Tag Archives: honda

Honda HP-X Concept revived after forty years has the signature wedge-shape and futuristic vibe

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This year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will have a head turner in the shape of a classic supercar resurrected to showcase the vision of the future back in the 80s. The Honda HP-X Concept unveiled five decades ago at the 1984 Turin Auto Show is going to debut again at the North American Auto Show.

The mid-engine supercar was designed by Iconic Italian design firm Pininfarina and was marked by its sharp wedge profile. The concept immediately caught attention for its jet-engine-inspired cockpit and Knight Rider-like advanced tech. This will be the first time in more than 50 years that a Japanese vehicle will be showcased at the Pebble Beach event. The prized car restored by the two brands will take on other competing models for the “Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars and Prototypes” class at the 73rd Annual event on August 18, 2024.

Designer: Honda

According to Dave Marek, Acura design executive and honorary Pebble Beach Concours judge, HP-X was more than just a concept as it inspired the design and engineering of future cars like the Acura NSX. Even after so many years, the car is a living proof of Honda and Pinnifarina’s innovative spirit.  Felix Kilbertus, Pininfarina’s chief creative officer rightly stated that the vehicle had a major influence on “subsequent Honda models and the broader automotive landscape is undeniable.”

The mid-mounted 2.0L DOHC 24-valve V6 engine car has a fighter jet-like entry (yes no doors, not even scissor ones) into the cockpit as the Perspex canopy comes off. It also aids in aerodynamics and doubles as an air brake. HP-X was far ahead of its time with a lightweight body crafted out of carbon fiber, Kevlar and honeycomb paneling. All these materials were rare at that time and of course, cost an exorbitant amount.

This restored version retains the two-tone white and navy blue paint job with red accents. The cockpit has a nostalgic red and white suede interior, along with a button-dominated center stack console. Functionality and comfort take precedence as the car had an in-house developed Electronic Drive Support System, for real-time telemetry data, GPS navigation and adaptability to road conditions.

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Why Honda Navi’s User-Friendly Features Are Perfect for Beginner Riders

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The Honda Navi is designed for riders seeking simplicity, style, and practicality. With urban commuters in mind, this compact motorcycle offers a unique combination of user-friendly features and economical value. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, the Navi promises a fun and hassle-free riding experience. Here’s why the Honda Navi’s the perfect choice for navigating city streets and beyond.

Designer: Honda

User-Friendly Design

The Honda Navi is engineered to make riding as effortless as possible. At the heart of its user-friendly design is the automatic CVT transmission, which means no more dealing with clutches or gear shifts. This feature alone makes the Navi an excellent choice for those new to motorcycling. Simply start the engine, twist the throttle, and you’re on your way. The absence of a clutch and gear shift not only simplifies the learning curve but also enhances the overall riding experience by focusing on the joy of the ride itself.

Adding to its appeal, the Navi’s electric starter ensures that getting underway is as simple as pushing a button. This feature is particularly beneficial for new riders who may find traditional kick-start mechanisms challenging. The Navi’s design philosophy centers around making every aspect of riding straightforward and enjoyable, removing common barriers that might deter potential riders.

The compact and lightweight nature of the Honda Navi makes it an ideal choice for urban commuting. Weighing in at 234 pounds and featuring a low 30-inch seat height, the Navi is easy to maneuver through traffic and fit into tight parking spaces. This makes it perfect for city dwellers who need a reliable and agile mode of transportation for their daily commute. The low seat height also means that riders of various heights can comfortably manage the bike, enhancing confidence at stops and in congested areas.

Beyond city streets, the Navi is also well-suited for casual weekend rides. Its small footprint and nimble handling make exploring back roads and scenic routes a delightful experience. The fuel-efficient 109cc four-stroke engine ensures that riders can enjoy extended rides without frequent refueling stops, making the Navi a versatile choice for both daily commutes and leisurely rides.

