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Honda (http://www.honda.com) has fully deployed its fleet of Auto-Max® railcars, achieving a significant reduction in the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions associated with its automobile distribution activities in the United States. The 400-car fleet of more space-efficient Auto-Max railcars is the only such automaker-operated fleet in use in the United States. Including the Auto-Max fleet shipments, American Honda currently transports about 82 percent of its Honda and Acura automobiles across the country by rail, achieving the highest rail-shipping rate of any automaker.

Each multi-level Auto-Max railcar holds up to 22 vehicles and can hold both trucks and cars to reduce unused space. The result is less fuel usage per vehicle shipped and no compromise to quality. An average bi-level railcar can transport only 10 trucks, generally of a single vehicle type.

Honda’s Auto-Max railcars have a 50-year estimated lifespan versus standard railcars, which typically require a major overhaul after just 20 years of service. Honda participated with the Greenbrier Companies (NYSE:GBX) in designing Auto-Max, which is exclusively manufactured by Greenbrier.

“Honda is adopting a holistic approach to minimizing its greenhouse gas emissions, addressing not only the production and on road use of our products, but also new, more fuel-efficient strategies for how we transport our products to dealers,” said Dennis Manns, assistant vice president, Sales & Logistics Planning for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Rail is the most environmentally responsible method available to move our products, and our Auto-Max railcar fleet can make a good system even more fuel efficient.”

To further support Honda’s strategy to increase product distribution by rail, Honda this year invested approximately $7 million to redesign the rail infrastructure at its automobile plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio. The redesign added rail capacity, enabling American Honda to ship more units via rail. Further, inbound and outbound trains at the plant can now operate at a faster pace; pull easier on upgraded tracks; and, require less railcar switching in the yard, reducing fuel consumption, CO2, and other air pollutants emissions that are produced while engines are left idling.

According to CSX, which serves Honda’s rail operations in Ohio, the infrastructure improvement contributes an annual savings of 2,436 gallons of fuel and 54,432 pounds of CO2 per year.

Honda is globally committed to minimizing air emissions from its products and factories. Honda is working to achieve its goals by reducing CO2 emissions by improving the energy efficiency of Honda manufacturing plants and by improving the fuel efficiency of its automobile, powersports and power equipment products. Honda’s legacy of environmental leadership includes a long list of industry firsts, including the world’s first low-emission vehicles, America’s first gasoline-electric hybrid car, and the world’s first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. In 2007, Honda was named the “Greenest Automaker” by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth consecutive time.

The evolution of the luxury performance SUV took a significant leap forward with the arrival of the Acura RDX turbocharged crossover vehicle. The immediate response of power from Acura’s first-ever turbocharged engine, combined with the breakthrough technology of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™), delivers adrenaline pumping performance in an efficient SUV package. In its first full year of sales, the RDX captured 38-percent of the Entry Premium SUV segment, proving that its unique blend of performance and superior handling hit home with buyers looking for more than just the status quo from an SUV.

For 2009, the RDX now comes standard with a 4-way adjustable power-activated passenger front seat along with four new exterior colors: Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Grigio Metallic and Palladium Metallic. In addition, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic system includes coverage for yet another major metropolitan area–bringing the total to 77 areas.

“The RDX continues to gain momentum with customers in the Entry Premium SUV segment,” said Dick Colliver, vice president sales, “It is a critical addition to our lineup and it is an engaging vehicle from the standpoint of driving dynamics and technology.”

The RDX was designed as the ideal vehicle for drivers with energetic lifestyles who are in need of a compact, sporty and responsive weekday ride, and a weekend getaway vehicle with the versatility to match their diverse and active recreational lifestyles.

True to Acura’s leadership in the application of advanced technology, the RDX incorporates a class-leading array of features that keep passengers informed, entertained and in control. In addition to its sophisticated powertrain, the RDX is available with the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™ along with AUX jack connectivity for MP3 external music players.

The RDX also incorporates leading safety technologies based on the fundamentals of Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” initiative including advanced front, side and side curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist ™ (VSA™), ABS with Brake Assist and an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) front body structure.

Powertrain
The RDX is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve in-line four-cylinder engine incorporating computer-controlled i-VTEC™ “intelligent” intake/exhaust valve actuation system that delivers enhanced performance across a broad powerband while still delivering superior fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions. The heart of the RDX’s performance is its Variable Flow Turbo (VFT) that delivers an unusually broad powerband with virtually no lag in throttle response. The Variable Flow Turbo works in concert with i-VTEC to deliver outstanding acceleration while driving at a variety of speeds.

