Hondanews Online Newsroom

Acura Automobiles: GE Honda Aero Engines Approaches Final HF120 Certification Test

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:15:00 -0700

GE Honda Aero Engines announced today it is nearing completion of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification testing on its HF120 engine. In the last six months, the HF120 engine successfully completed crosswind testing and the 150-hour block endurance test. The final remaining test, the medium bird ingestion, is scheduled for completion in July. More than 95 percent of the certification documents to the FAA have been submitted with more than 84 percent already approved.

"The 150-hour block endurance test is very difficult and puts an engine through conditions that it will never experience in the field. We are extremely pleased with the engine's performance during the tests and the condition of the HF120's endurance test hardware," said Terry Sharp, president of GE Honda Aero Engines. "We anticipate finishing testing in July with engine type certification from the FAA expected in the fourth quarter."

A total of 13 HF120 engines have accumulated more than 7,300 hours and more than 9,700 cycles during development and certification testing at nine different test locations. This included accumulation of 3,000 cycles on one engine as part of its endurance validation program. The validation program simulates flight cycles, and the engine will serve as the fleet leader, well ahead of entry-into-service.

The supply chain is ramping up for HF120 engine production with components being stocked. GE's facility in Lynn, Mass. is responsible for initial production. Production will transition to the Honda Aero Inc.'s facility in Burlington, N.C., soon after certification of the HF120.

GE Honda is also establishing its customer service and support program. The support model will consist of a network of GE Honda Authorized Service Providers, a 24/7 GE Honda Operations Center, dedicated field technical managers and customer team managers, among other support operations. GE Honda will offer long-term engine service agreements with Enhanced and Comprehensive maintenance and support services that go above and beyond the basic engine warranty, with coverage of both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events.

In 2004, GE and Honda formed a 50/50 joint venture, called GE Honda Aero Engines, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The joint company integrates the resources of GE Aviation and Honda Aero, Inc., a Honda subsidiary established to manage its aviation engine business. The GE Honda HF120 engine program was launched in 2006 and was selected to power Honda Aircraft Company's advanced light jet, the HondaJet.

Rated at 2,095 pounds of thrust, the HF120 engine succeeds Honda's original HF118 prototype engine, which accumulated more than 4,000 hours of testing on the ground and in-flight. GE and Honda redesigned the engine for higher thrust and new standards of performance in fuel efficiency, durability, low noise and emissions.

HF120 technologies include:

A wide-chord, compound-swept front fan and two-stage booster along with composite outlet guide vanes.
A high-temperature titanium impeller in the compressor for maximum engine pressure ratio and stall-free performance.
A compact reverse-flow configuration combustor and single-stage air-blast fuel nozzles.
Advanced materials in the high-pressure turbine as well as a two-stage low-pressure (LP) turbine and a counter-rotating high-pressure and LP spool shaft system.

A key cost-of-ownership advantage of the HF120 will be the ability to operate at a best-in-class 5,000 hours between major overhauls. The advanced airfoil materials and coatings that GE and Honda have developed for the engine's high-pressure turbine section enable this capability.

Honda (NYSE: HMC) is the world's largest engine manufacturer, annually producing more than 20 million engines for a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment, and Honda and Acura automobiles.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.

For additional information, visit GE Honda Aero Engines at: http://www.gehonda.com/

Honda website: http://www.honda.com and its media website: http://www.hondanews.com

GE website: http://www.ge.com, and its Aviation business at http://www.geaviation.com

For questions on GE's engine division, please contact Deb Case (513)243-0094

For questions on Honda's Aero Engine business, please contact Mel Solomon (513)552-7857

Acura Automobiles: Fifth FAA-Conforming HondaJet Achieves First Flight

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:00:00 -0700

Honda Aircraft Company today announced that its fifth Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conforming HondaJet, equipped with a production interior matching the final customer aircraft, successfully completed its first flight on May 16, 2013 at the company's world headquarters in Greensboro, N.C. With this achievement, the HondaJet program approaches the final phase of flight testing as the company advances toward FAA aircraft certification of the world's most advanced light jet.

"An aircraft's first flight is an important and emotional milestone," said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. "This is especially true for our fifth FAA-conforming HondaJet. This aircraft is equipped with a production interior and options, and it will anchor the final leg of our flight test program. From inside and out, this HondaJet matches the final configuration of a customer aircraft."

The light jet lifted off at 3:00 p.m. EDT from the Piedmont Triad International Airport (KGSO). During the 60-minute flight, the aircraft performed very smoothly with an initial climb to 12,000 feet reaching a top speed of 300 Knots True Air Speed (KTAS).

