid is significantly faster than other mid-size 2.4L competition, I don't see a big reason to pay another $2-3k for a couple more MPG at best. For example, the Accord 2.4L regular model is rated to 24/34 with automatic transmission. Considering hybrids usually get less real world mileage, it's almost a wash.

J30 looks like a Buick.

Nice car! The sedan is a good choice. As far as the Neon goes, he said he wanted something less feminine, lol. :AH-HA_wink: Plus you can't get them new anymore.

Full Article Acura really gave Audi a run for their money. To think Acura actually had a shot at 1st overall, beating out an LMP1 car with an LMP2, is a great accomplishment. Entering Acura into Le Mans is a good move on Honda's part, as it will help increase Acura's sporting image. It also bodes very well for future Acura super cars! Just wish Honda's F1 start this year had been a little better

Here is an article helping to explain the slower Civic sales. Looks like the Accord is hurting Civic sales a bit, as well as other factors.

Just a guess based off of new LX470 mpg which will supposedly drop to 12/15. Considering the larger engine and heavier weight of an LX570, a drop to 11/14 would probably be about right.

Well the LX470 should have given you a hint :AH-HA_wink:

Toyota is the greenest manufacturer........ right? I mean, they make the Prius after all. This 6,000 lb SUV that will get about 11/14 mpg doesn't change that right?

It's a Lexus GS with Camry nose!

New-school? The J-series engine was designed 11 years ago. It is SOHC and doesn't even incorporate variable valve timing (just lift). A DOHC V6 with A-vtec on the intake, VTC on the exhaust side, in a larger displacement, would undoubtedly get better mileage while delivering more power throughout the rev range.

That's what I thought, only 1000? I bet if they polled just Saturn as a brand, you would see the largest increase.

It's definitely too early to tell how the Tundra will do. I saw one in person for the first time the other day (in a parking lot). It was a double cab version, and I thought it looked very good.

Honda also has the lowest incentives of the major manufacturers. Disturbingly, Acura's incentives have risen considerably since 2002 (when they used to be the lowest). The biggest jump being from '05 to '06, no doubt helped by the RL.

Full Article This is an interesting article. It starts out about Honda, but most of it is about the differences between Honda and Toyota, and there is quite a bit about Toyota in it. I like this quote by Honda's CEO in regards to Toyota's growth:

I didn't miss it, hence the sarcasm. "An adaptive interior grab handle that automatically presents itself from a folded position to make for an easier, more intuitive entry into the vehicle" I can't wait to make more intuitive entries into my car!

Wow, more convenient grab handles and door latches. Way to go GM! /end sarcasm

Looks nice. Seems a little expensive though.