Rated output for the RDX engine is 240 horsepower at 6000 rpm with 260 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. The RDX has an EPA fuel economy rating of 17/22 mpg* (city/highway) and meets the U.S. EPA’s stringent TIER 2 - BIN 5 and CARB LEV-2 ULEV exhaust emissions standards.

A performance-minded 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift is standard on the RDX. An electronically-controlled Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system works with the transmission to execute exceptionally quick and smooth gear changes. The Sequential SportShift transmission can function as a conventional automatic transmission or, at the driver’s option, can be controlled manually via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Chassis
Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system is standard on the RDX, helping it to maximize available traction while improving handling balance and responsiveness. SH-AWD™ distributes optimum torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels while also being able to overdrive the rear wheels. The system’s direct yaw control utilizes torque vectoring to help reduce understeer thus enhancing steering accuracy and adding to total cornering ability.

Precise and responsive handling is further aided by fully independent front and rear suspension. A MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension system is tuned for compliant control, and the suspension is assisted by large-diameter front and rear stabilizer bars for flatter cornering. Standard to the RDX is Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control to further enhance vehicle controllability and grip.

Exterior/Interior
RDX exterior styling further emphasizes the SUV’s sporty athleticism. Standard 18-inch wheels and tires, large wheel arches, aggressively raked body sides, steeply raked windscreen, and a short rear overhang generate an RDX with a taut and muscular presence. A unique rear hatch, finished with a replaceable panel to reduce the cost of accident repair, allows for a smooth transition of the body to the rear bumper. Such bodywork transition delivers a more custom look as well as eases loading and unloading of cargo. Available for 2009 are new exterior colors including: Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Grigio Metallic and Palladium Metallic.

Inside the RDX, the front seats feature a high outward visibility “eye point” that provides a confident field of view. For 2009, a 4-way adjustable power front seat is standard for the front passenger. The 3-passenger rear seat has a 60/40 split-folding capability and, when folded flat, significantly expands the load area and increases the total cargo volume to 60.6 cubic feet.

Multiple interior storage compartments are positioned throughout the interior, including a lockable dual-level center console (that is large enough to accommodate a briefcase) located conveniently between the front seats.

The RDX features an array of electronic features that set it apart from the competition. Standard features include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a Multi-Information Display (MID), LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™ mobile telephone connectivity. Also standard is an impressive 360-watt 7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with a multi-format 6-disc changer, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio, and the convenience of an AUX input jack for the easy connection of MP3 audio devices such as an iPod®.

Just one option package–the Technology Package–is offered on the 2009 RDX. The Technology Package heightens the RDX’s appeal with tech-savvy customers through a range of advanced features. The centerpiece is a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround™ Premium Sound System designed by 6-time Grammy® award winning sound engineer Elliot Scheiner. When playing DVD-Audio discs (DVD-A is 500 times clearer than traditional CD), this advanced 410-watt system delivers eight discreet audio channels (up from the usual two channels) to create an exceptionally accurate listening experience. With its multi-format 6-disc DVD-Audio changer, AM/FM tuner and XM® Satellite Radio, along with AUX jack connectivity, the Acura/ELS Surround™ system is exceptionally versatile and powerful.

The Technology Package also incorporates numerous information and communications features including Acura Navigation System and AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System with Real-time traffic. Furthermore, AcuraLink® allows for 2-way communication between Acura and the vehicle, thus providing customers with the latest information and service requirements specific to their vehicle.

The Real-time traffic feature of the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ can display up-to-the-minute traffic information including flow, accident and construction on freeways in 77 metropolitan areas–an increase of an additional market for 2008. When the transmission is placed in reverse, the Navigation screen displays a video image from a rearview camera to make parking easier.

Safety
The RDX’s technology leadership also extends to safety, where a long list of advanced safety technologies, including an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) front body structure make the RDX one of only two luxury SUVs in its class to achieve both the U.S. government’s top 5-star rating for both frontal and side impact crash tests, along with a “TOP SAFETY PICK” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The ACE™ body employs a network of interconnected front frame structures that work to absorb and redirect collision forces away from the passenger cabin while helping improve crash compatibility with vehicles of different sizes in a frontal collision. A special frame member located below the front bumper is designed to engage the front bumper of a lower vehicle, allowing the bumper systems of both vehicles to attenuate crash energy more efficiently.