Exceptional Value

Affordability is a key selling point of the Honda Navi, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious riders. With a base MSRP of just $1,807 and an additional destination charge of $300, the Navi is one of the brand’s most economically priced motorcycles. Despite its economical price tag, the Navi doesn’t skimp on quality or performance. The 109cc air-cooled engine provides excellent fuel efficiency and requires minimal maintenance, reducing overall ownership costs. This makes the Navi a practical choice for students, young professionals, and anyone seeking to minimize transportation expenses without compromising reliability or enjoyment.

Moreover, the Honda Navi’s outstanding fuel efficiency further minimizes its running costs. Riders can travel longer distances on a single tank, which is especially beneficial given the rising cost of fuel. This combination of low purchase price, minimal maintenance, and high fuel efficiency delivers exceptional value, ensuring that the Navi remains an economical choice long after the initial purchase.

Versatile Use Cases

The Honda Navi offers versatility that extends beyond just being a daily commuter. It’s compact size and light weight make riding on narrow streets, and crowded city centers a pleasure. The easy maneuverability also means parking in tight spots is never a hassle. This versatility makes the Navi suitable for various riders, from students navigating campus paths to urban professionals weaving through city traffic.

The Navi also boasts various features designed to enhance the riding experience. The integrated storage area provides a convenient space for carrying essentials, and the optional windscreen and rear cargo rack offer additional comfort and utility. These features make the Navi a commuter bike and a practical option for running errands and short trips.

The Honda Navi is the perfect motorcycle for a wide range of riders. Its user-friendly design makes it accessible to beginners, while its compact and lightweight build is ideal for navigating urban environments. Coupled with its economical and reliable engine, the Navi offers exceptional value, making it a smart investment for anyone looking for a fun, practical, and cost-effective mode of transportation. Whether you’re commuting to work or enjoying a leisurely ride, the Honda Navi promises a hassle-free and enjoyable experience every time you hit the road.

The post Why Honda Navi’s User-Friendly Features Are Perfect for Beginner Riders first appeared on Yanko Design.

Honda UNI-ONE wheelchair finds innovative use in VR worlds as extended reality mobility experience

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Honda introduced the UNI-ONE personal mobility chair for people with lower limb immobilization at the end of 2022. The Segway-like version for people who want an advanced electric wheelchair contraption with flexible movement capabilities will officially debut at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, next month, with a VR application twist.

The Japanese automaker will leverage the self-balancing personal mobility device (mostly intended for the disabled) for a seamless virtual reality world, which they are calling the “Honda Extended Reality (XR)” experience. The idea of fusing the real-world riding on the UNI-ONE with the virtual world environment sounds like a winning proposition, and Honda doesn’t want to let go of the opportunity.

Designer: Honda

The SXSW attendees will get the opportunity to get first-hand exposure to this unique VR experience from 10-13 March at Honda’s booth #729 at the SXSW Creative Industries Expo at the Austin Convention Center. This amalgam of two different technologies is directed towards solving the hardware limitation of a comprehensive metaverse reality that is otherwise only limited to the visual input and confined to a limited space. According to Hirokazu Hara, vice president of New Business Development, at American Honda Motor this will expand the “joy and freedom of personal mobility into entertainment applications.”

Hirokazu further added that the never-before thought of combination will elevate the multimodal immersive experience three-fold. The self-balancing tech dubbed Honda Omni Traction Drive System (HOT Drive System) and the advanced sensors on the 154 pounds UNI-ONE (permitting movement and tilt in any direction) will leverage a new VR and AR entertainment. This will shoot the extended reality technology and application development possibilities to another level, inducing the interest of early adopters more than ever before.

For instance, racing through a track on a virtual planet with lesser gravity than on Earth will be possible on a hands-free device capable of going at a top speed of 3.7 mph. The rig will combine the visual input from a VR headset and the freedom of movement to make the user feel as if racing on a real track in an alien landscape. The fact that Honda is vesting so much interest in this possibility with the UNI-ONE speaks a lot about how the future is going to pan out in the Metaverse world. According to Honda the extended reality (XR) technology will be perfect for malls, theme parks, or any other indoor or outdoor entertainment hubs with a lot of open space to move around.

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