Rarely has "form follows function" been so fitting as with the Cruise Origin, the autonomous taxi pod that the GM and Honda-backed transportation company revealed this week. It's a far cry from most of the self-driving concepts we've seen before, swoopingly futuristic vehicles fit for a sci-fi movie. That's not from a lack of design attention, however: indeed, everything about the Origin is painstakingly intentional.
Cruise doesn't want to sell you an autonomous car, just rent you a seat in one, and the Cruise Origin is the self-driving electric vehicle it believes will coax drivers out from behind the steering wheel. Handiwork of Cruise, General Motors, and Honda, the Origin is no hopeful concept, the trio insists, but an actual production vehicle that will soon be plying the roads.
I began writing this review when I started to use a Honda HRR push mower a couple of seasons ago. When this review process began, I assumed it'd be like any other. I was used to reviewing things like smartphones and computers - devices that aren't expected to last more than a few years for the average person. But this was to be no average review - this review became about more than just the one machine.
Honda has announced updates for the 2020 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle. The updated vehicle hits dealerships in California today and has new heated outside mirrors, an improved Audible Vehicle Alert System for pedestrian awareness at low speeds, and improved cold weather start-up capability. The 2020 Clarity Fuel Cell will be a lease vehicle at a price of $379 monthly with up to $15,000 in hydrogen fuel, among other benefits.
Honda has unveiled a new racing car that is aimed at amateur Touring Car competition. The vehicle is the Honda Civic Type R TC, and it is a full factory-built racing car that is available to Honda Racing Line customers who have a racing license. If qualified to purchase the vehicle, it is offered exclusively via Honda Performance Development for $89,900.
Honda has announced that the 2020 Honda Ridgeline will land at dealerships starting on December 16. There are a couple of significant changes for the 2020 year model Ridgeline. One of the significant changes is the standard 9-speed automatic transmission on all trims. The other big addition is standard Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technology.
Honda has announced details on the refreshed 2020 Honda CR-V, which it says is the most popular crossover in America. The vehicle landed in dealerships earlier this month and for 2020 there is a new powertrain for the LX trim. The 2020 CR-V LX gains a 1.5-liter turbo engine and Honda Sensing safety suite as standard.
Honda has announced that the 2020 Honda Civic has now landed at dealerships around the country. Both the Honda Civic and Civic Sedan are now available at dealerships as of today. The 2020 Civic line starts at $19,750, excluding the $930 destination and delivery charge. Honda says that the 2020 Civic is poised to continue as the best-selling retail car in America for three years running.
Honda has announced the new 2020 Honda CR-V and notes that for the model year the CR-V line gets a new US-built hybrid version. Honda says that the CR-V has been the most popular CUV in America for the past 22 years. For the 2020 model, the CR-V gets new refreshed styling, new features, and upgraded powertrains.
Honda has announced that the 2020 Honda Accord is heading to dealers around the country. The 2020 Accord offers drivers standard Honda Sensing and a choice of two turbocharged engines. The engine options include a 1.5L turbo-four making 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque with a CVT transmission.
A new airbag design is set to show up in Honda cars from 2020, promising to grab and cradle a passenger's head like a baseball in a mitt. While that may not be the most reassuring mental image when you're considering an unexpected impact, the multi-part airbag could help avoid neck injuries that are often sustained by front passengers during crashes that occur at an angle.
Honda has announced the 2020 Civic Si and the car will bring some updates for the new model year. The 2020 Honda Civic Si sedan and Si coupe feature more refined LED headlight designs and a revised final drive ratio for better acceleration. 2020 Civic Si models will hit dealerships on September 6 and will start at $25,000.