In addition, a specially engineered hood, collapsible hood hinges, breakaway wiper pivots and other features help reduce the chance of pedestrian injury in the event of a collision with the vehicle.

Inside the RDX is a full complement of passive safety features. Key technologies include the latest generation of dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger, plus side airbags for the driver and front passenger along with side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all outboard occupants. The passenger’s side airbag features an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) to prevent airbag deployment if a child or small-stature adult leans into the deployment path. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat mounting systems allow the quick and secure installation of a child seats.

Like all Acura models, the 2009 RDX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service, and trip routing.

 You hear a lot of hype about hydrogen fuel cell cars from manufacturers like GM and BMW, but the fact of the matter is that the Honda FCX Clarity was the first hydrogen-powered car to become “official,” whatever that means anyway.

For $600 a month, if you live in either Torrance, Santa Monica, or Irvine, California, you will be able to lease Honda’s FCX Clarity. In starting this program this summer, Honda will become the first major manufacturer to lease their hydrogen fuel cell cars. GM is currently just giving its it people to use. Financially, these things all cost millions to build, so for Honda the lease money is really more of a symbolic thing than anything. But I’m sure there will be people knocking down the doors to cough up that money.

The lease will last for three years, meaning that Honda is planning on giving people a decent amount of time with the cars, but after which they’ll probably yank them up in order to pave the way for newer and better hydrogen technology. Let’s just hope that, unlike in the electric vehicle case, there is a better and newer model instead of every manufacturer cancelling their programs.

Also, Honda has said that in the near future they plan on building a hybrid based on the FCX body style, so those of you who liked the look but not the hydrogen or the 20 year wait may still have a shot!

The Team Honda Research S2000 CR attacks the track in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill.

In the eyes of most consumers, Honda is a company that builds safe, dependable and economical vehicles. Models such as the Accord, Civic and CR-V are perennial favorites that deliver fuss-free transportation with minimal time spent in the shop. They offer features that help them shine in the showroom, backed by Honda’s long-standing reputation for reliability.

This history of reliability, however, didn’t happen overnight. Technological innovation has been a driving force at Honda since the company’s inception, as has participation in international motorsports. From Grand Prix motorcycles to Formula 1 and Indy Cars, Honda has competed in the highest forms of racing to help produce the most durable, technologically advanced products possible.

S2000 CR — The Ultimate S2000

The latest example of this racetrack-to-real-world transition is the 2008 S2000 CR roadster. Designated “CR” for Club Racer, this most performance-oriented of Hondas is the final step in the 8-year evolution of the S2000 and by far the most potent. As the CR badge suggests, this is a street-legal production car that has been optimized for track use. Whether it’s track-day lapping, autocrossing or wheel-to-wheel racing, the S2000 CR is equipped to compete.

Upgrades over the standard 2008 model are selective, yet effective. To improve its already-impressive handling, changes have been made to the chassis, suspension and body work to sharpen its reflexes and improved stability at high speeds.

A new rear body brace contributes to chassis rigidity, while specially tuned shocks, springs and stabilizer bars stiffen the suspension to cope with the demands of the track. A revised front air dam and new rear spoiler reduce aerodynamic lift at triple-digit speeds, further improving the CR’s high-speed dexterity over the standard S2000.

To save weight there’s neither a radio nor air conditioning, and the soft-top has been replaced by a removable aluminum hardtop. The 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, however, remains the same, putting out 237 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with shorter throws than stock. Lighter CR-specific 17-inch wheels and wider 255/40R17 rear tires finish off the upgrades.

Tuned for Competition

On the track, pretenders are quickly separated from contenders. To illustrate this, a team of engineers from the Honda R&D Americas facility in Raymond, Ohio, took two virtually stock S2000 CRs and went racing. Highly skilled at engineering next-gen Accords and Civics, these guys are just as passionate about building winning race cars. All are accomplished racers in their own right in both the national amateur ranks and at the professional level.

The event the Team Honda Research engineers chose for their ultimate torture test is the country’s longest sports-car endurance race, the U.S. Air Force 25 Hours of Thunderhill — www.nasa25hour.com .

With nearly 70 cars on track at the same time, this twice-around-the-clock annual event has quickly become a favorite among amateur and professional racers alike. It splits cars into five classes, which include machines from nearly every corner of the automotive landscape. It’s not uncommon to see Mustangs battling BMWs, Miatas trading paint with Civics, or even open-cockpit sports racers hounding a Grand-American Daytona Prototype.