Howard Judd, pilot-in-command, and Stefan Johansson, co-pilot, completed several checks during the flight, including low and high speed handling characteristics, avionics and system functionality including the stall protection system. Data gathered during the flight was transmitted in real time to the company's on-site flight test telemetry operations for analysis.

This aircraft will be used for function and reliability (F&R) testing. F&R testing will simulate in-service flight operations of the aircraft. It has a production interior with standard lavatory and options including a side-facing seat, and will be used for interior and cabin systems tests. Future testing on the aircraft will also analyze the controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC).

The fifth conforming HondaJet features the signature HondaJet paint scheme in a special edition blue and pearl white finish with a metallic gold stripe, an artistic moniker to signify the plane's unique role to the program. The cabin's color palette is parchment, a pale beige base that is one of two interior color options available on the HondaJet.

Since 2010, Honda Aircraft has developed and produced six FAA-conforming HondaJets. Four active flight test aircraft include:

First conforming aircraft – aerodynamics, performance, and stability and control testing
Third conforming aircraft – mechanical system testing
Fourth conforming aircraft – avionics and electrical testing
Fifth conforming aircraft – function and reliability (F&R) testing; and cabin system and interior, and options testing

Two ground test aircraft include:

Second conforming aircraft – structural testing and retired from the ground test program in 2012 after successfully completing all ultimate load testing, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) bird strike test, and seat attachment test
Sixth conforming aircraft – structural testing and joined the program in October 2012; currently being used for static testing and damage tolerance testing

"Our flight test fleet maintains a very active schedule and continues to complete milestones for FAA certification flight testing," said Fujino.

The HondaJet is priced at $4.5 million (€3.41 million), and its design incorporates advanced technologies and concepts. The HondaJet patented Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, natural-laminar flow wing and fuselage nose and composite fuselage were developed from long-term research activities. These innovations combine to make the HondaJet the fastest, most spacious and most fuel-efficient jet in its class.

About HondaJet
HondaJet is the world's most advanced light business jet aircraft, with best-in-class advantages in performance, comfort, quality and efficiency. The HondaJet is the fastest, highest-flying, quietest, and most fuel-efficient jet in its class. The HondaJet incorporates many technological innovations in aviation design, including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration that dramatically improves performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. OTWEM design also reduces cabin sound, minimizes ground-detected noise, and allows for the roomiest cabin in class, the largest baggage capacity, and a fully serviceable private aft lavatory. The HondaJet is powered by two highly fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan jet engines, and is equipped with the most sophisticated glass flight deck available in any light business jet, a Honda-customized Garmin® G3000 next-generation all-glass avionics system composed of three 14-inch landscape-format displays and dual touch-screen controllers. The HondaJet is Honda's first commercial aircraft and lives up to the company's reputation for superior performance, efficiency, quality and value.

For more information, visit www.hondajet.com.

Honda Aircraft Company
Honda Aircraft Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., was founded in 2006 though has its heritage in more than 20 years of groundbreaking aeronautical research and development. At Honda Aircraft's world headquarters in North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation, the company's associates work in more than 500,000 square feet of state-of-the-art R&D, manufacturing and administration headquarter buildings to develop, produce, market and support the HondaJet with HondaJet dealers. The challenging spirit upon which Mr. Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is alive today as Honda Aircraft fulfills one of Honda's long-standing dreams to advance human mobility skyward.

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Acura Automobiles: NSX Concept

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:48:00 -0700

NSX Concept

Acura Automobiles: All-new Acura NSX Supercar will be Produced at a new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:01:00 -0700

All-new Acura NSX Supercar will be Produced at a new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio

Acura Automobiles: Ohio Governor John Kasich and Hidenobu Iwata next to the Acura NSX

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:01:00 -0700

Ohio Governor John Kasich and Hidenobu Iwata next to the Acura NSX

Acura Automobiles: Acura NSX Production Site Selected in Ohio

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Acura today announced that the all-new NSX supercar will be produced at a new Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, a $70 million advanced production facility encompassing 184,000 square feet to be housed inside Honda's former North American Logistics facility and located in the midst of Honda's existing R&D and production engineering operations.

The site for the new production facility, which will be Honda's third auto plant in Ohio, is only a few miles from the Honda R&D Americas, Inc. Ohio Center that is engineering the supercar for production and adjacent to Honda of America Mfg.'s Marysville Auto Plant. The Performance Manufacturing Center also is close to Honda Engineering North America, Inc., center for the development of new production technologies.

A part of Honda of America, the Performance Manufacturing Center will be a unique manufacturing operation that will employ approximately 100 highly skilled manufacturing associates drawn from within Honda's existing operations in Ohio. In addition, associates at Honda's engine plant in Anna, Ohio, will assemble the NSX powertrain.

