Honda Highlights Diversity @ '05 AIMS

Motoring Channel Staff - 18/10/2005

Honda's exhibit at the 2005 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) featured a number of interesting ideas, and many divergent ones that all fall under the broad engineering umbrella.

From the hard-edged Mugen-tuned Integra Type S, which was a flashy-looking head turner, to products such as the Honda mountain bike, the business jet and even a Formula One race car - Honda made sure it didn't leave anything out in 2005.

Star attractions at the AIMS included the launch of the 30th Anniversary Honda Accord and CR-V Special Editions, the 2005 World championship winning Honda mountain bike, the all-new Honda Legend, the Honda Jet and turbofan engine and two concept cars.

As the worlds largest engine producer (the company manufactured approximately 19 million in 2004) a vast range of Honda power was on display, including a 25cc (360 degree usability) compact brush-cutter engine, an ultra quiet 350cc 4-stroke marine engine, a 3.0-litre i-VTEC engine, and an (Integrated Motor Assist) IMA engine from the Civic Hybrid, while at the other end of the spectrum there is the 3.0-litre V10 Formula One engine which produces in excess of 685kW and the newly developed Honda HF118 jet engine.

Celebrating thirty years is one of Honda's most popular global models - the Accord. When launched in Australia, the Accord immediately won the coveted Wheels Car of the Year award – the first Japanese car to do so - and has since won awards and customers around the world. To celebrate this milestone Honda has introduced the 30th Anniversary model.

Based on the popular Accord VTi, Honda says the 30th Anniversary model boasts the 118kW, 2.4-litre DOHC 4-cylinder model engine and 5-speed automatic transmission.

To enrich the prestige theme, the 30th Anniversary model also receives a luxury leather interior, 8-way electric driver's seat, rear spoiler, parking sensors and exclusive badges.

The 30th Anniversary Accord VTi is on sale from November 1st for $31,990.

Another special edition model for Australia buyers launched at the AIMS was the CR-V, a vehicle which Honda is quick inform us has sold more than 1.7 million units in 160 countries since its introduction in 1995, and over 75,000 in Australia since 1997. The popular CR-V Special Edition has been introduced to offer even greater value for this perennial favourite in the Honda line-up.

Extras include alloy wheels, roof racks, a nudge bar and rear parking sensors along with exclusive badges. A total of 750 CR-V Special edition models will be produced.

The CR-V Special Edition sells for $31,590 for the 5-speed manual and $33,590 for the 5-speed automatic version.

From special editions to pedal editions, Honda has developed a mid-frame mounted gearbox for the RN01, it's world-beating mountain bike, allowing riders to change gears irrespective of whether they are pedalling – a world first.

Additionally, the lessons learned from many years of successful motorcycle racing has allowed the Honda RN01 to be built using motorcycle developed race suspension with telescopic front forks and a mono-shock rear end.

By using a combination of an aluminium twin-tube frame and carbon fibre reinforced plastics in the front and rear suspension, the RN01 weighs only 17kg.

Still on the two wheeled theme, the Australian Superbike championship winning Joe Rocket Honda Fireblade is sure to be a favourite among the motorcycle fans at the Sydney-based motor show. Producing over 136kW, the Honda Fireblade is capable of 0-100kmh in 3.0 seconds and has a top speed of 295km/h.

Another popular Honda at the Sydney Motor Show was the all-new Legend, which is set for a 2006 release in Australia.

Having wowed patrons at Melbourne's International Motor Show in March, it's now Sydney's turn to get a sneak-peak at Honda's all-new Legend at the 2005 Australian International Motor Show.

Honda introduced the Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system in the award winning Legend, which among other things features a sleek exterior and high-tech interior, features that Honda believes are certain to whet show-goers' appetites.

The Legend's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (SH-AWD) is the first all-wheel drive platform that automatically distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear wheels but also between the left and right rear wheels. The system delivers exceptional driving performance and cornering stability as well as enhanced traction on all surfaces.

The Legend's 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine has 221kW and 352Nm torque coupled with a 5-speed sequential shift automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifts, making it one of the most powerful Honda's ever built, eclipsing the famed NSX's 208kW output. Though Honda Australia won't divulge the exact release date (maybe it doesn't know either?) it has stated that the all-new Legend is due for release mid-2006.

Honda stand also displayed two sporty concept models to gain public reaction to modified versions of Honda's multi award winning people mover, the Odyssey and the sporty Integra Type S.

The Integra Type S has been given the once-over by famed ‘Mugen’ tuning house, featuring a strongly styled front end that gives the vehicle a potent disposition. The bodykit consists of a motor sports-influenced bonnet, plus a replacement front bumper bar, new side skirts and even a rear under spoiler to improve airflow.

The Mugen tuning house upgraded the vehicle's chassis - new suspension, new 215/45/R17 tyres - and also gave the Integra's powertrain an upgrade in the form of a sports exhaust system, a new air intake system plus reservoir installation socks. Cosmetic upgrades comprised a metal oil filler cap, sports pedals and an alloy shift knob, and the end result is a very bold Integra. Both the Mugen Integra and Odyssey Modulo are currently concept vehicles, but if customer feedback is positive either vehicle would receive consideration.

The new Odyssey Modulo concept on show at the 2005 AIMS is more of a taste test for future styling additions. As the MPV segment gains momentum, Honda is keen to see showgoers reactions towards the concept, which was created in association with Honda's own Modulo special vehicles division.

To give the sleek Odyssey an even racier look the following items have been added: 18-inch wheels with 225/45 R18 tyres, sports suspension, new front and rear aprons/bumper bars, plus side skirts, a rear spoiler and sports exhaust system.