Honda, McLaren And The FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship

You may have heard already, but Honda is partnering once again with The McLaren Group to participate in the FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship for the 2015 season.  On the McLaren website, they announced their delight about the “new multi-year Formula 1 technology partnership with Honda, which is reuniting an association that became one of the most successful and powerful in Formula 1 history during the 1980’s and 90’s.”Formula One Announcement 002

With shared responsibilities, Honda will be responsible for the development, manufacture and supply of the power unit, including the engine.  McLaren will be responsible for the development and manufacture of the chassis as well as the management of the new team – McLaren Honda.

New F1 regulations have only furthered Honda’s excitement since it will inspire improvements to both the efficiency of a combustion engine and energy management technologies such as hybrid systems, something that Honda helped pioneer years ago. Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co Ltd., had the following to say: “Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing.  Honda has a long history of advancing out technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile racing series.”  There is sure to be more exciting news in the upcoming months from this restored racing partnership.  For the latest updates, continue to follow us at Hamilton Auto Blog.com or visit us at www.imagehonda.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda News http://hondanews.ca/en/news/release/Honda-to-Participate-in-the-FIA-Formula-One-World-Championship Canada

McLaren http://www.mclaren.com/formula1/inside-the-mtc/mclaren-honda-reuniting-one-greatest-partnerships-formula-1-history/

A Car That Runs On…Social Media?

We have innovation at its finest in Kansas City, Missouri where a group of high school students have built an electric car that runs on….social media?  Yes, you heard it right!  It runs on what the students have coined “social fuel”!  What was once a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is now an electrified car that has been altered to run on posts, mentions and likes on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Minddrive, a non-profit group whose aim was to inspire and create a doorway for kids who may have no previous automotive experience, worked with this group of at-risk high school students as mentors to create this one of a kind car.

What is even more inspiring is that this week, the team will be driving the Karmann Ghia from Kansas City to Washington D.C. where they will be meeting with elected officials to promote education and funding for programs like Minddrive.  Along the way, they will be stopping at schools in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania to give presentations.

It will take a total of 71,040 watts to reach D.C.  You can help this ingenious car and its creators reach the American capital! Share this blog on Twitter by using the #MINDDRIVE or mention @mindriveorg.  You can also use Facebook “Likes and Shares”, Instagram follows and shares, as well as YouTube video plays, follows and shares.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Minddrive.org

A Built In Vacuum…In Your Car! (HondaVAC)

You’re cleaning out your car and are struggling to get the vacuum to reach the back! No wait, you’re cleaning out your car, but you don’t have a vacuum? Say goodbye to your frustration as Honda has introduced the HondaVAC.  Yes, Honda has created the first in-car vacuum, which will make its debut in the all-new 2014 Honda Odyssey.    This vacuum is exclusive to the Touring trim adding to the already impressive styling, unmatched safety ratings and top of the line features and technologies the Odyssey has always been known for.HondaVAC

Along with Shop-Vac, Honda has created a powerful vacuum that comes with nozzle accessories that are neatly integrated into the rear-cargo area.  With powerful suction capabilities and a hose that can reach every corner of your vehicle, you won’t have to worry about your children making a mess or your dog shedding anymore.  With an electric motor, you can use the HondaVAC continuously while the engine is running.  Alternatively, you can use the vacuum for up to eight minutes while the car is turned off.

The 2014 Honda Odyssey provides additional standard technology on the Touring edition such as; keyless Smart Entry with Push Button Start, an SMS text messaging function, and HondaLink featuring Aha Mobile Interface.  If you would like more information on HondaLink , please visit our previous blog and video.

If you would like more information on the 2014 Honda Odyssey or any Honda vehicle, please visit us at www.imagehonda.com or call us at 1-888-375-5914

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada

Coming soon: The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel

The North American market will soon be met with a 2.0L turbo-diesel version of the top selling Chevrolet Cruze. The Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel boasts the cleanest diesel passenger car engine General Motors has ever produced. It is also the first clean diesel car ever produced by a North American manufacturer. The Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel will be priced considerably lower than its biggest competitor, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Diesel.turbo_diesel_engine

Clean diesels generate about 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide and particulate emissions compared to the earlier diesels. Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel emissions are below Environment Canada Emissions Standards.

The Cruze’s new 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produced a leading estimated 148 horsepower and estimated 258lb-ft torque with 0-60 performance of 8.6 seconds, beating out the VW Jetta TDI automatic.