"Thirty years ago, building cars in America was a big dream. Working together, here in Ohio and across North America we turned this dream into reality," said Hidenobu Iwata, president & CEO of Honda of America and the head of Honda's manufacturing operations in North America. "The location of this facility is in the midst of one of the greatest collections of engineering and production talent in the world. So it makes sense that we will renew the dream and build this high-tech, supercar in Marysville, Ohio."

In addition to the plant location, Honda announced that Honda R&D Americas chief engineer Ted Klaus is leading the global team developing the new NSX, and Clement D' Souza, associate chief engineer at Honda of America, is leading the team that will bring NSX to mass production in 2015.

"This new plant will be as unique as the vehicle we will build here," said D'Souza. "In creating the plan for this plant, we looked closely at each process and determined the perfect blend of associate craftsmanship and technology to adopt a new approach to manufacturing."

The Acura NSX Concept was on display at the event, attended by local community and government leaders, including Ohio Governor John Kasich, showcasing the NSX's low and wide stance that will help fulfill the Acura brand product direction centered on the synergy between man and machine.

The new NSX is being developed by a global R&D team led by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. located in Los Angeles, Calif., and Raymond, Ohio. The NSX will feature a unique powertrain and body structure to provide an incredible driving experience. It will be powered by a mid-mounted V-6 engine mated to Acura's innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.

"We have a very clear understanding of the high customer expectations luxury buyers around the world have for a supercar, and our challenge is to exceed them and create new value for the customer," said Klaus. "This new Performance Manufacturing Center will be key to this challenge."

Once selected, the team of production associates at the Performance Manufacturing Center will begin training and establishing manufacturing processes that will be used to build the all-new NSX. The next generation NSX will be built exclusively at the all-new Performance Manufacturing Center. In addition to being sold in North America, the NSX will be exported to customers throughout the world.

The original Acura NSX was built at the Takanezawa Plant in Japan from 1990 until production moved to the Suzuka Plant in early 2004, where it was produced until 2005. Part of the Tochigi Factory, the Takanezawa Plant was the first manufacturing facility in the world to mass-produce an all-aluminum body and balance advanced production equipment with hands-on "craftsman" processes.

About Honda
Honda established its first operations in America in 1959, and now employs more than 33,000 associates in its North American sales, R&D and manufacturing operations with a capital investment of more than $22 billion.

Based on Honda's approach of "building products close to the customer" Honda started local production of motorcycles in the U.S. in September 1979. In November 1982, Honda became the first Japanese automaker to begin automobile production in the U.S. Since then, Honda has continued to expand local production, and cumulative production volume of automobiles in North America through March 2013 was more than 25 million units.

Honda now operates 14 major manufacturing facilities in North America, producing a wide range of Honda and Acura automobiles, automobile engines and transmissions, Honda all-terrain vehicles, and power equipment products such as lawn mowers, mini-tillers and general purpose engines, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Seven Honda auto plants in the North American region, including four in the U.S., have the capacity to produce 1.63 million automobiles each year. In 2012, 90 percent of the Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were produced in North America. This will increase to 1.92 million vehicles per year in 2014, when the sales percentage of locally produced automobiles is expected to rise to more than 95 percent.

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features seven distinctive models, including the all- RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon and sedan, the ILX compact luxury sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the ZDX four-door sports coupe. The all-new MDX luxury sport utility vehicle will debut this summer.

Contacts:

Ron Lietzke, Honda North America, Ohio
(937) 644-6627 office; (937) 441-0968 cell; ron_lietzke@hna.honda.com

Chuck Schifsky, Honda North America, Torrance, Acura Product PR
(310) 783-3165 office; chuck_schifsky@hna.honda.com

Ed Miller, Honda North America, Detroit
(313) 202-3150 office; (937) 537-1087 cell; ed_miller@hna.honda.com

Stacey Pond, Honda of America Mfg., Inc.
(937) 644-6463 office; (937) 508-1382 cell; stacey_pond@ham.honda.com

Connect with Acura:

Media Information: www.acuranews.com
Consumer Information: www.acura.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
YouTube: www.youtube.com/acura
Flickr: www.flickr.com/acuranews
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/acura
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+acura

Acura Automobiles: Ted Klaus, Large Project Leader (LPL) for the new Acura NSX

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Ted Klaus, Large Project Leader (LPL) for the new Acura NSX

Acura Automobiles: Ted Klaus, Large Project Leader (LPL) for the new Acura NSX

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Ted Klaus, Large Project Leader (LPL) for the new Acura NSX

Acura Automobiles: Ted Klaus, Large Project Leader (LPL) for the new Acura NSX

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Ted Klaus, Large Project Leader (LPL) for the new Acura NSX

