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Honda Civic Type R on track to smash 'Ring record, eclipse NSX

Honda has made some serious performance machinery over the course of its history, but few products have been as hotly anticipated as the upcoming new Civic Type R. Following a deep and proud history of Type R Hondas, the latest Japanese hot hatch is continuing its long striptease at the Paris Motor Show this week. But before it does, Honda has released this video clip featuring project leader Suehiro Hasshi - and he has some bold claims to make.
For one, he says it'll be the best Type R yet - and that's quite a statement considering some of its predecessors, including the almighty NSX Type R. Hasshi-san also reiterates Honda's aim of snatching the front-drive lap record at the Nürburgring away from the likes of Renault and Seat, and reports that the Honda team is on track to chew every bit it's biting off. In short, the new Civic Type R ought to be sensational.

Honda, GM supposedly working together on PHEVs, autonomous cars

Back in 2013, Honda and General Motors announced that they would work together on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (pictured). The stated goal was to develop "commercially feasible fuel cell and hydrogen storage" for around 2020, but there was no discussion at the time that any actual H2 vehicles would come out of the program. Things are evolving with that partnership, maybe. There are rumors circling this week that the two automakers are now working together on plug-in hybrid vehicle technology and autonomous technology. The supposed new facet to the GM-Honda partnership doesn't just focus on a powertrain, reports The Yomiuri Shinbun, but also in getting suppliers to lower prices because now you have two automakers ordering parts together. Building plug-in hybrids and fuel cell cars together might be a thing, too, Yomiuri says. The 2013 hydrogen partnership was made between two leaders in the field (the announcement press release talks says, "GM and Honda rank No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in total fuel cell patents filed between 2002 and 2012." But if these new rumors are true, then it's more of a bit of catch up for Honda (which had a great but unsuccessful car in the Accord PHEV) while GM gets more tech to better challenge Toyota. That's how the Yomiuri presents it, anyway. A Honda spokesperson told AutoblogGreen that, "Honda and GM's collaboration in the co-development of next generation fuel cell systems is making good progress. Engineers are discussing how we might expand the relationship utilizing each other's strengths, but there is no fixed plan regarding specific areas or timing." News Source: Yomiuri Shinbun via Inside EVs Green Rumormill GM Honda Hydrogen Cars PHEV partnership

Honda Clarity Series brings EV, PHEV to hydrogen fuel cell model

Honda has finally fessed up. Just as we suspected, the company's upcoming hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle will not be the only powertrain variant. Honda confirmed today that all-electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the Clarity will be joining the hydrogen car in 2017. The Clarity Fuel Cell will be available in the US in late 2016. The three vehicles are collectively called the Clarity Series. Collectively called the Clarity Series, the three vehicles will share the same platform and target different markets. As we know, the hydrogen model will only be sold in areas where refueling is possible, and that means California and, at some point, the Northeastern US. Honda said the electric version will first be available in the EV-friendly state of California and the company will explore the business case from there. The PHEV will be sold in all 50 states. No range estimate was given for the EV (yet), but the PHEV will have at least 40 miles of all-electric range. Honda will need this kind of powertrain diversification if it hopes to reach its stated goal of having two-thirds of its vehicles be plug-in or hydrogen by 2030. Of course, the next step is different models (a CUV or a truck) that have all three alt-powertrains, but we'll take what we can get for now. Related Video: Honda Takes Bold Step with Honda Clarity Series; Fuel Cell, Battery Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Variants to Leverage Common Platform •Clarity Fuel Cell gets two electrified siblings – the Clarity Electric and the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid – both launching in 2017 •New trio of Clarity vehicles provide unparalleled choices to customers through three different electric powertrain options •All Clarity vehicles will offer spacious, five-passenger seating, premium features and interior appointments; consumers can learn more at http://www.automobiles.honda.com/Clarity DETROIT, April 21, 2016 – Honda today announced that the upcoming Clarity Fuel Cell will be joined by two additional variants, the Clarity Electric and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, launching in the U.S. in 2017. The addition of two new Clarity vehicles, based on the same platform underpinning the new Clarity Fuel Cell, makes Clarity the first vehicle in the industry to offer fuel cell, electric and plug-in hybrid technology on one model platform, offering Honda customers an expanded array of electrified vehicle choices to suit their individual tastes and driving needs. Following the U.S.