“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel fills an important role in Chevrolet’s diverse four-cylinder lineup, and is primed to win over diesel devotees and compact car buyers with its performance, torque and fuel economy,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet’s VP of marketing. “We leveraged engineering expertise from around the globe to develop a world-class, low-emissions engine to give U.S. and Canadian customers a car that’s both fun to drive and practical at the pump.”

The Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel comes with a six speed automatic transmission, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 3.20 final drive ratio, 140-amp alternator, 800 cold-cranking amps battery, 17 inch alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and more.

When the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel hits the showroom floor, we’ll be the first to let you know!

Visit us at www.queenstonchev.com or www.hamiltonautoblog.com for up to date news and information on upcoming vehicles.

By Nerissa Mohamed

Source: GM Canada

Chevrolet unveils the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible

When the 2014 Corvette Stingray was unveiled earlier this year at the Detroit Auto show, we were all left wondering – What about the convertible Stingray? When will it make its’ debut?

Our minds were put to rest today as the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show.Stingray Convertible 1

The convertible Corvette Stingray comes with almost everything you would find on the coupe version. The only notable changes are limited to accommodating the folding fabric top and repositioned seatbelts. Unlike other convertibles, the top can be dropped at speeds of up to 50km/hour. The key fob can also be used to raise or lower the top remotely.Stingray Convertible 2

“The convertible has been a part of the heart and soul of Corvette since the very beginning in 1953,” said Ed Welburn, General Motors  Vice President of global design. “With the all-new Corvette Stingray, we designed and developed the coupe and convertible simultaneously. As a result, the Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design.”Stingray Convertible 3

If the Stingray Corvette wasn’t enough already, the convertible takes it another step higher.  We can’t wait to see it out on the open road.

 

Source: GM

2013 Canadian International Auto Show

This year’s Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto brought with it huge crowds, gorgeous vehicles and exciting exhibits from the manufacturers.  Here at AutoHwy, we aren’t afraid to admit that this year brought some thrilling models.

Among some of this year’s most exciting were the concept vehicles.  Stealing everyone’s attention was the Honda Urban Small SUV concept.  Striking in its appearance, it glistened under the lights on display and stopped everyone in its tracks. This “concept” is soon to become a reality since it is set to be released in the United States later next year.563447_10101024808083761_243069825_n

Another popular favourite was the Chevrolet concept cars – Tru 140 S and Code 130R .  At their exhibit, Chevrolet actually engaged visitors by creating a voting booth of sorts, allowing individuals to vote on which concept car they would like to see become a reality!602242_10101024806536861_379935614_n

Perhaps one of the most exciting models at the show was the Canadian debut of the 2014 Chevrolet Stingray Corvette. This 450 horsepower vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hr in less than 4 seconds!  Now for the good and the bad…it can be yours for approximately $115,000.

If you didn’t have an opportunity to make it to the show this year, feel free to browse our Facebook album and see what General Motors and Honda had to offer!48122_10101024806706521_489055165_n

If you are interested in purchasing a vehicle in one of our award winning line-ups, please visit us today at www.imagehonda.com or www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

The 2013 Honda Accord named Canadian Car of the Year

Earlier this morning at the opening of the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the winner of the Canadian Car of the Year was awarded by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). The top honour went to none other than the 2013 Honda Accord sedan, and deservedly so. The Honda Accord beat out the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT and the 2013 Porsche Boxster.7964949

AJAC’s annual test in October had about 80 leading auto journalists from across Canada gathered to test drive and evaluate over one hundred 2013 vehicles.

“We are extremely proud to see the Accord recognized by so many of Canada’s top journalists as Canadian Car of the Year and we thank AJAC for this great honour,” said Takashi Sekiguchi, President and CEO, Honda Canada who was there to accept the award. “The Accord is one of our most important vehicles, so we’re thrilled to receive the great feedback that we’re continuing to raise the bar in the family car category.”image

Congratulations to Honda Canada and Honda worldwide for this great achievement. For anyone who hasn’t had a chance to take a 2013 Honda Accord out on the road, it is definitely one to put on your list.

For more information on booking a test drive, any additional information and videos on the 2013 Honda Accord be sure to visit our Image Honda YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/imagehonda and our main page at http://www.imagehonda.com

By Nerissa Mohamed

Source: Canada Newswire