Acura Automobiles: The Acura NSX

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:59:00 -0700

The Acura NSX

Acura Automobiles: The Acura NSX

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:59:00 -0700

The Acura NSX

Acura Automobiles: 2014 Acura Pricing and EPA Data

Mon, 13 May 2013 14:43:00 -0700

	2014 Acura Pricing and EPA
ILX	Trim Name	Trans	EPA*	MSRP¹
	ILX	5AT	24/35/28	$26,900
	ILX w/ Premium Package	5AT	24/35/28	$29,200
	ILX w/ Technology Package	5AT	24/35/28	$31,600
	ILX 2.4L w/ Premium Package	6MT	22/31/25	$29,200
	ILX Hybrid**
	ILX Hybrid w/ Technology Package**
RDX	Trim Name	Trans	EPA*	MSRP¹
	RDX (FWD)	6AT	20/28/23	$34,520
	RDX (FWD) w/ Technology Package	6AT	20/28/23	$38,220
	RDX (AWD)	6AT	19/27/22	$35,920
	RDX (AWD) w/ Technology Package	6AT	19/27/22	$39,620
RLX	Trim Name	Trans	EPA*	MSRP¹
	RLX	6AT	20/31/24	$48,450
	RLX w/ Navigation	6AT	20/31/24	$50,950
	RLX w/ Technology Package	6AT	20/31/24	$54,450
	RLX w/ Krell Audio Package	6AT	20/31/24	$56,950
	RLX w/ Advance Package	6AT	20/31/24	$60,450
¹D&H	Destination and handling charges for all Acura models			$895
	*Based on 2014 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
	**To be announced

Acura Automobiles: 2014 Acura ILX Luxury Sports Sedan Arrives With Host of New Standard Features, Providing More Content and Value for the Luxury Brand's Gateway Sedan

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

The 2014 Acura ILX luxury sports sedan goes on sale tomorrow with a host of new standard features, further strengthening the gateway vehicle to the Acura brand. Introduced as an all-new model for the 2013 model year, the 2014 Acura ILX offers increased value on a luxury scale with eight new standard features to enhance its curb appeal, interior comfort and overall driving enjoyment.

The ILX is the only luxury model on the top ten list of Generation Y car shoppers according to J.D. Power and Associates, and the 2014 ILX gets upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels, while the interior receives new leather seating surfaces and leatherette door liners, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera. The ride experience is further enhanced by a new audio-system subwoofer and an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system that are standard features on the 2014 ILX, which starts at a manufacturer's suggested retail price* (MSRP) of $26,900, an increase of just $1,000.

Three advanced powertrain choices are available for 2014 ILX, with a standard 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower. Paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, it has an EPA ** city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 24/35/28 mpg. For a more dynamic driving experience, the ILX can be equipped with a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission matched to a 2.4-liter engine generating 201 horsepower, and earning an EPA ** city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 22/31/25 mpg. Information on the 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid will be announced at a later date.

The ILX uses 59 percent high strength steel (HSS) in its body structure for enhanced protection and chassis rigidity. The chassis utilizes an advanced, fully independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension system and Acura signature Amplitude Reactive Dampers, which offer superior ride comfort and precise handling. In addition, Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) is used for excellent steering feel and improved fuel efficiency.

The high-quality, well-appointed interior is smart, spacious and sporty. It offers a number of convenient features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, along with Pandora® interface and SMS text message function for easy connectivity. As before, a Premium Package and Technology Package are both available.

Acura's belief in "Safety Through Innovation" is the foundation for the brand's commitment to leadership in safety, and accordingly the ILX has a wide range of standard active and passive safety features, including Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. It received a 2013 TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), attaining a score of GOOD in all four Institute tests, including the rigorous roof-strength test.

The Acura ILX is manufactured exclusively at the company's state-of-the-art Greensburg, Indiana plant using U.S. and globally sourced parts.

TRIM	MSRP*	EPA MPG** (city/highway/combined)
2014 ILX 5-Speed Automatic	$26,900	24/35/28
2014 ILX 5-Speed Automatic w/ Premium Package	$29,200	24/35/28
2014 ILX 5-Speed Automatic w/Technology Package	$31,600	24/35/28
2014 ILX 6-Speed Manual with Premium Package	$29,200	22/31/25

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features seven distinctive models including the RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon and sedan, the ILX compact luxury sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, the ZDX four-door sports coupe, and the soon to be released all-new MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

Connect with Acura:
For Media: www.acuranews.com
For Consumers: www.acura.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
YouTube: www.youtube.com/acura
Flickr: www.flickr.com/acuranews
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/acura
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+acura

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, vehicle options and destination charge of $895.00. Dealer prices may vary.

**Based on 2014 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

¹ ** Based on 2014 EPA fuel economy ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

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Acura Automobiles: 2014 Acura ILX 2.4L